"felt the bylaw as written was anti-business"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town is reconsidering a 1975 bylaw that requires businesses to clear nearby sidewalks of snow. 

The Town Council recently voted to repeal the bylaw - which sets a 12-hour time limit for businesses to remove snow - at the suggestion of Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. A second vote is needed before the repeal occurs. 

When the bylaw was passed, Nutting said, most of the Franklin's businesses were located downtown, so clearing the sidewalk in front of storefronts was a straightforward proposition. Now, he said, businesses are located in many places throughout town, including the area along Rte. 140, Kenwood Circle and Union Street and in the two industrial parks. 

"I don't think it's practical any more," he said. "I don't think we've written tickets (for it) in the years that I know of."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170109/franklin-re-examining-snow-bylaw

evidence that the DPW does get to clear the sidewalks of snow. However one must also ask if the Downtown Project took so long, to plan, couldn't they atleast have put the pole on the side of the sidewalk?

Take the poll on this to rewrite or remove the bylaw
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/should-sidewalk-snow-removal-bylaw-be.html

Reminder: Two speakers about walks in future and walks today

Just a reminder that The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club next event is this Wednesday, January 11. We are hosting two local speakers; local Author and Community Volunteer Alan Earls will update us on the Charles River Meadowlands. He will talk about the over 500 acres of open space that make this one of the great land preservation and management opportunities in our region. 

Also, local Author and Historian Marjorie Turner Hollman will introduce us to a treasure trove of outdoor recreational opportunities in our area. She has authored books highlighting easy walks and hikes in our locale. She will share her knowledge of hidden gems in our area waiting to be explored.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available. 

We meet upstairs at 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run our meetings September through May. Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

For more information, please visit our website www.franklinnewcomers.com or our Facebook page, Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club.

even in the snow, the woods are lovely at DelCarte

Related post

• 2nd edition of Easy Walks with links to three easy walks in Franklin

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/2nd-edition-of-easy-walks-in-ma-now.html

Would you like to present or perform at the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival?

The Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017. 

The Festival will take place in various locations in downtown Franklin including: THE BLACK BOX (inside and outside on its stage), the Brick School, the Historical Museum, the Town Common, the Franklin United Methodist Church, and Franklin High School.

To highlight and support all presenters, the Festival Committee is seeking Performing groups/individuals, Visual Artists, and area Restaurants/Food Service businesses to participate in the Festival.

Please see the information attached regarding the Schedule of Events. There are three separate applications on the Cultural District Website: 

1. Performers/Music
2. Visual Artists 
3. Culinary Arts

Please select the application that best fits your presentation.

If you have any questions/concerns, please contact the Franklin Cultural District Festival Committee at: FranklinCulturalDistrict@gmail.com

Completed applications must be received by 5:00 PM on February 28, 2017 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Third Annual Franklin Cultural Festival from Wednesday, July 26 to Saturday, July 29, 2017

Cover letter (includes draft schedule of events)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczVG9STXVFVHFRWjQ

Performers/Music Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczbVRJLUIxcy1XUmc

Visual Artists Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczU2dTbnA4c0dXeFk

Culinary Arts Application
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczMUlEWC1weFg5eWM

Should the sidewalk snow removal bylaw be rewritten or removed?

Town Council is considering disabling the bylaw on sidewalk snow removal for retail areas. Given that as currently written it is reported to be unenforceable; should it be (1) rewritten or (2) removed?

There is a poll widget on the Franklin Matters page in the top right corner. Please record your answer there and feel free to elaborate in the comments here.

-----------

From the Town Code  http://ecode360.com/10434215?highlight=sidewalk#10434215

§ 147-1Time limit for removal.

Owners of premises in which business may be conducted and which premises abut a public way shall, within 12 hours after a snowstorm, remove all accumulations of snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of said premises.

§ 147-2Violations and penalties.

[Added 12-9-1987 by Bylaw Amendment 87-114]

Whoever violates the provision of § 147-1 above shall forfeit and pay for each violation a fine not exceeding $25.

taken on a walk Sunday morning, approx 12 hours after the storm ended

FHS strong performances at Frosh-Soph Indoor meet

Some sports and FHS highlights via the Twitterverse

@FHS_PCC reminder: mtg tonight (mon 1/9) at 7 in FHS media center. All are welcome!!

— FranklinHighSchool (@FranklinHS) January 9, 2017

Thank you to all who supported the FHS Basketball Coaches Vs. Cancer event. Over $700 was raised for the American Cancer Society!!!

— Karen (@karenmahon73) January 9, 2017

6-2 win over Framingham at the vet, coon hat to Sicchio pic.twitter.com/herJZ84tZy

— FHS Panthers JV Puck (@PanthersJvPuck) January 9, 2017

Keep working hard wrestlers! You are embarking on very special season. Hard work in the Fitness Center and on the mat will get you there! https://t.co/9fs5bSsqX4

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 9, 2017

Girls Fr/So 4x400 relay takes 1st with a 4:14 pic.twitter.com/VlMkN1PMZI

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

MSTCA FS Large School Girls 300 Meter 42.61 H. Atkinson Franklin @MileSplitMass #mstca pic.twitter.com/O2jz0Nljgn

— MSTCA (@MSTCA1) January 8, 2017

Fenerty takes 2nd in the 600m race with the fifth fastest time run in MA this season! pic.twitter.com/HQTv2xMiKz

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

Atkinson and Pierre take 1st and 2nd place at the Fr/So meet! Congrats ladies pic.twitter.com/VInmeDlzqS

— Coach Bailey (@FranklinHSXC) January 8, 2017

Girls Fr/So 4x400 relay takes 1st with a 4:14

The complete performance results from the MSTCA McIntyre Meet on Sunday can be viewed here



or here (PDF)
http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202017/fslargeperflist.pdf

Register O'Donnell Highlights 2016 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Highlights 2016 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity While 2016 was in may ways a tumultuous year, both nationally and internationally, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell also reported it was a solidly impressive one for the local Norfolk County real estate market. Register O'Donnell noted, "A review of 2016 showed a strong across-the-board performance when it came to Norfolk County real estate. During the year, the number of residential and commercial properties sold increased 4%." In addition, the total volume of residential and commercial sales in 2016 came in at $9.1 billion, an impressive 12% increase year over year. The average sales price, for both residential and commercial, was $775,031, an increase of 8% over 2015. Another positive economic indicator was the 167,600 land documents recorded, a 6% increase from the prior year. "These numbers indicate that Norfolk County remains a desirable location to raise a family and secure gainful employment," noted O'Donnell. The year 2016 was also a robust one for real estate financing in Norfolk County. A total of 35,159 mortgages were recorded, representing an 11% increase from 2015. Total mortgage financing closed at $19.3 billion, a 5% increase from the previous year. Register O'Donnell stated, "Clearly, a strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, coupled with low interest rates, were the key factors." Norfolk County residents continued to avail themselves of the protections provided by the Homestead Act. A total of 12,573 Homesteads were recorded in 2016, a 4% increase over 2015. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge homeowners who have not recorded a Homestead against their primary residence to consider this valuable consumer protection tool." One note of concern in an otherwise bright market was foreclosure activity. A total of 294 foreclosure deeds were filed in Norfolk County in 2016, compared to 250 in the previous year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage, the first step in the foreclosure process, also increased by 3.7%. Register O'Donnell noted, "These numbers are quite sobering. While one foreclosure is one too many, there is a silver lining in the 4th quarter of 2016, the Registry saw significant reductions in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings. I am cautiously hopeful these trend lines will continue." The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Norfolk County real estate market experienced solid growth in 2016. A strong economy in eastern Massachusetts, coupled with low interest rates, propelled consumers to spend on housing, even in light of the reduced inventory. In 2017, it will be interesting to see if this activity can be sustained, especially in light of the increase in interest rates by the Federal Reserve." 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 and/or Instagram.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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin MA: Planning Board - Agenda - Jan 9, 2017

The agenda for the Planning Board meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan 9 2017 has been posted to the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/january_9_2017.pdf


I had missed that the development for the Pond St property was already in public hearing mode. The full agenda can be viewed here (PDF window)




or here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczbTd1NXliQUcxTWc/view?usp=sharing

site of the former Franklin sewer works (photo from a walk in Sep 2015)