In the News: SNETT glimpse into past; Harvest Festival sign up now; FSPA open houses scheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"For Dave Barber, a trip on Franklin and Bellingham section of the Southern New England Trunkline Trail isn’t just a chance to exercise your legs, it’s an opportunity to glimpse into the past. 

Barber, a member of the Blackstone River Bikeway Patrol, said he suggested the venue for a ride last Wednesday which was promoted through the Blackstone Heritage Corridor. 

During the ride, Barber, a member of the Franklin-Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, pointed out sights along the trail that others might miss. 

“There’s an area where Railroad Street used to cross the right of way,” he said. “The South Bellingham railroad station used to be there, and there was a trolley line as well.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/bellingham-bike-ride-promotes-rail-trail

SNETT in Franklin

"Franklin Downtown Partnership’s 15th annual Harvest Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 on Main, East Central and West Central streets. 

Plans for the festival are underway and booth space is filling up fast. Visitors will be treated to local entertainment, fall flavors from local restaurants, kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and information from community groups and vendors. 

Organizers expect booth space for this event to sell out. Partnership members will receive a booth for free; non-members will be charged $125. Downtown businesses must send in an application to ensure storefront space. Booths are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/strongfranklin-downtown-partnership-announces-harvest-festival-strong

from the archives: a Harvest Festival Parking Sign from 2013

"Franklin School for the Performing Arts, 38 Main St., will expand this fall to assume the entire building of the Felix Cataldo Block in downtown Franklin.

FSPA will host open houses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9, and from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 19 at the school.

The renovation will connect all areas of the existing FSPA facility and provide spacious new dance and music studios, and a first floor waiting area for students and families. The expansion will also create and house Intermission, a new downtown cafe available to the FSPA community and open to the public."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170904/strongfranklin-school-for-performing-arts-announces-expansionstrong

FSPA will host open houses - Sep 9 and Sep 19

Lessons from the Beloit Mindset List for the Class of 2021

An annual event is upon us again. As students (and educational professionals) return to school this September, thinking about how to approach this class and the opportunities they present will occupy some time for their reflection.

Three professors from Beloit College started this process 20 years ago by looking at what had happened during the life of the freshman class that they were faced with. Each August, the Mindset List is published. It is interesting to see what the world was for these college freshman as they grew up. The list is not meant to be the end all. It is meant to start the conversation.

"Teachers and counselors alike have used the Mindset List over the years, sometimes as the basis for one-on-one chats, and at other times for class discussions and even personal essays. This year’s List is no different. The annual Lists are wonderful icebreakers for counselors and professors and students. They stimulate intergenerational conversations."

What does the list look like? A sampling follows

• They are the last class to be born in the 1900s, the last of the Millennials -- enter next year, on cue, Generation Z!
• They are the first generation for whom a “phone” has been primarily a video game, direction finder, electronic telegraph, and research library.
• There have always been emojis to cheer us up.
• Donald Trump has always been a political figure, as a Democrat, an Independent, and a Republican.
• Zappos has always meant shoes on the Internet.

As Franklinites prepare for the biennial town election this November. Let's think about 

• Where we are? 
• How did we get here? 
• Where do we want to go? 
• What do we need to do to move forward?

To help with the conversation, the election collection has thus far presented the background info on each of the elected bodies (Town Council, School Committee, Board of Assessors, Board of Health and Planning Board).

The offer to candidates to share their background and info has been made. Several candidates have taken up the offer and that information will be posted when complete.

Several key posts from the archive of Franklin Matters will be shared to remind us of the budget and other items that should be worthy of discussion as we prepare to cast our ballots on November 7.

If you have a suggestion (or two) on what you would like to see to help you prepare, please let me know. You can use any of the following methods:

• send me an email (shersteve @ gmail dot com)
• leave a comment here on the Franklin Matters webpage
• leave a comment on the Franklin Matters Facebook page
• reply to one of the @FranklinMatters tweets

I would also recommend that if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to the Franklin Matters daily newsletter. It is one email per day with all that is posted. You don't need to wait for Facebook to filter the newsfeed for you. The newsletter is delivered daily (approx 10:00 AM) and then you can keep informed.

Note the subscription is a two-step process. (1) Enter your email address (2) Reply to confirm your email address.

the Town Common in the rain Sunday morning

The full listing of the Beloit Mindset list for the class of 2021
https://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2021/

The Franklin Election Collection 2017 can be found
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html

Franklin Election 2017: candidate interview questions

When you have an election ballot in front of you, you have a list of positions, a listing of candidates and a marker to fill in a circle next to one or more names.

How do you decide to make a choice?

To help you make your choice, I have offered to meet with all the candidates. My purpose is hear directly from them about their background and their views on the issues that they will work to resolve on Franklin’s behalf.

This is not an endorsement of any candidate. This is an information sharing exercise.

I’ll ask the same set of question of each candidate so that you can have some common ground to base your decision.

The questions I propose to start with are as follows:

1 - Tell me a bit about yourself, your family and your life here in Franklin? What is your Franklin story?

2 - What do you see as your role’s biggest challenge and do you have any suggestions on how we can resolve it? 

3 - What experience or background will help you to serve in this role? What do you bring to the table that helps to set you apart from the others?

If you have some suggestions, I’d like to hear them. I may find during the course of the interviews that I should tweak the questions. If I do that, I’ll post the updated questions here.

For the candidates, while we start with these three sets of questions, our conversation may bring up other questions to help clarify the point you are trying to make.

The candidate interviews will be posted here and included in the Election Collection for 2017
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/08/election-collection-2017.html

#2069 sign at Franklin Police Station on Panther Way

Franklin, MA: Town Offices Closed Monday September 4, 2017

Town Offices Closed Monday September 4, 2017

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page

http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-offices-closed-monday-september-4-2017

Bilello will not be running for re-election to Franklin School Committee

To repeat my comment from Facebook:  

"Vanessa, thank you! I have great respect for your choice, I wish you all the best!"

You can read her full posting on Facebook:

Franklin's FY 2018 budget by major budget category

Benefits	$10,956,398
Culture & Recreation	$1,399,397
Debt Service	$6,609,708
DPW - Hwy	$4,669,497
Education	$62,586,202
General Government	$9,899,231
Human Services	$691,948
Liability Insurance	$525,000.0
Public Safety	$11,201,434
Sewer	$5,074,368.0
Solid Waste Disposal	$1,949,673.0
Water	$4,748,897.0
Total	$120,311,753

The FY 2018 budget document can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczeFo1Ni1nMmhTcDg

FY 2018 budget resolution can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVzRZVHlNRUFJWmM

FHS Boys Soccer Outlook for 2017

Hockomock Sports has published their outlook for boys soccer in the Kelly-Rex Division. We share the Franklin information here. Follow the link below to find the outlook on the other teams in the Kelly-Rex Division.

2016 Record: 6-9-3
2016 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Fran Bositis

"It looks like there is a chance of growing pains in the forecast for the 2017 Panthers. After graduating over a dozen seniors from last year’s team, there will be some inexperience in the lineup for Fran Bositis. 

Senior Freddie Beckmann returns as the team’s starting goalie to give the defensive end some familiarity, but it will be a brand new back four in front of him. Sophomore Sam Stowell saw some minutes a year ago and will anchor the defense alongside senior Andrew DiLeo. Senior Connor O’Rourke, who also played some last year, will man the outside along with junior Sam Malloy. 

In the midfield, Nitin Chaudhury will take over as the holding mid in the center of the pitch but could also move around depending on need. He’ll have the help of sophomores Jacob Cummings and Donny Tappin. Up front, there are mainutes up for grabs with junior Tim Duval in the running to likely grab one of the spots. 

“We’re going to be young and inexperienced,” Bositis said. “We have a handful of seniors back but a youth movement is happening. But overall, the kids are really working hard and have great attitudes. We’re looking for improvement each day.”

For the remainder of the Boys Kelly-Rex Division
https://hockomocksports.com/2017-kelley-rex-boys-soccer-preview/

FHS Panthers

Register O'Donnell Discusses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Discusses Need to File Mortgage Discharges Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge after their mortgage has been paid off. The Register stated, "When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title relative to that loan. A discharge is a document (typically one-two pages) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage." O'Donnell further stated, "In many instances, discharges are filed directly by banks or settlement closing attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who then becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded. Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is prudent that the property owner makes sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds. One way to check on your title is by accessing the Registry's online records at www.norfolkdeeds.org and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged." The Register further mentioned that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. "Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. In other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending institution. Please remember not having a mortgage discharged will result in a title issue that can impact the sale of one's home," the Register warned. If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265 x61501. This government agency can assist the consumer in tracking down contact information for the lending institution that is responsible for the mortgage. When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $76.00. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "After paying off all mortgages on their property, homeowners want the peace of mind that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being diligent and aware of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner assurances that they have clear title to their property. I strongly urge homeowners to make sure their mortgage discharge has been filed with the Registry of Deeds once their mortgage has been paid off. There is no reason to wait." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM at 781-461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to be done to clear title to a property." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/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. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

 Register O'Donnell Discusses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

"the only contested race at this time"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Residents in Franklin continue to pull papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election. There are 21 positions available across five town offices. 

The election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The last day to file papers is next Saturday, Sept. 9. The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, Oct. 18. 

Fourteen residents have pulled papers to run for Town Council with only nine spots available, making it the only contested race at this time."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170903/franklin-residents-have-one-week-left-to-pull-papers



Last day to submit nomination paper to registrars for certification (Town Clerks Office) Tuesday, September 19, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

Last day to object or withdraw Thursday, October 5, 2017 (8:00am – 5:00pm)

Last day to register to vote Wednesday, October 18, 2017 (8:00am – 8:00pm)

Election Day Tuesday, November 7, 2017 (6:00am -8:00pm)


Shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/important_dates_to_remember.pdf

A list of residents who have taken out nomination papers as of Friday:

Town Council

• Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
• Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
• Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
• Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
• Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
• Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
• Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
• Eamon McCarthy-Earls
• Melanie Hamblen
• Patrick Casey
• Anthony D. Padula
• Benjamin M. Terry
• Mickey Lee Whitmore

School Committee

• Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
• Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
• Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
• Mary Jane Scofield – Candidate for Re-Election
• Dr. Monica Linden
• Virginia (Gigi) Zub
• Dianne C. Feeley

Planning Board

• Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
• Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election

Planning Board –Associate

• Richard W. Power, Sr.

Board of Health

• Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election

Board of Assessors

• Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election

This was shared from the Town Clark's page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/revised_candidates_nov_7_2017.pdf

Franklin Election Collection 2017

Who is going to be responsible for half the Franklin budget?

The 7 School Committee (SC) positions up for election this November have drawn the interest of only 5 candidates as of Aug 31. Only 3 of the current School Committee have taken out papers to run and while we are fortunate to get the interest of 2 new participants, it is hardly enough to fill the seats required, never mind provide a choice.

Given that the School Committee controls the budget for our children's education and that the school budget alone accounts for half of the overall Town budget, one would think we would have more interest in taking on this critical role. 

What are you going to do about this Franklin?

For the record, there are currently 14 candidates for the Town Council (9 positions). There are currently uncontested races for the Board of Assessors, Board of Health, and Planning Board positions that are also up for election on November 7. The full listing as of Aug 31 is provided below.


Note: a friendly reader sent along info that the candidate listing was updated during the day on Friday, Sep 1. Two additional candidates for the School Committee announced their intentions to run. Still not enough to provide a choice.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/revised_candidates_nov_7_2017.pdf

FY 2018 budget by major budget category

Benefits	$10,956,398
Culture & Recreation	$1,399,397
Debt Service	$6,609,708
DPW - Hwy	$4,669,497
Education	$62,586,202
General Government	$9,899,231
Human Services	$691,948
Liability Insurance	$525,000.0
Public Safety	$11,201,434
Sewer	$5,074,368.0
Solid Waste Disposal	$1,949,673.0
Water	$4,748,897.0
Total	$120,311,753

The FY 2018 budget document can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczeFo1Ni1nMmhTcDg

FY 2018 budget resolution can be found here

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVzRZVHlNRUFJWmM

Actions Taken for Town Council 5/24/17 meeting - Budget hearing #1
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_may_24_2017.pdf

Actions Taken for Town Council 5/25/17 meeting - Budget hearing #2
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_may_25_2017.pdf

With the Holiday - Trash and Recycling Pick up is delayed one day this week

Reminder: Trash and Recycling Pick up will be delayed a day due to the Labor Day Holiday Starting on Tuesday September 5th

trash and recycling containers at curbside

Curbside Pick-up webpage

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/reminder-trash-and-recycling-pick-will-be-delayed-day-due-labor-day-holiday-starting

FHS Boys Hockey - Bottle and Can Drive - Sep 16

*** Bottle and Can Drive Saturday, September 16, 2017 ***

The Franklin High School boys hockey team is having their annual Bottle and Can Drive on Saturday, September 16th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Veteran's Arena ice rink parking lot.

Any donation is much appreciated, so please save your returnable bottles and cans in support of the boys hockey program.

If you need (or would like) a separate bag to put them in, please comment and we will drop off as many as are needed.

Thank you!

FHS Boys Hockey - Bottle and Can Drive - Sep 16

YMCA Fall Sports Leagues - register now

The Y is a great place to learn to love a sport. And YMCA Fall Sports Leagues offer a great method for taking advantage of sunny fall days while being active outdoors. Keep kids engaged and moving through participation in coed sports teams led by expert staff.

With an emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship, you’re sure to find an environment where everyone plays and develops. The Hockomock Area YMCA is accepting registrations for the 8-week season, running September 8-October 29.

Soccer League includes three practices and five games, and players will be given a t-shirt and end of season award. NFL Flag Football League also includes three practices and five games. Players will be given a team jersey. T-ball players will practice three weeks and participate in five games, giving kids the chance to learn the fundamentals of baseball. Players receive t-shirt and end of season award. Beginner cheerleading will introduce girls to basic cheerleading and gymnastics including jumps, tumbling, and cheering. The girls will practice for four weeks and then cheer at games for the last four weeks.

Soccer
SUNDAY @ the Foxboro Y: 3 YRS 9:00am, 4 YRS 10:00am, 5-6 YRS 11:00am, 7-10 YRS 12:00pm
SATURDAY @ the Franklin Y: 3-4 YRS 9:00am, 5-6 YRS 10:15am, 7-10 YRS 11:30am
SATURDAY @ the North Attleboro Y: 3 YRS 9:00am, 4 YRS 10:00am, 5-6 YRS 11:00am, 7-10 YRS 12:00pm
Foxboro and North Soccer 3 YRS is a “prep for leagues” 45 minutes vs standard hour, with t-shirt and award not included and lower cost.

NFL Flag Football
FRIDAY @ the Foxboro Y: 5 YRS 5:00pm, 6-7 YRS 6:00pm, 8-10 YRS 7:00pm, 11-14 YRS 8:00pm
FRIDAY @ the North Attleboro Y: 5-6 YRS 5:30pm, 7-8 YRS 6:30pm, 9-14 YRS 7:30pm
Foxboro 5 YRS is a “prep for leagues” 45 minutes vs standard hour, with jersey not included and lower cost.

T-ball
SATURDAY @ the Franklin Y: 3-4 YRS 12:30pm, 5-6 YRS 1:40pm
SATURDAY @ the North Attleboro Y: 3 YRS 1:00pm, 4-5 YRS 2:00pm

Cheerleading
FRIDAY @ the Foxboro Y: 5 YRS 5:00pm, 6-7 YRS 6:00pm, 8-10 YRS 7:00pm
FRIDAY @ the North Attleboro Y: 4-5 YRS 5:30pm, 6-9 YRS 6:30pm
Cheering at games will be done by those 6 YRS+.

Cost is as follows: Tball/Soccer Family-type Member (FTM) $42, Youth Member (YM) $84, Program Member (PM) $126; Cheerleading/Football FTM $57, YM $114, PM $171; NEW Drop-in Pricing: Member $11/day, PM $17/day, limited to oldest age groups listed above, Soccer/Football only. For more information, visit hockymca.org/fall-sports-leagues-for-every-kid.

YMCA Fall Sports Leagues - register now

About Hockomock Area YMCA: Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

In the News: Spamalot auditions; Rally Day; Cannabis Control Commission appointed

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Franklin Performing Arts Company will hold open auditions for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” on Sept. 7 at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 

Auditions will begin at 6:30 p.m. for ages 14-17 and continue at 7 p.m. for adults. Participants should prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. 

FPAC will present Spamalot on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-29 at The Black Box as part of the company’s 27th season. A retelling of the legendary tale of “King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table,” the musical parody was inspired by the 1975 classic comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” and likewise diverts from more traditional versions of the legend."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-performing-arts-company-to-host-auditionsstrong

(FPAC) will hold open auditions for Monty Python’s Spamalot

"Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The event will feature a blessing of the backpacks during worship, followed by a catered barbecue cookout. "Franklin Federated Church, 171 Main St., will kick off the program year with Rally Day, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 10. 

The day’s activities will begin with Adult Discovery Group, a Bible exploration. Sunday School registration for children preschool through eighth grade will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the church parlor, just inside the front entrance"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/strongfranklin-federated-church-announces-rally-daystrong

Franklin Federated Church

"Marijuana legalization opponents will outnumber supporters four to one on the new commission that will spearhead the state’s efforts to get a legal marijuana industry up and running by next summer and then regulate the newly legal market. 

Attorney General Maura Healey on Friday appointed Britte McBride, an attorney with experience working for the attorney general’s office, the state Senate and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, to the newly-minted Cannabis Control Commission, and joined Gov. Charlie Baker and Treasurer Deborah Goldberg in agreeing on two picks to round out the five-person panel. 

McBride, a Lynnfield resident, will join former state Sen. Jennifer Flanagan and former Bain and Company partner Steve Hoffman, who were previously announced this week, on the CCC. Like Hoffman and Flanagan, McBride voted against Question 4, the successful ballot initiative that legalized adult use of marijuana last year, according to Healey’s office. 

The three constitutional officers on Friday also agreed to appoint Kay Doyle, a former deputy general counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Shaleen Title, co-founder of cannabis recruiting firm THC Staffing Group, to the commission.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170902/pot-commission-stacked-with-opponents

Additional info on the Cannabis Control Commission can be found on the Attorney General's page
http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2017/2017-09-01-cannabis-control-commission.html

Election Prep: What does the Planning Board do?

From the Town of Franklin Planning Board webpage we can share:

"The Planning Board, established under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 41, Section 81A, is an elected board comprised of five members, each with a three year term and one appointed associate member. 

The Planning Board’s primary responsibilities are to administer the Subdivision Control Law pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41 and to issue certain special permits and site plan approval under the Town of Franklin Zoning By-Laws in order to ensure the public safety, interest and welfare of the residents of the Town. State and local laws and regulations governing procedures for these approvals are MGL Chapter 40A (the Zoning Act); MGL Chapter 41, Sections 81K - 81GG (the Subdivision Control Law); Chapter 300 of the Franklin Town Code Subdivision Regulations; and the Town of Franklin Zoning Bylaws Chapter 185.

The Board conducts meetings and public hearings in compliance with Town of Franklin General Laws to review and consider preliminary and definitive subdivision plans, Site plans and Special Permits, Approval Not Required (Form A) plans, and Certificate of completion applications. 

The Planning Board also considers and prepares amendments to the Town of Franklin Zoning By-laws and the Town of Franklin Subdivision Regulations. The Board conducts public hearings on amendments created by the Board and on zoning amendments that are submitted to the Board by way of citizen petition or by landowners or other town boards through the proper procedures for submitting to Town Council.

All material received by the Planning Board in connection with applications is considered public information and can be seen during posted office hours."

Additional information on the Planning Board can be found on their page
http://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board

Note: the Town of Franklin webpage is incorrect in stating the terms of office are three years (they are 4) and that the Associate is an appointed position (it is up for election this year).

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNING BOARD (FY 2016)

The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for “…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By-Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning and Community Development and Public Works Departments. 

In FY2016, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One major project the Planning Board approved was 150 Emmons Street, a multi-unit retail development at the location of the former Municipal Building. The Site Plan includes demolition of the existing building and construction of a new retail building, which is to include a restaurant, salon and additional retail spaces. In front of the building land has been reserved to create a small park with a statue of Horace Mann. The largest project before the Planning Board during FY16 was the proposed Central Square project at 300 - 340 East Central Street, which will replace the former Ficco Bowling and Keigan Auto buildings with a multi-building, 113,000+ sf retail, commercial, and restaurant shopping center. Proposed uses include but are not limited to a 4,500 sf filling station and convenience store, and a 2,371 sf vehicle service/repair center. The Planning Board reviewed and approved a Site Plan for a bath house at Camp Haiastan, which was for summer campers. 

The Planning Board approved two new Definitive Subdivisions, Union Meadows and Rolling Brook Estates. Both were for single family homes to be built on a new roadway that end in a cul-de-sac. The Planning Board voted to endorse (2) two 81-P plans, and accepted ten (10) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. Examples of completed Site Plans include Midas Auto Repair and CVS Pharmacy, both located on West Central Street, and Eastern Propane located at 11 Forge Parkway. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2016 Fiscal Year.

Decisions - Approvals Total FY2016

• Preliminary Subdivisions 1
• Definitive Subdivisions 2
• Definitive Subdivision Modifications 2
• 81-P Plans (ANR) 2
• Site Plans 3
• Site Plan Modifications 3
• Limited Site Plan 1
• Limited Site Plan Modifications 2
• Special Permits 3
• Street Acceptance Recommendation 1
• Certificate of Completion 10
• Zoning Bylaw Amendments 4
• Subdivision Regulation Amendments 2
• Bond Releases 1
• Acceptance of Bonds 1

The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes including Zoning Bylaw 16-762, which clarifies requirements of the Stormwater section of the Zoning Bylaw, and Zoning Bylaw 16-764 was needed to address the filing criteria for a limited site plan. With these changes, the Planning Board is hoping to better streamline the application process. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin. 

The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.

Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special
Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. Below is a list of current Planning Board members:

• Anthony Padula, Chairman 
• Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman 
• John Carroll, Clerk 
• Gregory Rondeau 
• William David 
• Rick Power, Associate Member

Respectfully submitted,
Anthony Padula, Chairman

the Horace Mann statue stands to welcome folks to downtown Franklin
in the front of the new building at 150 Emmons St

Download and read the full Annual Report for the Town of Franklin FY 2016
http://franklinma.gov/administrator/files/franklin-2016-town-report

Prior year annual reports can be found 
http://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/annual-reports

Hold the Date - Beatlemania Stage Show - Nov 3

Catching up to a future event from the social radar:

"The Franklin High School Band will host a Beatlemania Stage Show benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St. The event, called Keep Music Education Alive, will raise funds to support the school’s music programs. 

The concert is a professional production with big venue sound and lighting equipment. The national touring production Beatlemania Stage Show will perform the complete Beatles experience, from the Ed Sullivan days through the Magical Mystery Tour, Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road, with period costume changes and authentic Beatles instruments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/entertainmentlife/20170817/franklin-high-school-band-to-host-benefit-concert

Hold the Date - Beatlemania Stage Show - Nov 3 (Image from show webpage)

For more about the show and organization that performs
http://www.beatlemaniastageshow.com/MusicEducation.html