Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

Residents Rally Against 444 East Central Street Project: Petition Drive This Friday at Farmers Market

The proposed development at 444 East Central Street has become a flashpoint in Franklin, sparking widespread concern among residents who feel their voices have been sidelined. Despite strong public opposition, the project remains under review by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) — and the version currently before them is not the same project the Town Council originally approved.

What Changed?
- The original plan, which many residents urged the Council to reject, has since ballooned in scope.
- The number of requested waivers/variances has tripled, jumping from 18 to 30.
- The building height has increased from three stories to four, directly contradicting town guidelines and threatening the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
- Although the town had the opportunity to invoke Safe Harbor protections, it chose not to—leaving Franklin vulnerable to overdevelopment.

A Call to Action
This Friday at 1:00 PM, concerned residents Gene Grella and Jane Callaway-Tripp among others will be at the Franklin Farmers Market with a grassroots petition. This is a chance for every resident who cares about Franklin's future to make their voice heard.

> "If you're truly all set with the direction the town is building in, then please come to the Farmers Market and help us with your signature—your voice. There is power in numbers, and we all need to stand together."

Why Sign the Petition?
- To urge the ZBA to end this project—it no longer reflects the original proposal and disregards community concerns
- To reject the precedent of approving 30 waivers/ variances for a single development
- To preserve Franklin's identity and prevent it from becoming another overbuilt suburb

Franklin's Future Is in Our Hands
This is not just about one building—it's about the kind of town we want Franklin to be. Do we want to protect our small-town charm, or watch it erode under unchecked development?

"This is our town, and it's time we stand up for what we want our town to be."

Join us Friday. Sign the petition. Speak up. Because Franklin belongs to all of us.

Jane Callaway-Tripp  

Franklin resident and candidate for Town Council

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Petition Drive This Friday  (8/15/25) at Farmers Market

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

Franklin Food Pantry Receives New Refrigerated Truck from BJ's Wholesale Club, Donates Current Vehicle to Natick Service Council in Powerful Act of Community Support

The Franklin Food Pantry is celebrating two significant acts of generosity that highlight the power of community collaboration. Thanks to a generous donation from BJ's Wholesale Club through its BJ’s Charitable Foundation, The Pantry has received a new, larger refrigerated truck which dramatically increases The Pantry's ability to transport and store food. The Pantry paid forward the donation by gifting its current truck to the Natick Service Council.

The new, donated truck is essential to sustaining The Pantry’s operations. In the past year, The Pantry experienced a 38% increase in demand for hunger relief programs and services. 

"We are incredibly grateful to BJ's Wholesale Club for their generous donation, which arrives at a critical time when the need for food services in our community is rising," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. "This new refrigerated truck not only improves our operations, and how we serve the community, but it also allows us to pay that generosity forward to the Natick Service Council. Today's celebration is a powerful example of how businesses and nonprofits can join forces to support one another."

In addition to the new truck, the BJ’s Charitable Foundation also donated two commercial cooling units to The Pantry. These units, along with the refrigerated truck, are crucial for keeping fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other perishable foods from spoiling. Providing access to healthy, nutritious food is a key part of The Pantry's mission, and these items are often the most requested and most costly for families to purchase.

"BJ’s Wholesale Club is driven by a powerful purpose: taking care of the families who depend on us,” said Kirk Saville, Head of Communications, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “We’re proud to support Franklin Food Pantry and have a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work.”

Upon hearing about the new truck from BJ's, the Franklin Food Pantry knew it wanted to pay the generosity forward. Through the Greater Boston Food Bank, The Pantry learned that the Natick Service Council, a nonprofit which supports individuals and families who are experiencing hardship, needed a new vehicle to help the community they serve.

One truck arrives, one truck leaves, the giving cycle continues

"Like the Franklin Food Pantry, the Natick Service Council has also seen an increase in demand for its services over the past year. We have just completed a project to double the size of our pantry so we can serve all the community members who are facing food insecurity," said Dan Shea, Executive Director, Natick Service Council. " BJ Wholesale Club’s donation to the Franklin Food Pantry created a ripple effect of generosity that resulted in a donation to us. This act shows how one donation can create a positive impact far beyond its initial purpose.”

For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please contact Laura Du, Client Services Manager, Franklin Food Pantry, at 508-528-3115 or email Ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org.

Additional photos of the new truck arrival, and 'old' truck moving on in this photo album (Courtesy of Franklin Food Pantry)   https://photos.app.goo.gl/moDvcK7oZX7Po4k97

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance, household necessities, and resource referrals to more than 1,800 individuals per year. The Pantry relies on donations and grants to purchase items and pay for daily operations, and partnerships with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Spoonfuls, and local grocery stores to achieve greater buying power and lower costs. Programs include Inside Shopping, Curbside Pickup, Emergency Food Boxes, Mobile Pantries, Home Delivery, Kids’ Snack Bags, Weekend Backpacks, Holiday Meals, and the SNAP match at Franklin Farmers Market. The Pantry is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in good standing in Massachusetts, recognized by Charity Navigator as a Four-Star Charity, and awarded GuideStar’s Platinum Transparency ranking. The Pantry is located at 341 W Central St. in Franklin, MA on Route 140. Please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs focused on delivering significant value to its members and serving a shared purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” The company provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas and more to deliver unbeatable value to smart-saving families. Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company pioneered the warehouse club model in New England in 1984 and currently operates 255 clubs and 190 BJ's Gas® locations in 21 states. For more information, please visit us at www.BJs.com or on Facebook, or Instagram

Rod and gun club all-you-can-eat breakfast - Sunday, August 17

Rod and gun club all-you-can-eat breakfast - Sunday, August 17

"Listen, I know we crack yolks and it may seem like our brains are scrambled, but we're gonna spill the (baked) beans and give you the tea so there's no egg on our face.

We love serving you breakfast.

Sure it takes a lot of work and sometimes we're (French) toast early Sunday morning after a long Saturday night, but that's just how the sausage is made.

So let's (corned beef) hash this all out, home fries.

Our all-you-can-eat $10 ($5 for kids) breakfast is in four days on Aug. 17. It's open to the public and we'll have plenty for everyone so you don't need to pancake each other to get in. It's cash-only, at 53 Florence St. in Franklin, from 7:30-11 am.

So come visit your friends at the Franklin Rod & Pun Club and let us serve you great food for the best price in town."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16sz2reor9/

The Lifelong Learning Fall Classes are now Open for Registration!

Explore returning favorite and new offerings

Community Learning's Fall Registration is now open! We hope to see you soon! For information and to register, visit: All Community Learning Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, August 15, 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 Friday

8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 6:00 PM - Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock covering Franklin, its local government, services, and events 

• This features my conversation with Kaye Kelly on her new book, "The Modern Creative"  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/kaye-kelly-talks-about-her-book-modern.html

9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

10:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong. 2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 9:00 PM - “The Vibe” show plays music for everyone searching for some enjoyment, some dance, a happy or thinking mood, and most importantly, having fun.  Tune in to wfpr.fm and listen to “DJ Vibe” spin music across many genres and join this new vibing experience

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

Franklin TV schedule for Friday, August 15, 2025 (Your local Public, Education & Government "PEG" station)

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

7:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rob Lawson

8:30 am Frank Presents: Cliff Winters

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker

11:00 am Senior Connection: Mental Health

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Party Chicken

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

4:00 pm 4th of July 2025: GQ and the Lady

6:30 pm Celebrate with Pride: Toby

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 2 06-04-18

8:30 am Mental Health: Shannon Nesbitt

9:30 am FHS Spring Jazz 2025

11:00 am FHS Varsity Swimming v Milford 01-03-25

1:30 pm Franklin Fury Softball v Attleboro 07-22-25

2:30 pm Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball v Bridgewater Raynham 04-11-25

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

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

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 07-31-25

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 07-31-25

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

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown

Traffic signal work scheduled for Friday, August 15 at the triangle downtown

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, August 14, 2025 ??

Thursday, August 14

Library & Senior Center events

7:00pm Jennifer Tefft (live music) (The Newport Harbor Hotel)

9:00pm Brian Cabral (live music) (3 Restaurant)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->        

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - no meeting (next meeting is 9/11/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 2:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/466?fileID=5560 

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - BOT Mtg

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1845 

Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA - no meeting (next meeting 8/28/25)

Thursday, August 14 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08142025-1842 

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

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 Garden Club September Program Open to New Members

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2025-2026 season on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, from 6:00– 8:30 p.m.   An informal social get-together will take place from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and activities.   The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member.  

Club Co-Presidents Eileen Smith and Janice Cederquist stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.” 

Franklin Garden Club

In addition to the September  meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: October 7 – Craft Night – Bringing Books to Life;  November 4- All About Mushrooms; December 2 – Holiday Greens Workshop to prepare for annual wreath and arrangement sale;  February 3 – Deep in the Heart of Winter – New Age Floral Designs;  March 3 – Flowers, Health and Healing; April 7 – Craft Project; May 5 – Orchid 101; June 2 - Year-End Social.

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common Garden and the planters at the Franklin Library and Franklin Food Pantry; sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate; distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools; and special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.  

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc

Agenda doc can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852

My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UPwTkHaZv3OVhfIpt5HqxFs-k7-sfa5S/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
• In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
• Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
• Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents

Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.

HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! on 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 for East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street

13 Magnolia Dr 182013

Dear Neighbor,   HYDRANT FLUSHING ALERT! - 8/14/25 & 8/15/25 Due to an increase in discolored water complaints from the East Central Street, Jordan, and Mill Street we will be flushing hydrants in those areas on Thursday 8/14/25 and Friday 8/15/25 between the hours of 8am and 2pm If you experience discolored water please flush with cold water only, until it clears up. For more information on discolored water please visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/635/Water-Quality Thank you for your patience during this time.   Thanks for caring about your water use, Doug Martin Franklin Water & Sewer Department

hydrant flushing in action on Cottage St

State Rep Jeff Roy Newsletter Provides Updates on Recent Activities

State Rep Jeff Roy writes:

"We did a print edition of this month's newsletter which you can see in the images below. This month we cover recess, our Commonwealth heroines, the budget, and a host of other issues for Franklin and Medway. "

State Rep Jeff Roy Newsletter Provides Updates on Recent Activities

You can find this -> https://mailchi.mp/18205f20a259/march-2021-newsletter-10611322

You can subscribe to get your own copy of the newsletter -> https://jeffreyroy.com/newsletter/