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Thursday, August 20, 2015

The Spectra Access Northeast project is back - meeting 8/20 from 7-9p at the First Universalist Society

Via Monica Linden:

The Spectra Access Northeast project is back - and planning to build a pipeline right through Franklin and neighboring towns. If you'd like to get more information to stop this pipeline (or if you are a concerned potential abutter - if so, you've probably been contacted by Spectra already) there's a meeting on Thursday 8/20 from 7-9p at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. (Also, I'm wondering what any of the town council candidates think about this, and how they might help those of us who might be directly affected!)

Via the Milford Daily News:

The project is in the early planning stages and hasn’t yet entered the federal permitting process, according to Spectra spokesman Arthur Diestel.

The project aims to bring about 5,000 megawatts of power to 70 percent of New England’s gas-fired power plants. In the works for 2017, Spectra bills the new infrastructure as a way to lower electricity rates as early as winter 2018.

Local activists say that’s false advertising. Citing environmental concerns, worry the rate payers will foot part of the $3 billion project through their utility bills, and the fear rates may increase as Spectra uses the pipeline to export gas to Canada, the consumers’ interest may not be so dear to the company’s heart, according to a flyer circulated by the group, which has yet to take an official name.

“They’re in it to make a buck on our backs and I don't trust it's going to lower costs,” said Gail Chirdon, a Franklin resident active in fighting the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline proposal, abandoned by Spectra in late May.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150820/NEWS/150829529/1994/NEWS

About the project:

"The beauty of the Access Northeast project is that very little “greenfield” or pipeline construction through areas where pipelines don’t exist is required. The stiff resistance to the Kinder Morgan TGP NED project largely comes from communities that don’t want new pipeline cutting through the area. Can New England support two new massive pipeline projects–both Access Northeast and NED? From a purely economic standpoint–would both projects make their respective investors/companies money and be profitable–we suspect the answer is yes. But from a political viewpoint–can you sell both projects to liberal, fossil fuel-hating New Englanders? Probably not. We suspect only one of these projects will survive. With an alliance of different partners, locking up much of the electrical generating customers in the region, and very little greenfield construction required–Access Northeast increasingly looks promising to be the winner."

http://marcellusdrilling.com/2015/02/access-northeast-pipeline-pulling-ahead-of-kinders-ned-project/

Access Northeast

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Atlantic Bridge Project - Letter to Franklin

Dear Town of Franklin:

Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC, ("Algonquin") previously informed you of its intent to develop the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project ("Project") by expanding its interstate natural gas pipeline system. In that earlier communication, we described new and replacement pipeline facilities that were being considered as determined by system design studies based upon expressions of interest from customers to move new volumes of needed natural gas along Algonquin's pipeline system. In the earlier mailing, we informed you that the proposed Atlantic Bridge Project may involve your property and that we had identified your property within the initial study corridor.

Since that time, Algonquin has finalized its commercial agreements which has resulted in a reduced scope of the previously proposed expanded pipeline facilities in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Based on the revised project design, your property, as identified above, is no longer under consideration for the Atlantic Bridge Project.

Atlantic Bridge Project - image from Spectra Energy webpage

However, you should know that Algonquin continues to consider separate and unrelated pipeline expansion projects that are currently in the development phase. If Algonquin ultimately determines that one of these projects may involve your property in the future, there may be a need to contact you if and when a project proposal moves forward. Nevertheless, with respect to the Atlantic Bridge Project, we presently do not have the need to access your property as previously requested outside of the existing Algonquin rights-of-way.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this process with regard to our earlier request for survey permission. Please feel free to call our toll free number (888) 331-6553 if you have any questions.

This was shared from the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0213DF1E-000F8513

The full PDF of the doc can also be found here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczdDhVNFd0emVuaUE/view?usp=sharing

Saturday, May 30, 2015

You can make a difference

A week ago, I stood on the Boston Common and took a picture of the 37,000 flags put out to commemorate Memorial Day.

Boston Common flag garden on May 22

This Friday (May 29th), the flags are gone but not forgotten.

Boston Common on May 29

The feet of the many who came by to take photos (as I did) trampled the grass and it is now brown and crushed. It will come back.

Boston Common on May 29

One person's actions may not seem like much. The small step may not seem significant. But one person needs to start and then big things can happen.

One person objected to the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline, others joined and the project got stopped.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/im-delighted-to-hear-project-has-been.html

There are plenty of other opportunities around Franklin where one person can do something to make a difference.

Consider helping at the Senior Center, the Food Pantry, in the schools or in your church.

Consider helping the Random Smile Project, the Neighbor Brigade, or the Friends of the Franklin Library.

Consider volunteering to help run the Town of Franklin. While there are salaried positions, there are many non-paid positions including most of the elected positions on the Town Council, School Committe, and the many other boards and committees that help to operate Franklin.

Our government does its best when it is truly "of the people, by the people, for the people"

Pick your cause, pick your interest, and help. Together we can accomplish great things!

Friday, May 22, 2015

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - Thursday, May 28, 2015 7:00pm

LEGAL NOTICE

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

ENERGY FACILITIES SITING BOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD BY MASSACHUSETTS

ENERGY FACILITIES SITING BOARD STAFF REGARDING PROPOSED

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION IN NORFOLK, PLYMOUTH, AND

BRISTOL COUNTRIES, MASSACHUSETTS

Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Docket No.: PF15-12-000

Notice is hereby given that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has entered into a Pre-Filing review of Algonquin Gas Transmission, L.L.C.’s (“Algonquin”) Atlantic Bridge Project (“Project”). FERC will prepare an Environmental Assessment (“EA”) to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). The EA will be used by FERC to consider the environmental impacts that could result if it authorizes the Project by issuing a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity under the Natural Gas Act. The
Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (“EFSB”) will begin its environmental review of the proposed Project and provide input to FERC in conjunction with the Pre-Filing Process.

The Project consists of the expansion of Algonquin’s natural gas facilities in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The portion of the Project to be located in Massachusetts would consist of approximately 3.5 miles of new 30-inch pipeline in Medway, Bellingham, and Franklin. In addition to the pipeline facilities, the Company would construct a new 7,700 horsepower gas-fired compressor station in Weymouth. The Company would also modify a regulator station in Needham, and rebuild three existing metering and regulating (“M&R”) stations, two in Plymouth, and one in Fall River.

Additional information about the Project is available on the FERC Internet website (http://www.ferc.gov) using the “eLibrary” link. Click on the eLibrary link, click on “General Search,” and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF15-12-000). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at ferconlinesupport@ferc.gov. Alternatively, assistance is available by calling FERC at 1-202-502-8659 or 1-866-208-3676.

Public hearings that are designed to provide an opportunity to offer comments on the proposed Project have been scheduled in the Project area in Massachusetts. The EFSB will conduct these hearings as part of its responsibilities articulated at 980 Code of Massachusetts Regulation § 7.07(9). The two hearings will be held as follows:

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Abigail Adams Middle School Auditorium

89 Middle Street East

Weymouth, Massachusetts 02189

Thursday, May 28, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Town of Franklin Municipal Building

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

355 East Central Street

Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Interested persons are invited to attend these hearings. Written comments will be accepted at the public hearings. Written comments may also be sent by email or by mail delivery service to the EFSB at the address below; written comments must be received no later than June 5, 2015.

Robert Shea, Presiding Officer
Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110
Robert.J.Shea@state.ma.us

Based on its environmental review, including public input, the EFSB will provide its comments and transmit the comments it receives from the public to the FERC.

a sign truck parked outside the information night at Keller School in March 2015

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - April 2015 newsletter

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House passes FY16 budget

I was honored to join my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass the FY16 budget which emphasizes economic growth through investments in multiple areas including education and local aid, reform to the state's transportation system, and an acute focus on improving behavioral health services.

The $38.05 billion spending bill highlights the House's ongoing commitment to fiscal prudence and targeted investments, a practice that has resulted in Massachusetts retaining its AA+ bond rating, the highest in the state's history. The budget includes no new taxes or fees and reduces its reliance on one time revenue sources. For the first time since 2007, it does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion.

This budget is a true reflection of our commitment to investments in education and economic development, while also proposing creative new solutions to the Commonwealth's challenges. I thank Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Dempsey for their work in helping us build a strong set of policy statements in a fiscally prudent manner that gained unanimous support among the House members. I am also delighted that we were able to secure $60,000 for the purchase of school safety zone lighting for both Franklin and Medway, along with $50,000 for the Horace Mann Park and statue.

You can read a more detailed release about the budget by clicking here. You can view the actual budget with amendments and Chamber actions by clicking here.

The budget now goes to the Senate.

Horace Mann honored

Franklin took time out to honor one of its most famous residents Horace Mann on the occasion of his 219th birthday.

The Franklin Historical Commission celebrated 'Horace Mann Day' on Sunday, May 3, 2015 with a special presentation, HORACE MANN AND HIS WORLD, featuring writer and commentator Peter Golden. The speech traced Mann's roots in Franklin and provided the historical context in which he pioneered public education for Massachusetts and the rest of the country.

Mann was born in Franklin in 1796 and went on to become a lawyer, politician, abolitionist, the first Secretary of Education, and the President of Antioch College in Ohio. He is most often referred to as the 'Father of Education'.

In his introductory remarks at the event, Rep. Roy announced that the Massachusetts House of Representatives included $50,000 in its budget to assist with the construction of the Horace Mann Park and statue in Franklin. Rep. Roy is looking forward to working on the committee established by the Town Council to construct the monument to honor Mann and public education.

You can learn more about the event by clicking here.

Wiper law softened

The Massachusetts House has voted to soften the impact of a new state law that requires motorists to turn their headlights on whenever they are operating their windshield wipers.

Under a state budget amendment approved last week, the headlights law would remain in effect and violators could still be ticketed with a moving violation. But they would no longer be subject to a potentially costly surcharge on their auto insurance premiums.

The law requires drivers to turn on their headlights during daylight hours when it is raining or visibility is poor. It has not been widely enforced by police to date.

The change backed by the House must also be approved in the Senate.

Student Government Day

For 67 years the Commonwealth's legislature has hosted Student Government Day at the State House. Every high school in MA is eligible to elect and send two students to represent their town, acting as a state official.

Each student plays a role as a State Senator, State Representative or as a Chief Justice. The students who attend testify during a public hearing and then have the opportunity to debate, amend and then vote on a student related piece of legislation.

It is a wonderful opportunity to educate an involved student and it is a lot of fun. This year all three high schools in Rep. Roy's district participated and had a great experience.

DESE offers snow day relief to schools

Massachusetts schools can make up some snow days by experimenting with out-of-school assignments or activities.

The concept was presented as an option by the commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Mitchell D. Chester, to school departments statewide in March in one of his weekly memos. It allows districts to offer instructional projects and activities that students can complete outside the classroom, that may be counted toward the state's 180-day academic year requirement as long as local school committees determine the work meets the definition of structured learning time.

This is a great option for districts who are running up against the calendar because of snow days. To view the text of Chester's memo, click here.

Delegates chime in at Best Buddies dodgeball tourney

Rep. Roy and Sen. Spilka took the court with the Delegates team at the the Third Annual Best Buddies Dodgeball Tournament. They were joined in the effort by Mike Mershimer, Mark Cole, Joel Loitherstein, and Robert Dellorco.

All proceeds from the tournament, donations and silent auction went directly to the Best Buddies organization to aid with increasing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As always the Dodgeball Tournament was a lot of fun and was successful at raising these important funds.

For more pictures from the event, click here.

Rock the House III at Black Box

Join Rep. Roy and his band Ben Gardner's Boat on Thursday, May 7 from 6 to 9 pm at the Black Box in downtown Franklin for Rock the House III.

Come chat with Jeff and others about what's happening on Beacon Hill, listen to some music, and dance the night away -- or just kick back, relax, and have some fun with friends and neighbors.

Franklin solar challenge spring campaign

Now that the snow has melted and the roofs are clear again, the Franklin Solar Challenge is kicking off its Spring campaign. Started last fall, over 20 Franklin residents have signed up to install solar panels on their houses and start taking control of their electric bills. As seen from this past winter, utility electric rates are unpredictable, and all signs point toward increasing rates in the coming years.

The Franklin Solar Challenge is a community-sponsored initiative modeled off the state's Solarize Massachusetts campaign. A group of concerned citizens went through a Request for Proposal process to select a vendor, SolarFlair, who could offer the town the best combination of quality and price based on our aggregated buying power. This arrangement gives the residents and businesses in Franklin better pricing and quality control than if every individual tried to negotiate on their own.

This program is open to all residents and businesses in Franklin, no matter how big or how small. The more that participate, the better price everyone gets, and if we hit a certain goal, SolarFlair will donate a solar array to the Franklin Affordable Housing Trust! For more information, click here or call 508-293-4293.

JFK statue open to visitors

Visitors to the State House now have improved access to a statue of John F. Kennedy that has been largely blocked from the public for more than a decade.

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, state officials restricted viewing of the monument, citing security concerns because of its proximity to the governor's office.

This year, officials said they were finally able to address the issue by stationing officers near the door that leads from the State House.

"This is an opportunity to see a great piece of Massachusetts history up close," noted Rep. Roy. "I am happy to be able to bring constituents out onto the courtyard to see this memorial to our 35th President."

Atlantic Bridge Pipeline meeting on Thursday May 14

Over the past several months, Spectra Energy has held a series of Open House events to share information and gather feedback on the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline that will run through Franklin and Medway. It was the subject of a recent Local Town Pages article which you can view by clicking here.

Those interested in learning more about Algonquin Gas's Atlantic Bridge Pipeline which is proposed to go through Franklin and Medway should attend the scoping meeting on Thursday, May 14 at the Hawthorne Suites Hotel. For more details on the meeting and project, click here.

Copyright © 2015 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

In the News: pipeline feedback, school budget

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) this week began accepting input from the public as it compiles an environmental review of Spectra Energy’s natural gas pipeline in Massachusetts.

The Texas-based company has sought approval from the FERC to start work on a project to extend existing pipeline in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts phase of the project includes installing more than 10 miles of new natural gas pipeline through Norfolk, Walpole, Millis, Franklin and Medway. Spectra is also planning to build a compressor station, used in the transferring of the gas, in Weymouth.

It is all part of the company’s ambitious Atlantic Bridge Project, which when completed would connect natural gas infrastructure in Massachusetts to the 1,127-mile-long Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline that stretches from New Jersey into Maine and Canada.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150429/NEWS/150426396/1994/NEWS

In putting together next fiscal year's $56.95 million budget, school officials said Tuesday they needed to balance larger class sizes at the high school and middle schools with declining enrollment at the elementary schools.

The School Committee will vote on the budget, up 2.43 percent over last year, during its May 12 meeting after reviewing the numbers for the first time Tuesday with the district schools chief.

The budget includes the hiring of five classroom teachers - four at two middle schools and one at the high school - in an effort to curb class sizes.

“This is part of our continuing progress toward reinstating budget cuts that went into effect in 2007, 2008 and 2009,” Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski told the committee. “We know what the data is on larger class sizes.”

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150429/NEWS/150426366/1994/NEWS

Friday, April 10, 2015

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/10/15 - THU 4/16/15

FRI 4/10 1:30pm Adult Coffee and Craft: Bath Salts at Franklin Public Library
FRI 4/10 2:10pm-7pm Cut-A-Thon and Style-A-Thon Fundraiser at Tri-County RVTHS
FRI 4/10 7-10pm Chad Larrivee Fundraiser at Elks Lodge in Franklin
FRI 4/10 7:30pm Ayla Brown at The Black Box
FRI 4/10 8-9:50pm Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 4/11 8am New England Family History Conference at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin
SAT 4/11 8am-12pm Recycling Event - Bottles, Cans, Appliances, Electronics at Elks Lodge
SAT 4/11 8-11am Spring Cleaning Fundrasier - Car Wash, Book Drive, Clothing Drive and Bottle and Can Drive at Parmenter Elementary School
SAT 4/11 3:00 - 4:00pm Tech Talk - Basic HTML coding at the Franklin Library
SAT 4/11 4:30-6:30pm Student Art Show at Franklin Art Center
SAT 4/11 8pm Cheryl Wheeler Concert at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

SUN 4/12 1-4pm Antique Appraisal Day at Franklin Historical Museum
SUN 4/12 1-3pm Zentangle at Franklin Art Center (call to reserve your spot)
SUN 4/12 2:30 - 3:30pm - Zinio Hands on Workshop - Franklin Library
SUN 4/12 3pm FREE Opera for Kids: Alice in Wonderland at The Black Box (call to reserve a seat)
SUN 4/12 3:30pm LiveARTS Concert: String Quartet at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin

MON 4/13 4-7pm Kindergarten Registration at Horace Mann Middle School

TUE 4/14 9:30am Giving Youth Sports Back to Our Kids - Franklin TV at 23 Hutchinson St. is looking for audience
TUE 4/14 6:30-8:30pm Flower Design - Mixed Arrangement, Hillside Nurseries/Lifelong Learning (registration required)
TUE 4/14 7:00pm Dean Leadership Institute - Jerry Sargent, Citizens Bank
TUE 4/14 7:30pm Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee’s monthly meeting at the Franklin YMCA - public welcome!

WED 4/15 12-2pm Adult Painting at Franklin Art Center
WED 4/15 4-7pm Kindergarten Registration at Horace Mann Middle School
WED 4/15 7pm Free Franklin SEPAC Workshop: The Movement of Imperfection with Authors of “Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid” at Horace Mann MS

THU 4/16 4pm Lego Mania Club at Franklin Public Library (ages 3-12)
THU 4/16 6:30-8:30pm Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar - Free admission, acoustic and a cappella performers welcome
THU 4/16 7-8:30pm Vegetable garden Basics and more - Franklin HS (register via Lifelong Learning)
THU 4/16 7:30pm 2nd Atlantic Bridge Pipeline Meeting at FUSF, 262 Chestnut Street

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Franklin, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Walpole Atlantic Bridge Pipeline Meeting

There is a second meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 PM at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut St, Franklin.

This is for those who are concerned about a proposed gas line that would run through our towns. This proposal has lots of problems and we can discuss many of them.

For more information call Jim Hill at 508-528-4888.

Monday, April 6, 2015

"10 miles of pipeline through towns like Franklin"

Fox25 does a piece on the recent efforts to mobilize against the Spectra Energy project to expand the gas pipeline through Franklin.

"The pipeline is still in a preliminary phase and if everything goes as planned, construction wouldn't be complete until 2017. Spectra Energy is looking for federal permission to add 10 miles of pipeline through towns like Franklin and Millis. Residents say they want to know what's in store for them before construction begins."

Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

a sign truck parked outside the Keller School at the information session here on March

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/concerns-with-spectra-atlantic-bridge.html

Thursday, April 2, 2015

In the News: forensic science, stone walls, opposition to pipeline, Purple Heart community

Franklin High School is making a forensic science course and state-of-the-art lab available to residents through its Lifelong Learning Institute.

The course — wildly popular with high school students — will introduce how crime scene investigators pull from biology and chemistry, as well as mathematics and physics, to solve a murder or robbery.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150401/NEWS/150409710/1994/NEWS

Stone walls are a common sight in New England’s great open fields and dark, quiet forests.

To New Hampshire author Kevin Gardner, each wall contributes to the story of the region’s history.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150401/NEWS/150409358/1994/NEWS

A small group of area residents has organized in opposition to Spectra Energy’s planned 10.1-mile natural gas pipeline in Massachusetts.

Spectra Energy, a Texas-based company, has submitted a proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend its Algonquin Gas Transmission pipeline system into the Northeast. The Atlantic Bridge pipeline, if approved, would connect into the existing 1,127-mile-long Algonquin line.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150402/NEWS/150409245/1994/NEWS

Joining more than 60 other cites and towns in the state, the Franklin Town Council has embraced the designation of “Purple Heart Community” in recognition of local veterans.

The council at its meeting Wednesday approved a proclamation, which Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting will forward to the state’s Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter, declaring the town among the many Purple Heart Communities in Massachusetts.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150402/NEWS/150409175/1994/NEWS

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline - Apr 2, 7:30 PM

I want you to know that concerned Franklinites are meeting this Thursday, April 2, to discuss concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline.

The meeting is at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. at 7:30PM.

The informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline had been held at Keller School on Monday, March 16.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/what-is-story-about-pipeline-coming.html

sign truck parked outside the informational meeting at Keller Elementary

A new pipeline passing through Franklin is both unnecessary and a bad idea. An informational meeting will be held at FUSF Church (262 Chestnut St) Thursday April 2nd, 7:30pm. Please attend and become informed.

The details outlined in this posting: 7 Reasons to Oppose New Gas Pipelines in MA will be among the topics discussed on Thursday.

Monday, March 16, 2015

What is the story about a pipeline coming through Franklin?

Come to the Helen Keller Elementary School Monday night to find out.

Spectra Energy is holding a series of Open House events to share information and gather feedback on the proposed Atlantic Bridge pipeline.