Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan: Executive Summary

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


A Town’s housing stock is a primary element fundamental to defining a community; it is where the citizens that make-up the heart of each neighborhood reside. The quality and affordability of, as well as the accessibility to housing in a town are often factors that will determine where a person chooses to live. Analyzing historic housing data, current housing trends and projecting future housing needs is a way for a community to plan for the housing needs of its residents. By proactively planning through the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan, Franklin can assure that the housing needs of its residents are met for all income and ability levels of the community.


The collection and analysis of housing data and statistics revealed the need to improve housing affordability in Franklin, in particular for low, moderate, and middle-income households (both seniors and families). Analysis also revealed, Franklin is in need of a mix of housing types, such as senior and family rental and condominium units, and special needs housing (both physically and mentally challenged individuals). The information collected for this study shows Franklin is approaching its ‘build-out’ of residential sites, and there are several issues that need to be considered:

• Growth in Franklin is slowing, allowing for a proactive approach to planning for Franklin’s future housing related needs and the residentially zoned areas still available for development; 
• Growth of single-family homes has slowed; however, there has been steady growth of two-bedroom condominium developments including Over-55 Senior Villages as well as non-age restricted developments.There is also growth noted in larger developments of apartment rental units.
• Housing is dependent on the types of services a community provides. A quality public school system or private school choices are important. Public transportation is an important factor to potential future residents. Food supplies, shopping facilities and recreation opportunities are also important. The best locations for low- and moderate-income households as well as for the elderly are dependent on where and how these services can be delivered.

The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/housingplan/ahp.pdf

In the News - housing plan, snowy walkways, vandalism

Franklin to encourage affordable, senior housing

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Mass. court: Owners must clear snowy walkways

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Denise Lavoie/Associated Press

Rash of vandalism hits area

from The Milford Daily News News RSS by Ashley Studley/Daily News staff

Franklin, MA

Note of distinction

For some readers it may matter to note that

"real time" reporting is when I am able to report in 'real time' via the cable feed or via the Town streamed video

"live" reporting is when I am in the physical room where the meeting is being conducted.

If I report on the meeting from the video archive after the meeting has been conducted, it will just be a meeting recap.


Franklin, MA

real time reporting - Planning Board

I tuned in to the broadcast via the Town website late to find a discussion already underway about a previously approved special permit for 59 units that was looking for advice on how to come back before the board to increase the 59 units by 1. Coincidently, the 60th unit was on the original plans and as part of some deal (not revealed during the discussion) came out of the final special permit that was approved. The development is progressing, triple units authorized have been built and sold. They are looking to make an existing planned (not built) duplex a triplex (as mention restoring one cut from the original plans).

This was interesting in that the Chair while recognizing that the advice was being looked for realized that since it was a special permit issued, the special permit process would have to be followed. The bylaw doesn't allow for modifications of an exiting special permit.

Some of the committee were interested in finding out how willing the developer would be in working with the Board to obtain an agreement. This persisted despite the Chair mentioning a couple of times that this type of discussion was not what we should be doing.

Really all the developer was asking is: "Hey, we have been here before, provided a whole passel of paperwork, now want to add one unit back to the plan. What paperwork do you need?"

All that needed to be said was "Whatever is required for the special permit."

Question: why was the unit cut from the original plans?
Question: why is the developer coming back for the 60th unit now?

Opened hearing for the Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan.
Beth Dahlstrom spoke that this is an update from the 2004 plan and required to be updated every five years by the state. (So it seems we are a year late? or does the clock run from the approval date not submittal date of the last one?)

She is looking for the Planning Board to recommend the plan.
The Board voted to approve the plan with no questions asked about the plan.

One of the members of the Board reminded the Chair that the hearing needed to be closed before voting. The Chair acknowledged that there were no members of the community present (TV camera panning of the Council Chambers revealed only the Milford Daily News reporter) so that there would be no questions from the audience. He asked for a motion to close the hearing. It was moved, second and passed unanimously.

The Chair asked for a motion to vote on the planning document, it was moved, seconded and voted upon unanimously.

The meeting moved to adjourn immediately after.

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Traffic Alert (updated)

Main Street and Lincoln Street Construction

Main Street and Lincoln Street from Emmons Street to Moore Avenue will be under construction starting July 15, 2010 to October 2010 for the construction of a new water main. Motorists should expect delays and detours during this time.

UPDATE 07/26/2010

Motorists should avoid Church Square, seeking alternate routes.

Franklin, MA: Planning Board - 07/26/10 - Agenda

Key item on the Planning Board will be the first hearing of the Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan. The Town Council received this 34-page document last week and deferred discussion on it until their next meeting as they did not have time to read it.

The document can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/ahs

The agenda for the Planning Board:

Franklin MA Planning Board Agenda 7-26-10





Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.

Chestnut St curbing

A recent run down Chestnut St revealed work to install some curbing along the road before the final layer of asphalt is laid.





Franklin, MA