Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable - Invisible People BiWeekly News

Sharing this worthy source of homelessness information.

This edition also looks at how service providers are reducing racial disparities, indigenous homelessness, sweeps, homeless mortality and more.

View this email in your browser Hi Neighbor, As the 2024 election heats up, debates around housing affordability and immigration are taking center stage. Some candidates blame the recent influx of 3.3 million immigrants for soaring home prices, but this narrative overlooks the real culprits: high borrowing costs and restrictive zoning laws. Our lead article explores how these misconceptions miss the mark and how immigration might actually contribute positively by boosting the construction workforce and revitalizing underinvested neighborhoods. Invisible People is an independent non-profit media publisher dedicated to solving homelessness. Your generous donations enable us to continue our crucial work and make a real difference. Thank you! NO, IMMIGRATION IS NOT MAKING HOUSING LESS AFFORDABLE Immigration isn't the reason housing is unaffordable. The real culprits? High borrowing costs, restrictive zoning laws, and insufficient housing supply. Learn how immigration might actually help ease the housing crisis. THE REAL SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS? IT'S ALWAYS BEEN HOUSING 🚨 Politicians claim criminalizing homelessness is "tough love," but the truth is, only affordable housing will solve the crisis. Discover why housing is the real solution and how you can make a difference. HOW SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE REDUCING RACIAL DISPARITIES IN HOMELESSNESS Service providers are stepping up to tackle these inequities with innovative strategies and federal funding. INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BEAR THE BRUNT OF NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS SURGE Indigenous communities are facing a disproportionate surge in homelessness, with harsh living conditions and limited resources compounding the crisis. RESULTS ARE IN FROM UTAH'S FIRST HOMELESS MORTALITY REPORT Unhoused Utahns are dying at a staggering rate—10 times higher than the general population, and 16 years younger on average. These tragic deaths are preventable, and the data proves it. Shawn shares his journey from homelessness to media spotlight, offering journalists tools on covering the issue with respect, empathy, and dignity. DONATE DONATE

Invitation For Bid - Miscellaneous Asphalt Construction and Repair

IFB - Miscellaneous Asphalt Construction and Repair

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing and repairing miscellaneous asphalt surfaces at various locations within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information - Miscellaneous Asphalt Construction and Repair

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-miscellaneous-asphalt-construction-and-repair

Invitation For Bid - Miscellaneous Asphalt Construction and Repair

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction update for week of 9/23 - 9/27

 

 

 

Beaver Street Interceptor BSI Construction Update 

for the Week of September 23!

Monday (9/23) -  Friday (9/27): The construction crew will be working on West Central St between Rt 140 and Forge Pkwy between the hours of 7am-4pm.  West Central St will be closed in both directions.  Please follow posted detour signs for directions.

Monday (9/23) - Friday (9/27): There will also be a construction crew working on Grove Street from Rt. 140 south towards the MBTA train tracks between the hours of 7am - 4pm.  Grove Street will be open and reduced to a single lane.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with excavation to get the final grade depth for the pump station foundation.

Please reference the interactive map below and posted signs for details and updates.

Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Project: Construction update for week of 9/23 - 9/27

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

This site and map will be updated on a weekly basis to convey upcoming construction activities for the Beaver Street Interceptor (BSI) Construction project.

Interested in receiving email updates regarding the
Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project?
Please subscribe here (select Beaver Street Interceptor from the list).

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor-project

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Funeral Homes

9:00 am Mental Health: Donna Grady

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Quinoa

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Crescent Rolls

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Emergency Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Ciambotta

7:30 pm Fallen Heroes Pt 6

8:30 pm Endless Konnections: Joseph Charles

9:30 pm Millis Berfield Band

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

9:00 am MICCA Festival 2019

10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball v Attleboro 09-19-24

2:00 pm Mental Health: Donna Grady

5:30 pm FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v North Attleboro 09-19-24

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 09-10-24

2:00 pm School Committee 09-10-24

6:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee 09-11-24

7:00 pm School Committee  CHAMBERS  865 6116 4631  Code 001749

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, September 23, 2024?

Monday, September 23

3:30pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm Cruise Night in Franklin (Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting (Council Chambers)

Event Date:  Monday, September 23, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/446906 (check for agenda doc)

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting (Rec Dept, Beaver St)

Event Date:  Monday, September 23, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/recreation_advisory_board_meeting_2.pdf

Library Board of Directors (Library)

Event Date:  Monday, September 23, 2024 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/agenda_september_23_2024.doc

What's happening today in Franklin? 

---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

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

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

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Reminder: Friends of the Poor Walk/Run: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Registration opens at 8:30 AM on the Town Common. Blessing for the Walk will be at 9:00 AM. Walk Participants can Collect donations and Walk with us or donate online. 

For additional information, to register to walk, or to donate, select this link: https://events.idonate.com/stmaryfranklinfop

All money raised stays in Franklin, to assist anyone in need of help. Put your feeling of compassion into action and join us for this walk!

Friends of the Poor Walk/Run: Saturday, September 28, 2024

 “Go to the poor; you will find God.” 

St. Vincent de Paul

MA Ballot QUESTION 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

QUESTION 1: Law Proposed by Initiative Petition 

State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

SUMMARY

As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.

This proposed law would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES

As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.

The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO

As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

A YES VOTE would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the State Auditor’s authority.

ARGUMENTS

As provided by law, the 150-word arguments are written by proponents and opponents of each question, and reflect their opinions. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does not endorse these arguments, and does not certify the truth or accuracy of any statement made in these arguments.

The names of the individuals and organizations who wrote each argument, and any written comments by others about each argument, are on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

 

IN FAVOR: 

A YES vote on Question 1 expressly authorizes the State Auditor to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.

The State Auditor is independently elected by the people of Massachusetts to audit every state entity to help make government work better.

The State Legislature is the only state entity refusing to be audited by the State Auditor’s office. Legislative leaders claim it is sufficient for the Legislature to conduct audits of itself through a procured private vendor. However, the Massachusetts Legislature is continuously ranked as one of the least effective, least transparent legislatures in America and is one of only four legislatures that exempts itself from public records laws.

Support for this initiative will help the State Auditor’s office shine a bright light on how taxpayer dollars are spent to help increase transparency, accountability and accessibility for the people of Massachusetts.

Vote YES to expressly authorize the State Auditor to audit the Legislature.

Neil Morrison

Committee for Transparent Democracy

P.O. Box 364

Raynham, MA 02767

617-297-8476

www.auditthelegislature.com

AGAINST: 

CONSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARS AND CIVICS EDUCATORS STRONGLY URGE A NO VOTE ON QUESTION 1.

A legislative audit conducted by the State Auditor, who is an executive branch official, without the Legislature’s consent would violate the separation of powers and legislative supremacy described in and required by the Massachusetts Constitution.

The performance audits conducted by the State Auditor measure administrators’ performance in achieving the legislatively determined goals of the public policies they administer. The State Auditor cannot substitute her interpretation

of those goals for the Legislature’s without compromising the constitutional independence and preeminence of the Legislature.

If enacted Question 1 would make the State Auditor into a political actor and a potentially influential participant in the legislative process, two roles that would clearly compromise the State Auditor’s ability to carry out her fundamental constitutional duty to conduct credible, independent, objective, and non- partisan audits of state government departments and programs.

Jerold Duquette

Professor of Political Science, Central Connecticut State University

Co-Founder & Senior Contributor, MassPoliticsProfs.org

1516 Stanley Street New Britain, CT 05060 860-832-2964

www.masspoliticsprofs.org

-----------------

PDF of the Question 1 section can be found here ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17gCMGeyGHK9MD0lwsKf0pSPixf7-YmkU/view?usp=drive_link

Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf

Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm

Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator

Note: Alignment of For vs. Against is due to publication limitations here and not indicating a preference for either side. All ballot question info will be shared with this format.

MA Ballot QUESTION 1: State Auditor’s Authority to Audit the Legislature

Amount of Homestead Exemption Increases up to $1 Million

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today (9/20/24) informs homeowners about the recent increase in the amount of the homestead exemption and the importance of filing for Homestead Protection. 

 

In August state legislators passed Session Law 2024, c. 150, s. 51 (an Act relative to the Affordable Homes Act) that among other benefits increase the amount of protection offered by a written declaration of homestead from $500,000 to 1,000,000.

 

Amount of Homestead Exemption Increases up to $1 Million

“The increase in the amount of the homestead exemption applies retroactively to any valid homestead that is currently on record at the Registry of Deeds and to any future recorded Homesteads,” noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This means homeowners who have a valid homestead on record do not need to file a new homestead to gain the benefit of the recent increase.”

 

As of August 2024, there were 6,700 Declarations of Homestead filed this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 2% more than in 2023.

 

"If you own a home, and it is your primary residence, you have an automatic homestead exemption of $125,000. However, if you file a Declaration of Homestead at the Registry of Deeds, the exemption increases to $1,000,000. The Homestead Law provides a homeowner with limited protection against the forced sale of their primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $1,000,000 if they have filed. This is especially important when you consider that for most of us, a home is our most valuable asset. Consumers should take steps to protect that asset," noted Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. 

 

Another feature of the Homestead Law is the allowance for the filing of an Elderly Homestead Declaration, which defines an elder as a person who is 62 years of age or older and provides protection of $1,000,000 for each qualified person.

 

The Register further noted, "In March of 2011, the Homestead Law was updated so that a valid Homestead is not terminated when refinancing a mortgage. Other changes that took place back in 2011 state that a Homestead can provide protections for a primary home even if it is held in a trust. The definition of a primary residence was also expanded to include a manufactured or mobile home." 

 

A Declaration of Homestead also protects the sale proceeds if the home is sold for up to one year after the date of the sale or on the date when a new home is purchased with the proceeds, whichever comes first. Additionally, if the home is damaged by a fire, for example, the insurance proceeds are protected for two years after the date of the fire or on the date when the home is reconstructed or a new home is purchased, whichever is earlier.

 

While the Homestead Statute provides important protections for homeowners, it is important to note that certain debts are exempt from protection under the Homestead Act. These include federal, state, and local tax liens, as well as mortgages contracted for the purchase of a primary home and nursing home liens. Most other mortgages, debts, and encumbrances existing prior to the filing of the Declaration of Homestead, along with probate court executions for spousal and child support, are also not covered under the Homestead Protection Statute.

 

Declarations of Homestead are recorded at the Registry of Deeds for a state-imposed fee of $36.00. Additional information about the Homestead Law and the forms are available at no cost by going to the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org.

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, "I want to reiterate that a Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $1,000,000. While the debt is still owed, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that with a Declaration of Homestead recorded at the Registry of Deeds, their primary residence cannot be forcibly sold to satisfy some debts."

 

If you have any questions about a Homestead, please contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at 781-461-6101, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

 

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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

Senior Center event highlights for the week of 9/23 - 9/27

Here’s what’s happening at the #franklinseniorcenter this week! Come in and join us for some fun! 

#franklinma #whatshappening

Find all the events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOKkJjx3sF/

Senior Center event highlights for the week of 9/23 - 9/27

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Joe Landry presented on Restaurants and Bars in Franklin at the Franklin Senior Center. Franklin TV produced the video recording for replay.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMozn1LGDnI

Franklin TV: Joe Landry presents on Restaurants and Bars (video)

Creative Corner Art Studio schedules a "Taylor Swift Themed" event and a "September Sunday Brunch" event

1 - Creative Corner Art Studio schedules a "Taylor Swift Themed Paint Night" for Saturday, October 5. Get your tickets for this acrylic on canvas art experience. Targeted for the middle school age group.

Tickets -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/service-page/taylor-swift-themed-paint-night

Creative Corner Art Studio schedules a "Taylor Swift Themed Paint Night"

2 - Creative Corner Art Studio schedules a "Coffee & Create" Paint Morning for Sunday, September 29. Get your tickets for this fall ceramic piece for this art experience. Targeted for adults.

Tickets ->  https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/service-page/september-sunday-brunch

September Sunday Brunch

William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds, provides updates on lawsuit status

Dear residents and Registry of Deeds stakeholders,

It is timely to update Registry stakeholders and taxpayers of the status of the second “Registry law suit”. On June 28, 2024 Judge Cloutier of the Norfolk Superior Court ruled that the Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County have violated a number of state laws. See the written decision William P. O’Donnell, vs. Joseph P. Shea, Peter H. Collins et al here: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Decision-6-28-24-from-Judge-Cloutier.pdf

The Norfolk Superior Court ruled favorably for the Registry of Deeds. The Norfolk County Commissioners and Norfolk County violated Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64D sections 11 and 12 when they failed to provide the required budgetary funding to the Registry of Deeds and when they spent funds and removed funds from a designated Registry of Deeds account.

Judge Cloutier found the County Commissioners’ actions to be unlawful. As Register of Deeds I was left with no choice but to litigate and prosecute this case on my own without the benefit of independent legal counsel which the Defendants have had throughout the court process. The law suit was prosecuted to insure the “automation, modernization and operation of the registries of deeds” as noted in the state law.

The Norfolk County Commissioners and Defendants filed a Motion to Reconsider despite Judge Cloutier pointing out in footnote #10 on page 11 that “…prior to 2020, the County’s interpretation of the statutes was largely consistent with the court’s interpretation.” This Motion to Reconsider was denied in a court ruling dated August 23, 2024 and received by the Registry of Deeds on August 28, 2024.

Sincerely yours,

William P. O’Donnell

Norfolk County Register of Deeds

P.S. The above case should not be confused with the other Registry lawsuit against Norfolk County Director John J. Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners – Joseph Shea, Peter Collins and Richard Staiti. A different Norfolk Superior Court judge ruled that County Director Cronin and the Norfolk County Commissioners violated state law in this case. See the written decision in 2282 CV 01001 here: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/wp-content/uploads/Judgment-on-the-pleadings-2282-CV-01001.pdf

Lifelong Music Academy offers a variety of music lessons

Lifelong Music Academy

via Lifelong Community Learning 

 

"We offer one-on-one, affordable lessons from professional musicians—available at Franklin High School! 

Go to bit.ly/3T28FUw to learn more."

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DAJMV66p1tj/