G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Change of Manager – Joe’s American Bar & Grill - motion to approve, passed 6-0
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
There are a significant number of residents under 18 years old living in Franklin. Between 1990 and 2003, Franklin’s total population increased by 33.8%; during the same time, the number of residents under 18 increased by 58.3%9....In 2007, nearly 970 students enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools had a disability, of which, nearly 7% had physical disabilities.11 Franklin recognized the need to provide accessible areas to individuals of all ability levels and over the past several years, has been successful in upgrading all the Public School playgrounds to meet ADA compliancy requirements....Another population of interest in Franklin is its elderly residents. Census 2000 indicates 8.2% of Franklins 2000 population was age 65 years or older. As Franklin’s population ages, it is important for the Town to ensure the needs of priority populations are met. In 2008 the Town opened the newly constructed Senior Center. The Center provides Franklin’s seniors with a location to gather and programs geared towards this population’s recreation needs.
Name | # of Openings | Candidates | Term of Office |
Board of Assessors | 1 Position (For 4 years) | Robert Avakian* | 2009 to 2013 |
Board of Health | 1 Position (For 4 years) | Bruce Hunchard* Koren Kanadanian-new | 2009 to 2013 |
Planning Board | 2 Position (For 4 years) | Anthony Padula* | 2009 to 2013 |
* 1Vacant | Joseph Halligan-new | 2009 to 2013 | |
Planning Board (Associate) | * 1 vacant position (For 4 Years) | 2009 to 2013 | |
Town Council | 9 Positions (For 2 Years) | Joseph McGann | 2009 to 2011 |
Deborah Bartlett | |||
R. Scott Mason* | |||
Christopher Feeley | |||
Judith Pond Pfeffer* | |||
Thomas Doak - not running again | |||
Shannon Zollo* | |||
Robert Vallee* | |||
Stephen Whalen | |||
Glenn Jones- new Daniel Ballinger-new | |||
School Committee | 7 Positions (For 2 Years) | Cora Armenio | 2009 to 2011 |
Susan Rohrbach* | |||
Paula Mullen* | |||
Edward Cafasso* | |||
Roberta Trahan | |||
Matthew Kelly | |||
Jeffrey Roy* |
Two public hearings that included mapping activities were held at the Franklin Town Hall on March 13 and 20, 2008. Although no requests were made, translation services and assistance to disabled populations would have been provided to ensure all populations could participate in the OSRP planning process. See Appendix E for minutes of these Public Hearings. Among the thoughts expressed by the Franklin citizen attendees were their desire to acquire chapter 61B land in the north end of town if it becomes available, as well as Mt. St. Mary's Abby and the Schmidt Farm. They felt town-owned land could be used for alternative uses such as low income housing, and the public should be educated on CPA prior to presenting it on a future ballot. Citizens expressed a desire to increase the number of bike paths and trails in town, increase access to the SNETT and State Forest, identify and preserve priority habitats, as well as implement "Smart Development" concepts and initiatives.
Franklin adopted its "Open Space Development" bylaw in 1987, Franklin Zoning Chapter 185-43. It applies to parcels in the Rural Residential I and II, and Residential VI zoning districts. It allows such parcels to be developed with the same number of lots as would be allowed with a conventional plan, but with one half the area, frontage, and yard requirements mandated by the underlying district. At least 25% of the parcel area must be reserved as open space and either conveyed to the Town or have recorded a restriction enforceable by the Town providing that the land remain as open space. By 1993, ten subdivisions had been approved for development in this manner resulting in the preservation of 236.57 acres of open space.
A stated common vision facilitates decision-making for everyone, Town and State officials as well as developers and private landowners. This update of the 2001 plan is intended to help provide that vision. The 2008 OSRP is being prepared with attention to Franklin specifically, rather than a three-town region as in the past because Franklin has become a thriving suburban community in need of specific open space and recreation planning guidance. Coordination and cooperation in planning between Town Departments and government agencies may lead to improved resources throughout the Town. The 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan will act as a policy guide for the decision and policy makers of Franklin, resulting in improved management and enhancement of recreational opportunities and preservation of much of the Town’s significant open space.