The survey conducted on the Franklin Downtown Partnership website resulted in many comments for an against the proposal to change the Main St traffic flow from 1-way to 2-way.
While the survey is not an exact science nor can the results be taken as an 'official' reflection of the will of the people, the comments do provide valuable insights.
While the Town Council did indicate that they are for the change to 2-way traffic, they will still need to vote on a bylaw change to do so. The bylaw change will require additional discussion at 2 public meetings (of the Town Council).
What do I think one should take from the comments?
The need for better communication on the details, the reasons, and the numbers remains great. While some number of folks have spent a lot of time working on this over the years, and I have great respect for that effort, there are folks who are just now becoming aware of it, who need to be able to find clear information on what the change is and how it was arrived at.
As much time as I personally have spent reporting on what is happening in and around Franklin, I do not feel that I have all my questions answered. This is what is continuing to drive my own efforts to share what information I can. This website (Franklin Matters) and the information shared here is not and has never been about me. I truly believe that Franklin matters. I do believe that information sharing can be improved. Franklin doesn't have nor can it afford a "Community Information Director". Hence I have assumed that title on a volunteer basis.
These are the comments associated with NO
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded No
These are the comments associated with YES
Comments to Traffic Survey Where They Responded Yes
Prior posts
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/09/downtown-traffic-survey-says.html
Franklin, MA
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Town Council - Agenda Document - 10/6/10
The full agenda document included details on the subjects scheduled for discussion on Weds, Oct 6 can be viewed below.
Of note:
1 - I would spend some time on the DelCarte proposal to fix the dams. The dams are currently breeched and in need of repair. The space is gorgeous. The potential for developing some trails to safely walk amongst and enjoy this natural beauty is tantalizing. If you have had the chance to visit Stony Brook in Norfolk or Borderland St Pk in Easton, this space within Franklin's own borders can provide that experience.
2 - There is a new bylaw proposed to better identify and have maintained the abandoned property that is located within Franklin,
TC_20101006_agenda
Franklin, MA
Of note:
1 - I would spend some time on the DelCarte proposal to fix the dams. The dams are currently breeched and in need of repair. The space is gorgeous. The potential for developing some trails to safely walk amongst and enjoy this natural beauty is tantalizing. If you have had the chance to visit Stony Brook in Norfolk or Borderland St Pk in Easton, this space within Franklin's own borders can provide that experience.
2 - There is a new bylaw proposed to better identify and have maintained the abandoned property that is located within Franklin,
TC_20101006_agenda
Franklin, MA
In the News - Library
A birthday bash at Franklin Library
byIf you haven't visited the library, you can take a virtual tour by video
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Library/tours
Franklin, MA
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Franklin Chargers helping the Franklin Food Pantry
The E2 Franklin Chargers Football team hopes to collect 500 canned goods this Sunday (Oct 3, 2010) for the Franklin Food Pantry.
Public Relations Manager Chuck Findlen said the team is challenging other squads to collect the most goods, and has already collected 350 pounds of items.
Drop-offs can be made to bins located at the Beaver Street field. Collection will start at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit www.franklinchargers.net.This was originally posted to the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x55987296/Help-Franklin-Chargers-collect-canned-food
Disclosure: I am on the Board of Directors of the Franklin Food Pantry and I approve of this activity to help members of our community.
Franklin, MA
Blackstone Valley Bike Path Moves Forward
If you Haven't had an opportunity to ride or walk along the Blackstone Valley Bike Path, I would recommend it. Especially now as we get into the fall colors, the bike path will be a nice place to visit.
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 10/1/10
Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray today announced $15 million in Accelerated Bridge Program funds for design and construction of the first segment of the Blackstone Valley Bike Path. Once completed, the proposed 48-mile trail will connect Worcester to Providence. Improvements to this path will also support the the East Coast Greenway, a project to create a 2,900-mile trail system linking cities along the coast from Maine to Florida.
Lieutenant Governor Murray joined state and local officials to celebrate the first phase of the project, a 2.5-mile pathway including 11 bridges between the Triad Bridge in Millville located in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park and along the Rhode Island border.
The Blackstone Valley Bike Path will connect historic and cultural sites, natural resources, recreation facilities, and commercial and residential areas. The project is a joint effort between MassDOT and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Design is underway with construction expected to begin in spring 2012.
Lieutenant Governor Murray joined state and local officials to celebrate the first phase of the project, a 2.5-mile pathway including 11 bridges between the Triad Bridge in Millville located in the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park and along the Rhode Island border.
The Blackstone Valley Bike Path will connect historic and cultural sites, natural resources, recreation facilities, and commercial and residential areas. The project is a joint effort between MassDOT and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Design is underway with construction expected to begin in spring 2012.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
They're bugs, and they stink, but they're not stink bugs
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Universal Hub by adamg on 10/1/10
Jennifer Forman Orth alerts us that the stinky bugs now invading many homes around here are not true stink bugs but rather Western Conifer Seed Bugs, which, darn them, can also stink up the joint:
These bugs do release a "stinky" liquid when startled, but they are not related to true stink bugs.She provides helpful closeup photos so you can tell the difference before you grab one with a paper towel or apply a shoe.
Things you can do from here:
- Subscribe to Universal Hub using Google Reader
- Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fire Dept - Open House - Oct 3
The Fire Department will hold a family style open house on Sunday at the King St Station. The open house will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Pictures from last year's open house can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/10/fire-dept-open-house.html
Franklin, MA
Pictures from last year's open house can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2009/10/fire-dept-open-house.html
Franklin, MA
Lincoln St: Road Closure/Work
Lincoln Street Detour/Pleasant Street Pavinghttp://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/subscriber-news
On Saturday, October 2 2010, the Franklin Water Department will be working in the roadway near 603 Lincoln Street.The road will be detoured from Brook Street to Daniels Street 8am until 4pm.
Pleasant Street will be paved from Church Square to Monterey Drive.
Police Officers will be on site to assist with traffic, however, it is strongly recommended you avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
To subscribe and receive your own copy directly to your inbox visit the Franklin website here
Thursday, September 30, 2010
It is worth taking the chance
You want to go to Job Search Jam Sessions but you're waiting for the phone call for that interview.
THAT interview. You know. The one that will land you in the dream job and get you off unemployment.
But you really would like to go to Job Search Jam Sessions. You heard it was such a great time in May.
Folks learned about negotiating, entrepreneurship, networking, resumes and LinkedIn. Someone from the Milford Career Center came to showcase their suite of programs.
It was held in Hopkinton and those who went really liked the event. They asked for more sessions. They asked for a longer day.
Now it is coming on Friday, October 1. A full day with more sessions. And yet, you are waiting for that phone call.
You know, there is a way to solve that. You can register via the link below. You can either pay via credit card or select to pay at the door. If you get the phone call you can cancel out your registration and get a full refund (if you paid via credit card).
This is an easy thing to do. All the organizers know how you feel. Torn, frustrated with waiting. But if the phone call comes, you can get a full refund. We understand. We've been there. Some of us are still there. Your interview, your job search takes priority.
We do want you to register if you think you will be able to go so we can plan for the food accordingly. This operation is running on the little income generated by the registration fees. There are no major corporate sponsors. No one is paying for this. You and I are with our contributions of time and money.
Why? Because we can and should do this. Because we are all in this together and by helping each other. By learning, sharing and networking together, we will find the position that we should. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But we will find it.
Register here to take part. If you do get the call about that interview, let us know and you'll get your full refund.
Franklin, MA
THAT interview. You know. The one that will land you in the dream job and get you off unemployment.
But you really would like to go to Job Search Jam Sessions. You heard it was such a great time in May.
Folks learned about negotiating, entrepreneurship, networking, resumes and LinkedIn. Someone from the Milford Career Center came to showcase their suite of programs.
It was held in Hopkinton and those who went really liked the event. They asked for more sessions. They asked for a longer day.
Now it is coming on Friday, October 1. A full day with more sessions. And yet, you are waiting for that phone call.
You know, there is a way to solve that. You can register via the link below. You can either pay via credit card or select to pay at the door. If you get the phone call you can cancel out your registration and get a full refund (if you paid via credit card).
This is an easy thing to do. All the organizers know how you feel. Torn, frustrated with waiting. But if the phone call comes, you can get a full refund. We understand. We've been there. Some of us are still there. Your interview, your job search takes priority.
We do want you to register if you think you will be able to go so we can plan for the food accordingly. This operation is running on the little income generated by the registration fees. There are no major corporate sponsors. No one is paying for this. You and I are with our contributions of time and money.
Why? Because we can and should do this. Because we are all in this together and by helping each other. By learning, sharing and networking together, we will find the position that we should. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But we will find it.
Register here to take part. If you do get the call about that interview, let us know and you'll get your full refund.
Franklin, MA
Lincoln Street Construction - Closed Sat 10/2
On Saturday, October 2, 2010, the Franklin Water Department will be working in the roadway near 603 Lincoln Street. The road will be detoured from Brook Street to Daniels Street. Work will begin at 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Police Details will be on site.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and thank you in advance for you understanding and cooperation.
The Department of Public Works
Franklin, MA
Town Council - 09/29/10
The live reporting posts from the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 29 2010 can be found here:
Franklin, MA
- Live reporting - Closing
- Live reporting - traffic, continued
- Live reporting - presentation on traffic flow
- Live reporting - Public Hearing - underground util...
- Live reporting - Town Council
Franklin, MA
Dean College hosts first program of business lecture series October 6
Dean College will host the first in a series of presentations by regional and national business leaders called "Leadership in Action, " on October 6 at 4 p.m. in the College's Campus Center Atrium.
The first speaker in this series is Irina Simmons, Senior Vice President and Treasurer of EMC Corporation on October 6, 2010 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm in the Campus Center Atrium.
Ms. Simmons will discuss "Leadership & Career Services - A Personal Journey". Immediately following the lecture, a Women's Networking Reception will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the Campus Center Atrium.
The event is free and open to the public.For other events on the Dean calendar visit http://www.dean.edu/events/index.cfm
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Live reporting - Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
work on the grant for green underway
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Franklin, MA
work on the grant for green underway
L. OLD BUSINESS
none
M. NEW BUSINESS
none
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - there was an authorization for money on traffic signals, it is not cash, the authorization was rescinded and it is not available
McGann - We should be looking at our own people first before hiring some person from outside
Nutting - you are not getting all the information, qualifications, past experience, etc. It is a personnel matter and we shouldn't be discussing it.
McGann - if we don't hire from within, it demoralizes the workers here.
Vallee - how long do we wait before a skim coat?
Nutting - every road we do , we let the trench sit at least a winter and then the top coat goes on so it gives the street more integrity
Pfeffer - Stella has a show on Franklin, a series on former selectmen and their decisions
Nutting - it was turned over to the Historical Commission for final painting
Mason - happy birthday to Catherine, who is 16 and I want to embarrass her sufficiently
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
motion to go into executive session, collective bargaining
passed 8-0 (via roll call)
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - traffic, continued
Nutting - the south bound RT 140 traffic will still be a backup, today and the future, everything else will be better
Jones - Safety is the number one issue for me
Vallee - nothing is perfect, the folks were against the change when we went from 2 way to 1 way in the 70's
2. Resolution 10-56: Endorsement of Plan for Two-Way Vehicular Traffic on Emmons, West Central and Main Streets as Element of Downtown Revitalization Project
motion to waive the reading, passed 8-0
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
Jones - Safety is the number one issue for me
Vallee - nothing is perfect, the folks were against the change when we went from 2 way to 1 way in the 70's
2. Resolution 10-56: Endorsement of Plan for Two-Way Vehicular Traffic on Emmons, West Central and Main Streets as Element of Downtown Revitalization Project
motion to waive the reading, passed 8-0
motion to approve, passed 8-0
Franklin, MA
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