Tuesday, July 26, 2022

FM #831 - Town Council Meeting - Audio Recording - 07/20/22

 FM #831 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 831 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting conducted on Wednesday, Jul 20, 2022. The meeting was held in the Municipal Building Council Chambers. 


After the two recognitions, the Council took a brief break for photos and resumed their session. 

a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson

b. Proclamation: FHS Unified Basketball Team


The Council entered Executive session to discuss multiple contract approvals and returned to open session to vote on the 6 contracts before formally closing the meeting.


The show notes contain a link to the Town Council agenda.


The recording runs just about 3 hours (excluding the break and Executive Session). Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of July 20, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-831-town-council-meeting-07-20-22


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Town Council agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/july_20_2022_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf


Town Council video (YouTube)  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I 


Photos from the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/tptZmBMX44z85Px79


My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/view?usp=sharing


My recap of the meeting was shared here -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/recap-town-council-recognizes-100th.html 


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Chair Tom Mercer with the FHS Unified Basketball team
Chair Tom Mercer with the FHS Unified Basketball team

Councilor Melanie Hamblen with Margaret (Peg) Simpson
Councilor Melanie Hamblen with Margaret (Peg) Simpson

What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced?

The interceptor is a critical part of the Town of Franklin sewer system that enables our sewerage to be sent to the Charles River Pollution Control facility in Medway to be treated.

The interceptor is over 100 year old, runs along the MBTA tracks parallel to RT 140, alongside Mine Brook, and behind Franklin Village Mall (Stop & Shop plaza), and under i495. A break at almost any of the key points along the way would be a rather expensive disaster for Franklin.

Multiple grants and state bond financing will help to pay for this, the largest single project the Town of Franklin has taken on (aside from a school building).


DPW presentations to the Town Council over the years as the replacement project is talked of and becomes a reality


November 2014 - Beaver St culvert

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/beaver_st_culvert_presentation_0.pdf


February 2015 - part of DPW update to Town Council

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/council_update_feb_14_2015.pdf


Oct 2021 - Town Council update (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html 


Oct 2021 Presentation doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/dpw_beaver_street_interceptor_10_21_2020.pdf 


Oct 2021 “Talk Franklin” with Jamie Hellen part of this covers the Beaver St Interceptor

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-368-talk-franklin-102320-audio.html


Jan 2021 approval by Town Council of the Beaver St project, initial funding

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-428-town-council-meeting-p1of2.html 


June 2022 authorized updated cost to fund the Beaver St project

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/town-council-hears-of-way-to-proceed.html


hydraulic flow diagram of the Beaver St interceptor covered in detail in Part 2 of the meeting audio
hydraulic flow diagram of the Beaver St interceptor 

What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?

From Mass Housing - https://www.masshousing.com/programs-outreach/planning-programs/40b 


Chapter 40B, the Commonwealth's regional planning law, promotes responsible housing growth by creating a streamlined permitting process for eligible projects that utilize subsidized financing, and that meaningfully accommodate lower-income residents.

Since its passage in 1969, Chapter 40B has supported almost all affordable housing construction in Massachusetts outside of the Commonwealth's largest cities. Approximately 70,000 total units have been produced under Chapter 40B, of which over 35,000 units are restricted to households making less than 80% of the area median income (AMI).

Chapter 40B promotes regional planning solutions and new housing consistent with local and regional planning needs. The law balances the regional need for affordable housing development with local public health, public safety, design, and environmental welfare needs.

The statute allows eligible affordable housing developments to receive a comprehensive permit, even when projects require waivers of local zoning. In cities and towns that achieve certain affordable housing production goals, zoning boards of appeal may reject 40B proposals without facing an appeal from the developer, giving those communities great discretion over 40B development. Municipalities that have not achieved minimum affordable housing production thresholds have a more limited ability to reject 40B proposals.

The Town of Franklin is currently over the 10% minimum affordable housing and wants to stay that way, hence they are proposing a “friendly 40b’ process to help foster affordable housing growth. 


The Friendly 40b proposal can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/friendly_chapter_40b_process.docx.pdf 


Franklin’s Housing Production Plan https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf 


Franklin’s Master Plan update in 2020 (overall plan is due for revision in 2023)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf 


What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?
What is 40b? Why is Town of Franklin proposing a "Friendly 40b" Process?

Beacon Hill Roundup: agreement reach on abortion legislation; some legislators called out for suspending rules

"WITH THE CLOCK ticking down on the Legislature’s two-year session, House and Senate leaders announced on Monday that negotiators have reached agreement between the two branches on a bill to strengthen abortion rights in Massachusetts. The push for enhanced abortion protections came in the wake of last month’s Supreme Court ruling overturning the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade decision that had established a constitutional basis for the right to obtain an abortion. 

The sticking point that held up passage of the new measure centered on when women would retain the right to abortion after 24 weeks of gestation. The House passed legislation in late June that would extend current protections, which allow such later-term abortions in the case of a fatal birth defect, to also permit abortion in cases of a “severe” fetal anomaly. The Senate balked at including that language in its bill and raised concerns that it could draw a gubernatorial veto. Disability advocates also spoke out against the House language."
Continue reading the article online

Boston Globe coverage of the conference committee agreement (subscription may be required)  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/25/metro/mass-house-senate-say-theyve-reached-compromise-abortion-legislation/

"A CONSERVATIVE advocacy group on Monday called out a handful of Democratic lawmakers who in early 2021 voted for more time to study bills coming out of conference committees but last week voted to suspend the Legislature’s existing rules to take up climate change legislation immediately.

The joint rules of the Massachusetts House and Senate require conference committees to file their compromise bills with the clerk’s office by 8 p.m. in order to bring the legislation up for a vote the following day at 1 p.m."
Continue reading the article online

Note the "Conservative advocacy group" is Mass Fiscal Alliance, also noted for defying the Office of Campaign and Political Finance for not disclosing its dark money contributors. There is more than a little irony in this group calling out some legislators for lack of transparency. You can read all about this group at   https://www.masspoliticsprofs.org/2021/05/20/your-massachusetts-fiscal-alliance-reader/

Beacon Hill Roundup: agreement reach on abortion legislation; some legislators called out for suspending rules
Beacon Hill Roundup: agreement reach on abortion legislation; some legislators called out for suspending rules


Misinformation & fact checking resources

The "How to Spot Misinformation" sessions at the Senior Center went well. Aside from some tech issues the material was covered and folks should have tools to help them determine how valid the info they find is.

You can download the handout I prepared with additional resources

You can also download this misinformation infographic from the News Literacy Project  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vRVUZ9bM1HhSeNN8lGHfAUIJ5_DvqZm2/view?usp=sharing

Misinformation & fact checking resources
Misinformation & fact checking resources

50+ Network: Practice Interviewing - July 27, 2022

Hope you managed to keep your cool this weekend.

This Wednesday evening at 7 PM, the practice group meets again. This is a free virtual meeting.

Register for Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84056140714?pwd=RHZBaXFCckZGc0VSY004bTh4THdRdz09

Meeting ID: 840 5614 0714
Passcode: 371507

--------------------------------------
The next free in-person practice group meeting is August 17 at 3 PM.
Framingham Public Library; lower level; program room.


In addition, I recently updated my website.
Check it out. All sorts of articles and videos; My blog--The Stop Sign; guest articles.

* How can I assist you? *

And finally, the MCOA 50+ group is planning some events in August! I will post the events here as soon as details are finalized.

--
Ed Lawrence
CPRW; NCOPE
Certified Interview Coach
Authorized DISC Administrator
Member, CPRW Certification Committee

50+ Network: Practice Interviewing - July 27, 2022
50+ Network: Practice Interviewing - July 27, 2022
_._,_

Landlord In Worcester Apartment Collapse based in Franklin

The Franklin radar picked up this story from Worcester: 

"The owner of a Worcester apartment building that partially collapsed earlier this month took dozens of tenants to court on Monday seeking a way to remove their possessions from the building to make way for repairs. 
More than 100 people had to evacuate the 267 Mill St. building on July 15 after the roof caved in, punching a hole in the building from the fourth floor to the basement. The collapse was likely caused by construction materials placed in one small area on the roof, according to court records. 
No one was injured in the incident, but the collapse left every resident homeless, with many now sheltering temporarily at a Worcester hotel. Meanwhile, their possessions are stuck in the damaged building, which Worcester officials ordered condemned on July 18. 
On Friday, the company that owns the building, Franklin-based 267 Mill Street LLC, sent about 30 tenants summonses to appear in court on Monday over the removal of possessions."
Continue reading the article online
 
267 Mill St. in Worcester pictured on Wednesday. Residents had to leave all their possessions during an evacuation on July 15 after a roof collapse. (Neal McNamara/Patch)
267 Mill St. in Worcester pictured on Wednesday. Residents had to leave all their possessions during an evacuation on July 15 after a roof collapse. (Neal McNamara/Patch)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, July 26, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am ArtWeek: John Christoforo
9:00 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
10:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo
11:30 am Senior Connection: Hearing Loss
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 12
3:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 9 - Coronas
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Guns and Public Health
6:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Allan Earls
7:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium
9:30 pm Celebrate With Pride: Pt. 2

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Summer Music 2021
9:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19
11:00 am Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball
12:00 pm Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig
3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media
6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Oliver Ames 05-02-22
8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Concord-Carlisle 04-30-22
10:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball: v Needham 04-29-22


  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee: 07-19-22
11:30 am School Committee: 06-27-22
2:00 pm School Committee: 07-19-22
5:30 pm School Committee: 06-27-22


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 


Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Monday, July 25, 2022

King St paving scheduled to begin July 26

Digital signs indicate that the paving of King St is scheduled to begin Tuesday, July 26. The slalom like drive along King St will come to an end as the paving completes. 

Unfortunately, the speed of the traffic will likely increase with the newly paved surface. Be cautious! 

In case you missed it: King St from Union to East Central St (RT 140) was milled and will be repaved as part of the mill and overlay project.

good depth at the junction with Susan's Way
good depth at the junction with Susan's Way


the raised utility caps are marked with orange
the raised utility caps are marked with orange

Providence, Lowell & Boston offering free outdoor performances

Providence, July 28, 2022

Summertime is a good time for outdoor performing arts. And when the location is the Waterplace Park in Providence for a performance by Trinity Rep, put it on the calendar! 

"Meet the cast of "La Mancha!" This Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote" is part of Teatro en el Verano, produced by @rilatinoarts in association with Trinity Rep. It features local Latinx artists, and is completely free to attend.

"Don Quixote" ... closes with a special performance on the Waterplace Park  in Providence on July 28. 
For more information, visit trinityrep.com/lamancha."
Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"
Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

Lowell Folk Festival Returns July 29-31, 2022

The 35th Anniversary Lowell Folk Festival, a staple cultural event of the region since its inception in 1987, will take place in person on July 29, 30, and 31. The 2022 festival will feature close to 20 performing groups sharing their unique musical traditions on stages throughout downtown Lowell. The Lowell Folk Festival attracts more than 150,000 people for three days of music, food, and art.

Ethnic food vendors will serve traditional dishes representing over a dozen different cultures. In the Folk Craft Area, the theme is Crafting Sound: Making & Restoring Musical Instruments, which will feature demonstrations playing and building the instruments. The Foodways Area will explore comfort foods from an array of communities. Art In The Courtyard will offer the opportunity for visitors to view and purchase some of the finest art and craftwork. The Family Fun area is back on Shattuck Street.

Check this site to stay up to date on all Lowell Folk Festival updates.

The Lowell Folk Festival is produced by the Lowell Festival Foundation, the City of Lowell, Lowell National Historical Park, the National Council for the Traditional Arts, the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information visit -> https://lowellfolkfestival.org/

35th Anniversary Lowell Folk Festival
35th Anniversary Lowell Folk Festival



Boston, through August 7, 2022

Shakespeare on the Boston Common -  Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) and Artistic Director Steven Maler are pleased to announce the return of Free Shakespeare on the Common in the summer of 2022 – William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian. Performances will begin on The Boston Common on Wednesday, July 20 at 8PM (with press opening on Wednesday, July 27 at 8PM) and end on Sunday, August 7.

Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently performed plays. The plot revolves around two couples — witty Beatrice and Benedick, who publicly proclaim their disdain for each other but fall madly in love; and naïve Hero and Claudio, who fall quickly in love only to be thwarted and then reunited (in both cases, with a bit of help from their friends). But it’s more than just a comedic romp. The play tackles serious themes too: trust and betrayal, power and privilege, gendered expectations around chastity and violence. This is a comedy entangled with a tragedy, where love and justice nevertheless manage to prevail with vigorous joy — a perfect play for our uncertain times.


Shakespeare on the Boston Common
Shakespeare on the Boston Common

Only regular School Committee in July is also Supt Lucas Giguere's first one (audio)

FM #830 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 830 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 


School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:08 PM. This was the first official meeting for new Superintendent Lucas Giguere.


The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.


The recording runs just about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the only regular meeting scheduled for this month by the Franklin School Committee on July 19, 2022.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-830-school-committee-meeting-07-19-22


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Meeting agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_7-19-22_workshop.pdf 


Meeting recap and video link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/franklin-school-committee-welcomed-supt.html


School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 


My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbcgzkEbC38sNzE1z_2PBtFtfBfI6tBU/view?usp=sharing 


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


(L-R) Business Manager M Goodman, Supt L Giguere, Dir Student Svcs P Marano
(L-R) Business Manager M Goodman, Supt L Giguere, Dir Student Svcs P Marano


Register O’Donnell Reports on Last 12 Months of Norfolk County Real Estate Activity - FY 2022

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity for fiscal year 2022, from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, show a decrease in activity compared to the 2021 numbers but reflect a continued increase in the average sale price of Norfolk County properties.

“The 2021 Norfolk County real estate market was down from 2021 in a number of respects.” noted Register O’Donnell, “For the fiscal year ending June 30, there were 162,148 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 22% decrease from fiscal year 2021. The number of deeds which evidence real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, decreased by 7% in fiscal 2022. However, the average sale price was $1,212,925, a substantial 26% increase compared to 2021. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed solid gains, increasing 18% to well over $14 billion,” noted the Register. “The lack of inventory and the need for new construction continues to push up prices. There are more buyers and not enough inventory. Market conditions and rising interest rates are impacting real estate activity”

Overall lending activity decreased in FY 2022. A total of 33,861 mortgages were recorded during the year, a 36% decrease compared to FY 2021. “There’s no question that interest rate increases and the fact that many consumers have already refinanced are impacting these numbers,” noted O’Donnell. “The increase in mortgage interest rates have made consumers less inclined to borrow money.”

One concerning metric for 2022 in Norfolk County relates to foreclosures.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely tracking foreclosure activity. There were 66 foreclosure deeds recorded in Norfolk County in the last fiscal year, an increase of 65% from the same period a year ago when there were 40 foreclosure deeds recorded.  Of even greater concern is the fact that there were 199 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in Norfolk County in FY 2022, up substantially from 92 Notices recorded in FY 2021. “We are reminded that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

 

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased in FY 2022 at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds.   There was an 8% decrease in homestead recordings in 2021 compared to 2020.  “The comparison from the prior fiscal year is not too surprising where the sales of homes have started to decrease”, noted O’Donnell, “but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should understand that a recorded Declaration Homestead provides some protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “Without question fiscal 2022 was a mixed bag for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  However, available real estate inventory continues to be a source of concern in Norfolk County. It’s especially a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.” 

Attached is a link to a “Good Deeds” episode discussing the 2022 Norfolk County real estate statistics and other issues relating to the Registry of Deeds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFkY5Jp7c4Y

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 
Register O’Donnell Reports on  Last 12 Months of Norfolk County Real Estate Activity - FY 2022
Register O’Donnell Reports on  Last 12 Months of Norfolk County Real Estate Activity - FY 2022