New Items for February 2011
Browse a list of new books, dvds, music, games and audiobooks recently added to the collection. Click the title link to check availability in the Minuteman Library Catalog.
New Children's Items Feb. 2011
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Curbside Chronicle: Apr - Jun 2011
The Franklin DPW has published the Curbside Chronicle for Apr - Jun 2011.
Curbside Chronicle for Apr - Jun 2011
Franklin, MA
Curbside Chronicle for Apr - Jun 2011
Franklin, MA
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Public Health Advisory: Private drinking water wells
Mass DEP/USGS Arsenic and Uranium Bedrock Well Study, Public Health Advisory
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water Program released the results of a U.S. Geological Survey study regarding arsenic and uranium in private drinking water wells in Massachusetts on March 21, 2011.
The study suggests that naturally occurring arsenic and uranium levels in some private drinking water wells in Franklin may exceed recommended levels. Mass DEP has developed a comprehensive website to provide town residents with information regarding the details of the study, the resources for determining if one’s well may be impacted, as well as information on well testing and mitigation procedures.
At the current time, only private drinking water wells in a small area of southwest Franklin have been determined to be suspect based on maps provided by Mass DEP.
The Franklin Health Department urges residents in the suspect areas to carefully review all information on the Mass DEP website, and to have their drinking water wells tested and treated as necessary.
Residents who are served by the town’s public drinking water wells are not affected by this advisory.
Important Contacts:
For questions regarding the US Geological Survey report contact John Colman at USGS at (508)-490-5027.
For questions regarding health effects of arsenic and uranium contact Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617)-624-5757 or (800)-240-4266.
For questions regarding arsenic mitigation contact Joe Cerutti, Mass DEP at (617) 292-5859.
For questions regarding uranium mitigation contact Steve Hallem, Mass DEP at (617)-292-5681.
You may also contact the Franklin Health Department at (508)-520-4905.
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/au/aulocate.htm
Franklin, MA
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Drinking Water Program released the results of a U.S. Geological Survey study regarding arsenic and uranium in private drinking water wells in Massachusetts on March 21, 2011.
The study suggests that naturally occurring arsenic and uranium levels in some private drinking water wells in Franklin may exceed recommended levels. Mass DEP has developed a comprehensive website to provide town residents with information regarding the details of the study, the resources for determining if one’s well may be impacted, as well as information on well testing and mitigation procedures.
At the current time, only private drinking water wells in a small area of southwest Franklin have been determined to be suspect based on maps provided by Mass DEP.
The Franklin Health Department urges residents in the suspect areas to carefully review all information on the Mass DEP website, and to have their drinking water wells tested and treated as necessary.
Residents who are served by the town’s public drinking water wells are not affected by this advisory.
Important Contacts:
For questions regarding the US Geological Survey report contact John Colman at USGS at (508)-490-5027.
For questions regarding health effects of arsenic and uranium contact Massachusetts Department of Public Health at (617)-624-5757 or (800)-240-4266.
For questions regarding arsenic mitigation contact Joe Cerutti, Mass DEP at (617) 292-5859.
For questions regarding uranium mitigation contact Steve Hallem, Mass DEP at (617)-292-5681.
You may also contact the Franklin Health Department at (508)-520-4905.
http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/drinking/au/aulocate.htm
Franklin, MA
Anthony Robles defines the impossible
I posted the other day about taking on the impossible. As impressive as Sarah Kay was with her words and delivery, Anthony is that much more impressive!
What is impossible?
Franklin, MA
What is impossible?
Franklin, MA
"create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown"
"Downtown is a very unique area," Taberner told about 25 people who attended the meeting. "It is much different than a half-mile (away). It's perfect for transit-oriented, mixed-use (development)."
That overall concept is still important to creating a vibrant downtown, but planning staff plan to soften some of the planned changes from downtown's current commercial zoning as a result of the meeting, he said.
The proposal initially included parking mandates for residential and commercial space, but the new plan requires 1.5 spaces per residential unit and no commercial parking. Under current zoning, there are no parking requirements for residential or commercial projects allowed by right.
That change pleased Diane Glass, who owns a commercial building on East Central Street. Glass worried that if property owners were required to add parking spaces for commercial space, they would limit the parking to their customers, creating empty spaces when those businesses were closed.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x617855042/Franklin-officials-to-soften-changes-in-downtown-zoning#ixzz1HJpjBFp7
My notes from the meeting can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/03/live-reporting-downtown-commercial.html
Note: The sentence
"But several town councilors and downtown business and property owners worried the proposal would drive away businesses by making height, parking and other requirements too strict."
Would be more accurate if it read as follows:
"But several downtown business and property owners worried the proposal would drive away businesses by making height, parking and other requirements too strict." Only 1 Town Councilor was present at the meeting.
Franklin, MA
"expected to create 150 full- and part-time jobs"
Big Y representatives met with town officials last week, outlining a preliminary plan under which construction would begin in July, Planning Director Bryan Taberner said.
Representatives of the Springfield-based supermarket chain "came back to talk in general terms and figure out what steps they have to take," Taberner said.
One of the biggest hurdles will be coordinating with the state Department of Transportation to install a traffic light at the supermarket's entrance, he said.
The Planning Board approved the 56,800-square-foot store in June. It will be built across the street from the Franklin Municipal Building, on the former site of the Franklin Buffet restaurant, 348 East Central St.
"Any development there right now would be a good thing. In general, commercial development is needed" to expand the tax base and create jobs, Taberner said.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1664571114/Construction-on-Big-Y-could-start-this-summer#ixzz1HJsCKrOJ
Future site of the Big Y. The Big Y celebrates their 75th anniversary as a MA company this year.
Franklin, MA
Monday, March 21, 2011
Live reporting - Downtown Commercial Zoning workshop
The room is collecting folks, there should be a good gathering tonight for the workshop. Over 20 total in the room thus far.
----
Bryan Taberner and Beth Dahlstrom leading meeting. Bryan will provide an overview then address an issue at a time to see if consensus can be reached before moving on. Not here to propose any way as the right way. What we come up with is what we determine is to be good for Franklin.
Downtown Proposed DC Zoning 3/21/11
sign bylaw would address areas distinctly, downtown different than the other C1 zoned areas.
zoning district would have its own requirements, there may be common items but it should be easier to change a single item where necessary.
proposed 7 amendments at Nov 17, 2010 meeting
came back in Dec with a phased approach
Phase 1 was proposed with four specific bylaw changes
Downtown is a unique area - Is a new Downtown Commercial Zoning District needed?
Stephen Pisini - raised issue of the proposal leaving out some of the uses that are already present, i.e. MBTA, government buildings, Dean College, etc. and the proposal requirements are rather restrictive to use.
Bryan - let's separate the creation of a downtown district unique and separate from the other proposal requirements. There is funding available for transit oriented development.
Jeff Nutting - one of the motivations of this goes back to the history of the Marini project. There is no mixed used development by right. There are no parking requirements. The uncertainty of a two year process is inhibiting potential development. Do I like it the way it is? If I were to redevelopment my property, would I be willing to go with a two year process with so much uncertainty?
Announcement of audio recording by Franklin Matters
Round of introductions, many property owners
Calabrese and Halligan from the Planning Board; Pfeffer from Town Council; Roche, Building Commissioner
Franklin putting $7 million plus into improving the downtown area
currently don't have the right to put residential and commercial in the same building, Marini had to get a special permit. Would like to try and make that more easily understood and possible.
Should by-right mixed use development be allowed in Downtown core?
There is a misunderstanding around confirming or non-conforming. The zoning would allow continuation of pre-existing. Everything currently in downtown is allowed and would be allowed. Should there be more gas stations? More is the key word - no, there shouldn't be more. Should the existing ones remain and upgrade as required, yes.
-----
The second presentation with the examples of other downtown design features can be viewed here
DC Presentation Examples 3/21/11
-----
Some folks can not deal with this proposal one item at a time as they are stuck on the full proposal details which are not being addressed at this point. A better facilitator could make the presentation more easily understood.
-----
Downtown is worthy of being a separate district but there should be a more liberal allowance for what can be brought in than suggested.
Revisiting the arguments for the proposal (with specifics still to be determined) rather than eliciting the suggestions or questions from the property owners.
Jeff bringing Bryan back to the task at hand
Clarification on where this stands with the Town Council? The proposal was not officially submitted to the Council. The Council asked for the workshop to be held to gather and build some consensus before bring the proposal back to them.
Dimensional requirements - minimum lot dimension
keeping the current C1 zoning with the one change of depth from zero to 50.
Dimensional requirements - setbacks
possible to use a setback for first floor only to create room to move on the ground
What if one of the property owners rebuilt and put the 5 ft setback on the ground floor? Wouldn't that create some irregular look?
Is it fair to say that we are not meeting ADA and MA building requirements as it exists?
Wider sidewalks are actually a good thing, but there isn't sufficient parking.
If you don't want to build to the 5 ft setback, you can get a variance.
Some of the setback issues are misunderstood. There is a restriction today if they were to rebuild to have a 20 ft setback, with the proposal they could have a 5 ft setback. They actually can get a larger building with the proposal by right than they would by variance.
Rear setback not being changed, primarily for fire department access (where buildings are not being built next to each other). These setbacks are used for building access for other reasons, dumpsters, etc. Building codes do change, you don't always get to build exactly the same building that you had. Fire codes need to be addressed.
After discussion, keep the zero for side setback.
When you get to the coverage issues, the 5 ft side setback would help.
Dimensional Requirements - Coverage
proposing 80% for structure and structure plus paving 90%
biggest issue is with holding and treating the water due to EPA regulations
Realistically a developer would not be able to make a compelling case by reducing building area. increasing set backs, build at higher cost and have less square foot available for rent. Only if the building increases in height, or a couple of parcels are combined to make it more viable.
Clarifications on if these proposals were put through these changes would be 'by right' would special permit still be available - key word would be 'relief'.
no consensus on coverage requirements
Proposed Dimensional Requirements - Height
3-dimensional design diagram help make the case on what the downtown looks like today
what the downtown would look like with 4 floors 40 foot with today
what the downtown would look like with 5 stories 60 foot with the special permit proposal
public was not happy with 4 story never mind by 5 story during the meetings for the Marini project
-----
current requirements don't call for any parking
the proposed requirements would call for:
residential - 1.5 parking spaces per housing unit
non-residential - 3.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sf of gross floor area
if it is a change of use, and residential is proposed, then the parking requirements would come into play
keeping it simple, you could go higher on parking but for by-right proposal, this gives us more than we have today and fosters the transit oriented development
Discussion on the central area, the 67 parcels would be carved out of C1 and put into the new DC zone
It is the issue of by-right mixed development. Folks are not understanding the term and how it is being used.
It is actually the other way around, you could provide a minimal amount of parking for residential and not have to provide for the business.
The setback for the 4th floor is to help create some sunlight coming down to the street.
If you want sun go to Florida!
All this info will be gathered and sent out. The summary of tonight would come forward as a new proposal before Planning Board and Town Council for review and approvals.
Distribute within 2 weeks.
The meeting closes
Franklin, MA
----
Bryan Taberner and Beth Dahlstrom leading meeting. Bryan will provide an overview then address an issue at a time to see if consensus can be reached before moving on. Not here to propose any way as the right way. What we come up with is what we determine is to be good for Franklin.
Downtown Proposed DC Zoning 3/21/11
sign bylaw would address areas distinctly, downtown different than the other C1 zoned areas.
zoning district would have its own requirements, there may be common items but it should be easier to change a single item where necessary.
proposed 7 amendments at Nov 17, 2010 meeting
came back in Dec with a phased approach
Phase 1 was proposed with four specific bylaw changes
Downtown is a unique area - Is a new Downtown Commercial Zoning District needed?
Stephen Pisini - raised issue of the proposal leaving out some of the uses that are already present, i.e. MBTA, government buildings, Dean College, etc. and the proposal requirements are rather restrictive to use.
Bryan - let's separate the creation of a downtown district unique and separate from the other proposal requirements. There is funding available for transit oriented development.
Jeff Nutting - one of the motivations of this goes back to the history of the Marini project. There is no mixed used development by right. There are no parking requirements. The uncertainty of a two year process is inhibiting potential development. Do I like it the way it is? If I were to redevelopment my property, would I be willing to go with a two year process with so much uncertainty?
Announcement of audio recording by Franklin Matters
Round of introductions, many property owners
Calabrese and Halligan from the Planning Board; Pfeffer from Town Council; Roche, Building Commissioner
Franklin putting $7 million plus into improving the downtown area
currently don't have the right to put residential and commercial in the same building, Marini had to get a special permit. Would like to try and make that more easily understood and possible.
Should by-right mixed use development be allowed in Downtown core?
There is a misunderstanding around confirming or non-conforming. The zoning would allow continuation of pre-existing. Everything currently in downtown is allowed and would be allowed. Should there be more gas stations? More is the key word - no, there shouldn't be more. Should the existing ones remain and upgrade as required, yes.
-----
The second presentation with the examples of other downtown design features can be viewed here
DC Presentation Examples 3/21/11
-----
Some folks can not deal with this proposal one item at a time as they are stuck on the full proposal details which are not being addressed at this point. A better facilitator could make the presentation more easily understood.
-----
Downtown is worthy of being a separate district but there should be a more liberal allowance for what can be brought in than suggested.
Revisiting the arguments for the proposal (with specifics still to be determined) rather than eliciting the suggestions or questions from the property owners.
Jeff bringing Bryan back to the task at hand
Clarification on where this stands with the Town Council? The proposal was not officially submitted to the Council. The Council asked for the workshop to be held to gather and build some consensus before bring the proposal back to them.
Dimensional requirements - minimum lot dimension
keeping the current C1 zoning with the one change of depth from zero to 50.
Dimensional requirements - setbacks
possible to use a setback for first floor only to create room to move on the ground
What if one of the property owners rebuilt and put the 5 ft setback on the ground floor? Wouldn't that create some irregular look?
Is it fair to say that we are not meeting ADA and MA building requirements as it exists?
Wider sidewalks are actually a good thing, but there isn't sufficient parking.
If you don't want to build to the 5 ft setback, you can get a variance.
Some of the setback issues are misunderstood. There is a restriction today if they were to rebuild to have a 20 ft setback, with the proposal they could have a 5 ft setback. They actually can get a larger building with the proposal by right than they would by variance.
Rear setback not being changed, primarily for fire department access (where buildings are not being built next to each other). These setbacks are used for building access for other reasons, dumpsters, etc. Building codes do change, you don't always get to build exactly the same building that you had. Fire codes need to be addressed.
After discussion, keep the zero for side setback.
When you get to the coverage issues, the 5 ft side setback would help.
Dimensional Requirements - Coverage
proposing 80% for structure and structure plus paving 90%
biggest issue is with holding and treating the water due to EPA regulations
Realistically a developer would not be able to make a compelling case by reducing building area. increasing set backs, build at higher cost and have less square foot available for rent. Only if the building increases in height, or a couple of parcels are combined to make it more viable.
Clarifications on if these proposals were put through these changes would be 'by right' would special permit still be available - key word would be 'relief'.
no consensus on coverage requirements
Proposed Dimensional Requirements - Height
3-dimensional design diagram help make the case on what the downtown looks like today
what the downtown would look like with 4 floors 40 foot with today
what the downtown would look like with 5 stories 60 foot with the special permit proposal
public was not happy with 4 story never mind by 5 story during the meetings for the Marini project
-----
Proposed Parking Requirements
current requirements don't call for any parking
the proposed requirements would call for:
residential - 1.5 parking spaces per housing unit
non-residential - 3.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sf of gross floor area
if it is a change of use, and residential is proposed, then the parking requirements would come into play
keeping it simple, you could go higher on parking but for by-right proposal, this gives us more than we have today and fosters the transit oriented development
Discussion on the central area, the 67 parcels would be carved out of C1 and put into the new DC zone
It is the issue of by-right mixed development. Folks are not understanding the term and how it is being used.
It is actually the other way around, you could provide a minimal amount of parking for residential and not have to provide for the business.
The setback for the 4th floor is to help create some sunlight coming down to the street.
If you want sun go to Florida!
All this info will be gathered and sent out. The summary of tonight would come forward as a new proposal before Planning Board and Town Council for review and approvals.
Distribute within 2 weeks.
The meeting closes
Franklin, MA
Franklin had a Birthday Party!
Franklin held a party on Sunday to celebrate March 2 birthdays. March 2, 1778 is the birthday of Franklin and its birthday is shared by about 70 residents, more than 20 participated in the party. Friends and family members of the March 2 birthday folks filled up the museum.
I arrived too late to catch the 'real' celebration in action.
All the birthday participants received the following certificate.
The Historical Museum is a good place to visit even if it is not your birthday. It is open Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. and Sunday's from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Franklin, MA
I arrived too late to catch the 'real' celebration in action.
All the birthday participants received the following certificate.
The Historical Museum is a good place to visit even if it is not your birthday. It is open Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. and Sunday's from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Franklin, MA
In the News - FHS Hockey
A gallant effort left the FHS Hockey team short in the State Championships yesterday as they lost 2-1 in overtime.
The Milford Daily News has two articles:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/local_sports/x1664570986/Power-plays-prove-critical-in-Franklins-loss
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/local_sports/x1664570988/Despite-disappointment-Panthers-relish-their-succes
Franklin, MA
The Milford Daily News has two articles:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/local_sports/x1664570986/Power-plays-prove-critical-in-Franklins-loss
http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/local_sports/x1664570988/Despite-disappointment-Panthers-relish-their-succes
Franklin, MA
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What can you do with impossible?
"What three things do you know to be true?"
"everyone has stories we can learn from"
Step 1 - "I can"
Step 2 - "I will"
Step 3 - "infuse the stories with the specific things that make you you"
"great stories start at intersections"
"What can you do with impossible?"
Spend 18 minutes with spoken word poet Sarah Kay:
If and when you find your voice, spend a few minutes to write a paragraph or two and email your result to share with the others here as part of "Voices of Franklin"
Sarah Kay will be coming to Salem in May.
Franklin, MA
"everyone has stories we can learn from"
Step 1 - "I can"
Step 2 - "I will"
Step 3 - "infuse the stories with the specific things that make you you"
"great stories start at intersections"
"What can you do with impossible?"
Spend 18 minutes with spoken word poet Sarah Kay:
If and when you find your voice, spend a few minutes to write a paragraph or two and email your result to share with the others here as part of "Voices of Franklin"
Sarah Kay will be coming to Salem in May.
May 13-14, 2011Phil and Sarah headline the Massachusets Poetry Festival in Salem, MAPhil and Sarah will be performing and teaching workshops at this incredible two-day celebration of poetry. Click here to register and for more info!
Franklin, MA
MA DEP Solid Waste Factsheet
MA Dept of Environmental Protection has updated the listing of items that can not be discarded through the normal trash or recycling process. The Solid Waste Factsheet was post to the Franklin website and shared here:
MA DEP Solid Waste Factsheet
Spend a few minutes on Franklin's Recycling and Solid Waste page
Did you know that the serial number listing for the trash and recycle carts is posted online?
Franklin, MA
MA DEP Solid Waste Factsheet
Spend a few minutes on Franklin's Recycling and Solid Waste page
Did you know that the serial number listing for the trash and recycle carts is posted online?
Franklin, MA
Saturday, March 19, 2011
i495 bridge construction update
Have you see the bridge construction signs on i495 announcing construction begins 3/21/11? What are they going to do?
The MassDOT website has the following information:
This one is titled: BELLINGHAM- FRANKLIN- BRIDGE PRESERVATION, B-06-019, B-06-020, F-08-022, F-08-023, OVER/UNDER I-495
Franklin, MA
The MassDOT website has the following information:
The work for all the bridges in this project shall consist of joint work, the sounding of the reinforced concrete deck, mapping the deteriorated areas which need to be partially replaced, removing and replacing the existing bearing. The project will also add a plate and replace the diaphragm for the Farm Street Bridge over Interstate 495. The proposed work also includes cleaning and painting the structural steel, reconstructing the bridge and approach wearing surfaces; reconstruct the approach sidewalk to the bridge and patching any deterioration in concrete surfaces.You can visit the MassDOT site to find other construction projects in the planning or construction phases.
This one is titled: BELLINGHAM- FRANKLIN- BRIDGE PRESERVATION, B-06-019, B-06-020, F-08-022, F-08-023, OVER/UNDER I-495
Franklin, MA
Seminars Offered by The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703 |
"Life's going to throw you a lot of curves"
Byers, a radio personality at WAAF, emphasized the importance of each player fulfilling his roll and not attempting to be the hero during an impromptu visit to the school yesterday.
Teacher Jill Anderson contacted Byers on Wednesday through WAAF because Franklin's hockey team is preparing for the state title. She thought the visit would fit in well with her Sports and Popular Culture class, which has heard from other professional athletes this school year. The class just finished a unit on sports in the 1980s that emphasized the 1980 Miracle on Ice game, when the United States defeated Russia in the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Byers came to speak to the class, which invited members of the hockey team to listen along.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1840139935/Franklin-students-get-pep-talk-from-former-Bruin-Lyndon-Byers#ixzz1H2chPepE
Franklin, MA
"we don't know how long it's going to be until there's another banner up there"
There was once a day where that was likely true. Jimmy Marchand was one of the stars of Franklin's 1983 state championship team, a senior who scored 25 goals in the Panthers' only state championship season.
The only one for now, at least.
James Marchand and his teammates will have something to say about that tomorrow when they play North-champion Tewksbury at TD Garden for the Division 2 crown (1:30 p.m.).
James has been one of the heroes of Franklin's run, scoring in the final minutes against Oliver Ames in the sectional semifinals to complete a late comeback, then scoring twice in the third period to put away Plymouth South in the South final last Sunday.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1664570848/Family-matters-for-Franklins-Marchand#ixzz1H2eq0rzp
Franklin, MA
Friday, March 18, 2011
"First time I smiled doing a derivative."
Salman Khan talks about how he went from a hedge fund analyst to Khan Academy. The use of videos in the classroom and the digital dashboard feedback provided for the teachers fosters better quality teacher interaction time with each student.
Thanks to TED Talks for sharing this video
Franklin, MA
Thanks to TED Talks for sharing this video
Franklin, MA
Franklin Birthday Celebration - Mar 20 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Reminder: Franklin's birthday party at the Historical Museum - Sunday, March 20, 2011
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
There will be a birthday cake, beverages and balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Franklin, MA
Although the Town of Franklin is much older (March 2, 1778), it would be fun to invite everyone that shares March 2nd as their birthday to a “Birthday Bash” at the museum. From the looks of things, we will have over 70 people that share that date from children to adults.
There will be a birthday cake, beverages and balloons. Who knows, we may also have some special birthday presents for everyone.
Your Birthday Celebration
At the Franklin Historical Museum
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Invitation to all
Franklin, MA
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