"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign"

"Sign, sign, everywhere a sign 

Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind 

Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"

http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/five_man_electrical_band/signs.html


One proposed by-law change starting to work through the process this week will affect what we see all around Franklin. The Planning and Community Development Dept has already reworked the regulations and updated the definitions to help the discussions around what it will mean.

The Town Council will refer it to the Planning Board where they will review, take input during a public hearing and after making potential adjustments send it back to the Town Council. Back at the Town Council, there will be two readings (and associated discussions) before it is voted on.

The section from the Town Council agenda highlighting changes:

Changes from Previous Bylaw 

Enforcement and Pre-existing Signs 

The proposed Sign Bylaw now clearly defines the Building Commissioner as the entity who will
permit all signs, oversee installation, ensure compliance and remove non-compliant signs,
regulate their maintenance, and initiate penalties. Pre-existing signs are grandfathered unless
they were being displayed in violation of the existing Sign Bylaw. Pre-existing signs will remain
as such until a new sign is displayed or any modification to the existing signage is made, then it
must conform to the new Sign Bylaw. 

The proposed Bylaw also addresses many issues that the previous Bylaw left unaddressed.
One such issue the Bylaw now clearly defines is the role and responsibilities of the Design
Review Commission. In addition, the proposed Sign Bylaw now address a more defined
process for appeal of Design Review Commission decisions or appeals of a decision issued by
the Building Commissioner. 

Temporary Signs 

The current Sign Bylaw addresses several types of temporary signs and the extent to which
they are allowed. The proposed Bylaw clearly prohibits most temporary signs except real estate signs, political signs and non-profits if displayed in Municipal sign displays located throughout the Town. New business owners would be permitted to display one temporary sign for up to 30 days during the opening of the business.

Where did those lyrics come from? Enjoy!




The proposed bylaw can be found on beginning on page 10 of the document here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/011812.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 4, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
- Master Plan Committee
David Dobrzynski
Christine Apicella
Gregory Rondeau
Norm Ristaino
amended during meeting to add Gene Grella and Nathan Carlucci
It was also noted that Steve Whalen resigned from this group

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-01: Acceptance of Gift – Red Brick School
2. Resolution 12-02: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 11-666: Amendment to Chapter 185-5, Zoning Map, Biotechnology Uses Overlay Zoning District –
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

Wadsworth Diary: Jan 3, 1892

Very pleasant & quite warm, ground & pond clear of frost.My cold or grip is about the same. I do my chores & not much more. E. Simonds here.

In the 1850s, on a busy working farm in the southern part of Franklin, a man named George Wadsworth started writing in a journal about everyday events. When he filled that journal, he bought another, and filled that up too. Two dozen journals, and 27 years later, he had written about almost everything that can happen in a small New England town. His words were lost to history until 1986, when town resident Gail Lembo came across some of the journals at a yard sale.


From the Franklin Historical Museum website
http://www.franklinhistoricalmuseum.com/p/wadsworth-diaries_30.html

“It’s always the money"

Vallee said he would like to see the town explore more economic development opportunities, especially on town-owned land between Interstate 495 and Pond Street. 

The land is zoned for industry but Vallee said condominiums may be a more viable option. If built out with condominiums, the land could bring in $800,000 in tax revenue without adding many children to the schools, he said. 

Vallee said he’s also glad to see development occurring along Rte. 140 at the former Knights of Columbus Hall and Franklin Buffet restaurant. 

“A lot of little things are happening,” he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x987652853/Budgeting-the-big-challenge-for-area-towns-this-year#ixzz1iOGbLx7g

“Staying fit and active"

Sue Barbour, program coordinator for the Franklin Senior Center, warns seniors of the consequences of remaining immobile. 

“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” she said Friday. “It’s the truth. I tell them all the time, get up and move.” 

In Franklin, Barbour said line dancing and other classes have had a good turnout for years, but hopefully, even more will join in the New Year.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1896000094/Area-centers-want-to-keep-seniors-active#ixzz1iOIICWmC

Healthy Eating Cooking class!!

Hey all another Healthy Eating class is coming up!! Hope to see some of you there ;)

Thursday, January 12, 2012 6:30pm until 8:00pm

New Year New You!!! 6:30-8pm, Thursday January 12th- $10 fee Come see us at The Fitness Asylum in Shrewsbury 56 Summer Street, Shrewsbury MA for a Healthy Eating cooking class! Join Karen and Terri our Healthy Eating Specialists to learn how to prepare food following... our 4 Healthy Eating Pillars: Plant Strong™, Whole Foods, Healthy Fats and Nutrient Dense. This fun filled Cooking Class will demonstrate how to master the art of healthy cooking by preparing foods to be lighter in calories, more nutrient dense and packed with flavor! See how to prepare vegetables to peak flavor while maximizing vitamins and minerals. Get great tips on portion control. Raw-Vegan techniques will be highlighted to save time and ultimately get you to eat more vegetables! Three will be plenty of samples to go around so bring your appetite!  Please call The Fitness Asylum to sign up and reserve your spot: 617-967-0042 www.fitness-asylum.com

--
Karen M Ring
CPT / Health Coach / AADP

www.karenmring.com
karenmring@gmail.com

Franklin, MA: Historical Commission

Purpose 

The Historical Commission provides for the preservation, protection, and development of the historic and archaeological assets of Franklin. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Library Room of the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St.
The activities of the commission encompass many areas including: research on places of historical or architectural value, working with the State Archaeologist in conducting surveys and reporting on sites, supporting educational activities, establishing historic districts, providing information for genealogical searches, and operating and maintaining the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Membership 

The Commission consists of seven members who are appointed for three-year terms. Additionally, Associate memberships are available for anyone interested in town history by contacting the Town Clerk's office or any member of the Historical Commission.

Additional information on the Historical Commission can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Historical/historical