Sunday, April 10, 2011

Downtown walk around

Our Saturday morning walk to and around downtown Franklin presented a few photo opportunities.

First up was the line up of the ark and occupants at the First Federated Church

The Ark and occupants


Acapulcos has a new sign on their window. Free wifi with a catch; it is only good from 11:00 AM through 3:00 PM.

Free wifi with a catch


Heading for Cafe Dolce I noticed that the flower boxes have been removed. Must be getting fixed up in time for the Spring installation of flowers in May by the Downtown Partnership.

Flower boxes removed


What have you noticed around Franklin, now that we can all get out and around a bit with the better weather?


Franklin, MA

How does New Hampshire do it?

New Hampshire is noted for its state liquor stores and no personal income tax. Yet they also have the highest property tax in New England. You have probably been part of a discussion on the pros and cons of what they do versus other states.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has just published their analysis with interesting results. New Hampshire is able to do what it does "in part because of favorable circumstances. States with needier populations or higher costs will likely spend more to provide the same level of services." The report shows ways in which MA and other New England states have needier populations and higher costs.

The report acknowledges that New Hampshire "has also made some policy choices to keep spending low and avoid broad based taxes." So can we do what they did? The report goes on to say that "some choices may be infeasible in the current environment or inappropriate in states with different preferences for public services."

So the bottom line works out to be, if you like MA stay here. If you think you like NH and the way they do things, go there. How NH does what they do doesn't translate well to other states.


FedResBkBoston_neppcrr1101-nhbriefing


This is the report summary. You can find the full report and accompanying tables of supporting figures on the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston website: http://www.bostonfed.org/news/press/2011/pr040711.htm

Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.

Franklin, MA

In the News - YMCA kids and fitness


Families get fit at Franklin event





Franklin, MA

Saturday, April 9, 2011

10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll

Gene Lavanchy, Fox 25 morning News anchor, and New England Patriot Steve Nelson will host the 10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll on May 22 at EMC, 50 Constitution Blvd, in the Franklin Industrial Park.
This video provides a good recap of what the events of the day are like.





Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x719609999/HMEA-5K-in-the-Park-is-May-22#ixzz1J1R0ozxz

My recap of 2010 can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/hmea-5k-walk-and-family-fun-day.html

You can register to run, walk, or stroll on the HMEA website  http://hmea.org/


Franklin, MA

"always good news to see an increase in state funding"

Milford's Chapter 90 funding would increase from $627,000 in fiscal 2011 to $812,000 in fiscal 2012. Mendon's would increase from $208,000 to $270,000. Upton's would rise from $239,000 to $320,000. Hopedale's would jump from $136,000 to $174,000 while Bellingham's would go from $392,000 to $510,000, according to a spreadsheet on the Department of Transportation website. 
Franklin's road funding would grow from $713,000 to $923,000, while Medway's would jump from $318,000 to $413,000. Those are both nearly 30 percent increases that Vallee said would make a dramatic difference. 
"I think this year was extraordinary with having the significant, record snowfalls and deterioration of roads," he said. "... There's never enough money for any specific need, but from my standpoint, this is a good use of taxpayer money. It goes directly to infrastructure and I think the increase was needed."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1076645343/Towns-in-line-to-get-more-road-repair-funds#ixzz1J1N74J7e


Information on the FY 2012 Budget can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html

The Finance Committee will hold their budget hearings on May 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10. Each department will review their budget detail and answer questions on their operations and expenses.


Franklin, MA

In the News - Dean College, brush fire


Dean College takes part in Earth Day




Franklin brush fire extinguished




Franklin, MA