Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Reports Solid Real Estate Results for May



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reports Solid Real Estate Results for May

Spring roared in like a lion when it came to May real estate sales in Norfolk County, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell.

The Register noted, "For the month of May, a total of 1,554 property transactions, both residential and commercial, were recorded in Norfolk County. This activity represented a 7% increase from the previous May. In addition, the total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate transactions was $682 million, an impressive 13% increase year over year. These are encouraging numbers and point to continued momentum in the real estate market."

Results were however mixed for lending activity. "May 2016 saw 2,814 mortgages recorded against Norfolk County property, representing a 5% increase over the previous May. However, the total dollar amount borrowed during May 2016 was actually a decrease of 5% from May 2015. While these numbers may appear contradictory, I would remind readers that this figure can be significantly impacted by just a small number of commercial loans," stated O'Donnell.

Last month's statistics clearly indicate that Norfolk County homeowners continue to take advantage of the Homestead Act, an important consumer tool. For the month of May, a total of 1,114 Homesteads were recorded, a 12% increase from last May. A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

Foreclosure activity continued to be a cause of some concern during May 2016. The total number of Notices to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, came in at 84 compared to 63 in May 2015. Foreclosure deed recordings, the final step in the foreclosure process, were flat. A total of 22 foreclosure deeds were processed in May compared to 25 in May of 2015.

O'Donnell noted, "There is no question that some of this foreclosure activity stems from the economic downturn that took place between 2008 and 2009. There is also no question that some of our neighbors are facing economic hardship today. The Registry is proud to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "May was a solid month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. The strong eastern Massachusetts economy is clearly the driving force behind these results. While the Federal Reserve is again talking about raising interest rates in June or July, I am confident that both the real estate and lending markets will withstand this potential increase. My primary concern is that real estate inventory levels do not slip. Overall, given May's current data, I am cautiously optimistic that the real estate market will continue on a favorable trend in Norfolk County through the summer months."

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.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact

Downtown Project Update - #33 - 2 way traffic likely after the 4th of July

It is now anticipated that the Two-Way Traffic system in downtown will take effect after the Fourth of July and the annual parade and festival. The Town will continue to keep residents and downtown businesses informed when a specific date has been identified. The Town will have five electronic boards and plenty of signage when the actual date takes effect. 
The construction crews plan to begin paving late this week (at night after 8:00 PM) and anticipate two days next week, the week of June 13th. 
Tomorrow (Wednesday) and early Thursday of this week should have the brick sidewalks completed on the Century 21 side of the downtown sidewalks. 
If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer, Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.

new brick walkways downtown
new brick walkways downtown

In the News: Tri-County safety day, Franklin 5K, suspended license

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School program has begun a "Public Safety Days" initiative, aimed at helping students make good decisions. 
The event, which kicked off Tuesday, is held by the school's Legal and Protective Services program. It invites students from Tri-County's other programs to take part in a series of activities relating to safety. 
"We're kind of new - my oldest kids are juniors," said Heidi Bastien, an instructor in the program. "We held the first Public Safety Days last year in the gym. We did a public service announcement and had some activities."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/franklin-tri-county-hosts-public-safety-days


"The Hockomock YMCA will hold the Franklin 5K walk/run family event from 10 a.m. to noon June 26 at 628 Washington St. 
Now in its 12th year, this community event supports programs for children with disabilities at the YMCA. The event is free. 
The race, formerly called Run for Bob, was started by Kris and Kayla Biagiotti in memory of Kayla’s dad Bob Biagiotti and his belief that no child should be left on the sidelines. Kris continues her advocacy through this event. Inspired by Team Hoyt, Kris and Kayla (The K Girls) became the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon in 2013."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/hockomock-ymca-to-hold-franklin-5k-walkrun


"Reports from the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs indicate a Franklin assisted living facility violated several state regulations and failed to submit timely reports of stolen painkillers and resident injuries. 
According to the results of a Freedom of Information Act request, there are several documented instances of the facility, The Estate at Franklin, not complying with state regulations as well as lost and injured patients. 
The facility had its assisted living certification suspended by the state Executive office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) on Feb. 5 due to several incidents at the facility dating back to November of 2015."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160607/stolen-meds-injured-patients-led-to-suspension-of-franklin-elder-care-facility-license

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

The Franklin 5K invites the community to run on June 26

The YMCA is pleased to announce the return of the Franklin 5K walk/run family event, which will be held on Sunday, June 26. Now in its twelfth year, this fun community event supports programs for children with disabilities at the Y.

The race will take place at Remington Jefferson School and the scenic surrounding neighborhood at 628 Washington Street in Franklin. Free activities for families will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Franklin 5K - June 26
Franklin 5K - June 26

The race, formerly called Run for Bob, was started by Kris and Kayla Biagiotti in memory of Kayla’s dad Bob Biagiotti and his belief that no child should be left on the sidelines. Kris continues her advocacy through this event. Inspired by Team Hoyt, Kris and Kayla (The K Girls) achieved the incredible accomplishment of being the first mother/daughter team to finish the Boston Marathon in 2013. But it was not easy. Kris and Kayla were 50 yards from the finish line when the first bomb went off, and instead of raising their hands in victory, they were forced to shield themselves from flying shrapnel. A month later, they got to cross the finish line and receive their medals at The Franklin 5K. The race has raised more than $80,000 over the past several years to benefit children with special needs.

“The Hockomock Area YMCA is to be commended for creating such a wonderful program for the youth in the communities it serves,” said Dick Hoyt upon receipt of the Legends Award in 2012 at the Y’s Legends Ball, the annual gala at the Hockomock Area YMCA raising funds for the Integration Initiative. The initiative was born 11 years ago at the Hockmomock Y out of an emerging need in our community to provide inclusive programs for children with special needs and their typically developing peers.

Register today at hockymca.org. Cost is $25, but will increase to $30 after June 10. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 men’s and women’s finishers from several age categories and all participants will receive a finisher medal. On the day of the event, walk-in registration will be offered starting at 9:00am. Pre-event bib pickup will be offered. The 5K will start at 10:00am.

Free family activities include: Kids Fun Run, inflatable obstacle course, refreshments, games, DJ entertainment, and more.

Thank you to event sponsors Ashworth Awards, Bay State Physical Therapy, Design Elements for Business, and the Rodman Ride for Kids. Questions, please contact Sr. Director of Youth Programming Tim Shaw at 774-235-2746 or tims@hockymca.org.


About The Hockomock Area YMCA

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

With over 31,000 members, the YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable community driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and the Mansfield Arts & Education Center. For more information, visit hockymca.org.

FHS boys lacrosse and both tennis teams end playoff runs

From Sunday:

Last season, the Franklin boys’ lacrosse team reached its first ever sectional semifinal after upsetting perennial power Xaverian at Pisini Field. On Sunday, a much younger Franklin team faced the same opponent at the same stage of the tournament, but in a different venue and with a much different final result. 
The Panthers started well, but once the Hawks clicked on offense Franklin had little answer for a team that has found its footing (and its health) in recent weeks and is once again among the contenders for a Div. 1 title. 
Xaverian pulled away in the second half and knocked out the Panthers 18-11, despite five goals and three assists from senior attacker Austin Kent, who was recently selected as the Hockomock League MVP. 
“They were flat out better than us,” said Franklin coach Lou Verrochi. “[Sophomore goalie] Connor [O’Rourke] saw a lot of rubber today and…they’re just really good. They’re unselfish, they find the one more, they did all the things we’ve been preaching all year long.”

Continue reading the write up online
http://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-run-ends-xaverian-quarterfinals/

Austin Kent scored five goals and had three assists in the quarterfinal loss to Xaverian. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
Austin Kent scored five goals and had three assists in the quarterfinal loss to Xaverian. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

From Saturday

  • #18 Franklin, 1 @ #2 Sharon, 4 – Final 
– Sharon won second and third singles as well as second doubles in straight sets without dropping a game to advance in the tournament. Nupur Shulka won 6-0, 6-0 at second singles and Emily Wen won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles. The team of Katie Merport and Rithica Neti won 6-0, 6-0 at third singles. Pooja Puttigampala and Michal Kondratiev won 6-1, 6-2 at first doubles. Franklin’s Hannah Sweeney won 7-5, 6-2 at first singles.
http://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-060416/

Photos from the Sharon Franklin tennis match can be found
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Spring-2016/Sharon-Franklin-Girls-Tennis-6/


From Monday


Boys Tennis
D1 South

  • #4 Franklin, 0 vs. #5 Wellesley, 5 – Final


For all the Hockomock results on Monday
http://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-060616/

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) - Open Houses = Jun 8 and 23

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 23 from 4-8 p.m. at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama. Prospective students are also encouraged to try a complimentary class.
Franklin School for the Performing Arts
FSPA


Founded in 1985 by Director Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers an extensive roster of classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. 

Performance is an integral part of an FSPA education and the school offers a year-round calendar of opportunities, including musicals, plays, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, musical theater showcases, summer theater, ballet and dance company performances, and the school’s signature Spring Concert. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located just behind the school and provides a professional venue for FSPA student productions. Many FSPA students also participate, by audition, in FPAC’s annual season of shows.

Registration for summer and fall sessions is ongoing. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. For more information, including summer brochure or fall class schedule and catalogue, call (508) 528-8668 or visit online at www.FSPAonline.com.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 8, 2016

The agenda and associated documents released for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, June 8 can be found here. Note the PDF document contains links to the individual supporting documents.







This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0240EC63-000F8513


brick being laid on the sidewalks downtown
brick being laid on the sidewalks downtown