Franklin Matters

Sunday, January 2, 2011

In the News - senior tax abatements

For seniors, town jobs can reduce property tax bills

by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

While not specifically referenced in this article, Franklin is one of the communities that offers this. In fact, early in 2010, the Town Council increased the amounts available for seniors to take advantage of.

The first discussion was February 10 when Tina Powderly provided the update on the Senior Outreach initiatives. http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/02/live-reporting-senior-outreach.html

On March 3, the Town Council voted unanimously to accept the four proposals (Zollo absent):
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/03/live-reporting-actions.html

Franklin, MA

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year 2011

Wishing you and yours all the best for a happy and healthy 2011

Franklin, MA

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Franklin, MA

Friday, December 31, 2010

MBTA Tests Commuter Rail "Quiet Cars"

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

MBTA Tests Commuter Rail "Quiet Cars"

via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 12/31/10

On Monday morning, January 3^rd, the MBTA and MBCR will begin the "Quiet Car" program on rush-hour trains on the Fitchburg and Franklin commuter rail lines.

The pilot program is to run for 90 days, during which time riders on the two lines will be asked to provide feedback on their experience with the program. Depending on customer response to the pilot program, the MBTA and MBCR will consider the deployment of "Quiet Cars" on all thirteen Commuter Rail lines.

MBTA General Manager Richard Davey said the program is the result of a recent survey, which indicated significant demand for passenger coaches free from cell phone chatter.

The car closest to the locomotive will be designated as the 'quiet car.' Customers using it will be asked to refrain from cell phone use; keep pagers, cell phones, laptop and PDA sounds off or to vibrate; and speak in whispers. Riders seated in a quiet car who need to use the phone will be asked to move to another car for the duration of their call. Conductors will make normal announcements during the trip. Conductors will be authorized to lift quiet car restrictions during any periods of service disruption or heavy passenger volume.

For more information, as well as tips for riding the "Quiet Car," please visit www.MBTA.com.