i-90/i495 interchange work overnight this week will reroute traffic

Overnight construction on I-495 and I-90 through Westborough is scheduled to take place through the upcoming week as part of MassDOT’s Interchange Project.

i-90/i495 interchange work overnight
 this week will reroute traffic

Starting at 11 p.m. on Monday through 5 a.m. Tuesday, and then again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, the exit 58 ramp from I-495 to I-90 westbound will be closed and a detour will be established at exit 111 to take drivers eastbound on I-90 in order to reverse direction. 

When exit 106 on I-90 eastbound to I-495 northbound is closed, drivers can take I-495 southbound to exit 54A to get back to I-495 northbound.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZRLR5vrU/

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Real government agents aren't asking you to buy and deliver gold bars By BCP Staff If someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone (anyone!) to "protect your money," you've spotted a scam. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Want to know how these scams work and how to avoid them? Read on. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/real-government-agents-arent-asking-you-buy-and-deliver-gold-bars?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday, July 21, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

wfpr.fm Schedule for Monday - Franklin Public Radio

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule

Franklin TV schedule for Monday, July 21, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:00 am Riffing on Main Street: Amy Adams

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am 4th of July 2025: Midnight Ride

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

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

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Trifles

1:35 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:02 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2

3:02 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

5:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

6:30 pm Horace Mann PSA

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: Supreme Court

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Garnet Rogers

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

8:30 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

10:30 am FHS Concert Hour 02-26-25

12:00 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

1:30 pm All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

3:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Oliver Ames 03-31-25

6:00 pm FHS Varsity Softball v Walpole 04-22-25

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Planning Board 06-30-25

2:00 pm Planning Board 06-30-25

6:00 pm Economic Development 07-16-25

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: Sunday, July 20, 2025 ???

Sunday, July 20

7:30am CANCELED - All You Can Eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

10:00am The Power of Love (First Universalist Society Franklin)

11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

7:00pm Sunday at Sunset (St John's Episcopal Church)

** NO Town Meetings today   **

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

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 4, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6270/3a-June-4-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. June 18, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6285/3b-June-18-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic

i. Jeffrey Wolcott

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6294/5a-Committee-Renewals

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7a  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6273/6a---ABCC-application-Kojo-Franklin-Packet

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7b  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6272/6b---Little-Shop-of-Olive-Oils-Packet

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038 

 

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6288/9a-25-27---Methodist-Church

b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street

c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6291/9c-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6280/9d-Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning

e. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6290/9e-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6261/9f-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6262/9g-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6265/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6264/9j-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6289/9j-25-938---Home-Occupation-Bylaw-1

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6276/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule

l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6281/9l---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6283/9m-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6284/9n-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-51 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6286/9o-25-51--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Veterans-Fire-Police-Rec

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the
Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The agenda doc includes associated supporting materials as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Board of Health schedules meeting for one agenda item - July 23, 2025 - 5 PM

Board of Health Agenda

July 23, 2025 - 5 PM

Board of Health schedules meeting for
one agenda item - July 23, 2025 - 5 PM

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

NEW BUSINESS

● Local upgrade approval for 31 Greystone Road

CITIZENS COMMENTARY

ADJOURNMENT

The agenda doc also has the remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1828

Franklin TV: Our Open Board Meeting - Saturday, Aug 23 at 3 PM

It’s Happening. August 23rd at Our Studio

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 07/20/2025

Our Annual Open Board Meeting will take place as our neighborhood block party. Come to our 23 Hutchinson St. studios.

It’s open to all Franklin businesses and residents. We’ll meet-and-greet and enjoy the day starting at 3:00 PM. Come hungry and enjoy steak tips, pulled pork, dogs, burgers and all the fixin’s – along with tunes, games and fun.

You can also tour our studios and learn about Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm. We’ll also briefly review the past year’s progress and plans for the future. At our meeting you may cast your vote for new and/or renewing board positions.

Excerpt from FCCA bylaws: (Available on our website.)

Section 15. Election of Director by the Membership (a) Members shall be notified by the Clerk of the election of a director by the Membership at the Annual Meeting. Said notice shall be in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 4 of this Article IV. (b) Any eligible voting Member may be nominated for election to the position of Director by:

(i) Written notification to the Clerk no later than seven (7) days prior to Annual Meeting; or (ii) By nomination from the floor of the Annual Meeting made and seconded by no less than three (3) eligible voting members.

Thanks to our board members who contribute their time and energy to help make Franklin●TV all that a public access TV studio can be. If you would like to become involved either as a volunteer or to create your own TV or radio programs at Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm, just send an email to: info@franklin.tv with your contact information. You can also call us to discuss and explore your ideas. 508-541-4118.

Please join us at our Franklin●TV event. Come meet, greet, chow down, have fun, and learn all about local TV and radio in Franklin.

See you then.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Senior Story Hour - WFPR: Episode 083 - Juneteenth, Summer Hay Help, Love Poems, Kindness From A Stranger, Lullabies, and much more (audio)

In this episode, The Franklin Senior Center Writers Group share stories, poems, and writings about Juneteenth and it's history, a story from Helen's youth about helping her friend's father with hay, a metaphor about ICE agents and the innocent, Bo updates his process with his children's book, Bill shares a poem about love, Alice shares a story about why kindness matters, Bob shares a lullaby he wrote for his daughter, and what's next?

Audio link -> https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episode/episode-083-juneteenth-summer-hay-help-love-poems-kindness-from-a-stranger-lullabies-and-much-more-

Senior Story Hour - WFPR

Senior Story Hour - WFPR = The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group

Steve Sherlock hosts The Franklin Senior Center Writer's Group for a monthly reading of short stories, essays, poetry and more. 

Find more episodes here (or on your favorite podcast app) ->  https://senior-scribblers.captivate.fm/episodes

Franklin Food Pantry gets refrigerated units from BJs

Franklin Food Pantry gets refrigerated units from BJs

"How COOL is BJ's Wholesale Club for donating these two commercial cooling units, and our community partners who make it possible for us to provide clients so many food choices?!?

We are grateful!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7kbArfaA/

Stephen Colbert sings with Oscar the Grouch (video)

From the Late Show with Stephen Colbert archives, optimism in a dark period

Video link -> https://youtu.be/2ZoFvUgiY7g?

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday, July 20, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday

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

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Sunday