Sunday, October 3, 2010

Traffic Survey Comments - Yes and No

The survey conducted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website resulted in many comments for an against the proposal to change the Main St traffic flow from 1-way to 2-way.

While the survey is not an exact science nor can the results be taken as an 'official' reflection of the will of the people, the comments do provide valuable insights.

While the Town Council did indicate that they are for the change to 2-way traffic, they will still need to vote on a bylaw change to do so. The bylaw change will require additional discussion at 2 public meetings (of the Town Council).

What do I think one should take from the comments?
The need for better communication on the details, the reasons, and the numbers remains great. While some number of folks have spent a lot of time working on this over the years, and I have great respect for that effort, there are folks who are just now becoming aware of it, who need to be able to find clear information on what the change is and how it was arrived at.

As much time as I personally have spent reporting on what is happening in and around Franklin, I do not feel that I have all my questions answered. This is what is continuing to drive my own efforts to share what information I can. This website (Franklin Matters) and the information shared here is not and has never been about me. I truly believe that Franklin matters. I do believe that information sharing can be improved. Franklin doesn't have nor can it afford a "Community Information Director". Hence I have assumed that title on a volunteer basis.


These are the comments associated with NO

Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded No


These are the comments associated with YES

Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded Yes

Prior posts
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/09/downtown-traffic-survey-says.html


Franklin, MA


Town Council - Agenda Document - 10/6/10

The full agenda document included details on the subjects scheduled for discussion on Weds, Oct 6 can be viewed below.

Of note:

1 - I would spend some time on the DelCarte proposal to fix the dams. The dams are currently breeched and in need of repair. The space is gorgeous. The potential for developing some trails to safely walk amongst and enjoy this natural beauty is tantalizing. If you have had the chance to visit Stony Brook in Norfolk or Borderland St Pk in Easton, this space within Franklin's own borders can provide that experience.

2 - There is a new bylaw proposed to better identify and have maintained the abandoned property that is located within Franklin,

TC_20101006_agenda


Franklin, MA

In the News - Library

A birthday bash at Franklin Library

by 

If you haven't visited the library, you can take a virtual tour by video
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/tours


Franklin, MA

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Franklin Chargers helping the Franklin Food Pantry

The E2 Franklin Chargers Football team hopes to collect 500 canned goods this Sunday (Oct 3, 2010) for the Franklin Food Pantry.
Public Relations Manager Chuck Findlen said the team is challenging other squads to collect the most goods, and has already collected 350 pounds of items.
Drop-offs can be made to bins located at the Beaver Street field. Collection will start at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit www.franklinchargers.net.
This was originally posted to the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x55987296/Help-Franklin-Chargers-collect-canned-food


Disclosure: I am on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Food Pantry and I approve of this activity to help members of our community.

Franklin, MA

Blackstone Valley Bike Path Moves Forward

If you Haven't had an opportunity to ride or walk along the Blackstone Valley Bike Path, I would recommend it. Especially now as we get into the fall colors, the bike path will be a nice place to visit.



Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:



via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/1/10

Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray today announced $15 million in Accelerated Bridge Program funds for design and construction of the first segment of the Blackstone Valley Bike Path.  Once completed, the proposed 48-mile trail will connect Worcester to Providence.  Improvements to this path will also support the the East Coast Greenway, a project to create a 2,900-mile trail system linking cities along the coast from Maine to Florida.

Lieutenant Governor Murray joined state and local officials to celebrate the first phase of the project, a 2.5-mile pathway including 11 bridges between the Triad Bridge in Millville located in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park and along the Rhode Island border.
The Blackstone Valley Bike Path will connect historic and cultural sites, natural resources, recreation facilities, and commercial and residential areas. The project is a joint effort between MassDOT and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.  Design is underway with construction expected to begin in spring 2012.

Things you can do from here:

They're bugs, and they stink, but they're not stink bugs

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:


via Universal Hub by adamg on 10/1/10

Jennifer Forman Orth alerts us that the stinky bugs now invading many homes around here are not true stink bugs but rather Western Conifer Seed Bugs, which, darn them, can also stink up the joint:
These bugs do release a "stinky" liquid when startled, but they are not related to true stink bugs.
She provides helpful closeup photos so you can tell the difference before you grab one with a paper towel or apply a shoe.

Things you can do from here:

Friday, October 1, 2010

Fire Dept - Open House - Oct 3

The Fire Department will hold a family style open house on Sunday at the King St Station. The open house will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Pictures from last year's open house can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/10/fire-dept-open-house.html


Franklin, MA