MA Gov: Know Your Rights as a Tenant

The MA Gov blog ran a two part series for renters recently. Citing a stat from the Census, 37% of MA live in rental units. Excerpts from each of the two parts are shared here. 

Follow the links for additional details on "Knowing Your Rights as a Tenant"

Part 1 - before you move in:

According to the United States Census Bureau (USCB), as of 2013, more than 37 percent of Massachusetts homes were occupied by renters. 

Searching for a rental home, signing a lease, and meeting new neighbors can be exciting, but it’s also important that you keep your rights as a tenant in mind. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provide information on what you should expect from your landlord before renting a home in Massachusetts.

Continue with Part 1 here

http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/know-your-rights-as-a-tenant-part-1-before-you-move-in/

image from Part 1 of  Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Part 2 - after you move in

Once you’ve learned your rights as a tenant prior to signing your lease, it’s time to figure out what happens after you move in. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) share information about your rights once you have signed the lease and begun your tenancy.

Continue with Part 2 here

http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/know-your-rights-as-a-tenant-part-2-after-you-move-in/

Who are the candidates for Nov 3?

Franklin will have some choices to make for key positions. It is good to see so many candidates at this time!

The updated listing of candidates as of Friday, August 21 is shown below. 

8 of these have returned their papers and 6 of the 8 have had their papers certified at this time. There is still time to take out papers, the ballot won't get finalized until the end of September. The full election calendar is linked to below.

POSITION	NAME	Total
Assessor	Donna Greenwood
	W.Kenneth  Norman
		2
Bd. Of Health	Donald G. Ranieri, Jr.
	Gail P. Chirdon
	Philip M. Brunelli
	Tara E. Gurge
		4
Constable	Daniel J. McCahill
	John S. Power
	Philip M. Brunelli
		3
Planning Bd	Gregory Giardino
	Gregory T. Rondeau
	John F. Carroll
	Mikel G. DeFrancesco
	William D. David
		5
School Com.	Anne K. Bergen
	Cynthia J. Douglas
	Denise L. Schultz
	Kenneth B. Hiscoe, III
	Kevin P. O'Malley
	Mary Jane Scofield
	Rita M. Graci
	Trevor A. Clement
	Vanessa A. Bilello
		9
Town Clerk	Diane M. Padula-O'Neill
	Elizabeth F. Simon
	Paul J. Cheli
	Teresa M. Burr
		4
Town Council	Andrew M. Bissanti
	Brett S. Feldman
	Deborah L. Pellegri
	Glenn F. Jones
	James D. Schultz, Jr.
	James V. Gianotti, Jr.
	Judith Pond Pfeffer
	Matthew T. Kelly
	Peter E. Padula
	Richard W. Power, Sr.
	Robert D. Dellorco
	Robert R. Vallee
	Sean P. Slater
	Thomas D. Mercer
		14

...

Franklin Town Common

What does the calendar for the run up to Nov 3 look like?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/07/calendar-for-biennial-town-election.html

Proposed pipeline information meetings scheduled

Informational meetings are scheduled for those landowners potentially affected by the proposed pipeline.

"Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC ("Algonquin")' is hosting Landowner Informational Meetings in your area for our proposed Access Northeast Project ("Project"). The Project could have construction on or near your property. 

As we have mentioned to you in previous correspondence, we are currently evaluating a proposed expansion of our Algonquin pipeline system. The proposed project plans include replacement of existing pipelines and construction of new pipelines in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 

At the informational meetings, Algonquin representatives will be available to answer questions concerning the proposed facilities, safety, environmental and permitting processes, construction and operation, and other aspects of the Project. 

We encourage you to attend the informational meeting and share with us your questions about the proposed project. For your convenience, please feel welcome to attend any of the landowner informational meetings on the dates and times listed below. Please note that there is no formal speaking program, so you can arrive anytime within the timeframes listed below."

Tuesday, August 25, 2015
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Medway, Bellingham, Franklin, Massachusetts
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
835 Union Street Franklin, MA 02038

Access Northeast pipeline map

The full letter and schedule of meetings can be found here




This was shared from the Official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/021CADA3-000F8513

The Panther has arrived !!!

The panther statue has been installed among the new fields on the ground of Franklin High School. I captured these photos on my walk last weekend. The panther statue is a gift from the Graci Family in memory of their daughter Kristen Graci, a 2007 graduate of FHS who died at 21 from complications with leukemia.

(If you are not familiar with the story, you can fill in some details here, here and here.)

Suffice to say that the trials and tribulations that occurred along the way to bring the panther to this position are not unlike that experienced by any of the FHS athletes in the course of their time wearing the blue and white colors of FHS. 

The way was paved with ups and downs, twists and turns, logic and not so, and multiple conversations. Some lessons were learned, some accomplishments were significant, some will last more than others. Just like life.

Now the panther is properly placed to serve as a reminder of the FHS athlete creed "Franklin athletes never quit."

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 1

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 2

Panther among the new ball fields at FHS 3

Downtown Project Update: Main St closed in front of Dean College

As announced with the recent Downtown Project Update, Main St in front of Dean College will be closed to allow the contractor to put in the raised crosswalk.

Main Street between School Street and Emmons Street will be closed beginning at 7:00 AM this Monday August 24, 2015 and be completed with work by 12:00 PM on Tuesday August 25, 2015. 

Walsh (the contractor) will plate the raised area overnight in Case any Emergency personnel need access. 

Otherwise, it will be closed.

Main St in front of Dean College will be closed Monday into Tuesday

This was shared from the Official Town of Franklin page

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/021C761A-000F8513

In the News: DelCarte reopens, wiffle ball tourney a hit

"After being closed for much of the season, the playground at the DelCarte Conservation Area reopened on Saturday. 

The Pleasant Street playground, which fits into the surrounding park with its resemblance to a tree, first opened in fall 2014, said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. 

"We discovered this spring that a couple of cracks had developed in and around the playground equipment," he said. "We were concerned about what went wrong, so we called the company to fix it." 

Nutting said, after some time, the company came out do the needed repairs. 

"It's been closed all summer," Nutting said, noting that, while there was no warranty, the company did cover the cost of the work."

DelCarte playground has reopened after being repaired

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150822/NEWS/150828468/1994/NEWS

"Fletcher Field was packed with Wiffle ball players Saturday, with a several simultaneous games occurring side by side. 

The players were taking part in the Random Smile Project's Third Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament, an event designed to benefit the local charity. 

Colleen Swenson, one of the members of Random Smiles, said participation in this year's tournament was strong. 

"Right now, we have about 30 teams," she said. "Every year, we add on a few teams.""

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150822/NEWS/150828466/1994/NEWS

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights Registry Customer Service Center Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reminds consumers if they have a question or a concern about a land document related issue, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Registry's Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. "The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop, providing homeowners and real estate professionals alike with detailed information about a wealth of land document related issues. These subjects include, confirming current ownership of property, verifying whether or not there is a lien on a particular piece of property and checking if a discharge of a mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. "The department can also inform customers about the cost of filing land documents. And upon a customer's request, can provide copies of documents for a fee of $1.00, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover postage costs. In addition, Customer Service Center staff are happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000," noted Register O'Donnell. Register O'Donnell went on to say, "For many, trying to decipher information on land documents can be a very frustrating if not an intimidating experience. Our trained Customer Service professionals are well versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system - which is also available to members of the public via www.norfolkdeeds.org - we can get people the answers to their property questions." Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. "All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver's license or passport," said O'Donnell. In conclusion, the Register stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry's mission to serve the public. The residents of Norfolk County deserve nothing less than a positive experience when interacting with us." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at 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 email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

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Norfolk County Registry of  Deeds