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Thursday, August 6, 2026

The audio of the Economic Development Subcmte Meeting Tuesday, Aug 4 is available (audio)

FM #1784 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1784 in the series.

The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Chair LeBlanc, members Morrongiello, Malloy & Griffith were present for this session.

Quick recap:

Discussion and update on the UMass Boston study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).
update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change
Next up the 40b policy revision

likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review the items in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

next up, Sustainability Committee

Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

next up, GATRA update

World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month
GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html
What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? What would it cost for GATRA to do so? We can't finance the route on our own.

The pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

The meeting runs about 2 hours & 35 minutes.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1792-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-04-26/

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The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link

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Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Econommic Development covers a variety of topics in 2.5 hour session (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, August 4. All four members of the committee were present in Council Chambers

The Franklin TV video can be viewed here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ8h5WC8rP0

The agenda and released docs can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434

Quick recap:

Discussion and update on the UMass study of downtown to be conducted over 2 semesters of the college year. Final number of students involved to be determined when classes begin in September. Coordinate to have them meet the Committee (either in person, or virtually) early one (Sept or October).
update: the Depot Plaza hearing at the Planning Board has changed from 8/10 to 8/24. the application was withdrawn for a technical change and resubmitted, hence the date change
Next up the 40b policy revision

revision would effectively removes the prohibition of apartment proposals and provides a set of 9 criteria of which 3 could be chosen to qualify the project for consideration by Town Council.
consideration for a weight factor for small apartments or owned units to ensure that is the desired proposal to enable but make it harder for larger apartments to make it through the process (check list)
agreement on a great starting point, maybe something from this section, and something from that section
likely for Morrongiello and LeBlanc to meet with Jamie and Morena to review theitems in more detail to bring back a version for further discussion

next up, Sustainability Committee

need volunteers, have a track record as a green community have not done a great job telling the story of the successes some of these items are not practical (I.e. fire truck as an electric vehicle is not available)national politics haven't helped drive green
doesn't need to be so pessimistic on the approach, there are things that can be done, via the committee and folks interested in that to do the work
you will get passionate folks 2 apply
Jamie and staff can draft a charter for the committee to review before bringing to the Council

next up, GATRA update

World Cup was big for them, transported a bunch of folksfunded by State, so we didn't lose anything from other servers to compensate 38,385 riders in Franklin during the past year (demand response) approx 3,000/month
GATRA had a fixed route once upon a time https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/on-this-date-mar-5-2010-franklin-area.html
What would a study for the GATRA fixed route cost? what would it cost for GATRA to do so. we can't finance the route on our own.
I recall someone had numbers on the potential route based upon GATRA demand ridership

the pipeline to the Planning Board is minimal, they are cancelling meetings as they don't have work to review

On this date: Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus

Mar 5, 2010: The Franklin Area Bus (from the archives, link broken on the GATRA page today)

My full set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKNSbTXGpP-s3395o_i52zDkPXuPn4tJ/view?usp=drive_link

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting – Tuesday, August 4 at 6 PM

The Economic Development Subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are welcome to attend in person or participate remotely via Zoom.

📄 View the meeting agenda (below) and access the Zoom info at the link https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434

📺 The meeting will be streamed live on Franklin Town Hall TV for Comcast (Channel 9) & Verizon (Channel 29) subscribers as well as YouTube https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Discussion/Action: Umass Boston Downtown Planning Studio

a. Draft proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10539/2a-UMass-Boston-proposal-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

3. Discussion/Action: Friendly 40B Policy

a. Draft policy from Councilor Morrongiello https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10540/3a-Friendly-40B-Policy-draft-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

4. Discussion/Action: Climate Leader Designation Goal

5. Discussion: GATRA Update - Morena Zelaya, Director of Planning and Community Development and Franklin GATRA Representative

a. Staff Memo https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10541/5a-GATRA-Update-for-080426-EDC-Meeting

6. New Growth Follow up

7. Next Meeting September 17th (Permitting 101 w/ town permitting boards)

8. Adjourn

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DblJgxlFfbM/

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Agenda for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting, Tuesday, Aug 4 at 6 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 4, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Call to Order

2. Discussion/Action: Umass Boston Downtown Planning Studio

a. Draft proposal https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10539/2a-UMass-Boston-proposal-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

3. Discussion/Action: Friendly 40B Policy

a. Draft policy from Councilor Morrongiello https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10540/3a-Friendly-40B-Policy-draft-for-8-4-26-EDC-Mtg

4. Discussion/Action: Climate Leader Designation Goal

5. Discussion: GATRA Update - Morena Zelaya, Director of Planning and Community Development and Franklin GATRA Representative

a. Staff Memo https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10541/5a-GATRA-Update-for-080426-EDC-Meeting

6. New Growth Follow up

7. Next Meeting September 17th (Permitting 101 w/ town permitting boards)

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08042026-2434

Friday, July 31, 2026

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027

FARE FREE SERVICE 

GATRA Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit Services will continue to be Fare Free through June 30, 2027.*

Fare Free Transit Service is made possible through funding awarded in the governor's FY27 budget.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on GATRA's website. www.GATRA.org

*This date may be extended due to future funding availability. Changes to the planned date will be posted on Fixed Route buses and on GATRA's website.

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzL17uA3w/

Tip of the hat to Ali Rheaume

Note: Franklin does not have a GATRA Fixed Route service. It used to. Maybe someday it will comeback.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Franklin Council on Aging (COA) / Franklin Senior Center

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Franklin Council on Aging (COA) / Franklin Senior Center enhances the independence and quality of life of Franklin’s older adults by identifying evolving needs and delivering programs, services, and supports that promote mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being. We serve as a community focal point for aging issues and a trusted access point for resources, beneﬁts navigation, and caregiver support. The Senior Center serves as a liaison to local, state, and federal resources for the aging population and their families.

Our work strengthens community health by reducing isolation, supporting caregivers, and helping older adults remain safely in their homes for as long as possible.

Core Functions

● Programming and Community Engagement: Provide a wide range of social, educational, cultural, and wellness programs that foster connection and support healthy aging. These programs help prevent social isolation, which is linked to increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and other health concerns among older adults. Participation tracking is essential to program planning and to demonstrating impact for municipal and grant funding.

● Nutrition and food access: Provide daily nutrition services for both the public and participants in the Supportive Day Program. Through the Common Grounds Café, the Senior Center offers weekday breakfast and lunch, creating an accessible space for residents to enjoy affordable meals and social connection.

● Dementia-capable programming and caregiver support: The Senior Center hosts a daily supportive day program (Sunshine Club) for individuals with dementia/cognitive decline and older adults experiencing social isolation, offering structured engagement and respite for caregivers.

● Health, wellness, and prevention supports: Offer prevention-focused supports to help residents manage chronic conditions and stay active. These services include educational programs, support groups, basic health screenings, and access to wellness resources that support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older adults.

● Social services, advocacy, and beneﬁts navigation: Assist older adults and their families with resource connections, referrals, applications, and advocacy. This includes housing guidance, beneﬁts enrollment assistance (such as SNAP, MassHealth, and fuel assistance, support), navigating Medicare and insurance questions, and referrals to home care and other community services that help residents remain safe and independent.

● Provide transportation through the Senior Center van to reduce barriers to participation and help residents access programs, essential services, and community connection. Serve as a liaison with the local Regional Transit Authority and other transportation providers to help older adults access medical appointments and regional services.

Stafﬁng

● One (1) Director

● One (1) Deputy Director

● One (1) Executive Assistant

● One (1) part-time Administrative Assistant

● One (1) Chef & Kitchen Manager

● Two (2) part-time Line Cooks

● One (1) Transportation and Volunteer Coordinator

● Two (2) part-time Van Drivers

● One (1) Social Service Coordinator

● One (1) Activities Coordinator

● One (1) Supportive Day Coordinator

● One (1) Supportive Day and Special Projects Coordinator

● One (1) part-time Community Wellness Nurse

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

● Demonstrated signiﬁcant community impact through measurable growth in membership, program delivery, nutrition services, respite hours, volunteer engagement, and social service support.

● Expanded access to programs through implementation of an online registration platform, improving ease of enrollment, reducing administrative barriers, and increasing participation accessibility.

● Secured external grant funding to expand health and wellness programming and improve accessibility. The Senior Center received $24,660 in grant funding to modernize the ﬁtness space and replace aging equipment with two recumbent bikes, two seated ellipticals, and two treadmills, improving access to safe,

low-impact exercise options for older adults. In addition, the Franklin Cultural Council awarded $1,800 to support a monthly Memory Café, a welcoming, social gathering designed for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners.

● Maintained continuity of operations during a temporary building closure by relocating programs to partner sites, ensuring uninterrupted access to meals, social engagement, and essential services. During this period, the Senior Center delivered 49 programs across eight off-site locations, allowing vital services, including respite care through the supportive day program, food services, ﬁtness classes, and support groups, to continue without interruption while demonstrating strong cross-community collaboration and continuity planning.

● Strengthened caregiver support infrastructure through expanded respite programming and dedicated caregiver appreciation initiatives.

● Delivered large-scale community-wide events that strengthened connection, reduced social isolation, and fostered intergenerational engagement. In the calendar year 2025, the Franklin Senior Center hosted several signature events, including Winter Wonderland (523 attendees), Senior Olympics (112 participants), and the ﬁrst Caregiver Appreciation Day (serving 77 caregivers and their families).

● Strengthen operational efﬁciency through program review and stabilization: As participation and service demand continue to grow, FY27 will focus on reviewing programs, processes, and scheduling to ensure the department is making the most effective use of existing resources. With participation expected to continue rising, staff will prioritize efﬁciencies and thoughtful program evaluation to ensure the Senior Center can continue delivering high-impact services while maintaining current stafﬁng levels.

● The following metrics highlight both the scale of services delivered and the continued growth in participation across the Franklin Senior Center.

○ Membership: 615 new members, 231 average daily attendance, 2,102 total active members (4,343 Guests), 57,608 Event Check-Ins
○ Programs: 6536 total programs delivered; 122 unique monthly programs
○ Nutrition: 18,990 meals served
○ Supportive Day Program: 11,724 respite hours
○ Social Services: 1,538 contacts
○ Transportation: 1,785 rides provided; 158 unique riders, funded an additional 4,119 rides to the Senior Center and Food Pantry through GATRA
○ Volunteers: 2,029 volunteer hours; 94 volunteers

● The following charts illustrate the continued growth in participation and service delivery across several core program areas of the Franklin Senior Center.

Continue reading this section. The PDF contains additional text and charts not shared here https://drive.google.com/file/d/15T9lcrw3x_11lFrv8_XGpRlcOrCZTF13/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Friday, April 24, 2026

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)'s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulﬁll the community development and land use-related goals of the Town and its residents. DPCD works to administer and implement the goals identiﬁed in Franklin's 2025 Master Plan. The Department works in all areas of planning and community development, and is responsible for traditional land-use related activities such as updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws.

Core Functions

● Provides helpful and timely customer service to both internal stakeholders and the general public who call for a variety of questions and public records requests.

● Support of Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, and the Technical Review Committee.

● Provides project guidance and information to applicants, prospective applicants, abutters and other interested parties.

● Works closely with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission on related projects.

● Produces zoning bylaw amendments in response to community needs, particularly those identiﬁed in the Town's Master Plan, and to state and federal requirements.

● In recent years DPCD has worked on dozens of projects in all areas of planning and community development, including comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, economic development, open space preservation, wetlands protection, natural hazard mitigation, brownﬁelds redevelopment, historic preservation, affordable housing, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including the use of smart growth and low impact development concepts.

Stafﬁng

● One (1) Director of Planning and Community Development
● One (1) Town Planner
● One (1) Permitting Specialist

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

FY26 Accomplishments

● Created a new zoning district for the Crossing Neighborhood District and amended related bylaws.

● Amended a Zoning Bylaw to add a deﬁnition for Residential Commercial Kitchens and related regulations.

● Submitted Zoning Bylaw amendments related to MBTA Communities compliance as well as a general cleanup.

● Received a Determination of Conditional Compliance from the Executive Ofﬁce of Housing and Livable Communities for the Town's efforts towards complying with the MBTA Communities Act.

● Reapplied for Housing Choice Community Designation

● Applied for and awarded a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for demolition and abatement at 21 Grove Street.

● Submitted grant applications for assistance with updating Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

● Affordable housing: coordinated the resale of four affordable units. Established a new process for resale opportunities, including new forms and a clearer timeline to reduce confusion among applicants.

● Affordable housing: Assisted with ownership transfer of Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Funds (MAHTF) parcel for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project.

● Affordable housing: Will be conducting an information session at the Franklin Senior Center to introduce new processes and explain differences in types of affordable housing and how they're administered.

● Design Review Commission: Bylaw and Guidelines review and potential updates. Submitting Community OneStop for Growth grant application for help in producing these updates.

FY27 Initiatives

● Spearhead the implementation of the 2025 Master Plan.
● Draft bylaw amendments related to Wireless Communications Services District to bring in line with federal requirements.
● Create a consolidated local permit application for certain clean energy projects as required by 225 CMR 29.00.
● Oversee next phase of demolition, abatement and remediation efforts of brownﬁelds site at former Nu-Style property, 21 Grove Street.
● Draft a new Hazard Mitigation Plan and submit for approval.
● Amend and develop Zoning Bylaw to encourage growth that will beneﬁt the Town.
● Work to implement the goals and strategies identiﬁed in the Master Plan including but not limited to:

○ Work to revitalize Franklin’s Downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.
○ Expand and enhance the downtown and neighborhoods by prioritizing them for housing development and investments in neighborhood character that include improving infrastructure, amenities, community engagement, and quality of life for residents.
○ Provide guidelines on Franklin character and develop a more clearly deﬁned review process
○ Provide quality arts and cultural resources as a vital part of the creativity and growth of our community.
○ Work to obtain the funding and other resources necessary to implement open space and recreation goals, objectives and actions identiﬁed in Plan.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● DPCD is requesting a small increase of $1,000 in our consulting services budget line in anticipation of necessary work related to the Nu-Style brownﬁelds site and to potential Design Review Commission bylaw and guidelines updates.

● DPCD is also requesting a small increase of $500 for its Meetings & Conferences budget line in anticipation of increased attendance at meetings and conferences by the new Director.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Department of Planning and Community Development has an outsized impact on how Franklin grows and develops. With a staff of just three we provide stafﬁng and support to numerous standing and ad hoc committees and boards, we provide accurate information and assistance to numerous residents and stakeholders, including on matters that may not be entirely under the department's purview. We handle affordable housing resale opportunities in house, something a great number of communities ﬁnd too cumbersome to do themselves and ask the State or other regional entity to handle.

The DPCD Director consistently works with the Downtown Partnership, sits on the GATRA board and on the 495/MetroWest Board of Directors.

The Town Planner sits on MAPC's SouthWest Advisory Planning Committee (SWAP) and on its Council, to which the Director is also the alternate. This requested budget is already

$26,000 less than the FY26 revised budget and further cuts will have a great impact on our ability to serve residents, promote Franklin, and to help Franklin grow in a way that best incorporates the needs of the community.

The DPCD has historically struggled to maintain a full and complete staff, notably a full time position was reduced from the budget in FY26 as part of the override failure.

The PDF of this section -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZR8U4rEDXfITCrIZ2JEcIm8wJxAkIW6x/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The complete set of FY 2027 budget information can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Thursday, April 23, 2026

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, April 23, 2026 ???

Thursday, April 23

10:00am April Break Youth Lacrosse Clinic (Beaver Pond Recreation Area)

3:00pm Back to Life: Youth Theater Project (SAFE Coalition)

7:00pm Franklin Fathers Wine Tasting (Pour Richard's Wine & Provisions)

7:30pm Dance Company (Dean College Main Stage Theater)

For Library events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Note: Senior Center checking on why their events are suddenly being shown as "All Day". You can use the monthly newsletter for specific program/event times

*** Town Meetings today ***

GATRA Regional Public Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 2:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04232026-2243

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, April 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/589?fileID=8914

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Find the full Community event calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar