Thursday, April 9, 2015

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Guardedly Optimistic About Real Estate Market

Citing both strong growth in total dollar volume of real estate sales and continuing improvement in the mortgage market after reviewing 1st quarter 2015 real estate statistics, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell expressed "guarded optimism" that the Norfolk County real estate market will continue to show improvement.

The Norfolk County Register noted, "During the 1st quarter of 2015, the total number of deeds recorded fell a minimal 1% compared to the same time period last year. However, the total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by a robust 24% during the quarter and the average sale price of property increased an impressive 22% in Norfolk County to $793,805 over the same period of time.

"The figures clearly indicate a continuing issue with the low amount of real estate inventory, given the numbers of potential buyers, but on the other hand it also shows an improving economy in Norfolk County, making it a desirable destination location to both live and work. These numbers are striking when taking into account the horrific record-breaking winter weather experienced in the months of January and February. After all, it is very difficult to sell real estate when the property for sale is buried in 3 feet of snow."

Another significant and promising piece of 1st quarter data was the notable 46% increase in the number of mortgages recorded, resulting in a total of 6,679 mortgage transactions as compared to 4,566 during the same period in 2014. O'Donnell stated, "The mortgage figures are further evidence of an improving real estate market, but additionally illustrates an increasing rise in consumer confidence. The mortgage refinance market is critical to the economy as augmented credit means a corresponding increase in goods and services being purchased by consumers and businesses."

However, one area of continuing concern was a discouraging 24% increase in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded. Register O'Donnell noted, "That figure is a sober reminder that the economic expansion in eastern Massachusetts has not benefited all our fellow citizens. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender. Both agencies can provide guidance and assistance to homeowners."

O'Donnell indicated that more people are looking to protect their property as Homestead recordings increased a modest 1% during the 1st quarter of 2015 with a total of 2,032 Homesteads recorded versus 2,015 during the same time last year. A Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

Register O'Donnell concluded, "I continue to believe in the Norfolk County real estate market. I am hopeful that the improving spring weather will result in increasing real estate inventory, which will provide prospective homeowners with a number of housing options. The one crucial factor to watch closely though is what action the Federal Reserve will take on interest rates and its effect on both the real estate and financial industries."

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org.


Register William P. O'Donnell

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

phone: 781-234-3336

Forward email

screen grab of Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds
screen grab of Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

Both FHS Lacrosse teams top Attleboro

From Hockomock Sports we find that the results of Wednesday's action were very positive for both FHS Lacross teams. By similar scores the boys and girls teams beat their counterparts from Attleboro.

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Boys Lacrosse
Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 20 - Final



Girls Lacrosse
Franklin, 18 @ Attleboro, 3 - Final 

- Freshman Jordan Jette paced the Panthers with a hat trick and also added an assist. Abby Egan scored twice and had three ground balls and Nicole Ellin had four draw controls.



For all the results from Wednesday's action in the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040815

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Live reporting: Economic Development Committee - Pond St RFP

Present: Kelly, Bissanti, Padula, Vallee
Halligan, Nutting, Taberner


meeting opening at 6:07 PM

Nutting provides an update on a meeting with MassDOT regarding the intersection of Grove and 140 as well as Pond and 140. MassDOT indicated that there is an issue they are planning to do some traffic timing in May (after Starbucks opens). They are hiring an engineer to do traffic counts and study and could have info as early as August. 

MassDOT District 3 has been cooperative and should have some additional info later this summer.

Q - How did the Starbucks get approved with such an issue at the intersection?

A - MassDOT had given a full okay to Starbucks including the curb cuts. The info since then has changed due to the info on the accident incidents there.

Taberner showing via the overhead some slides of the property maps (part of the handout)

one shows the wet land and the 25 foot no build buffer required

one shows the prime forest areas, designated by the State for forestry purposes

one shows the location of the sewer mains running through the site

one shows the location of the former sewer beds which have been covered over or removed

one shows the area of man made dumping by the Town (snow, etc.)

one shows an approximate location of a buffer set back for the neighbors consideration, roughly 200 feet

one depicted a possibility of a 1.6 acre parcel along Pond St that would be more 'marketable' and with less restrictions to deal with

last slide shows the prior 2009 proposal and how it fit into the space

Kelly explains the overall process of getting the RFP out to get something back that would make the most sense at the end of the day.

The property 'clean up' would be done by the developer. We don't know what the cost for that would be. The property is 'clean' today but some of the structures etc. would need to be removed to do what they need to do.

You want to give some parameters to the developers so they can make a decision and bring us a proposal so we can decide.

Proposals would be checked to see if the legalities were met, then brought through the Committee (and public review) before making a proposal to the Council. Where they would also have a public hearing before making the decision which requires a 2/3 vote.

We appreciate the buffer. Have the solar farms been ruled out? While the prior RFPs were unsuccessful, could we at least include the option?

It would likely be two proposals, one for the solar and one for the other options

Halligan offered that it could be $500-2000/acre for solar, so it wouldn't make to much sense to the Town

Kelly offered that he would like to see both options go out to see what we can get.

Halligan - offered that the tax revenues would be so much less.

Kelly - I don't see the reason why we don't put it out. 

Nutting - you wouldn't sell the land for solar, you'd lease it. If someone did buy it and put solar in, they could take the solar down at some time and have the 'free' land. 

Part of the lease deal would be how close to the intereconnect it would be to connect to the grid. The hotel would be significantly more than the solar farm.

I understand the desire to make money from the property. If the town loses the space to dump the snow, where would you put it?

The traffic is going to be a problem.

Do we wait for the traffic study for the RFP?

No, not really, the tax breaks for solar end in December. We need to move to find out.

All the questions will not be answered unless the RFP goes out and comes back possibly with a bid or two. It may be that we get no bids.

The rough frame work, hotel, office, medical building, and a residential component. We need to go forward with something to get something back.

Could get the solar component out now as it would not be affected by the traffic. When the numbers come back in the summer, we could incorporate the traffic numbers and do the two staggered?

Solar is allowed anywhere (by zoning), if doing a solar only (should be a lease deal as mentioned). Usually 30 days but we like to do 45 to give it time. Depends upon on the Council would like to proceed.

You would have a bit at the apple at every junction. What we craft would go to the Council so you could there.

Padula - I would move the RFP forward. Our board is charged with the duty to put something reasonable forward for the Council to decide. 

motion withdrawn, let's get the requirements together
200 foot on Pond, 150 on Walker

If you go with solar, those trees are going to go. The property is east west and you need the clearance for the sunlight.

Clarification that the access to the waterway, MIne Brook, would still be maintained?
Yes, it is there and needs to be there.

Halligan proposes to keep it open and have the developer come in to do a presentation.

It is the balance act for the council between revenue and traffic. What are they going to want to decide?

Question on where the building would be sited and how tall it would be. The zoning is 3 stories by right and 5 by special permit.

Verhagen - It is not just traffic but quality of life for the neighbors. One moved out today and one is in the process of doing so. 

Property value would decline when the area becomes undesireable part of town due to the traffic.

Bissanti - I got to think that an appraiser coming out there would negatively affect. I would caution on use of Zillow values, sometimes they are spot on sometimes they are not.

Padula - I am going to move for an open RFP. I am going to vote my conscience and make a good decision based upon what we know.

Motion to put out a general RFP, seconded

Question on where the document is that has the language agreed to?
Bryan can draft the document and if needed it can be amended at the Council.

all four members of the Committee voted for the RFP

second proposal


Motion to make a motion for a solar lease, seconded for discussion purposes
Can the buffer be reduced for solar?

Padula - I am not sure it is a great idea to do concurrent RFPs
Kelly - there should be no problem with doing both at the same time, they want it.  

Nutting - I think we should do the solar first and then come back with the second RFP

Someone could put solar in with the original RFP

move for a vote on this

Two separate RFPs would cause confusion among those developers who would make a response.

Padula - no, vote passes 3-1

the two RFP will be on the same Council agenda

meeting adjourns


Franklin Kindergarten Registration NEXT WEEK!


The Franklin Public Schools announces
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION!

April 13th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
April 15th      4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Horace Mann Middle School – Cafeteria
224 Oak Street, Franklin

Oak St and Horace Mann building entrances
Oak St (left door) and Horace Mann (right door) building entrances

Children who will be 5 years-old on or before August 31, 2015 are eligible to attend kindergarten during the 2015-16 school year. 

Parents or guardians should plan to attend one of the two registration sessions, however children need not attend

Required forms as well as additional information can be found on the ECDC website http://franklinecdc.vt-s.net/pages/index  or by contacting Kelty Kelley, ECDC Principal @ 508 541-8166 or kelleyk@franklin.k12.ma.us.


Kelty Kelley, Principal
F. X. O'Regan Early Childhood Development Center
224 Oak Street
Franklin, MA 02038
Phone:  508-541-8166
Fax:            508-541-8254

"There is no hand so small that it cannot leave an imprint on the world!" Klub Kidz

Opera for Kids: Alice in Wonderland - THE BLACK BOX - Apr 12


Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual, free Family Concert Series concludes this season with Opera for Kids, Alice in Wonderland, on Sunday, April 12 at 3 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Composed by Robert Chauls, Alice in Wonderland is an operatic adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s cherished children’s book. Journey down the rabbit hole with Alice and meet the colorful characters of Carroll’s surreal, madcap world!

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are geared especially to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances introduce audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging, entertaining and interactive way. FPAC’s 2015 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance.

THE BLACK BOX Theater
THE BLACK BOX Theater

Alice in Wonderland features two members of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) voice faculty, Shauna Martin as the Queen of Hearts and Mariko Matsumura as the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat. FSPA student Julia Clifford of Medfield is featured as Alice, with Aaron Frongillo of Franklin, Nicholas Steiner of Millis, and Susauna Wickstrom of Plainville performing the parts of Duchess, King of Hearts, Gryphon and Mock Turtle. Pianist Synthia Sture will accompany the vocalists.

A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. Martin is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio. This season, she appeared in FPAC’s production of The Music Man as Mrs. Paroo.

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. She has performed with Lorelei Ensemble, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Jyugoya Ensemble, Chorus Boston, Setegaya Women’s Chorus and Opera Unmet.

A distinctive, non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC presents quality performances with a focus on youth development and live music, while offering opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts to work together in a collaborative and creative environment. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

Franklin Downtown Partnership events for 2015


The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2015 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, Holiday Stroll, and Beautification days. The Partnership also announces its General Meeting dates and invites the public to attend and learn more about important changes coming to downtown Franklin.

The event schedule looks different this year because the FDP has put the Harvest Festival on hold due to the upcoming Streetscape revitalization project. The scheduled reconstruction of roadways and sidewalks and pedestrian safety were the main factors in the Partnership’s decision to postpone the festival until 2016.


Downtown Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 16, 9:00 a.m. to Noon. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and numerous volunteers wielding spades and garden gloves will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason11@verizon.net, for more information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Sunday, November 22.


The 12th annual Strawberry Stroll is will take place downtown on Thursday, June 11, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Come celebrate summer with the Partnership’s scrumptious Strawberry Shortcakes while enjoying live entertainment and a sidewalk sale. If you would like to sponsor or participate in this event please contact event Co-chair Nicole Fortier, nfortier@deanbank.com.


The always-popular Holiday Stroll will be Thursday, December 3, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. This special holiday celebration will include a visit from Santa and his elves, live entertainment, food and drink specials, crafts and gift shopping. Gregg Chalk and Roberta Trahan will co-chair this festive event.


The Partnership invites business owners and interested residents to participate in its General Meetings on June 4, September 3 and November 5. Come learn more about issues affecting downtown Franklin. The meetings are held at 8:30 a.m. at the Dean College Campus Center.


More information about each event, meeting sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownPartnership.org, or on Twitter at @FranklinDowntwn.



The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working together to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. The FDP currently has over 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents. For more information, please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.


Downtown Partnership 2015 Events
Downtown Partnership 2015 Events

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here

Reminder: Spring Cleanup - Parmenter - Apr 11th

The 5th Grade at Parmenter School will be doing a Spring Cleanup on Saturday, Apr 11th. 

Get your car washed, drop off those bottles/cans, any used books or clothing - they'll take 'em!. 


Spring Cleaning 5th Grade Fund raiser - Parmenter School - Apr 11 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Spring Cleaning 5th Grade Fund raiser - Parmenter School - Apr 11 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM