Franklin Matters

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton

Now that the Chateau Restaurant is open, folks have noticed construction in the lot next to them. What is it going to be? Another hotel.

construction underway at 725 Union St

This one per the site plans (see links below) a "Home 2" suite style hotel by Hilton. https://www.hilton.com/en/home2/

original plan
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-site-plans

revised plan (1/14/19)
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-revised-11419

application
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/725-union-street-application

color rendering
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/files/hotel-color-rendering

All links from the Planning Board page for Approved Projects
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/projects

725 Union St - Home 2 Suites by Hilton

Walk Off That Turkey - SNETT Group Walk - Nov 29

Join us to walk off that turkey dinner on Friday, November 29 at 10 AM. We will meet at the Grove Street trailhead parking lot at 10 AM. Dogs on a leash are always welcome.

Friday, Nov 29 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Hosted by Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

trail head for the SNETT on Grove St

License Modification (Change in Location) - Avocado, Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant - Dec 18

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Avocado,Inc. d/b/a Acapulcos Mexican Restaurant, located at 371 Union Street, Franklin, MA for a license modification - change in location.

The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM in the Council Chambers, second floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin,MA.

Information on this application may be obtained in the Town Administrator's Office.

What was the Union Grille will become Acapulcos

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/acapulcos_legal_ad_-_abutters_2.docx_2.pdf

In the News: distracted driving legislation effective February; additional electric vehicle charging stations being installed

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

"Massachusetts drivers will soon face fines for virtually all cellphone usage behind the wheel after Gov. Charlie Baker signed an anti-distracted driving bill into law Monday.

Starting in three months, motorists will be prohibited from using a handheld electronic device while driving except for a single touch or tap to activate hands-free mode. Voice commands will still be allowed, as will viewing a map on a device mounted to the windshield, dashboard or console, but all other uses are banned.

State law has forbidden texting while driving since 2010, but because other actions such as dialing a phone number were not covered, police have found it difficult to enforce and distracted driving has proliferated.

“When a driver on an electronic device hits something or someone, that’s not an accident,” Baker said during a crowded signing ceremony in the Statehouse Library, joined by advocates and families of victims killed in collisions. “It’s a crash that was avoidable, so this is a very proud day for Massachusetts where we join the other states in New England and do more to help prevent further injuries and horrible tragedies.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/hands-free-law-begins-in-february

"New electric vehicle charging stations will soon be installed at the Framingham Logan Express and the Franklin Village Shopping Center.

The Baker-Polito administration, using $2 million in state funds received as settlement money in connection with the 2015 Volkswagen emission scandal, has awarded MassEVIP grants to 49 entities for the installation of additional electric vehicle charging stations.

The DEP made the announcement in a press release last week.

“By putting the infrastructure in place to ensure the reliability of electric vehicles and encourage electric vehicle adoption, we can lower transportation costs for families and businesses, enhance the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and improve the environment,” said Gov. Charlie Baker said in the release."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191125/vehicle-charging-stations-coming-to-framingham-franklin

Franklin’s first marijuana dispensary expected to open soon

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

"The town’s first recreational marijuana dispensary has been given the green light to begin operations, although it’s unclear when its doors will open.

Proponents of the retail establishment at 1256 West Central St. - GTE Franklin, LLC - had their proposal approved for the project by the Planning Board on Sept. 23, said Town Planner Amy Love. The shop will be located within an industrial site in the town’s Marijuana Overlay District, next door to a Milford Regional Medical Center office.

Other shops with signs on-site include Franklin Yoga & Wellness, William Raveis Real Estate and Forge Auto Works."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191124/franklins-first-marijuana-dispensary-expected-to-open-soon

The Planning Board site plan documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/pages/1256-west-central-st-marijuana

The community meeting held in September by GTE Franklin, LLC and facilitated by the SAFE Coalition presentation document and audio recording is available
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/the-audio-and-presentation-copy-for-gte.html

MBTA: Thursday - Thanksgiving Commuter Rail notice for Franklin Line

The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, 11/28.

On the Lowell and Franklin Lines, Sunday train service will run. Weekend bus shuttles will resume on both lines on Saturday 12/7.

On the Rockport Line, Sunday train service will run as well. Weekday bus shuttle will resume on Monday 12/2

Last Updated: Nov 25 2019 12:16 PM