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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Monday, April 10, 2017
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Computer Seminar Reminder - May 11
Clean out the closet: Give used shoes for the Charity Soles 4 Souls®
Here is something that the Franklin community can get behind – Postalcenter has teamed up with a Millis high school student who is collecting used shoes for the charity Soles 4 Souls®.
There is a Postalcenter in Franklin that will collect until Apr 30: https://www.postalcenter.com/business-and-home-office/solesforsouls.aspx
There is a Postalcenter in Franklin that will collect until Apr 30: https://www.postalcenter.com/business-and-home-office/solesforsouls.aspx
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https://www.facebook.com/postalcenter.franklin/ |
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Land Use Workshop - Thursday, April 13
Land Use Workshop
April 13, 2017 at 6:30 PM
355 East Central Street
Council Chambers
Topics for Workshop
• COMMUNITY APPROACH TO HOUSING and Economic Development
1. Current Growth spurt? - see attached Memo
2. Residential VII ?
3. Commercial I
4. Commercial II
5. Height of issues in Cl, C2, Downtown and RS
6. Affordable housing
• lnclusionary Zoning - for affordable/or open space?7. Open Space Acquisition Plan?
History
Master Plan Adopted by the Town Council in 2013
Changes as a result of the Master Plan
• Change Industrial to R 5 at the end of Dean Ave (Thompson Press)
• Allow surface parking lots as primary use in Downtown
• Clean up zone lines in the Downtown
• Rural business (was Neighborhood Commercial) - Washington Street and Spring Street
• Change R4 to RS on West Central near Beaver Street
Zoning in Master Plan not addressed to date
• C-1 issues/options/location
Recent proposed changes not included in the Master Plan
1. Residential VII East Central Street - Citizen/Developer petition
2. Storage Facility moved from CII to industrial - In process
3. Medical Marijuana - State law passed - adopted
4. Recreation Marijuana - State law passed - adopted
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Thompson Press building on Dean Ave - future site of 200+ condos |
The original agenda document for the Land Use Workshop
The Master Plan can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan
The 5 part Special Report on the development of the Residential VII zoning proposal can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 12, 2017
A. Approval of Minutes |
A. Approval of Minutes - March 22, 2017
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B. Announcements |
B. Announcements: This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be also recorded by others.
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C. Proclamations/Recognition |
C. Proclamations/Recognition
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D. Citizen Comments |
D. Citizen Comments: Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
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E. Appointments - Franklin Cultural Council |
E. Appointments - Franklin Cultural Council
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F. Hearings |
F. Hearings
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G. License Transactions |
G. License Transactions
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H. Presentations/Discussions |
H. Presentations/Discussions: Ligislative Delegation: Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Richard Ross, Representative Jeffrey Roy
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I. Subcommittee Reports |
I. Subcommittee Reports
(provided during the meeting as needed) |
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION | |
1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5)) |
1. Resolution 17-20: Chapter 61A. Non-Exercise of First Refusal Option -Property located at 4 Mount Street (Motion to Move Resolution 17-20: Majority Vote (5))
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2. Resolution 17-21: Compenation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5)) |
2. Resolution 17-21: Compensation Plan, FY 2018 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-21: Majority vote (5))
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3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Apprval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5)) |
3. Resolution 17-22:Town Council Approval of the Resubmittal of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-755: Zoning Map Changes from Rural Residential I to Residential VII of an Area on Summer Street ( Motion to Move Resolution 17-22: Majority vote (5))
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4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5)) |
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Water - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Majority Roll Call vote (5))
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5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5)) |
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with Tasting Room - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to the Planning Board (Majority Vote (5))
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6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5)) |
6. Bylaw Amendment 17-789: Amendment to Water System Map - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-789 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))
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7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5)) |
7. Bylaw Amendment 17-790: Amendment to Sewer System Map-1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-790 to a 2nd Reading- Majority vote(5))
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K. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT | (provided during the meeting) |
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | (provided during the meeting) |
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS | (provided during the meeting) |
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION | not currently scheduled |
O. ADJOURN |
FHS girls lacrosse tops Sharon 17 - 5
Girls Lacrosse
Sharon, 5 @ Franklin, 17 – Final– Sophomore Annie Walsh found the back of the net four times while adding one assist while Julia Jetta also recorded five points, scoring twice and setting up three more tallies to lead the Panthers. Caroline Lounsbury added four goals and Alex Field had five draws and two caused turnovers.
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FHS Panthers |
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-040817/
Tri-County RVTHS Students Win First Place in the SkillsUSA Chapter Community Service Competition
Three Tri-County RVTHS SkillsUSA students won first place in the SkillsUSA chapter community service competition for high school students. Merna Amaya and Rosa Martines, both of North Attleboro, and Hanna Goudreau of Medway all who are grade 11 Medical careers students created a Kindness Matters campaign for the high school.
The students will now go on to the SkillsUSA National competition. Kindness Matters is not just another “anti-bullying” campaign. Instead, it’s a pro-kindness message that shows students the power of their words and the power of kindness.
Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to reinforce thoughtful and caring acts among students and their peers. The Tri-County team created a campaign leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of suicide through Kindness Matters. Mema, Rosa and Hannah created several initiatives to promote the campaign.
They created Kisses for Kindness in which students were able to send other students inspirational messages in Hershey’s kisses; a Kindness Poster Contest promoting kindness and positivity; an SOS class that was held for Sophomores to teach them about signs of suicide and depression; Room for More which helps students who have no one to sit with at lunch be paired with other students; a Coping Skills Table at the school that displayed positive coping skills; posters were hung up in bathrooms with suicide hotline telephone numbers; and they also sent out surveys to parents on measuring depression with their children.
Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to change the way people interact with each other. It is the legacy of 13 year old Peyton A. James, who took his life after years of bullying. In this world of technology and constant communication, it’s often difficult to escape the ridicule that seems to be everywhere.
The purpose of Kindness Matters is to change the dialogue that takes place between people every day. Kindness Matters is not just about bullying because not everyone is a “bully.” However, everyone can be a little bit kinder to others. By doing that, we can change the world.
“Random acts of kindness, big and small, can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “I am proud of the Tri-County students and this initiative for our school. It is our hope to inspire students to be more thoughtful and caring, knowing that one act of kindness can lead to making a difference in someone’s life.”
The students will now go on to the SkillsUSA National competition. Kindness Matters is not just another “anti-bullying” campaign. Instead, it’s a pro-kindness message that shows students the power of their words and the power of kindness.
Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to reinforce thoughtful and caring acts among students and their peers. The Tri-County team created a campaign leading an effort to inform their peers about the signs and symptoms of suicide through Kindness Matters. Mema, Rosa and Hannah created several initiatives to promote the campaign.
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(from left) Rosa Martinez, Hanna Goudreau and Merna Amaya |
They created Kisses for Kindness in which students were able to send other students inspirational messages in Hershey’s kisses; a Kindness Poster Contest promoting kindness and positivity; an SOS class that was held for Sophomores to teach them about signs of suicide and depression; Room for More which helps students who have no one to sit with at lunch be paired with other students; a Coping Skills Table at the school that displayed positive coping skills; posters were hung up in bathrooms with suicide hotline telephone numbers; and they also sent out surveys to parents on measuring depression with their children.
Kindness Matters is a campaign designed to change the way people interact with each other. It is the legacy of 13 year old Peyton A. James, who took his life after years of bullying. In this world of technology and constant communication, it’s often difficult to escape the ridicule that seems to be everywhere.
The purpose of Kindness Matters is to change the dialogue that takes place between people every day. Kindness Matters is not just about bullying because not everyone is a “bully.” However, everyone can be a little bit kinder to others. By doing that, we can change the world.
“Random acts of kindness, big and small, can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Superintendent Stephen Dockray. “I am proud of the Tri-County students and this initiative for our school. It is our hope to inspire students to be more thoughtful and caring, knowing that one act of kindness can lead to making a difference in someone’s life.”
Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - April 11
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Saturday, April 8, 2017
"Resubmission requires that a majority of the Council present at a Town Council meeting approve the resubmittal"
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
RESOLUTION 17-22
TOWN COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE RESUBMITTAL OF
ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 16-775
ZONING MAP CHANGES FROM RURAL RESIDENTIAL I TO
RESIDENTIAL VII OF AN AREA ON SUMMER STREET
16-775 at its second reading on January 18, 2017, and
WHEREAS, the proposed bylaw amendment’s sponsor desires to resubmit it to
the Town Council, and
WHEREAS, Franklin Town Council Procedures Manual, Section VIII,
Resubmission requires that a majority of the Council present at a Town Council meeting approve the resubmittal,
NOW THEREFORE, the Franklin Town Council, hereby approves the resubmittal
of Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775 for consideration and action, pursuant to the provisions of G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5, applicable to the reconsideration within two years of a proposed zoning bylaw amendment which has been unfavorably acted upon.
This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of
the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.
The PDF of this agenda item can be found on the official Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/17-22_resubmittal_of_zoning_bylaw_amendment_for_summer_st_0.pdf
Voices of Franklin: Sarah Mabardy on the proposal for Summer St rezoning
Dear Town Council,
As a Franklin resident, I am reaching out to express my opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Summer Street property. While I appreciate a private land owner's desire to maximize personal gain from privately owned land, it is my opinion that the Franklin Town Council and Planning Board should not be complicit in making opportunistic changes that directly contradict the Franklin Master Plan and compromise Franklin's finite resources and infrastructure.
As outlined in Jeff Nutting's letter to council in October 2016 in response to this very subject, there are over 800+ units proposed in Franklin in the not so distant future. Administrator Nutting asks "Does the Town Council want to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?" I would amend this question to ask 'Does the Town Council represent the residents of Franklin in their desire to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?'
Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to serving the entire Franklin community in your role as an elected Town Councilor.
Thank you sincerely for your service and for your commitment to our city.
Sarah Mabardy
resident
The Jeff Nutting letter referred to:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html
Sarah's letter was shared from Facebook with her permission
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1864863610450323/
The recap of the Residential 7 zoning was covered in a 5 part Special Series published earlier this year
Part 3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-3-residential-vii-processing.html
Part 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-4-following-residential-vii-bylaw.html
Part 5
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html
As a Franklin resident, I am reaching out to express my opposition to the proposed zoning changes for the Summer Street property. While I appreciate a private land owner's desire to maximize personal gain from privately owned land, it is my opinion that the Franklin Town Council and Planning Board should not be complicit in making opportunistic changes that directly contradict the Franklin Master Plan and compromise Franklin's finite resources and infrastructure.
As outlined in Jeff Nutting's letter to council in October 2016 in response to this very subject, there are over 800+ units proposed in Franklin in the not so distant future. Administrator Nutting asks "Does the Town Council want to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?" I would amend this question to ask 'Does the Town Council represent the residents of Franklin in their desire to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan?'
Please take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to serving the entire Franklin community in your role as an elected Town Councilor.
Thank you sincerely for your service and for your commitment to our city.
Sarah Mabardy
resident
The Jeff Nutting letter referred to:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html
Sarah's letter was shared from Facebook with her permission
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/permalink/1864863610450323/
The recap of the Residential 7 zoning was covered in a 5 part Special Series published earlier this year
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-3-residential-vii-processing.html
Part 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-4-following-residential-vii-bylaw.html
Part 5
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-5-full-residential-vii-timeline.html
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Cook's Farm is being built on RT 140 as the first Residential VII development in Franklin |
FHS Mahon, Peterson, Samuels recognized with HockomockSports Boys Basketball Awards
Hockomock Sports .Com has published their Boys Basketball Awards for the 2016-2017 season. The FHS student athletes recognized as listed here. Follow the link at the end of this for all the awards.
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2016-2017/
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HockomockSports Boys Basketball 1st Team (HockomockSports photo) |
1st Team
Paul Mahon – Franklin – Guard
Franklin junior Paul Mahon emerged as one of the top guards in the league with strong all around play for the Panthers this season. Mahon helped the Panthers to a second place finish in the division and then was a key piece in the Panthers’ run to the state title game. He averaged 11.1 points per game, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals and shot an impressive 40% from the three-point line. “Paul is the most unselfish player I have ever coached and set the tone and expectations for our team with his leadership throughout the year,” said head coach CJ Neely.![]() |
HockomockSports Boys Basketball 2nd Team (HockomockSports photo) |
2nd Team
Connor Peterson – Franklin – Forward
Franklin junior Connor Peterson played a key role for the Panthers this season. Peterson helped Franklin on both ends of the floor during the Panthers’ run to the state title game. He averaged 11.2 points per game and hauled in 5.6 boards per game. His size gave the Panthers a big advantage on the defensive end of the court as well, often altering many shots. “Connor was a solid force on the interior for us all year long and was able to impact the game on both ends of the floor,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely.![]() |
HockomockSports Boys Basketball All Underclassman Team (HockomockSports photo) |
All Uuderclassman Team
Jalen Samuels, Franklin
Samuels did it all during the season for the Panthers. He averaged 8.7 points per game along with 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2 steals and one block a game. He seemed to insert himself more and more as the season went along.https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-basketball/2016-2017/
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