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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Information Sessions Regarding Franklin Residually Designated Discharges
Plans for schools advance
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Boston Globe -- Globe West by Rachel Lebeaux, Globe Correspondent on 7/31/10
As the new school year approaches, officials in Franklin and Medway are on the verge of hiring architects for longstanding school renovation and repair efforts, and are moving closer to asking voters to approve property-tax increases to pay for the projects.
Medway - Franklin Massachusetts - Property tax - Business - FranklinThings you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Boston Globe -- Globe West using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Municipal Relief Bill enacted
The major item of interest here is the unfunded liability for the pensions that Franklin (and every other community) has to address. The deadline for having a fully funded plan has been extended to 2040.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 7/29/10
Earlier this week, Gov. Deval Patrick signed with an Energency Preamble the new Municipal Relief law . The preamble allows the provisions of the law to take immediate effect.
Highlights of the law, formally titled An Act Relative to Municipal Relief, include:
-- Allowing cities and towns to extend their pension funding schedules out to 2040, rather than meeting the previous deadline of 2030 which seemed all but impossible given unprecedented asset losses from the stock market decline of 2008;
-- Giving communities more flexibility in their borrowing by allowing the financing of projects over a term matching the asset's useful life up to 30 years;
-- Permits communities to adopt a limited early retirement program;
-- As noted in City and Town article of July 22, "Certification Year Reshuffle," restructures the schedule for triennial property tax recertifications.
There is much more in the new law, including changes in bidding, intermunicipal agreements, and provisions to stimulate regionalization and shared services.
Highlights of the law, formally titled An Act Relative to Municipal Relief, include:
-- Allowing cities and towns to extend their pension funding schedules out to 2040, rather than meeting the previous deadline of 2030 which seemed all but impossible given unprecedented asset losses from the stock market decline of 2008;
-- Giving communities more flexibility in their borrowing by allowing the financing of projects over a term matching the asset's useful life up to 30 years;
-- Permits communities to adopt a limited early retirement program;
-- As noted in City and Town article of July 22, "Certification Year Reshuffle," restructures the schedule for triennial property tax recertifications.
There is much more in the new law, including changes in bidding, intermunicipal agreements, and provisions to stimulate regionalization and shared services.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Franklin, MA: Absentee ballots available - Sep 25th primary election
ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE.
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL FIELDHOUSE ON OAK STREET
ALL PRECINCTS
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: AUGUST 25, 2010 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING JULY 28, 2010
Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010:
absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
religious belief.
All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900.
Attest: Deborah L. Pellegri, CMC, Town Clerk/Election Administrato
Franklin, MA
TOWN OF FRANKLIN ELECTION NOTICE
STATE PRIMARY ELECTION
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE: FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL FIELDHOUSE ON OAK STREET
ALL PRECINCTS
LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: AUGUST 25, 2010 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building.
ABSENTEE BALLOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BEGINNING JULY 28, 2010
Absentee Ballot Information: Absentee ballots are now available in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, SEPTEMBER 13, 2010:
absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
religious belief.
All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900.
Attest: Deborah L. Pellegri, CMC, Town Clerk/Election Administrato
Franklin, MA
Town Council - Agenda - 8/4/10
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – July 7, 2010
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Change of Council Meeting Date – Sept. 15 to Sept. 22
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-40:Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan
2. Resolution 10-42:Establishment of North Grove Street Economic Opportunity Area
3. Resolution 10-43:Establishment of South Grove Street Economic Opportunity Area
4. Resolution 10-44: Establishment of Financial Way Economic Opportunity Area
5. Resolution 10-45:Purchase of Land at 459 Pleasant Street-Authorization and Appropriation
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-645: Site Plan Review & Design Review – 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full agenda document can be found on the Franklin, MA website here (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/08042010%20Agenda.pdf
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Meetings of the Town Council are Recorded
Change of Council Meeting Date – Sept. 15 to Sept. 22
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-40:Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan
2. Resolution 10-42:Establishment of North Grove Street Economic Opportunity Area
3. Resolution 10-43:Establishment of South Grove Street Economic Opportunity Area
4. Resolution 10-44: Establishment of Financial Way Economic Opportunity Area
5. Resolution 10-45:Purchase of Land at 459 Pleasant Street-Authorization and Appropriation
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-645: Site Plan Review & Design Review – 2nd Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
The full agenda document can be found on the Franklin, MA website here (PDF)
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2010tc/08042010%20Agenda.pdf
Monday, August 2, 2010
Franklin, MA: Town Council - procedures manual
Continuing to find some interesting summer reading, let's get into the Town Council procedures manual. It is posted on the Town website here (PDF):
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/procedures07.pdf
and can be viewed here:
FranklinMA_TC_procedures07
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/procedures07.pdf
and can be viewed here:
FranklinMA_TC_procedures07
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Native Plants of Franklin
Hello Franklin! It’s time to reveal what last week’s mystery plant was. Were you able to figure it out? Loretta was close, and Susan correctly identified it. Here is the picture again:
If you said it was pinesap, you are correct!
I photographed this pinesap, at the Franklin State Forest last September, which means you have some time to get out and look for this elusive plant yourself. This patch is visible from the trail that leads straight into the woods from the YMCA.
The trick to seeing pinesap, Monotropa hypopitys, is that it only grows above ground like this for a very brief window of time. You may notice that the plant isn’t green. It actually contains no chlorophyll, which means it isn’t getting its food from the sun. Instead, it is a parasite that feeds on a fungus, which in turn is in a symbiotic relationship with tree roots. Don’t ever try to transplant this type of plant, because its growing conditions are so complex that removing the plant from its environment would kill it.
A more common relative of pinesap is Indian pipe, Monotropa uniflora, which also grows in undisturbed, shady woodlands, and is in bloom right now.
Indian pipe is frequently mistaken for a fungus, but like pinesap, it is a parasitic flowering plant.
And here is our next mystery plant:
Happy plant-sleuthing!
Franklin, MA
If you said it was pinesap, you are correct!
I photographed this pinesap, at the Franklin State Forest last September, which means you have some time to get out and look for this elusive plant yourself. This patch is visible from the trail that leads straight into the woods from the YMCA.
The trick to seeing pinesap, Monotropa hypopitys, is that it only grows above ground like this for a very brief window of time. You may notice that the plant isn’t green. It actually contains no chlorophyll, which means it isn’t getting its food from the sun. Instead, it is a parasite that feeds on a fungus, which in turn is in a symbiotic relationship with tree roots. Don’t ever try to transplant this type of plant, because its growing conditions are so complex that removing the plant from its environment would kill it.
A more common relative of pinesap is Indian pipe, Monotropa uniflora, which also grows in undisturbed, shady woodlands, and is in bloom right now.
Indian pipe is frequently mistaken for a fungus, but like pinesap, it is a parasitic flowering plant.
And here is our next mystery plant:
Happy plant-sleuthing!
Franklin, MA
Franklin, MA: Customer Service commitment
Jeff Nutting, the Franklin Town Administrator, has posted the following customer service commitment on the Administrator's page on the Town website (PDF):
Franklin MA Customer Service
Franklin MA Customer Service
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Franklin, MA: summer reading
Looking for some summer reading?
Something more than a paperback novel or a magazine from the grocery store check out line?
Try the Financial Audit Reports for 2008 and 2009. You can obtain both reports from the town website here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Audits/
If you find a term you are not familiar with, look it up with your favorite search engine. The results should include one or two dictionary references, an entry for wikipedia and perhaps some professional references including higher education institutions.
By the time you finish reading and studying, the summer will be over!
Enjoy!
By the way - if you are interested in the Town budget documents, you can find the prior years here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/previous
You can find the current Fiscal Year 2011 budget here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/FY%2011%20Budget/
Franklin, MA
Something more than a paperback novel or a magazine from the grocery store check out line?
Try the Financial Audit Reports for 2008 and 2009. You can obtain both reports from the town website here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Audits/
If you find a term you are not familiar with, look it up with your favorite search engine. The results should include one or two dictionary references, an entry for wikipedia and perhaps some professional references including higher education institutions.
By the time you finish reading and studying, the summer will be over!
Enjoy!
By the way - if you are interested in the Town budget documents, you can find the prior years here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/previous
You can find the current Fiscal Year 2011 budget here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/FY%2011%20Budget/
Franklin, MA
Friday, July 30, 2010
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 6, 7, 8
6. Amend the zoning by-laws to allow:
“Assisted living” and other elderly housing facilities in residential and certain commercial zones,
Greater densities for housing reserved for the elderly residents.
7. Maintain an inventory of existing housing facilities.
The Town will maintain an inventory of existing housing facilities that details the location of existing affordable housing facilities, 55+ senior developments and 40B housing developments within Franklin (Map 4: Existing Affordable Housing).
8. Identify areas where there is potential for development of affordable housing.
CONCLUSION
The Town of Franklin has postured itself as a key player and stakeholder in the creation of housing consistent with the above stated policy, goals and objectives. The Town reaffirms it commitment to ensure that a variety of housing opportunities exist to meet the diverse needs of its existing and future citizens. The Town looks forward to working with a broad coalition of public and private entities to achieve its affordable housing goals.
“Assisted living” and other elderly housing facilities in residential and certain commercial zones,
Greater densities for housing reserved for the elderly residents.
7. Maintain an inventory of existing housing facilities.
The Town will maintain an inventory of existing housing facilities that details the location of existing affordable housing facilities, 55+ senior developments and 40B housing developments within Franklin (Map 4: Existing Affordable Housing).
8. Identify areas where there is potential for development of affordable housing.
- The focus area for potential housing development is centered around the Downtown area with a focus on providing multi-bedroom housing units.
- Provide housing opportunities in the Downtown area where mixed-use and infill development opportunities are available. This area provides the most services and has a housing stock that is generally affordable and can more easily be converted to affordable housing.
- Allow housing conversions in the Downtown area to allow multi-bedroom housing-units.
- Consider a multi-family zoning around the central business district by-right rather than requiring a special permit.
- School land that is owned by the Town of Franklin should be evaluated for residential uses. Housing at schools could be used for teachers and other municipal workers. Renting or leasing to these people may require specific eligibility conditions such as income limits and residency terms.
- Retain, support, and expand existing affordable housing sites that are scattered throughout Franklin.
CONCLUSION
The Town of Franklin has postured itself as a key player and stakeholder in the creation of housing consistent with the above stated policy, goals and objectives. The Town reaffirms it commitment to ensure that a variety of housing opportunities exist to meet the diverse needs of its existing and future citizens. The Town looks forward to working with a broad coalition of public and private entities to achieve its affordable housing goals.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
Franklin, MA: Farmers Market
A friendly reminder that the Farmers Market is open each Friday from now until October. It operates on the Town Common on the corner away from the veterans memorials.
There is a big sign for those on RT 140 at the Davis Thayer School to point you in the proper direction:
There are also quite a few strategically placed signs like this to help spread the word:
Now that you are there, what will you find?
Susan Morrison posted a summary from her recent visit on ActiveRain here:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1760086/farmers-market-in-franklin-ma-we-support-our-local-farms-
Tangerini's Farm was recently featured in an article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1070618329/A-growing-trend-Massachusetts-farms-are-thriving
Franklin, MA
There is a big sign for those on RT 140 at the Davis Thayer School to point you in the proper direction:
There are also quite a few strategically placed signs like this to help spread the word:
Now that you are there, what will you find?
Susan Morrison posted a summary from her recent visit on ActiveRain here:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/1760086/farmers-market-in-franklin-ma-we-support-our-local-farms-
Tangerini's Farm was recently featured in an article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1070618329/A-growing-trend-Massachusetts-farms-are-thriving
Franklin, MA
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Hold the date - Aug 3rd - Sit & Chat - Bill Glynn
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
Bring a chair, your thoughts, and perhaps a question or two to the Common near the Bandstand.
Franklin, MA
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 5
5. Increase housing opportunities for seniors and the elderly.
- Encourage affordable housing for the elderly through alternative residential programs such as life-care, assisted, or congregate living arrangements.
- Evaluate different programs for providing elderly housing.
- Explore expanding the number of rental opportunities for senior and elderly residents.
- Encourage development of housing units that can easily be adapted or modified for handicap accessibility as needed.
- Other options to improve elderly housing include utilizing town-owned land for housing sites and utilizing the senior center for outreach and counseling.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 4
4. Encourage development of multifamily housing.
The Town will encourage development of multi-family housing at appropriate locations in Franklin and encourage adaptive reuse of existing buildings for future residential use, particular downtown redevelopment areas. The Town will work towards the redevelopment of the Town’s older sites for a mixture of uses, including lower cost housing for families and the elderly. Methods include:
The Town will encourage development of multi-family housing at appropriate locations in Franklin and encourage adaptive reuse of existing buildings for future residential use, particular downtown redevelopment areas. The Town will work towards the redevelopment of the Town’s older sites for a mixture of uses, including lower cost housing for families and the elderly. Methods include:
- Providing financial incentives through the planning and permitting process;
- Addressing development impacts;
- Identifying downtown/mixed use development sites that would be appropriate for redevelopment;
- Working with property owners to create mixed use developments through incentives such as density bonuses or tax incrementing financing.
- Utilize Town owned tax-title properties for development of low, moderate, and middle-income housing units.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
Franklin, MA: fiscal policies
What are the fiscal policies of Franklin?
The policies are published on the Town website (PDF) and can be viewed here:
FranklinMA_fiscalpolicies
The policies are published on the Town website (PDF) and can be viewed here:
FranklinMA_fiscalpolicies
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I know at least one K teacher that will like this article
Wow, this article will generate some conversation!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/economy/28leonhardt.html?_r=1&src=tptw
The study presentation slides can be found here:
http://obs.rc.fas.harvard.edu/chetty/STAR_slides.pdf
And yes, in case you did not know, my wife is a kindergarten teacher.
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/oak/classrooms/sherlock/default.htm
Franklin, MA
... as in other studies, the Tennessee experiment found that some teachers were able to help students learn vastly more than other teachers. And just as in other studies, the effect largely disappeared by junior high, based on test scores. Yet when Mr. Chetty and his colleagues took another look at the students in adulthood, they discovered that the legacy of kindergarten had re-emerged.
Students who had learned much more in kindergarten were more likely to go to college than students with otherwise similar backgrounds. Students who learned more were also less likely to become single parents. As adults, they were more likely to be saving for retirement. Perhaps most striking, they were earning more.
All else equal, they were making about an extra $100 a year at age 27 for every percentile they had moved up the test-score distribution over the course of kindergarten. A student who went from average to the 60th percentile — a typical jump for a 5-year-old with a good teacher — could expect to make about $1,000 more a year at age 27 than a student who remained at the average. Over time, the effect seems to grow, too.
The economists don’t pretend to know the exact causes. But it’s not hard to come up with plausible guesses. Good early education can impart skills that last a lifetime — patience, discipline, manners, perseverance. The tests that 5-year-olds take may pick up these skills, even if later multiple-choice tests do not.Read the full article in the NY Times here
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/business/economy/28leonhardt.html?_r=1&src=tptw
The study presentation slides can be found here:
http://obs.rc.fas.harvard.edu/chetty/STAR_slides.pdf
And yes, in case you did not know, my wife is a kindergarten teacher.
http://www.franklin.ma.us/auto/schools/oak/classrooms/sherlock/default.htm
Franklin, MA
Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan (collection)
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 3
3. Increase housing opportunities for low, moderate, and middle-income households.
- Continue to support zoning incentives to encourage low, moderate, and middle-income housing in multi-family developments and residential subdivisions.
- Continue to support the work of the Housing Trust to identify and develop affordable housing opportunities for a variety of different income levels.
- Assist affordable housing goals by supporting programs and policies that directly seek related funding and programs.
- Provide financial incentives through grants from the Housing Trust to encourage reuse of existing housing stock.
- Pursue funding programs available for assisting with housing efforts.
- Utilize Town owned tax-title properties for development of low, moderate, and middle-income housing units.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 2
2. Ensure that the Town continues to meet and exceed the Chapter 40B goal for subsidized housing.
The Town will explore innovative ways to increase the supply of affordable housing development through the Chapter 40B process to not only maintain the 10% threshold, but to also, exceed the state’s goal of 10% subsidized housing.
A. Methods to be utilized include:
B. The Town will work through the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust to ensure the creation of a variety of housing options to reflect the needs of the community. The Trust will prioritize types of development, units, numbers of bedrooms, and locations.
The Town will explore innovative ways to increase the supply of affordable housing development through the Chapter 40B process to not only maintain the 10% threshold, but to also, exceed the state’s goal of 10% subsidized housing.
A. Methods to be utilized include:
- Monitor and track all housing projects.
- Explore a variety of housing opportunities to increase affordable housing units.
- Update housing plan every 5 years.
- Support lower cost housing that is affordable in perpetuity.
- Explore methods for preventing the expiration of affordable units.
B. The Town will work through the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust to ensure the creation of a variety of housing options to reflect the needs of the community. The Trust will prioritize types of development, units, numbers of bedrooms, and locations.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS - 1
HOUSING STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS
The housing strategy was designed to increase affordable housing opportunities with increases in production, retention of existing units, and programs and policies that support these goals. These recommendations were developed through an analysis of available housing data and statistics, current housing issues facing the community and from the applicable goals of the Housing Element of Franklin’s Community Development Plan and “Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan” (2004).
1. Establish a housing task force.
The most important step that the Town of Franklin can take to improve housing is to establish a group of committed local people to lead the housing program – a housing task force. The task force would help solve housing issues with locally administered input and programs and would examine housing supply and
policies. It would be responsible for the following actions:
The Town Council should appoint members. It should include a broad range of housing groups such as the Franklin Housing Authority, developers, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership.
In order to successfully implement actions, the task force will need to identify all stakeholders and coordinate goals and objectives as well as focus on implementation strategies. From a functional standpoint, the task force will need to have a budget, expenses, and seek housing funds and grants to support its operation and actions.
The housing strategy was designed to increase affordable housing opportunities with increases in production, retention of existing units, and programs and policies that support these goals. These recommendations were developed through an analysis of available housing data and statistics, current housing issues facing the community and from the applicable goals of the Housing Element of Franklin’s Community Development Plan and “Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Action Plan” (2004).
1. Establish a housing task force.
The most important step that the Town of Franklin can take to improve housing is to establish a group of committed local people to lead the housing program – a housing task force. The task force would help solve housing issues with locally administered input and programs and would examine housing supply and
policies. It would be responsible for the following actions:
- Coordinate goals and efforts,
- Seek funding opportunities,
- Provide outreach for tenants,
- Establish supply and demand for housing,
- Identify target areas for housing development, and
- Maximize utilization of resources.
The Town Council should appoint members. It should include a broad range of housing groups such as the Franklin Housing Authority, developers, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership.
In order to successfully implement actions, the task force will need to identify all stakeholders and coordinate goals and objectives as well as focus on implementation strategies. From a functional standpoint, the task force will need to have a budget, expenses, and seek housing funds and grants to support its operation and actions.
The full Affordable Housing Strategy and Development Plan can be found on the Franklin, MA website
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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.
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
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:
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
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
Monday, July 26, 2010
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 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
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.
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.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
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
Franklin, MA
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