Franklin Matters

Monday, June 7, 2021

Escape to the Arts! Friday, June 11

Escape to the Arts! Friday, June 11 starts Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration.

For the complete schedule of events and activities for the ArtWALK

https://www.franklinculture.org/home/pages/franklin-artwalk-celebration-escape-arts

Escape to the Arts! Friday, June 11

Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13

meet Abby and Julia at the Empty Bowls Silent Auction - Jun 10

Via Brenna Johnson:

"Interested in the Empty Bowls Silent Auction launching on Thursday, June 10th at 4:30PM online? Well, meet Abby and Julia who have worked together for the last 2 years donating their time in making special objects for the online and in person Silent Auction. While Empty Bowls (EB) is loosing Julia to Northeastern University next year, I cannot tell you how proud I am of this dynamic duos commitment to EB. They have made a set of 4 mugs for the auction and pictures will be posted online next week!

To meet these EB members, select bowls, or to make a direct donation to the Franklin Food Pantry please register for the event using the link in my bio.

At the event, masks required! in 30 minute groups, community members can look at and bid on the Silent Auction and select handmade bowls. There will be no food this year. Let's do this FRANKLIN!"

Link to buy tickets for Empty Bowls https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPrQIltDzYA/?utm_medium=copy_link

Abby and Julia - Empty Bowls club (photo by Brenna Johnson)

Register O’Donnell Reports Ongoing Positive Real Estate Activity for May 2021 in Norfolk County

While the weather in May was starting to get slightly warmer, so too was the Norfolk County real estate market, according to Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell.

The Register noted that a noticeable uptick in both real estate sales and lending transactions happened last month. “Specifically, during the month of May, Norfolk County real estate sales, both residential and commercial, totaled 1,767, a healthy 48% increase year over year from 2020 to 2021.”

Register O’Donnell stated, “The Norfolk County real estate market continues to be strong. There were 16,367 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in May which is a 30% increase over last year’s May document volume. Average sale price, again including both residential and commercial sales, increased 2% over 2020 to $1,005,765.93. Low inventory of properties for sale are keeping prices for real estate up. Low interest rates are helping buyers afford the home prices of these properties. It is pleasing to see that the real estate market has been solid and steady.”

In addition to real estate sales, the Norfolk County lending market has been very busy in May. There were 3,832 mortgages recorded during the month which is an 8% increase over 2020. Total amount of money borrowed for mortgages county wide was almost 2 billon, a 41% increase compared to May 2020. “While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, there are a large number of individuals and families taking advantage off historically low interest rates by refinancing existing mortgages. Individuals have different motivations to refinance. Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures” said Register O’Donnell.

Register O’Donnell went on to state, “There has been a strong demand for housing, single family housing particular, coupled with a limited supply of available housing stock and historically low interest rates which could be motivating buyers to do what is necessary to secure housing. Lending activity was up. The growth in numbers seen in 2020 continues into 2021.

A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020. This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. O’Donnell stated, “During May of 2021 there were 6 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County. Additionally, there were 14 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County. A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on. May of 2020 there were no Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages and 7 foreclosure Deeds. Though it is great to see that the Foreclosure deed numbers have decreased, it is troubling to see the Notices of Foreclosure have increases so much. We will continue to monitor these numbers.

Additionally, for the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums continue to increase this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in May. There was a 47% increase in homestead recordings in May 2021 compared to May 2020. “A Homestead,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes. I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so. Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org to get more information on homestead protection.”

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Many small businesses and specific sectors of our economy, such as restaurant and hospitality, have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. One sector that continued to thrive during the pandemic is the real estate market, particularly the residential market. There have been many factors that have kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable. Motivated buyers and sellers, low interest rates, and the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds remaining open for the recording of land documents. While the Registry of Deeds building in Dedham remains closed to the general public, we at the Registry remain open operationally to serve our customers, the residents of Norfolk County and real estate professionals alike. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds greatly appreciates the patience and understanding shown during this trying period of time. As society begins to reopen, restrictions are lifted and emergency COVID-19 orders expire the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is open to the public for business.

The drop-off box located outside the main entrance of the Registry Building for the time being will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable in entering the Registry of Deeds Building. Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I want to again thank all of you for the cooperation, patience and understanding you have shown myself and the Registry staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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 Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Positive Real Estate Activity for May 2021 in Norfolk County

Lions looking to Light Up Franklin for the 4th of July

"The Franklin Lions would like to celebrate this 4th of July. Our goal is to Light Up the town on July 4th with paper lanterns.

We are selling the Lanterns in sets of 3 for $15. Lanterns come with LED light and string. Some assembly is required and pattern may vary.

Once you place your lantern on display we would love for you to send a picture of your lanterns all lit up. We will be posting a video of the lanterns on July 4th to our Facebook page.

To purchase your lantern please complete below. We will be in contact by email to confirm your order, delivery, and payment. "

Order form for Franklin Lions https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdI_v-eTUzVz_bAptyy5C5tmAVeym6qNt-NmHqdGkUjHtOc2g/viewform

Shared from Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/232955350632773/posts/864054944189474/

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. April 07, 2021
b. April 14, 2021
c. May 05, 2021
d. May 19, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Franklin High School BALTS
b. Proclamation: Police Department, David Mellor

5. APPOINTMENTS
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision
Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street
Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021, Community Preservation Committee Meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf

2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

La Cantina Winery, New Section 19C Farmer Brewery License & License Modification to Combine existing 19B and New 19C license to create a 19H Farmer Winery/Brewery License, 355 & 357 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038
Table and Vine, License Modification - Change of Manager and Stock Transfer, 348 East Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
None Scheduled

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-23: FY21 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-23 - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-30: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Bellingham to Supply Water to Private Franklin Residential Property Located at 425 Prospect Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-30 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-31: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services, $985 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-31 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-32 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-873: Chapter 139, Sewer Use Regulation Update - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-873 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872: To Amend The Franklin Town Code At Chapter 185, Section 3, Definitions, Tasting Room - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-872 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Meeting folder
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-9-town-council-agenda

Agenda doc with connection info:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 9, 2021

Franklin.tv: Congrats to the Grads of 2021

They have persevered through a year like no other.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm

Well, they did it. The Senior Class of 2021 has officially graduated and brought an end to a school year that was anything but normal. The year was all about being patient – adapting to unpredictable events. So too, the ceremonies were very much like the year. Facing the possibility of a rainout, the outdoor field ceremonies were held off by two hours to let the threatening clouds pass. Being patient – adapting to unpredictable events.

As in years past, at the end the students would march out in recession to meet families in the parking lot. Didn’t happen. Instead, their families immediately ran to meet them on the field. No more patience. They and their families became the unpredictable event – in the very best sense. Just like that – their year was done.

Thanks to our stalwart TV crew

Thanks to our stalwart TV crew (I don’t get to use the word ‘stalwart’ often) - Keith Palmieri, Chris Flynn, Scott Tooker, Li Wang, Chris Leverone and Bill Hurley, we adapted and navigated our way through the festivities as an unpredictable event. Clearly, this year’s Franklin Seniors are now well prepared to do the same.