Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan: Conclusion of Existing Conditions

g. Conclusion of Existing Conditions

The Town of Franklin has a unique history of development that has shaped, molded, and influenced the growth of this Massachusetts town. From this synopsis of information, several issues are recognized which will be important in Franklin’s future housing programs and overall planning.

• Although overall population growth has continued, the most significant population growth has been in middle-age cohorts. These are typically the age groups that have the largest family sizes and live in single-family homes.
• The gap between the median costs of home ownership and the median, moderate, and low-income levels is very significant. For middle-income buyers, the cost differential is not considered highly significant at this time, so long as the higher income jobs remain available for residents.
• The amount of buildable land is decreasing while the housing stock is aging. As the Town approaches build-out, the ability to control housing costs by new production will be very limited. Moreover, the potential for future reconstruction and redevelopment pressures suggests that renovation, updating, and infill development policies will be important to the future character of the residential areas, in particular the areas with older housing stock such as the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
• With new Census data expected in 2010, the Town anticipates possibly being under the state’s subsidized housing goal of 10% in the next few years. This has important implications for the Town’s housing strategies by providing opportunity to focus new housing development into areas that meet specific local goals and regulations as well as general state mandates in order to meet state subsidized housing goals.
• The existing water and sewer infrastructure and planned projects appear to adequately support existing and projected population growth and housing development. Recent and planned school facilities also appear to support the future educational needs of the Town's residents.

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

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

Native Plants of Franklin

Hello Franklin! My name is Michelle Clay, and you could call me a bit of a garden geek. Here in Franklin, we have a lot of lovely suburban gardens, but most of the plants in a typical suburban yard come from other parts of the world. We have many fascinating and beautiful plants that are native to the Franklin area that most people don’t know about. Each week I will feature one native plant here, and the following week, I will identify what it is, and tell you a bit about where it can be seen.



Can you guess what this one is? I’ll give you a hint: this is a very unusual plant. It has no chlorophyll, so it never turns green. Post your guesses in the comments, and happy sleuthing to you!


Franklin, MA

Let's Welcome Michelle Clay

You may recall that I had highlighted Michelle's blog The Clueless Gardner earlier this month as I posted on the Franklin Area Blogs that I have found.

You may also recall that I started the "What's your name?" series last week and she expressed interest in highlighting some native plants. She is much stronger in that area so I thought why not combine efforts? She graciously accepted and I am honored to have her posting here. She will showcase a native plant each week and we can all will learn together!

Stay tuned for her first post!


Franklin, MA

Lowell Folk Festival

The Saturday schedule at Boarding House Park in Lowell for the annual Lowell Folk Festival. The largest free folk festival in the US and it is in our backyard (so to speak).

Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	STEEP CANYON RANGERS	12:00 noon
Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	JOSHUA NELSON	1:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	MARIA DE BARROS	2:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	BUA	3:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	DE TEMPS ANTAN	4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 24	Boarding House Park	THE BRUCE DAIGREPONT CAJUN BAND	5:00 p.m.

The Steep Canyon Rangers play bluegrass, Joshua Nelson sings kosher gospel, Maria De Barros sings Cape Verdian, the BUA group is Irish, De Temps Antan plays Quebecois, and Bruce Daigrepont is a Cajun Band.

Six different kinds of folk music over six hours in one place!

Follow them on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/LowellFolkFest



Franklin, MA

United Regional Chamber’s Young Professional Organization

The United Regional Chamber’s Young Professional Organization (YPO) has organized several upcoming events.

On Aug. 10, the YPO will have a social from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at LA. Roberts, 120 Chestnut St., North Attleborough. A signature drink will be featured and the cost is $5 at the door.

The YPO is putting together teams for the Butterfly 5K on Aug. 22 to benefit The Julia Cekala Charitable Foundation. The cost to participate is $25.

The YPO is organizing its First Annual Chowder & Chili Cookoff at the Boston Sports Club in Franklin. Restaurants that want to showcase their chili or chowder can participate for no cost. The winner of the cookoff will earn bragging rights for a year and a tacky trophy! Space is very limited.   Updated 8/19/10 - The Cookoff has been canceled for 9/1/10 and will be rescheduled for another time.


Finally, the YPO is raffling off an 8 ½’ kayak donated by City Spirits of Attleboro and North Attleborough. Raffle tickets cost $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased at any of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce offices: 42 Union St., Attleboro; 620 Old W. Central St., Ste. 202, Franklin; or 31 N. Washington St., North Attleborough. The winning ticket will be drawn Aug. 2.

The YPO is comprised of 20- and 30-something business professionals who have an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development. YPO participants must be at least 21 years old. For more information on any of the YPO events, visit the YPO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unitedregionalypo or call Jen at 508-695-6011.




Mike Foster, owner of City Spirits (left), and Jack Lank, president of The United Regional Chamber of Commerce, stand with the kayak being raffled by the Chamber’s Young Professional Organization. The kayak was donated by City Spirits.


Franklin, MA

Hold the date - Aug 3rd - Sit & Chat

Bill Glynn, School Committee member, will hold a "Sit & Chat" on the Franklin Town Common (near the Bandstand, in the Bandstand if it rains) on Tuesday August 3rd from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There is no agenda, it’s just an opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions, engage in discussion on different topics, etc. The discussion is open to all.

Bring a chair, your thoughts, and perhaps a question or two to the Common near the Bandstand.



Franklin, MA

United Chamber Ribbon Cutting

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new branch office of Rockland Trust at 490 Pleasant St in Attleboro, MA. 

There is another one planned to celebrate the relocation of Vicario Studio, 31 Hayward St., Suite B3, Franklin. The ribbon cutting will be held on Fri., July 23 at 11:30 a.m. Vicario Studio is owned by Photographer Paul Vicario.

Franklin, MA

Franklin, MA: Town committee and board openings - Updated

The following Boards have vacancies.  

If you are interested please complete a committee appointment request form which can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s office located on the first floor of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street or downloaded from the Town Clerk’s web page.

Click here for form

Board	Regular Member
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund	1
Cable Advisory Board	1
Design Review Committee	1
Franklin Disability Commission	2
Library Board of Directors	1
Public Land Use Committee	2
Recreation Advisory Board	1
Zoning Board of Appeals	1

Franklin, MA