Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Town Clerk’s Office is dedicated to providing friendly, professional service to all our residents. I am extremely proud of how well my staff performs and responds to the demands of the office. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Dyan Fitzgerald to the department. Dyan, a resident of Bellingham, has joined us from Holliston, MA., where she had been the Assistant Town Clerk for 20 years. Please stop in and welcome Dyan to Franklin!!

The Town Clerk’s Office is also very fortunate to employ Susan Merullo, Elections Administrator. Susan has been an a tremendous asset to our office since 2017.

HISTORY TOWN CLERK OFFICE

“The office of town clerk is probably one of the oldest in municipal government. It appears in the Bible in the Book of Acts, Chapter 19, and verse 35 written in A.D. 58. A search of other early written records would no doubt reveal other instances in which mention of this office appears. In Massachusetts, town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns although the title itself may not appear in the earliest records. The settlers were well aware of the importance of keeping accurate written records of their agreements and actions including grants of land, regulations governing animals, the collection of taxes and the

expenditure of town funds. If your town records date back to the first half of the 17th century, you will probably find that a person was given the specific duty of writing down town orders and will see many entries in the record which include the words “It is ordered by  the inhabitants,” or some similar words. Indeed, in Massachusetts, the town clerk was one of the earliest offices established in colonial towns.”

ONLINE SERVICE

Our online service continues to be a success!! This has been a convenient way for the public to request and purchase birth, death and marriage certificates especially during the year of covid. This improvement has also been a great success for our dog owners who need to license a new dog or who must renew their yearly dog license. These document requests and payment options are available online anytime of the day, 7 days a week. To use this service, visit the town website at franklinma.gov and follow to the Town Clerk’s Department.

 NOTARY SERVICE

The Town Clerk’s office provides Notary services as a courtesy. Residents seeking Notary Services should call the Town Clerk’s office prior to their visit to ensure that the Notary is available. The following guidelines will be followed in the provision of Notary Service: - Notary Services are available during the normal business hours. Notary Service is provided on a first-come, first service basis. Please be sure to have valid government-issued photo id if you are seeking this service. Remember, the document must be signed in the presence of the Notary.

Notary Service is not available for deeds, mortgages, wills, living wills, living trusts, power of attorneys, or depositions. Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. For more information please visit our website. The Town Clerk , Nancy Danello, and Deputy Town Clerk, Dyan Fitzgerald are also Commissioners to qualify, which means if you are a Notary Public or a Justice of the Peace and need to be given the “Oath of Office” we can perform this service for you free of charge. 

 

There is a whole lot more to the Town Clerk's section of this annual report but the tables and other info were not easily copied for this format. 

Find the remainder of the Town Clerk's report on page  19

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Annual Report Of The Town Attorney - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Town of Franklin has an in-house attorney, Mark G. Cerel. Attorney Cerel has an office in the Town Administration Offices and works three days a week. In addition, he attends regular Council sessions and meetings of town boards and commissions on an as- needed basis. His responsibilities include providing legal advice to the Town Administrator and other town officials, review and drafting of legal documents, and representation of the town in negotiations and litigation other than labor-related matters. Having an in-house attorney has enabled the town officials to obtain prompt legal review and advice; it has also expedited various town projects which require legal input.

During the past year, Attorney Cerel has continued to be successful not only in resolving actual litigation but also in resolving disputes prior to litigation on terms favorable to the Town; he has also continued to draft proposed legislation and to be involved in contract and real estate negotiation. In addition, he has continued to work with the staff to review and update the Town’s zoning and general bylaws. During the COVID-19 Pandemic Attorney Cerel worked remotely and attended Town Council and all other relevant meetings using the “Zoom” virtual platform. He was readily available to all Town Staff throughout the pandemic for legal advice and guidance. The Town Attorney also played a key role in ensuring that the Town accurately exercised its Right of First Refusal on Chapter 61A land that became available for purchase near Maple Hill at the end of FY21.

Our in-house attorney plays an essential role in limiting the town's legal exposure. He assists in resolving matters before they result in legal action and he provides the town with a strong legal presence that discourages people from frivolous lawsuits.

The Town Attorney represents the town and is only available to consult with individual residents if the Town Administrators prior approval is obtained.

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Cerel,

Town Attorney

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town Attorney - FY 2021

Annual Report of the Norfolk County Registry Of Deeds - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

Fiscal year 2021 was an extraordinary year in all our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all of us. Certainly, some were impacted worse than others. Lives were disrupted with some losing loved ones, small businesses scaled back or in worse case scenarios closed for good. While many sectors of our economy were impacted by the pandemic, I am pleased to report the Norfolk County real estate economy was able to remain viable following the COVID-10 state of emergency declared by Governor Baker on March 10, 2020.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, I am proud to report the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was able to remain open operationally for the recording of land documents. While the Registry of Deeds building was closed to the general public, Registry personnel were able to continue recording land documents. We utilized social distancing, split work shifts, remote access, and used our disaster recovery site to record documents. We also utilized electronic recording for our institutional users such as banks, law firms and title companies. In addition to electronic recording, users had the option to submit documents via regular mail, Federal Express or placing documents in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.

The results of these efforts were a viable Norfolk County real estate market benefitting sellers and buyers of real estate, lending institutions, the real estate legal community and all others with a vested interest in the local real estate economy. By keeping the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds open, recording fees collected were forwarded to the state and county helping to pay for important public initiatives including education, health care, and police and fire expenses. We are so thankful to our partners in the real estate community and most importantly the citizens of Norfolk County. Their patience with us has been critical to the Registry of Deeds being able to continue its core mission of recording land documents in a safe and secure environment.

The Registry of Deeds is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County. Its mission is to maintain and provide for accurate, reliable and accessible land records to all residents and businesses of Norfolk County. The Registry receives and records hundreds of thousands of documents annually. It houses more than 8.5 million land documents dating back to 1793 when George Washington was President. The Registry is a primary and indispensable resource for title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipal officials, homeowners, title examiners, real estate attorneys, genealogists and others with a need for land record information.

The Registry operates under the supervision of the elected Register, William P. O’Donnell, who has held the position since 2002.

2020 Registry Achievements

• The Registry of Deeds Customer Service and Copy Center continues to provide residents and businesses with quality service. These requests included the filing of Homesteads, accessing deeds, verifying recorded property documents and assisting those in need of obtaining a mortgage discharge notice. Customers can contact the Customer Service and Copy Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

• In calendar Fiscal Year 2021, the Registry collected approximately $81 million in revenue.

 

• The Registry of Deeds continues to address legislative issues to benefit consumers. In 2021, we again filed legislation to advocate for mortgage transparency by requiring mortgage assignments be recorded at the appropriate Registry of Deeds.

• This year saw a record number of electronic recording filers, approximately 2,320. The Registry is approaching 75% of its recorded land recordings being done electronically.

• Norfolk Registry of Deeds was the first registry in Massachusetts to record electronically registered land documents. This started in the Land Court section of the Registry of Deeds in 2017 and was crucial in remaining operational during the coronavirus pandemic. At the onset of the pandemic, 25% of the registered land documents recorded were done via electronic recording which has grown now to 60%.

• In Fiscal Year 2021 we hit a record high of recording our 38,889 Registry of Deeds book. For the sake of security and redundancy, we store our documents 3 different ways: hard copy, electronically and by microfiche.

• In Fiscal Year 2021, the Registry processed over 13,000 Homestead applications. The law Chapter 188 (M.G.L.) provides limited protection of one’s primary residence against unsecured creditor claims.

• The internet library of images, accessible to the public through the Registry of Deeds’ online research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org continues to expand. Today, all documents dating back to the first ones recorded in 1793 are available for viewing.

• Our website includes a genealogy page and a section highlighting land records of notable people – United States Presidents, military heroes, noted authors and leaders in their fields of education, environment and the law

• The Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org routinely updates the public on such news as real estate statistics, answers to frequently asked questions, along with detailing of our consumer programs. Additionally, we also write a monthly column for various Norfolk County newspapers and their online websites. We also distribute a weekly press release to alert residents of the latest happenings as well as to remind them of our consumer services.

• The Registry’s free Consumer Notification Service allows any county resident to opt in to this free notification service and be alerted when any land document – fraudulent or otherwise – is recorded against their name. For more information, please see our website at: www.norfolkdeeds.org. Currently, over 2,130 Norfolk County residents are signed up for this program.

• Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Registry was forced to suspend its community outreach programs. We are hopeful that in 2021 we will be able to visit each of the Norfolk County communities for office hours and renew our partnerships with Interfaith Social Services of Quincy, Father Bill’s & MainSpring of Quincy, the VA Boston Healthcare System, Voluntary Service Program and InnerCity Weightlifting on our ‘Suits for Success’ program, and New Life Furniture Bank of MA in Walpole to assist those who are in need of household items. We also look forward to renewing our Annual Holiday Food Drive and Toys for Tots campaigns in 2021.

 

Franklin Real Estate Activity Report July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021

During Fiscal Year 2021, Franklin real estate activity saw decreases in both total sales volume and average sales price.

There was an 29% increase in documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for Franklin in Fiscal Year 2021, resulting in an increase of 2,236 documents from 7,630 to 9,866.

The total volume of real estate sales in Franklin during Fiscal Year 2021 was $46,187,001, a 15% decrease from Fiscal Year 2020. The average sale price of homes and commercial property was also down 18% in Franklin. The average sale was $775.828.23.

The number of mortgages recorded (2,763) on Franklin properties in Fiscal Year 2021 was up 37% from the previous Fiscal Year. Also, total mortgage indebtedness decreased 40% to $1,127,005,689 during the same period.

There were 2 foreclosure deeds filed in Franklin during Fiscal Year 2021, representing a 78% decrease from the previous year when there were 9 foreclosure deeds filed.

Homestead activity increased 13% in Franklin during Fiscal Year 2021 with 705 homesteads filed compared to 626 in Fiscal Year 2020.

Finally, our objective at the Registry will always be to maintain, secure, accurate and accessible land records for the residents and businesses of Norfolk County. It is a privilege to serve you.

Respectfully submitted by,

William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds 

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Suzanne G. Wade - August 05, 2022

Suzanne G. (Emmons) Wade, 73, of Franklin, died peacefully on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the Milford Center, a nursing and rehabilitation facility.

Born in Brunswick, Maine on July 17, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Roger L. and Yvette M. (Blais) Emmons.

Suzanne was a resident of Franklin for the past ten years and had formerly resided in Attleboro and Mansfield. She grew up in Woonsocket and graduated from Woonsocket High School.
Suzanne worked as an LPN at many area hospitals over the past several years.

She was an active member of the Franklin Senior Center and especially enjoyed participating in the writing club. She also loved to paint.

She is survived by her three children, Shawn Wade and his wife Deborah of Bellingham, Alisa Wade of North Grafton and Scott Wade and his wife Danielle of Attleboro, and four grandchildren, Gwenevere, Zoey, Dakota and Dean.

She is also survived by her brother Dennis Emmons of Florida and her sister Carol Piscopo of Rhode Island.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, August 9 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in her memory to the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

Behind Sue (seated), L to R: Alice Clack, Sue Bliven,
Faith Flaherty, Carol Belcher, Pat Winiarski

Sue was the organizer of the Senior Center writer's group that got them on the radio as outlined in the item we shared a week ago.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/franklin-tv-sue-wade-got-prayers.html

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Aug 9, 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 Care For Ukraine

9:00 am It Takes A Village: Lifelong Learning

10:00 am Frank Presents: Cathleen Liberty

11:30 am Senior Connection: Danielle Hopkins

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm FAA: Art From The Heart

4:00 pm Whole Health Visions: Cheryl Bagangan

4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 1 - Tweed funk

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

6:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media

8:30 pm FSPA: FSPA Spring Concert Show 4

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

9:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

11:00 am Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

12:00 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Lifelong Learning

3:00 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby

6:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Framingham 11-06-21

8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Reading High 11-06-21

10:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Shrewsbury 11-09-21

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

8:00 am School Committee: 07-19-22

2:00 pm School Committee: 07-19-22

7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE - Webinar ID: 868 9911 4277  Passcode: 971740

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)

Annual Report Of The Town Administrator - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Town Administration works with the Town Council together to improve the quality of life of our residents. We are diligent in balancing the budget, keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its assets.

Accomplishments in FY21 include:

We continue to update our Town Budget webpage with helpful resources such as how the budget process works, operating and capital budgets, and fiscal forecasts. More information can be found here: https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

A balanced operating budget was submitted to the Town Council and was approved. We have received five year Capital plans from all departments including the Water And Sewer Enterprise fund. Having long term Capital plans prevents more expensive costs down the road.

As part of our expansion of customer service we have expanded our Viewpoint Online Permitting System to the Health Department, Assessing Department and Senior Center. We will continue adding new applications throughout the year to make for a more convenient process.

We continue to update the Town’s website to make information easily accessible for the public. All Agendas and Minutes for boards and committees are web-based and continuously updated. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Anchor (podcasts) and YouTube for up to date News and Announcements as well as visiting our website at www.franklinma.gov.

Personnel

The Town Administration staff has worked diligently with the Board of Health to ensure the Town, our employees and residents stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to serve the Town and its residents while staying safe and following the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Governor of Massachusetts, DPH and the CDC.

To continue our efforts in keeping the Town informed of updates and alerts related to COVID-19 our Marketing and Communications Specialist, Anne Marie Tracey has created a user friendly Coronavirus Portal on our website and sends out important information frequently through our subscriber lists and social media.

 

The Towns Executive Assistant, Alecia Alleyne has worked with our Finance team to make sure we receive FEMA and Cares Act assistance during this pandemic. Alecia has applied for and received over $2 million of assistance for the town.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all Town Buildings closed in mid March 2020. However, due to our fantastic Technology staff we were able to quickly get most if not all of our staff up and running remotely. By fall 2020 the majority of Municipal staff were working in the municipal building or on a hybrid work from home and work from the office schedule. By June 2021 nearly all municipal building employees were working fulltime in the office.

The Town Administration staff, Technology staff and Franklin TV worked together to make sure Town Council Meetings could continue and comply with Open Meeting Laws. These meetings are currently being recorded, streamed live through the website, Zoom and Cable TV and as of June 2021 residents were allowed back into the chambers to attend meetings in person.

As of January 2021 the Town received its full allotment of CARES Act money, this money was spent on a variety of projects most notably the install of UV lighting in the HVAC systems of all municipal buildings and most schools to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Other

In time for the holiday season, Anne Marie Tracey launched the Franklin First Gift Card, this is a partnership with local businesses to help stimulate the local economy by keeping money in Franklin. Residents can purchase these gift cards which can be redeemed at a variety of participating businesses in Franklin. Over $40,000 in gift cards have been purchased and this number is only rising.

Executive Assistant, Alecia Alleyne, applied for and received two grants for energy conservation efforts in Town. The Town was awarded a Green Communities grant which aided in the purchase of two fully electric vehicles and the installation of two dual port Electric vehicle charging stations, one located at the municipal building and the other at the library. The Town also received over $13,000 for the installation of two additional dual port charging stations at the municipal building through EVIP grant funding.

Assistant to the Town Administrator, Chrissy Whelton and Human Resources Director, Karen Bratt worked with the towns Safety Committee, representatives from each department and MIIA  representatives and earned over $50,000 in insurance premium savings and was recognized by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) as a leader in preventing risk in the workplace through employee training programs.

Franklin “Bends the Trend” by working with the Insurance Advisory Committee (IAC) to keep insurance rate increases for employees to a minimum, The Town continues to offer a Qualified High Deductible Health Care Plan.

The Town of Franklin also worked with Nexamp to ensure that a portion of their farm be reserved for Franklin residents. On a first-come, first-served basis residents were eligible to subscribe to receive credit on their Electric bill at a special rate of 15%. Due to a high interest from Franklin residents the farm is now filled however Nexamp is still offering their standard discount rate of 12.5%.

Long time Senior Center Director Karen Alves retired in September 2020 and Assistant Director Erin Rogers was promoted to Director and will continue with offering the highest quality of services to Franklin Seniors.

Our goal is to deliver high quality customer service while keeping costs under control. There will be difficult challenges to our budget in the coming year; but you can be assured that the Town Administration and Town Council will work together to solve budgetary issues.

It is my pleasure to submit an annual report of the Town Administrator for your review, and please feel free to write, email, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Respectfully submitted, 

Jamie Hellen,

Town Administrator

 

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town Administrator - FY 2021

Annual Report Of The Planning Board - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for “…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By-Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.

In FY2021, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One noticeable project is located at 340 East Central St. The projects include 2 residential buildings and 2 retail buildings. All sites included associated paved access drive, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater infrastructure.

The Planning Board reviewed and approved a 20,000 sq/ft Warehouse and parking area for school buses on Panther Way.

The Planning Board approved a 59-single family subdivision located at the end of Bridle Path and Kimberlee Lane. The land was reserved in Chapter 61 A and the Town has since purchased the land under their first right of refusal.

In March of 2020, we found ourselves with a new challenge, COVID-19, which forced the Planning Board to conduct meetings remotely. The Planning Board continued remote public hearings through June of 2021. The Planning Board currently is holding meetings in person at the Town Hall and also conducts the meetings remotely. The Planning Board accepted six (6) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board also received (3) Special Permit applications. The Special Permits included Marijuana Use and a multi-family development. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2020 Fiscal Year.

The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes and Subdivision changes. Zoning changes were related to updating the Stormwater by-law in both the Town code and Subdivision regulations. Additionally the Planning Board updated the Subdivision regulations as related to Street lights, requiring all Led lighting in subdivisions. The Planning Board has also reviewed and recommended several zoning map amendments. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.

The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building and remotely. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.

Planning Board Membership

The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. Below is a list of current Planning Board members:

Anthony Padula, Chairman 
Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman 
William David, Clerk
Gregory Rondeau 

Rick Power
Jennifer Williams, Associate

Respectfully submitted, 
Anthony Padula, Chairman

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Register O’Donnell Discloses Norfolk County’s Most Expensive Real Estate Sales in first six months of 2022

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that between January 1 and June 30 in 2022, ten properties, all commercial, sold for more than $50,000,000.

The ten properties were:

 

1. 96-114 Worcester Street, Wellesley, the Sun-Life Assurance office park sold in June for $202,000,000;
2. 100 Rustcraft Road, Dedham, a 421,924 square foot office and warehouse complex adjacent to Legacy Place, sold in July for $134,100,000;
3. 160 Mechanic Street, Bellingham, a 345,000 square foot, newly renovated distribution center, sold in April for $96,700,000;
4. 95 West Squantum Street, Quincy, a twelve-story apartment building known as “Gamma North Quincy”, sold in April for $90,000,000;
5. 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy, the “Marriott Boston Quincy Hotel”, sold in March for $82,200,000;
6. 135 Old Post Road, Sharon, a 192 unit apartment building known as “The Point in Sharon”, sold in January for $74,500,000;
7. 235 Gould Street, Needham, a senior and assisted living facility known as the “Wingate Residences at Needham”  sold in January for $73,848,192;
8. 300 Financial Park Drive, Franklin, a 300,000 square foot warehouse/distribution facility, sold in April for $73,600,000;
9. 130-150 Nahatan Street, Norwood, a 108,981 square foot retail complex known as “Norwood Plaza”, sold in May for $57,749,000; and
10. 1440 Beacon Street, Brookline, a 136 unit apartment complex located near Coolidge Corner, sold in February for $52,900,000.  

 

“Despite a slowdown in the residential real estate sector, the Norfolk County commercial real estate market remains vibrant”, noted Register O’Donnell. “It appears that the top sales consisted primarily of a mixed bag of residential apartments, retail space, industrial and warehouse space and distribution facilities. This activity bodes well for the Norfolk County economy in terms of employment and tax revenue. These ten sales generated over $4.2 million in excise taxes for the state and county. We hope 2022 continues in a positive trend”.

To learn more about the  Registry of Deeds, 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 Discloses Norfolk County’s Most Expensive Real Estate Sales in first six months of 2022

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Aug 8, 2022

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am 4th of July 2022: Mo Bounce

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm Sandhya: Eclairs

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Apple Crisp

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm Physician Focus: Alzheimer's

4:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Festivals & Community Celebrations

5:30 pm Senior Connection: Danielle Hopkins

6:00 pm Veterans' Call: Monuments

7:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Cathleen Liberty

8:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Matt Zajac

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

10:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

12:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Task Force

3:00 pm Battleship Cove: 3D Print Lab

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Winchester 11-11-21

6:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer: v Reading High 11-06-21

8:30 pm Cultural District: Brent Selby

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 07-25-22

12:00 pm Economic Development: 07-20-22

2:00 pm Planning Board: 07-25-22

7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 886 0301 2765

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)

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 10, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

Agenda:

1. Discussion: “Franklin For All” MAPC Study Conclusion & Committee Recommendations

a. Staff Memo 

b. Franklin For All Executive Summary and Final Report  (96 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_for_all_executive_summary_summary_memos.pdf)

c. Franklin - DHCD Approved Housing Production Plan  (92 pages - https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_final_with_approval_ltr.pdf)

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-08-10_edc_agenda_.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Steering Committee - Agenda - Aug 10, 2022

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2022-23 Season

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) is excited to announce its 2022-23 season of musicals and plays in their home venue THE BLACK BOX. The exciting lineup will include The Sound of Music, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, The Wolves, Something Rotten, and Violet. Additionally, FPAC Holiday Productions will present holiday favorites The Nutcracker and ‘Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Casts and creative teams will be announced soon.

FPAC will open its season with The Sound of Music October 14-23 at THE BLACK BOX. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. 

The season continues with the stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime running November 18-20 at THE BLACK BOX. 15-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain: He is exceptional at mathematics but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

FPAC Holiday Productions will mount their annual production of The Nutcracker December 3 and 4 featuring live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. The holiday magic will continue on December 17 and 18 with ‘Tis the Season!- an upbeat, jazzy extravaganza featuring members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band, with contemporary arrangements of holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel, and Motown, to rock, pop, and Broadway. FPAC Holiday Productions are presented at the Franklin High School Auditorium.

After the holidays, FPAC will present Sarah DeLappe’s wildly popular play The Wolves January 6-8 at THE BLACK BOX. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

The 2022-23 season will continue with the hilarious musical comedy Something Rotten! running March 11-19 at THE BLACK BOX.  Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play, but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. 

FPAC’s season will conclude June 9-11 with the musical Violet. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical "imperfections."

FPAC is an Actors’ Equity Small Professional Theater company based at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin. Each season, FPAC produces musicals, plays, ballets, and more featuring Broadway stars, professional actors, local artists, and students of the arts. Tickets for the 2022-23 season will be on sale soon. Follow Franklin Performing Arts Company and THE BLACK BOX on Facebook and Instagram for updates on programming. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) Announces 2022-23 Season

Nan’s Back! Senior Connections

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/07/2022

Nan’s back! (Yess!) And we’re thrilled. If there was ever anyone who is a natural, it’s Nan. Every program she produced and hosted from 2017 on was a most enjoyable, always informative, and perfectly natural conversation. Then – COVID. (Noooo…!)

Upper left: Nan Rafter and Senior Center Director Danielle Hopkins in our studio. and other area Senior Ctr Directors via Zoom

After that hated hiatus – she’s back. Nan’s first ‘Connections’ conversation was with historian Joe Landry 5 years ago.

Nan & Joe Landry 5 years ago

Now we (and she) intend to make up for lost time. Now, as then, she’s already hit the ground running – and Zooming. When we discussed possible program ideas, I noted that our studio was now Zoom capable. Perhaps we could arrange some interviews with neighboring Senior Center Directors?

I don’t remember if I got to finish my thought when, “Yess! That’s an excellent idea.” That’s Nan. Watching Nan on Franklin●TV?

That too is an excellent idea. (Yess!) 

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

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