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Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Blackstone River Theatre: Great bluegrass/Americana with The KroppDusters!!
Monday, January 5, 2015
Live Reporting: Planning Board - Jan 5, 2015
Present: Rondeau, David, Halligan, Padula, Carroll
Absent: Ballarino
#2 - Franklin Rod and Gun Club
81-P Plan submitted, all in order per Planning Dept
motion to accept, seconded, passed
motion to recesss until 7:15 when the public hearing can be opened
moved, seconded, passed
motion to suspend the reading, seconded, passed
Jeff Nutting, provides the overview on the intent behind the zoning change
allowing condonimums would potentially allow the property to be more marketable
the upside of a multi use is less traffic than other possible business uses, down side is it has been woods for many years so any change will be noticed.
Elaine Murphy, abutter to property
question on how the zoning change would affect her property
if the town approves the bylaw, can I come in a few years to sell my land and
been here since 1973, the woods are beautiful, they do many things for us
we have other land in the town that can be developed
Nutting - was a proposal back in 2007 and that went no where, another later with more design docs, it was just a plan, did not go anywhere
there is no change to the set backs or to the nature of the land, wet lands, etc.
no development near Walker Road due to the wetlands
the constrain is mostly to the middle where it is not wetland
the Town is looking to make the zoning change
we do not property in the downtown, property is already designated as open space, etc.
we are looking for additional tax dollars, a $500-600K annual revenue for the property would be good for our budget needs
it is a balencing act
if this is approved by the Council, then it would be another RFP to see what would be proposed. All that would have to be worked out for approval by the Council
it takes a 2/3 vote to change the zoning and a 2/3 vote to sell the property
Padula - the set backs will remain
Murphy - will the footprint be the same?
Padula - it depends upon what the developer proposes. This is just the first step in trying to make the property more commercial
If you had more than 5 acres, you could make that proposal
this is the only property that is zoned office use
Nutting - the hardship issue would be before the Zoning Board of Appeals, we are not making that proposal.
if we could get a hotel on that site we would be happy
if we could get condos, we could be happy
we would like to get some residential
there are height limits, 3 floors by right, 5 by special permit
there is topology coming into play where the land slopes away from Pond St to i495
Stephanie Pazniokas
trying to get clarity on what may happen
940 acres of economic opportunty area in Franklin and this is only 15
why is there so much for this now
Nutting - economic development zone already built out at about 98%
this is our land and not yet developed, all the other land is already owned by private owners
Stephanie
furthering questions on other changes from the stipulations
Nutting - if the town were to sell the land, we would stipulate requirements
could that make further changes 40 years from now, maybe but not right now
but then they would have to go through the whole process again
We are better off getting condominiums than we are getting apartments
Stephanie - Once the decision is made, we are trusting that the decisions will be followed through with
Nutting - the Council will ultimately make the decision on the change, and the nature of the change, and if we sell and how we sell
Halligan - there is more in the existing zoning allowed. It is scary. We are not changing the zone itself
Nutting - we are adding a use
Elaine - Could you only sell the buildable land and keep the rest?
Nutting - If they own and they can't build on it, they still pay taxes on it. From a practical sense
another resident -
given the Starbucks, it could be a mess
Padula - when the developer comes before, the discussion would includes those factors
Nutting - Weds the Council holds a public hearing, then a second one per law. If approved, then the Council would consider re-issuing the RFP
a hotel would bring us the most tax revenue; less traffic impact than a business as the time of arrivals and departures would be staggered
motion to close the hearing, seconded, passed
motion to recommend to the Council, seconded, passed
Padula - recused himself
Rondeau moved from Associate to Member
Ballarino though absent can still review the material and video to be eligible to vote on the project
Don Norman - engineer provides an overview
was Taco Bell with Wendy's
are outside the limited site plan modification requirements
are looking for a site plan modification
lot 1 - Midas
lot 2 - still vacant
lot 3 - Wendy's site
each lot individually owned, an association will own the roadway and maintain it to the current standards
Midas is similar to what was approved by the Planning Board in 2010
maintaining same buffers on wetlands, and retaining wall
actually reduced impervious coverage, much actually the same footprint
Midas auto and tire maintenance, internal tanks/barrels for handling their waste (windshield fuilds, greases, etc.). All the tanks will be above ground and inside the facility. No intent for storage of hazardous wastes outside the facility
There will be a dumpster for general waste and for metal
we are on town water and sewer, drains will address fuilds before going to the sewer system
most of the plantings outside the property are previously approved by the prior site plan, did not want to change what had already been approved
did submit a special permit application
did submit a drainage analysis
Maglio - a couple of questions on some calculations that can be worked out
minor adjustments to the plan to include some additional details that can all be worked out
Wierling - for the next meeting, can you have some presentation boards for the public to view?
some references need to be adjusted for some minor points
did you apply for the zoning board?
Norman - yes, we'll do that this week
what hours do you anticipate the pickups for some of the disposal items?
Marie DelRapo - Board of Trustees of the abutters
worried about the noise issues, did work up some calculations and came up with some 5 decibles higher than what you had come up with
the closest family would be about 30 feet from the property
find a way to buffer the noise other than the chain link fence as proposed
concerned about the fumes? would need to be vented some how?
what is the plan?
Midas - the vehicles are not running while they are maintained
we are only doing light maintenance, no exhaust fumes like you think might be
Marie - garage doors? open or closed?
Midas - garage doors are generally open during the summer?
7-6 or 7-7 something in that area
I like the plan, I just want to make it as accommodating as possible
the building of the retaining wall? would blasting be required?
Nutting - you can ask for a pre-blast survey, this is under the fire chief's control
Midas - current plan is to be closed on Sunday
Marie - dumpster and view from the property?
Halligan - screening of that is one of my concerns
Looking for the Board's help in returning the residential feel, it can cetainly be made better
Don - we proposed an arborvite, we can lok at changing that
Marie - we have residents, looking right down into the property
I would like the fence on the retaining wall be thicker and more screening than what is proposed.
Kelly Fitzpatrick from Franklin Crossing
I am concerned about the noise levels, shrubs,
there are 154 homes to be affected
Halligan - there could have been a Taco Bell there, we are sensitive to the neighbors. Give it a little consideration that something will be going there
There are DEP regulations for what they can do store inside and outside
Bill Laquidera - concerned about the disposal of the tires
Midas - the corporate parent does own tires, so it will be part of our business but it is not our main point of business; the objective is to get it off the site as soon as possible
Halligan - where would you store them?
Midas- maybe in the dumpster area? we'll need to look at. It is a fair concern and I'd like to address it
Marie - presented copies of pictures of dumspter areas in other Midas shops
Midas - I can speak to Warwick, the dumpster tore down the electrical lines so we were in a state of disrepair at the time. It is not an every day occurance
John Carroll - can you put something together to show the residents
Don - yes, we can and will
John - the retaining wall is 7-8 ft high?
Don - the building is about 8 ft above grade at the steepest part
Midas- one AC unit on the roof,
John - could you look at how you cover it?
Midas - if cars remain over night, we generally take them in so there is no tempation overnight
Snow storage in multiple spots, I can add more to show it later
Midas - we may do inspection stickers? we do not have a machine in place but it is possible
Comment on the white pines already planted by the Association, Midas likes it and maybe able to add to what is already there
Could you relocate the AC unit to the ground and thereby remove it from the site line?
Midas - we do have drop offs, it would be gentle at that time of the morning
next meeting, January 26th at 7:15 PM
meeting to be continued
meeting adjourned
Absent: Ballarino
General business
#1 - move to accept meeting minutes of Dec 14, 2014; seconded, passed#2 - Franklin Rod and Gun Club
81-P Plan submitted, all in order per Planning Dept
motion to accept, seconded, passed
motion to recesss until 7:15 when the public hearing can be opened
moved, seconded, passed
*** recessed until 7:15 PM ***
meeting resumesmotion to suspend the reading, seconded, passed
Jeff Nutting, provides the overview on the intent behind the zoning change
allowing condonimums would potentially allow the property to be more marketable
the upside of a multi use is less traffic than other possible business uses, down side is it has been woods for many years so any change will be noticed.
Elaine Murphy, abutter to property
question on how the zoning change would affect her property
if the town approves the bylaw, can I come in a few years to sell my land and
been here since 1973, the woods are beautiful, they do many things for us
we have other land in the town that can be developed
Nutting - was a proposal back in 2007 and that went no where, another later with more design docs, it was just a plan, did not go anywhere
there is no change to the set backs or to the nature of the land, wet lands, etc.
no development near Walker Road due to the wetlands
the constrain is mostly to the middle where it is not wetland
the Town is looking to make the zoning change
we do not property in the downtown, property is already designated as open space, etc.
we are looking for additional tax dollars, a $500-600K annual revenue for the property would be good for our budget needs
it is a balencing act
if this is approved by the Council, then it would be another RFP to see what would be proposed. All that would have to be worked out for approval by the Council
it takes a 2/3 vote to change the zoning and a 2/3 vote to sell the property
Padula - the set backs will remain
Murphy - will the footprint be the same?
Padula - it depends upon what the developer proposes. This is just the first step in trying to make the property more commercial
If you had more than 5 acres, you could make that proposal
this is the only property that is zoned office use
Nutting - the hardship issue would be before the Zoning Board of Appeals, we are not making that proposal.
if we could get a hotel on that site we would be happy
if we could get condos, we could be happy
we would like to get some residential
there are height limits, 3 floors by right, 5 by special permit
there is topology coming into play where the land slopes away from Pond St to i495
Stephanie Pazniokas
trying to get clarity on what may happen
940 acres of economic opportunty area in Franklin and this is only 15
why is there so much for this now
Nutting - economic development zone already built out at about 98%
this is our land and not yet developed, all the other land is already owned by private owners
Stephanie
furthering questions on other changes from the stipulations
Nutting - if the town were to sell the land, we would stipulate requirements
could that make further changes 40 years from now, maybe but not right now
but then they would have to go through the whole process again
We are better off getting condominiums than we are getting apartments
Stephanie - Once the decision is made, we are trusting that the decisions will be followed through with
Nutting - the Council will ultimately make the decision on the change, and the nature of the change, and if we sell and how we sell
Halligan - there is more in the existing zoning allowed. It is scary. We are not changing the zone itself
Nutting - we are adding a use
Elaine - Could you only sell the buildable land and keep the rest?
Nutting - If they own and they can't build on it, they still pay taxes on it. From a practical sense
another resident -
given the Starbucks, it could be a mess
Padula - when the developer comes before, the discussion would includes those factors
Nutting - Weds the Council holds a public hearing, then a second one per law. If approved, then the Council would consider re-issuing the RFP
a hotel would bring us the most tax revenue; less traffic impact than a business as the time of arrivals and departures would be staggered
motion to close the hearing, seconded, passed
motion to recommend to the Council, seconded, passed
Scheduled public hearing 7:30
505 West Central St - Midas MufflerPadula - recused himself
Rondeau moved from Associate to Member
Ballarino though absent can still review the material and video to be eligible to vote on the project
Don Norman - engineer provides an overview
was Taco Bell with Wendy's
are outside the limited site plan modification requirements
are looking for a site plan modification
lot 1 - Midas
lot 2 - still vacant
lot 3 - Wendy's site
each lot individually owned, an association will own the roadway and maintain it to the current standards
Midas is similar to what was approved by the Planning Board in 2010
maintaining same buffers on wetlands, and retaining wall
actually reduced impervious coverage, much actually the same footprint
Midas auto and tire maintenance, internal tanks/barrels for handling their waste (windshield fuilds, greases, etc.). All the tanks will be above ground and inside the facility. No intent for storage of hazardous wastes outside the facility
There will be a dumpster for general waste and for metal
we are on town water and sewer, drains will address fuilds before going to the sewer system
most of the plantings outside the property are previously approved by the prior site plan, did not want to change what had already been approved
did submit a special permit application
did submit a drainage analysis
Maglio - a couple of questions on some calculations that can be worked out
minor adjustments to the plan to include some additional details that can all be worked out
Wierling - for the next meeting, can you have some presentation boards for the public to view?
some references need to be adjusted for some minor points
did you apply for the zoning board?
Norman - yes, we'll do that this week
what hours do you anticipate the pickups for some of the disposal items?
Marie DelRapo - Board of Trustees of the abutters
worried about the noise issues, did work up some calculations and came up with some 5 decibles higher than what you had come up with
the closest family would be about 30 feet from the property
find a way to buffer the noise other than the chain link fence as proposed
concerned about the fumes? would need to be vented some how?
what is the plan?
Midas - the vehicles are not running while they are maintained
we are only doing light maintenance, no exhaust fumes like you think might be
Marie - garage doors? open or closed?
Midas - garage doors are generally open during the summer?
7-6 or 7-7 something in that area
I like the plan, I just want to make it as accommodating as possible
the building of the retaining wall? would blasting be required?
Nutting - you can ask for a pre-blast survey, this is under the fire chief's control
Midas - current plan is to be closed on Sunday
Marie - dumpster and view from the property?
Halligan - screening of that is one of my concerns
Looking for the Board's help in returning the residential feel, it can cetainly be made better
Don - we proposed an arborvite, we can lok at changing that
Marie - we have residents, looking right down into the property
I would like the fence on the retaining wall be thicker and more screening than what is proposed.
Kelly Fitzpatrick from Franklin Crossing
I am concerned about the noise levels, shrubs,
there are 154 homes to be affected
Halligan - there could have been a Taco Bell there, we are sensitive to the neighbors. Give it a little consideration that something will be going there
There are DEP regulations for what they can do store inside and outside
Bill Laquidera - concerned about the disposal of the tires
Midas - the corporate parent does own tires, so it will be part of our business but it is not our main point of business; the objective is to get it off the site as soon as possible
Halligan - where would you store them?
Midas- maybe in the dumpster area? we'll need to look at. It is a fair concern and I'd like to address it
Marie - presented copies of pictures of dumspter areas in other Midas shops
Midas - I can speak to Warwick, the dumpster tore down the electrical lines so we were in a state of disrepair at the time. It is not an every day occurance
John Carroll - can you put something together to show the residents
Don - yes, we can and will
John - the retaining wall is 7-8 ft high?
Don - the building is about 8 ft above grade at the steepest part
Midas- one AC unit on the roof,
John - could you look at how you cover it?
Midas - if cars remain over night, we generally take them in so there is no tempation overnight
Snow storage in multiple spots, I can add more to show it later
Midas - we may do inspection stickers? we do not have a machine in place but it is possible
Comment on the white pines already planted by the Association, Midas likes it and maybe able to add to what is already there
Could you relocate the AC unit to the ground and thereby remove it from the site line?
Midas - we do have drop offs, it would be gentle at that time of the morning
next meeting, January 26th at 7:15 PM
meeting to be continued
meeting adjourned
Community Walking at Franklin High School
With typical variation in the New England weather for this week, this is timely!
Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce that Community Walking is returning to Franklin High School effective Monday, January 5, 2015.
Franklin residents are invited to escape the cold temperatures and walk in the warmth of the high school track or hallways. Walking will be available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Walkers may use the elevated track when there are no games taking place in the gym
- When there are games in the gym, walkers may use the high school hallways on the first floor
There will be signs in the lobby to inform walkers whether the track or hallways are available. Additionally, a Community Walking calendar will be posted on the Lifelong Learning website.
Walkers should enter the Panther Door and go to the Adult Ed. Office to sign-in and receive a guest lanyard. When they are finished walking, they go back to the Adult Ed. Office, sign-out, and return their guest lanyard. The sign-in/sign-out process and the wearing of guest lanyards are part of the school safety protocol.
For more information on Community Walking please call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.
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| Community Entrance at Franklin High School |
This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools page here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01F6E2B9-000F8513.0/Community%20walking%20press%20release.pdf
You can navigate to the Lifelong Learning webpage via the Franklin home page, chose "Schools", and then within "Departments" chose "Lifelong Learning"
or go directly here http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/
Public Hearing - Pond St zoning bylaw
The Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday to discuss the proposal to change the zoning for the Pond St property.
The property was the subject of an RFP which did not receive any legal responses. It did receive one response but it arrived late and hence was disqualified. It did contain a proposal for more of a mixed use development including residential. The current zoning would prohibit residential. The discussion at the Economic Development Committee meeting concluded with the plan to propose the zoning change to include residential and then if approved, re-issue the RFP to see if there are more takers.
The owners abutting the property were sent the following information to help prepare for the discussion:
A whole lot of information on Franklin and, in particular, the Pond Street property can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/pondrfp
The Economic Development Committee meeting notes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/economic-development-committee-dec-17.html
The agenda for the Town Council meeting on Jan 7 (and all associated documents released for it) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-7.html
The property was the subject of an RFP which did not receive any legal responses. It did receive one response but it arrived late and hence was disqualified. It did contain a proposal for more of a mixed use development including residential. The current zoning would prohibit residential. The discussion at the Economic Development Committee meeting concluded with the plan to propose the zoning change to include residential and then if approved, re-issue the RFP to see if there are more takers.
The owners abutting the property were sent the following information to help prepare for the discussion:
A whole lot of information on Franklin and, in particular, the Pond Street property can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/pondrfp
The Economic Development Committee meeting notes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/economic-development-committee-dec-17.html
The agenda for the Town Council meeting on Jan 7 (and all associated documents released for it) can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-7.html
Note: The meeting has a scheduled start of 6:00 PM. They will open the meeting, go to Executive Session with a return to open meeting after their discussion on the Fire Fighters Union contract.
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| Franklin Planning and Community Development photo of Pond St property |
Reminder: Electric Youth at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 10
Electric Youth (EY) 2015, the international touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will debut at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Saturday, January 10, performing two shows at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.
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| Electric Youth is pictured in Todi, Italy during the group's 2014 summer concert tour of Austria and Italy |
Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-17, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at FSPA. Electric Youth 2015 includes Adriane D’Amato of Foxboro; Madison Asgeirsson, Kendra Dombroski, Shaina McGillis, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans of Medfield; Maddy Williams of Medway; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; and Jenna McDermott of Wrentham.
The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.
“The band that tours with EY really raises the level of experience for our singer-dancers and audiences alike,” says Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “These musicians have performed with A-list entertainers, and the music is first-rate. The arranging team for Electric Youth, including several of the band members, writes custom arrangements for EY that allow the group to take classic songs and make them their own.”
EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Mark Poniatowski on bass, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.
Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 11 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base.
The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album, Power Chord, is available at amazon.com and iTunes. Electric Youth 2015 will tour England and France this summer.
Tickets for Electric Youth In Concert at THE BLACK BOX are $26, with $18 tickets available for children 12 and under at the first show only. Tables may be reserved for larger parties of 8 and 12. To purchase tickets, visit www.theblackboxonline.com, stop by the box office at 34 Main Street in Franklin, or call (508) 528-3370.
THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Light pub fare and cash bar are available. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com.
“We’re still trying to come out of the hole"
The Boston Globe West section ran an article on Ritchie Elgar in the Sunday edition, Jan 4, 2015.
Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/01/04/paralyzed-tri-county-regional-voke-wrestler-ritchie-elgar-determined-compete-again/GCHzAZ6mVwkhEknUlehF1J/story.html
Prior articles on Elgar can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/he-spent-first-few-weeks-in-hospital.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/we-wanted-to-make-transition-easier-for.html
The fund raising page is still active and can be found here
While the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High wrestling team practiced in the school’s upper gym Monday morning, preparing for a meet in Agawam the next day, Ritchie Elgar sat alone in the adjacent weight room.
With his left hand, the reigning Mayflower League MVP reached to the ground and picked up a 30-pound dumbbell; his right hand gripped the side of his wheelchair, enabling him to sit up straight as he performed a biceps curl with the weight.
The 17-year-old Franklin resident, the defending state vocational school champion at 106 pounds as a sophomore, was in a car accident last summer that left him paralyzed from the sternum down.
Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/01/04/paralyzed-tri-county-regional-voke-wrestler-ritchie-elgar-determined-compete-again/GCHzAZ6mVwkhEknUlehF1J/story.html
Prior articles on Elgar can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/he-spent-first-few-weeks-in-hospital.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/we-wanted-to-make-transition-easier-for.html
The fund raising page is still active and can be found here
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| older screen grab of fund raising page - current total is over $15,000 |
FHS Sports: girls hockey team wins, boys basketball loses
From Hockomock Sports we find the results of the FHS boys basketball team and the girls hockey team from their games on Sunday, Jan 4, 2015.
For all the results across the Hockomock League on Sunday, visit this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010415
Boys Basketball
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| FHS Panthers |
Franklin, 53 vs. Catholic Memorial, 79 - Final - Marcus Giese scored 19 points - 14 of them in the third quarter - and added seven rebounds for the Panthers. Dylan Reno chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds and Tim Prunier added nine points.
Girls Hockey
Franklin, 2 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 0 - Final - Franklin head coach Margie Burke recorded her 100th career victory.
For all the results across the Hockomock League on Sunday, visit this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010415
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