- Live reporting - Planning Board
- Live reporting - Planning Board
- Live reporting - 248 East Central/Big Y
- Live reporting - hearing: 691 East Central - Van R...
- Live reporting - Planning Board
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Planning Board 03/22/10
The collection of posting from the Planning Board meeting of Monday, March 22 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA
Public Notice: Hydrant Flushing to begin
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Franklin Department of Public Works, Water Division will begin its hydrant-flushing program on Monday, April 5, 2010. This program is conducted annually to improve Franklin’s water quality and fire flows. Some hydrants will be flushed between the hours of 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, while others will be completed during the day. Hydrant flushing will continue depending on water availability and system pressures. Residents may experience discolored water during this process.
Residents may experience, temporary water loss or discolored water while hydrants are being flushed in their area. Even though the water may be discolored, it is still safe for human consumption.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the DPW office at 508-553-5500.
Department of Public Works
Alfred Boone
Water/Sewer Superintendent
Franklin, MA
Monday, March 22, 2010
Live reporting - Planning Board
282 Summer St - site plan application
application for site plan approval
Conservation Commission scheduled for Mar 25
Design Review scheduled for Mar 23
combining 282 and 278 parcels, two separate properties
approval not required plan for 278 Summer
never received an occupancy permit for the existing building
lot to be used as a church and place of worship
structure to be renovated to being it up to code
not seeking dimensional relief
below the 15% impervious coverage, hence no need to go before ZBA
80 proposed parking spaces
calculation requires 82 spaces, desire to balance impervious and water area looking to get approval for the 2 space reduction in parking
rain garden design proposed for the rear parking area to help with the DEP storm water treatment
designed to treat 1" run off
will need to add to the existing septic and file appropriate documentation accordingly
looking to minimize the cost of some shade trees required, willing to work with the board
no anticipation for need to light at night time, depending upon grow over the years could use them
Town engineer comments:
81p plan being submitted
currently Town handicap parking req'd at 9' but ADA requires 8'
should keep the 9' until such time as the bylaw is changed
suggestions 'quite reasonable'
request to reduce parking by two doesn't seem unreasonable
reviewed plantings with best development guidebook, reviewed with Conservation agents and they are acceptable
congregation of 125 currently
for the first par tof the service, the whole congregation is together, then the children split from the adults for the second part so all are in the calculation for what is called for, not a new set of folks to use the separate floor.
to be continued Apr 5th 7:15 PM
Franklin, MA
application for site plan approval
Conservation Commission scheduled for Mar 25
Design Review scheduled for Mar 23
combining 282 and 278 parcels, two separate properties
approval not required plan for 278 Summer
never received an occupancy permit for the existing building
lot to be used as a church and place of worship
structure to be renovated to being it up to code
not seeking dimensional relief
below the 15% impervious coverage, hence no need to go before ZBA
80 proposed parking spaces
calculation requires 82 spaces, desire to balance impervious and water area looking to get approval for the 2 space reduction in parking
rain garden design proposed for the rear parking area to help with the DEP storm water treatment
designed to treat 1" run off
will need to add to the existing septic and file appropriate documentation accordingly
looking to minimize the cost of some shade trees required, willing to work with the board
no anticipation for need to light at night time, depending upon grow over the years could use them
Town engineer comments:
81p plan being submitted
currently Town handicap parking req'd at 9' but ADA requires 8'
should keep the 9' until such time as the bylaw is changed
suggestions 'quite reasonable'
request to reduce parking by two doesn't seem unreasonable
reviewed plantings with best development guidebook, reviewed with Conservation agents and they are acceptable
congregation of 125 currently
for the first par tof the service, the whole congregation is together, then the children split from the adults for the second part so all are in the calculation for what is called for, not a new set of folks to use the separate floor.
to be continued Apr 5th 7:15 PM
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Planning Board
I did not hear that this officially went into a recess but there certainly has not been any action for a bit. Quite a few side discussions underway.
Stay tuned for the continuation when it happens!
Franklin, MA
Stay tuned for the continuation when it happens!
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - 248 East Central/Big Y
opening special permit and continuing hearing for 248 East Central/Big Y
Halligan has recused himself
special permit req'd for shopping in excess of 25,000 SQ FT.
met with Conservation Commission twice and continued to March 25th
filed with Design Review committee, scheduled for April 13th
5.7 Acre site across the street from the Municipal Bldg, C2 commercial zoning
proposal meets all zoning requirements of the C2 zoning
looking to construct a 57,000 sq ft bldg, 233 vehicle parking for operations (originally 234)
right in only entrance proposed for east bound traffic
determination of space utilized to calculate the parking required
1 per 200 sq ft = 213 total
1 for office
13 for warehouse
reworking the plan to resubmit with the 'final' numbers on the calculations for parking
Conservation Commission discussion lead to some revisions on the natural area/retention basin to meet needs/requirements (combination of detention/retention basin)
East Central St is under State jurisdiction, needs state permit, met with them recently.
Looking into The Mann Plaza and the King St intersection, and to include the Chestnut Ridge property (although not submitted at this time)
state work looked into justification of need for signal, signal is needed, would be synchronized with the Mann Plaza intersection
would widen RT 140 both ways, would allow cars turning into McDonald's to still proceed
planning shows this moving from D/C range to a C level of service, an improvement in level of services
Issues being raised by Town Engineer
traffic turn in, right turn only out
entrance/exit from Municipal Lot would be widen to meet the intersection
synchronzing with Mann Pl
need to study left turn from Chestnut St, has that been done
can not recharge from a metal roof into C2, therefore building can't be a metal roof
might need a study funded to see impact of Well #7 which is in the back part of the lot
need to know where the high ground water level is, then design a treatment system for that level
what impact does this have on the design
the new DEP storm water treatment puts this in a critical area
water needs to get into the ground, the water going into the ground needs to be treated
needs more study and more thought
need a hydrogeologist to perform the study
Applicant looking to clarify that the ZBA ruling of 1996 is in fact the determining
if we don't need to back to the ZBA we won't, yes we will work to provide the hyrdogeologist
DEP, redevelopment and Town requirements are intersecting in this area and we are working through these items.
should be around 286 parking spaces and they have not reached that level
Communities are moving away from 5 parking spots per thousand to 4, we will look at that the specific operation at the other areas and see how that applies here.
With a signal at the Town Hall, there will be gaps in the traffic.
Jordan Road is a growing traffic problem and we need to do something with alleviating the problem
There is an air quality consultant on board an it will be part of the traffic analysis.
estimated to be 2800 vehicles per day to the operation, some of the traffic is already here shopping elsewhere along the road, some will be coming
The company has done a market analysis to determine if there can be another market.
We can't address any other proposal as it has not been filed yet.
Concerned about the amount of traffic that this and the other might bring.
Folks on the street fear for their safety getting in getting mail from their mailbox.
There will be something to bring traffic to RT 140
There needs to be progress, we can't remain dormant
It is only a matter of time before you get bigger roads.
Reiterating all the frustration that has been said earlier
When is the study going to be public to us for review?
If this happens, the value of our homes plummets?
The traffic analysis has been filed with the Town, it is a public record
I was in favor of this at the last meeting, but if I heard correctly, I may have spoken too earlier.
I am opposed to this if there is the chance of another supermarket
If you are going to put in another grocery store, put in a Trader Joe's
let's get more local diversity in the town
Has Franklin ever done a master plan? Yes, it has been done.
I am going for this, the shopping here has gotten so expensive I go elsewhere to get savings.
I am looking for the increase in jobs, that is a good thing.
What does this end up doing to traffic and to quality of life?
Big Y is a volume business, that is how they make their money
issues with emergency vehicles, Jordan Road is dangerous today,
it will get worse, do we need to get someone killed
Jordan Road is a scenic road, there are a lot of pre-exisitng problems with the road today
If there is such traffic backed up on a Friday or Saturday afternoon, how will a fire truck get through when the traffic is already at a standstill?
Is there another option to a grocery store? Can we explore other options?
Consider making it easier to go down Chestnut?
I'd love to know what we can do to address Jordan Road?
Officer Spillane - would be the proper person for traffic safety
We are here to see that you are representing the people and not the interests of the business
Anything that promotes a safer community is what we're looking for
To be continued May 3rd. 7:30 PM
We don't pick and choose what businesses come here. It does create tax revenue. It does create jobs.
It has been empty for sometime.
Franklin, MA
Halligan has recused himself
special permit req'd for shopping in excess of 25,000 SQ FT.
met with Conservation Commission twice and continued to March 25th
filed with Design Review committee, scheduled for April 13th
5.7 Acre site across the street from the Municipal Bldg, C2 commercial zoning
proposal meets all zoning requirements of the C2 zoning
looking to construct a 57,000 sq ft bldg, 233 vehicle parking for operations (originally 234)
right in only entrance proposed for east bound traffic
determination of space utilized to calculate the parking required
1 per 200 sq ft = 213 total
1 for office
13 for warehouse
reworking the plan to resubmit with the 'final' numbers on the calculations for parking
Conservation Commission discussion lead to some revisions on the natural area/retention basin to meet needs/requirements (combination of detention/retention basin)
East Central St is under State jurisdiction, needs state permit, met with them recently.
Looking into The Mann Plaza and the King St intersection, and to include the Chestnut Ridge property (although not submitted at this time)
state work looked into justification of need for signal, signal is needed, would be synchronized with the Mann Plaza intersection
would widen RT 140 both ways, would allow cars turning into McDonald's to still proceed
planning shows this moving from D/C range to a C level of service, an improvement in level of services
Issues being raised by Town Engineer
traffic turn in, right turn only out
entrance/exit from Municipal Lot would be widen to meet the intersection
synchronzing with Mann Pl
need to study left turn from Chestnut St, has that been done
can not recharge from a metal roof into C2, therefore building can't be a metal roof
might need a study funded to see impact of Well #7 which is in the back part of the lot
need to know where the high ground water level is, then design a treatment system for that level
what impact does this have on the design
the new DEP storm water treatment puts this in a critical area
water needs to get into the ground, the water going into the ground needs to be treated
needs more study and more thought
need a hydrogeologist to perform the study
Applicant looking to clarify that the ZBA ruling of 1996 is in fact the determining
if we don't need to back to the ZBA we won't, yes we will work to provide the hyrdogeologist
DEP, redevelopment and Town requirements are intersecting in this area and we are working through these items.
should be around 286 parking spaces and they have not reached that level
Communities are moving away from 5 parking spots per thousand to 4, we will look at that the specific operation at the other areas and see how that applies here.
With a signal at the Town Hall, there will be gaps in the traffic.
Jordan Road is a growing traffic problem and we need to do something with alleviating the problem
There is an air quality consultant on board an it will be part of the traffic analysis.
estimated to be 2800 vehicles per day to the operation, some of the traffic is already here shopping elsewhere along the road, some will be coming
The company has done a market analysis to determine if there can be another market.
We can't address any other proposal as it has not been filed yet.
Concerned about the amount of traffic that this and the other might bring.
Folks on the street fear for their safety getting in getting mail from their mailbox.
There will be something to bring traffic to RT 140
There needs to be progress, we can't remain dormant
It is only a matter of time before you get bigger roads.
Reiterating all the frustration that has been said earlier
When is the study going to be public to us for review?
If this happens, the value of our homes plummets?
The traffic analysis has been filed with the Town, it is a public record
I was in favor of this at the last meeting, but if I heard correctly, I may have spoken too earlier.
I am opposed to this if there is the chance of another supermarket
If you are going to put in another grocery store, put in a Trader Joe's
let's get more local diversity in the town
Has Franklin ever done a master plan? Yes, it has been done.
I am going for this, the shopping here has gotten so expensive I go elsewhere to get savings.
I am looking for the increase in jobs, that is a good thing.
What does this end up doing to traffic and to quality of life?
Big Y is a volume business, that is how they make their money
issues with emergency vehicles, Jordan Road is dangerous today,
it will get worse, do we need to get someone killed
Jordan Road is a scenic road, there are a lot of pre-exisitng problems with the road today
If there is such traffic backed up on a Friday or Saturday afternoon, how will a fire truck get through when the traffic is already at a standstill?
Is there another option to a grocery store? Can we explore other options?
Consider making it easier to go down Chestnut?
I'd love to know what we can do to address Jordan Road?
Officer Spillane - would be the proper person for traffic safety
We are here to see that you are representing the people and not the interests of the business
Anything that promotes a safer community is what we're looking for
To be continued May 3rd. 7:30 PM
We don't pick and choose what businesses come here. It does create tax revenue. It does create jobs.
It has been empty for sometime.
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - hearing: 691 East Central - Van Roon Chiropractic
Opening hearing - Van Roon Chiropractic looking to expand their business by converting a single family home into an office space, expanding the land to accommodate parking, etc. The house is facing on East Central, the driveway comes in from Jordan Road.
Design Review suggested landscaping and sign changes
This will need to go to the Zoning Board as the current plan requirements should not exceed 15% impervious and while they are reducing it from 19.6 to 18.4, it still exceeds 15%.
Town Engineer would rather have the paving removed and have a smaller walk way put into place to reduce the impervious way. The septic system is inadequate and should be addressed. Letters to ZBA and Board of Health will raise these issues.
Hearing on Special Permit for Big Y, and continued hearing on Site Plan for Big Y were announced to be open after the Van Roon hearing completes
Hours of operation - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Discussion on where the water drains to, trying to reduce the drain to Jordan Road. Other spots on the property drain into the grass and that is okay.
Resident on Jordan Road across from the property. The property looks green from her yard today and would change to that of cars in the parking lot. The lighting for night should stay within the Chiropractic property
Jordan Road is a scenic road and having a business entrance on a scenic road goes against what the road designation is for.
Traffic is already dangerous and screened on Jordan at RT 140, good idea to move the entrance to RT 140 where there is more visibility.
Mass Highway would likely object to a curb cut on RT 140 with the existing curb cut on the side street already available.
Continued to 7:15 PM on May 3rd
5 minute recess
Franklin, MA
Design Review suggested landscaping and sign changes
This will need to go to the Zoning Board as the current plan requirements should not exceed 15% impervious and while they are reducing it from 19.6 to 18.4, it still exceeds 15%.
Town Engineer would rather have the paving removed and have a smaller walk way put into place to reduce the impervious way. The septic system is inadequate and should be addressed. Letters to ZBA and Board of Health will raise these issues.
Hearing on Special Permit for Big Y, and continued hearing on Site Plan for Big Y were announced to be open after the Van Roon hearing completes
Hours of operation - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Discussion on where the water drains to, trying to reduce the drain to Jordan Road. Other spots on the property drain into the grass and that is okay.
Resident on Jordan Road across from the property. The property looks green from her yard today and would change to that of cars in the parking lot. The lighting for night should stay within the Chiropractic property
Jordan Road is a scenic road and having a business entrance on a scenic road goes against what the road designation is for.
Traffic is already dangerous and screened on Jordan at RT 140, good idea to move the entrance to RT 140 where there is more visibility.
Mass Highway would likely object to a curb cut on RT 140 with the existing curb cut on the side street already available.
Continued to 7:15 PM on May 3rd
5 minute recess
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Planning Board
Present: John Carroll, Mark Denommee, Ronald Calabrese, Tony Padula, Joseph Halligan,
Bill Yadsernia, Beth Dahlstrom, Brian Taberner
Request for Uncas Ave Extension, notion to approve extension for one year to April 5, 2010. passed unanimously
Approval of Planning Board meeting minutes, Feb 8, 2010, motion to approve, passed unaniously
recessed until 7:15 for hearing on 691 East Central, Van Ron Chiropractic
Franklin, MA
Bill Yadsernia, Beth Dahlstrom, Brian Taberner
Request for Uncas Ave Extension, notion to approve extension for one year to April 5, 2010. passed unanimously
Approval of Planning Board meeting minutes, Feb 8, 2010, motion to approve, passed unaniously
recessed until 7:15 for hearing on 691 East Central, Van Ron Chiropractic
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda, 3/23/10
Town of Franklin
Finance Committee Agenda
Tuesday March 23, 2010
7:00 PM
Municipal Building Third Floor Training Room
Finance Committee Agenda
Tuesday March 23, 2010
7:00 PM
Municipal Building Third Floor Training Room
Balances as of January 2010
Gen Stab 4,611,121
PW Stab 129,430
Debt Stab 379,144
Traffic Stab 21,391
Overlay Surplus 40,000
Free Cash 2,173,842
Call to Order
Citizens Comments
Approval of Minutes
Action Items:
Appropriation:
Assessors - Triennial Property Revaluation - $19,200, Source of Funds: Overlay Surplus
Personal Property Revaluation - $12,000, Source of Funds: Overlay Surplus
Facilities – Parmenter School Solar panels - $10,000 Source of Funds: Free Cash
Capital Improvement Plan - $2,119,000
Old Business
New Business
Adjournment
Franklin, MA
"There is something wrong with it"
Do this now.
You can take 3 minutes.
More rewarding that radio
or that Facebook update in your email
Sir Ken Robinson in a short three minute video:
Attending the Finance Committee meeting doesn't mean I don't believe that the School Committee meeting isn't important.
The School Committee meeting is important.
Multiple worthy recognitions will be awarded.
Good things will occur that will reward the effort and time put into them.
I'll "follow the money" in this case to see what will happen in the Finance Committee meeting.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video clip.
Franklin, MA
You can take 3 minutes.
More rewarding that radio
or that Facebook update in your email
Sir Ken Robinson in a short three minute video:
Attending the Finance Committee meeting doesn't mean I don't believe that the School Committee meeting isn't important.
The School Committee meeting is important.
Multiple worthy recognitions will be awarded.
Good things will occur that will reward the effort and time put into them.
I'll "follow the money" in this case to see what will happen in the Finance Committee meeting.
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view this video clip.
Franklin, MA
Busy Tuesday
There are three meetings scheduled for the same time (7:00 PM) in different rooms at the Municipal Bldg Tuesday evening.
The School Committee meeting is in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. This will be broadcast via cable and the internet. The agenda is available on the Schools page and here on Franklin Matters.
The Design Review Committee is also scheduled to meet at Room 205 next to the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor. This group is part of the review process for the Big Y application. The Town website provides a schedule of their meetings and when applications are due but no agenda.
The Finance Committee is also scheduled to meet in the Training Room on the 3rd floor. No agenda is currently available on the Town website to confirm what will be discussed.
Given the likelihood of the FY 2011 budget being art of the Finance Committee meeting, I'll attend that one and attempt to broadcast it via the internet. Assuming I am successful, you can return here on Tuesday night and find a link to view the broadcast. The broadcast should also be available after the meeting for review on demand.
Updated 3/22/10 - 7:35 AM
I just received a copy of the Finance Committee agenda. The Capital Budget will be the major item for Tuesday's agenda.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
Franklin, MA
The School Committee meeting is in the Council Chambers at 7:00 PM. This will be broadcast via cable and the internet. The agenda is available on the Schools page and here on Franklin Matters.
The Design Review Committee is also scheduled to meet at Room 205 next to the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor. This group is part of the review process for the Big Y application. The Town website provides a schedule of their meetings and when applications are due but no agenda.
The Finance Committee is also scheduled to meet in the Training Room on the 3rd floor. No agenda is currently available on the Town website to confirm what will be discussed.
Given the likelihood of the FY 2011 budget being art of the Finance Committee meeting, I'll attend that one and attempt to broadcast it via the internet. Assuming I am successful, you can return here on Tuesday night and find a link to view the broadcast. The broadcast should also be available after the meeting for review on demand.
Updated 3/22/10 - 7:35 AM
I just received a copy of the Finance Committee agenda. The Capital Budget will be the major item for Tuesday's agenda.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: School Committee agenda 3/23/10
Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.
Mission Statement
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
The Franklin Public Schools, in collaboration with the community, will cultivate each student's intellectual, social, emotional and physical potential through rigorous academic inquiry and informed problem solving skills within a safe, nurturing and respectful environment.
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the Executive and Open Sessions of the March 9, 2010 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Glynn
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: none
2. Guests/Presentations
a. Awards, Recognitions:
1. Retirement – Francis Mazzola, Van Driver
2. Matt Palazini – FHS Basketball: 1,000 points
3. Kimberely Takahata – MIAA National Women in sports Day essay contest winner
4. FHS Wrestling Team – Division 1 Champs: Dan Telhada & Eric Des Lauriers
b. Rock Band Presentation - Annie Sullivan Middle School
1. 8th Grade: Tom Downing, Chris Rich, Drew Simon, Joe Tobin 7th Grade: Sophie Barrow, Kate Franklin, Kaytee Vetrano
3. Discussion Only Items
Budget to Actual
DECA Trip
School Committee Packets
Email Accounts
4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the FHS Program of Study.
b. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $750.00 from the JF Kennedy PCC for a field trip to Boston on May 7, 2010.
c. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $2000.00 from the Davis Thayer PCC for Library books.
d. I recommend approval of the request of FHS for the Girls Lacrosse Team’s trip to Guilford, CT on April 2-3, 2010 for a competition.
e. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $5,000.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. I recommend approval of the RMS recurring field trip to the IMAX Theater in Providence, RI on April 15, 2010 as detailed.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $64.00 from Heart of Stone for the Franklin High School.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $29.16 from Shaws for the Horace Mann Middle School.
i. I recommend approval to declare the attached list of books surplus for the Jefferson Elementary School.
j. I recommend approval of the FHS DECA trip to Louisville, KY for national competition as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
a. Dean College Partnership
b. MSBA
c. FHS Open House
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Executive Session
Contractual Negotiations
Grievance
8. Adjourn
Franklin, MA
Sunday, March 21, 2010
"the school system has declined to come out and endorse cycling to school"
Arlington has an interesting discussion underway about cycling to school. Basically, in one community that is acknowledged as leading the cycling effort, the Arlington School Dept banned students cycling to school. There is no busing as most homes are located within one mile of their elementary school. The schools do not have bike racks. Most of the traffic the cyclists would have to navigate through is other parents dropping off kids at school.
This is an educational opportunity for better health practices (cycling vs autos) apparently being missed.
Read the full article here in the Boston Globe West edition of today's paper
Franklin, MA
This is an educational opportunity for better health practices (cycling vs autos) apparently being missed.
Read the full article here in the Boston Globe West edition of today's paper
Franklin, MA
United Regional Chamber in Boston Globe today
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce — so called because it united the older town chambers in Attleboro, North Attleborough, and Franklin when it was formed in 2008 — has seen a small drop. The three chambers had a combined enrollment of 1070, and membership in the United Chamber today hovers around 1,000.
“We’ve absorbed three offices, and had to find ways to coordinate everything,’’ said Jack Lank, president of the United Chamber. “But we’re very proud to have kept all of our office staff."
Though Lank estimates 30 percent of the chamber’s businesses are delinquent, he says that he has been able to provide level, if not improved, services to members, with more seminars and events.
“When times are tough, people come to the chamber talks looking to drum up business,’’ Lank said. “So it’s important we help them network."
Note: I did make the correction to reflect the proper name of United Regional Chamber of Commerce in the first line of the quote and add the website link. The Globe doesn't include links but someday they should.
Franklin, MA
Letter from Tina Powderly
In case you are not on Tina's distribution and would like to be, she has information on how to do so in this email.
Hello folks-
You are receiving this email either because you signed up for periodic updates on my web page or because I have corresponded with you individually on a particular issue. In this email, I will touch on:1. Proposed charter reviews2. Proposals under Planning Board consideration for new businesses in Franklin3. Waste management4. FY11 budget forecast5. Misc items
Proposed Charter Reviews-This is a very complicated process covering years of work, but I will try to briefly summarize what has happened and where we are now. There are two methods available to municipalities to change a charter. One method is with an elected Charter Commission (done in 1995) and one is with a citizens committee appointed by the Town Council. (done now). The current citizens group made a series of recommendations after significant research and discussion spanning over a year. A Town Council subcommittee was convened because the Citizens Committee made recommendations to the previous Town Council, who did not act on them. Given that 3 new members needed to be brought up to speed, the subcommittee was formed not only to pass along the citizen recommendations but to review said recommendations, as the citizens committee had no binding authority. At this point, there was much discussion about the process as well as each individual recommendation. Frankly, my personal feeling is that the discussion was not always productive and communication could have been better, but we are moving forward. The recommendations on which the Town Council has reached consensus almost exactly mirror the citizens group recommendations. Specifically, change the Treasure/Collector position from elected to appointed and make a number of technical updates to the charter to reflect changes that have occurred in the past 15 years. The Town Council has to formally approve the proposed changes and then send it to the Legislature for approval. The most important point here is that no proposed charter revisions are final until it is approved by voters. The hope is to get these changes on the November ballot. The bottom line: although the process may seem convoluted, many people with many different perspectives have weighed in on this discussion and you and me, as voters, have the absolute final say on whether to approve the proposed revisions.
Proposals under consideration by the Planning Board for new businesses in Franklin-I know there is a concern about the Big Y’s application to the Planning Board for a new store on the abandoned lot on 140. I have seen flyers circulated with some misinformation and would like to correct a few items. First, the Big Y has merely come before the Planning Board. Nothing is approved and the Planning Board has many concerns that need to be addressed. Second, there currently are no other applications before the Planning Board despite the rumors of a Price Chopper, Bertucci’s etc. These applications may eventually surface, but nothing is before the Board currently. Please voice any concerns, or simply learn about the process by attending or watching on cable the Planning Board meeting on March 22nd at 7pm in the Municipal Office Building.
Waste management-I have attached a link to an article in the Globe about recycling rates in MA. I spoke with some residents who had hoped that we could improve recycling (and both control/decrease costs and improve our environmental impact) within the current system. I think this article objectively articulates why the Recycling Committee, DPW, and the Town Council all agreed that this new system was the best way to meet our goals.
FY11 budget forecast –State aid figures are not finalized, but the Governor’s proposed budget and the Senate’s proposed budget are out. Franklin is estimated to be down $3.7M in state aid from FY09 to FY11. In my opinion, this will have a serious impact on the level of services that Franklin can continue to provide.
Misc items
- Town Council just voted to ease restrictions that make it difficult for biotechnology companies to locate here. We hope to attract biotech companies to vacant Industrial Park space and bring in additional revenue to the Town.
- Roads are in tough shape and this is a priority. Historically, road repair is funded by the state through Chapter 90. As you can imagine, these funds have decreased. Franklin will have to begin directing its own funds towards road upkeep, but it is exorbitantly expensive. Please continue to give feedback while we work to address this crisis.
- And just an FYI… Dean College’s graduation in Saturday, May 8th at noon. Please expect high traffic and temporary road closures downtown around this time.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions. If you would prefer not to receive these emails, please let me know. Finally, please forward this information along to anyone you think might be interested and encourage others to sign up for updates at www.tinapowderly.com.
Thank you.Tina Powderly
Franklin, MA
"The town census is just as important as the federal census"
In Franklin, Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri said the town's return rates are typically at about 98 percent and have stayed that way despite it being a federal census year.
"We sent it out at the end of December," said Pellegri. "We do send out a second notice and phone calls after that, but it's very accurate."
Confusion with census forms worries some officials
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Design Review Commission
The Design Review Commission (DRC) has had numerous projects come before them this year. The Commission is currently composed of Jennifer Peters, Chair; Lenley Rafuse, Vice-Chair; Richard Tobin, Jr., Jill Bedoya and James Esterbrook, as well as associate members, Mark Fitzgerald and Robin Stamp.
This past year, the Commission reviewed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to elevations, colors and materials, including, the Franklin Housing Authority's Plain Street facility; renovations to the 12-36 East Central Street block; Walgreen's Pharmacy; the landscaping and lighting added to the area between 12-36 East Central Street and Summer Street. Signage and awnings were reviewed and approved for many additional locations, including the above, as well as Rockland Trust, Daddario's Hardware and many more throughout the year.
Work on the Town's new sign by-law has been in progress throughout the year and hopefully will be presented to the Town Council prior to the year end.
Meetings are held at the Franklin Municipal Building, Room 205, 355 East Central Street, at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Meeting times and dates are posted at the Town Clerk’s Office. Meetings are usually less than an hour and a half in length.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Peters, Chair
Design Review Commission
From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.
This post was originally made on Franklin Matters on December 30, 2009.
Franklin, MA
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Franklin, MA: Planning Board
The Planning Board (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 local Zoning By-Laws (Ch. 185).
The Board works together with the Department of Planning and Community Development, the Department of Public Works, and Town Administration. In addition, the Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Committee on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues. Two notable projects permitted this year were for a Walgreens Pharmacy, currently under construction at the former location of the “Four Corners School” at the intersection of East Central, King and Cross Streets, and a new performance center/dining hall at the Dean College campus intended to improve and expand its dance and theatre curriculum. The Franklin Center Commons project continued to move forward this year. Construction was completed on the 15 Summer Street building in the fall of 2008. Plans for the demolition and new construction of the front building (12-36 East Central Street) are currently on hold. The town is working closely with the developer to help produce the best possible result for the final phase of this important project in the downtown.
The Board has, and will continue to focus on updating the existing zoning by-laws to more accurately define the needs and goals of the town. This year, the Board reviewed and made recommendations for amending the non-conforming buildings, structures, and uses by-law, which was subsequently approved by the Town Council in December 2008. The Board will also continue 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 7:00PM in the Town Hall. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.
This year, the Planning Board saw a significant decrease in the number of applications presented.
Planning Board Activity
(July 2008 through June 2009)
Definitive Subdivisions and
Modifications- 1
Preliminary Subdivisions 0
81P Plans 5
Site Plans 5
Limited Site Plan Modifications 14
Special Permits 6
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. Two seats will be up for election in November 2009.
Current Planning Board members:
Tony Padula, Chairman
Board member since November, 1999
Ron Calabrese, Vice Chairman
Board member since November, 2005
Joseph Gill, Clerk
Board member since January, 2008
Mark Denommee
Board member since November, 2007
Gregory Ballarino
Board member since November, 2007
Joseph Halligan
Associate Member since January, 2008
Please visit our website for additional information including application forms, and regularly posted agendas and meeting minutes at:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Bcomm/planning
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony Padula, Chairman
In the November 2009 Town election, Padula and Halligan were elected to the full member spots. John Carroll was also elected as an associate member. Effectively, Halligan moved from associate to full member to replace Joe Gill and Carroll replaced Halligan as the associate member.
From the 2009 Town of Franklin Annual Report. This is available in a printed version at the Municipal Building or online at the Town website here.
This was originally posted on Franklin Matters on January 6, 2010. An understanding of the Planning Board process will be helpful in the next couple of weeks as the supermarket proposals get reviewed in that forum.
Franklin, MA
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