Franklin Matters

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Live reporting - Master plan

Beth Dahlstrom, Bryan Taberner

copy of report to be obtained and added later

Live reporting - Open Space

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -

1. Reports on the Open Space & Recreation Plan and the Master Plan – Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner

Beth Dahlstrom, Bryan Taberner

The presentation copy is here:

Franklin Open Space Summary Presentation

View more documents from Steve Sherlock.

The 2008 Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on the Town website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/2008plan

Copy of presentation to be added later

The Green Communities Act as referenced can be found here

The State has granted an extension of the five year plan to be implemented over seven years.

Q - Thanks for including the public in obtaining feedback. Is there any budget impact for these action items?
A - Yes, there is potential for budget but that would require coming back here for approval and include what ever other Town departments approval would be required.

Jeff adds that we do have 1.7 million in our Open Space and Recreation account for purchase of open space that comes onto the market. If there is something simple we can do, we will. We can also utilize scouting projects and other volunteer efforts to accomplish some of these items.

Live reporting - bylaw hearing - part 2

Bryan Taberner, Nick Alfieri

F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM

2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-638: Amendment to Chapter 185-39. Uses Accessory to Dwelling

This is the follow on to the definitions bylaw as just discussed

motion to close the hearing
motion to move to first reading, passed 9-0

Live reporting - bylaw hearing

F. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM

1. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 09-637: Amendment to Chapter 185-3. Definitions

Bryan Taberner, Nick Alfieri

The Planning Board has not voted on these yet. Jeff Nutting recommends moving as far as a second reading but no further until the Planning Board has acted.

Q - on 3rd family is it included?
A - if it is not mentioned, it is not allowed.

Q - Follow up questions on multi-use like condo units.
A - We trying to restrict the amount of activity in a residential neighborhood, in a condo situation there is more traffic in those areas anyway. we are trying to make the by-law easier to read, understand and enforce.

Q - What is the intent of the by-law?
A - When people buy into a residential neighborhood, they don't expect to find someone running a business out of their house next door and allow for some non-intrusive businesses (i.e cost accountant, piano teacher, etc.).

Q - Why is this coming before us?
A - The building inspector and board of health inspector have found issues where these regulations make it hard to enforce. So we have re-written this to make it clearer and easier to understand.

Q - So by not mentioning other than the one-two family homes, they are not allowed?
A - Yes, 95% of by-law enforcement is complaint based. The condo association would likely get involved before we would.

Motion to close hearing, seconded
Motion to move to first reading, passed 9-0