Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Upcoming Event: Solar Anniversary Celebration


Please join us for a celebration to mark the 1-year anniversary of the First Unitarian Society in Franklin solar electric system. Come find out how much energy was produced right on our roof-top and how that translates into environmental impact and financial benefit. 

Refreshments and general information on solar energy will also be available.
Feb 24th, 12-1pm
FUSF
262 Chestnut Street
Franklin, MA 02038







Ryan Elliott
Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Second Generation Energy
12 Rosenfeld Drive
Hopedale, MA 01747 
Office: 800-653-4270
We Love Referrals!  Don't forget to tell your friends and neighbors, if they Go Solar with us we'll send you $500.  Click here for more details! 
What can solar energy do for you?
Find out at www.SGESolar.com

In the news: food collection, Democratic caucus, softball registration



Society of St. Vincent DePaul will hold food collection

The Society of St. Vincent dePaul of St. Mary’s Church in Franklin will hold its monthly food collection at all Masses the weekend of Feb. 2 and 3.


Franklin Democrats plan caucus

Democrats in Franklin will hold a caucus to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2013 Platform Convention on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 9 a.m. in the Franklin Room at the Alumni Restaurant, 391 East Central St., Franklin.


Register for Franklin Girls Softball

Franklin Girls Softball Association has opened registration online and will have two “walk in” dates as well.

2012 FOOTBALL ACCOLADES INCLUDE 4 SIGNED TO DIVISION-1 TEAMS



The Dean College Football team ended their 2012 season with an impressive 7-3 record. Even more impressive are the accolades and achievements in the months following the season. As we reported earlier, two players were named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-Americans, and four have signed with impressive Division 1 programs in the National College Athletic Association.

Six-foot-two-inch receiver Shavarez Smith, who caught 43 balls for 685 yards and 6 touchdowns, was recruited to and signed by South Alabama (read about it on ESPN) -
http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfrecruiting/on-the-trail/post/_/id/26718/juco-receiver-picks-south-alabama

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) was very interested in the talents of two Dean players, one on each side of the ball. The aforementioned Rodney "Lucky" Whitehead was recruited and signed, and shortly after, defensive lineman Lance Burlingame signed with FAU (read about it in the Sun Sentinel) -
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-12-19/sports/sfl-fau-gets-lucky-signs-three-other-junior-college-players-20121219_1_fau-offense-fau-coach-carl-pelini-stephen-curtis

Finally, the impressive play of four Dean players was recognized by well respected NCAA Division 1 football programs around the country. Starting Quarterback Trevor Vasey was heavily recruited by Elon University in North Carolina, ultimately where Vasey signed (read about it in the Providence Journal). Vasey expects to compete for the starting quarterback job immediately.
http://news.providencejournal.com/sports/high-school/2012/12/former-st-rays-qb-to-play-at-elon-college.html

Congratulations to all on their achievements.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Kaitlyn B. Schlegel

A classmate of my daughters, Kaitlyn's funeral will be held Friday, Jan 18 with viewing hours at the Ginley Funeral Home on Thursday.

Arrangement details are still not complete at this time. You can visit the Ginley Funeral Home webpage for updates:  http://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/Obituaries.html


"What is clear is that we can’t afford the system we have today"

The news on WBZ Radio recently has been touting the need to improve our transportation systems in MA and how much it will cost us. There is no such thing as a free lunch, so it will cost to maintain and prepare for our needs. The real questions will be how much? who will pay? how will we pay? what should we prioritize (we can't do it all)? and when?
An accelerated investment in our transportation system is needed to stabilize maintenance needs, modernize roads and trains, and create jobs.
MassDOT has released their full report. You can go to their website to download it or go here to obtain a copy. This should be required reading!





The MassDOT link to the report
http://transportation.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2013/01/massdot-releases-21st-century-transportation-plan.html

the report itself:
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/Portals/0/docs/infoCenter/docs_materials/TheWayForward_Jan13.pdf

Massachusetts Bar Association's 28th annual Mock Trial Program

In Franklin and elsewhere around MA, some classrooms turn to court rooms as the Mock Trail sessions get underway.
Area high schools competing include Algonquin Regional, Acton-Boxborough, Bellingham, Dover-Sherborn, Framingham's Marian High, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Maynard, Medfield, Milford, Natick, St. John's of Shrewsbury, Gann Academy of Waltham, and Wayland. 
In this year's criminal case, the prosecution alleges the defendant poisoned and killed his great-aunt by tampering with her medication. The defense claims the great-aunt either died of a natural heart attack or was murdered by either her live-in caretaker or another relative upset about her reduction of their inheritance.

Read more: Local high schools compete in Mock Trial - Franklin, MA - Wicked Local Franklin http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1503800200/Local-high-schools-compete-in-Mock-Trial#ixzz2I2SIBuWm

For more about the Mock Trial program  http://mocktrial.massbar.org/

Franklin Library: Digital Photographs

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/14/13



Things you can do from here:

iPhone Photography Workshop

Do you have an iPhone?
Want to take better pictures?

This workshop at the Franklin Art Center might be a good one to consider?





For more about the Franklin Art Center, visit their website  http://franklinartcenter.com/

Monday, January 14, 2013

Talking about the 'edge city'

A standing room only audience showed up to the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday.

presentation title slide

Town Clerk and Historical Commission Chair, Debbie Pellegri introduced Eamon Earls.

Debbie Pellegri introduces Eamon Earls

Eamon referenced key points on an early map of Franklin including the fact that at one time, Dorchester was a neighboring community. Yes, the same Dorchester. It used to extend from the coast far inland and then communities split off from it and it shrunk to its current size.

Eamon Earls points to one of the maps

Eamon spent a couple of years researching and writing the book. He has many stories to tell and if you have good history to share, he would like to hear that too!

Eamon talking about Franklin as an 'edge city'


The book can be purchased online or at various locations around Franklin
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/historical-museum-book-signing-jan-13.html


Annual Report 2012: Planning Board


The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for “…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.” The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By-Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the local Zoning Bylaws (Ch. 185).

The Board works together with the Department of Planning and Community Development, the Department of Public Works, and Town Administration. In addition, the Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Committee on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues.

In the first quarter of FY2012, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several pending projects from FY2011 and began review of several Special Permit applications. One such Special Permit application was to allow a change in hours of operation at the BJ’s Wholesale Club and Gas Station location at 100 Corporate Drive, allowing the business to remain open later in the evening and open earlier on the weekend; a significant economic development opportunity for the BJ’s Wholesale Club.

One of the more significant site plans approved at the start of FY2012 was Hamilton Storage Technologies at 3 Forge Parkway; the company is constructing a 51,000 square feet facility to house its U.S. headquarters, light manufacturing operations, and accessory conference and training room uses.

Other notable Site Plans that occurred in FY2012 include the approval of a 37,800 square feet residence hall for Dean College at 100 West Central Street, and Emeritus Senior Living Center, a 2-story, 81-unit, Senior Assisted Living Facility at 656 King Street. Southern Acres, a 6- lot definitive subdivision on South Street was approved. An application to modify the Uncas Ave Subdivision was first heard by the Planning Board in April 2012, however, the applicant requested a continuance until the first quarter of FY2013 after a request for a Water and Sewer map extension from the Town Council.

The Planning Board also voted to endorse several 81-P plans and approved one Scenic Road Work Permit for work that coincided with the approval of Southern Acres Subdivision. In addition, like last year, there were numerous requests for extensions to complete previously approved site plans and subdivisions due to hard economic times inhibiting completion of site work by developers. However, the Planning Board did see seven (7) requests for Certificates for Site Completion and a significant increase in the last quarter of the fiscal year in application fees for site plans, special permits and limited site plans with pending discussions in FY13.

The Planning Board has, and will continue to focus on updating the existing zoning by-laws to more accurately define the needs and goals of the town. During FY2012 the Board referred several Zoning Bylaw amendments to the Town Council for approval; these included adding 36 parcels to the Biotechnology Uses Overlay Zoning District, rewrite of Chapter 185-20 Signs, and rewrite of portions of Chapter 185-45 D and E Special Permit Criteria. The three Zoning Bylaw amendments were subsequently approved by the Town Council.

The Planning Board also reviewed and made recommendations for amending the Town’s Subdivision Rules and Regulations to reduce the pavement radius of Dead-end Streets from 50 feet to 45 feet.

The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.

The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.


Planning Board Activity (July 2011 through June 2012):
Definitive Subdivisions 1
and Modifications 81-P Plans (ANR): 4
Site Plan 6
Limited Site Plans 15
Special Permits 7
Scenic Road Work Permits 1

Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act.

The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms. In November of 2011, longtime Member Ronald Calabrese stepped down as a member but was re-appointed as an associate member after the November 2011 Town Election. Acting Associate Member William David was elected a full-member and Gregory Ballarino and John Carroll were re-elected as members until 2015.

In the second quarter FY2012, Mr. Calabrese resigned his position as Associate member and in a joint meeting of the Town Council and Planning Board, Gregory Rondeau was appointed as the Associate Member of the Planning Board until 2015.

Current Planning Board Members:
Anthony Padula, Chairman
Joseph Halligan, Secretary
Gregory Ballarino
John Carroll
William David
Gregory Rondeau, Associate Member
Ronald Calabrese- Resigned

Respectfully submitted,

Anthony Padula, Chairman


Please visit our website for additional information including application forms, and regularly posted agendas and meeting minutes at: www.franklin.ma.us.

Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

Franklin State Forest

The Civilian Conservation Corp also worked in Franklin back in the 1930's. According to Eamon Earl's research for his new book on "Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City’", the CCC established a camp on top of Forge Hill and planted trees.

Franklin State Forest entrance on Grove St

Just inside the entrance to the Franklin State Forest, there is a large marker with a layout of the various trails through the forest.

Franklin State Forest trail map


Additional info on the CCC can be found here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian_Conservation_Corps

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Franklin musician Christie Leigh aims for big time

In addition to this article in the Milford Daily News, check out the video and her websites below!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Chris Bergeron/DAILY NEWS STAFF on 1/13/13

Christie Leigh of Franklin
After singing most her life and performing in Boston clubs and the streets of Los Angeles, Christie Leigh hopes her new album will launch her into the big time.

Things you can do from here:



A new song from Christie, so far the only one posted to her YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/mailforchristie




Her MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/christieleighmusic

Her own website  http://www.christieleigh.com/fr_home.cfm
on this site, she has more music on auto play, so turn up the speakers to enjoy!

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Jan 15, 2013


Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."


Note: This meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Training Room, hence not available via broadcast or replay. There will also be an executive session at the beginning of the meeting so whomever is in the room will be asked to leave while the executive session takes place.


Call to order Mrs. Mullen

Executive Session

Return to Open Session – Call to order Mrs. Mullen

Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 11, 2012 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mrs. McIntyre
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
Correspondence:
1. Budget to Actual
2. ACCEPT Quarterly Report

1. Discussion
a. 2013-2014 School Calendar
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-public-schools-proposed.html

2. Action Items
a. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,800.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment at the FHS.
b. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Lueders Environmental, Inc. for the FPS – designated for Parmenter.
c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $372.22 from PBC for the Athletics Dept. at FHS.
d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Keller PCC for in-house enrichment at Keller.
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,790.00 from Vicario Studios for in-house enrichment at FHS.
f. I recommend approval of the Boys and Girls Track Team to travel to Providence, RI on January 19, 2013 for the East Coast Invitationals.
g. I recommend approval of the Boys and Girls Track Team to travel to New York, NY on March 8-9, 2013 for the Nike National Championships.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Dennis and Jeannette Drohan for a high school scholarship.
i. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Paul and Susan Genoa for a high school scholarship.
j. I recommend acceptance of a check for $50.00 from Michael F. Dicecco for a high school scholarship.
k. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a microwave oven, a convection oven and a griddle (approximate value: $150.00) from the Scipione Family for the ECDC staff.
l. I recommend acceptance of a check for $543.38 from All-American Publishing for the Athletic Dept. at the FHS.
m. I recommend acceptance of $1,495.00 from Various FPS Parents for the Music Dept.
n. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,275.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment.
o. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from Various parents for the Music Dept.
p. I recommend acceptance of a check for $917.50 from Parmenter PCC for a Parmenter Grade 2 field trip.
q. I recommend acceptance of the donation of $282.66 from Doug Lee for the Franklin High School.
r. I recommend acceptance of a check for $500.00 from the Parmenter PCC for buses for a Grade 1 field trip.
s. I recommend approval of the request of Peter Light that the Jazz band attend a performance by NY City Jazz Orchestra at the Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Providence, RI on January 27, 2013 as detailed.
t. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from the Parmenter PCC for buses for a Grade 1 field trip.
u. I recommend acceptance of a check for $25.00 from Dr. Wilbur J. Landry, Jr. for a FHS Scholarship.
v. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Dennis and Joan Costello for a FHS Scholarship.
w. I recommend acceptance of a check for $100.00 from Paula Vozzella for a FHS Scholarship.
x. I recommend acceptance of a check for $220.25 from All-American Publishing for the Athletics Dept. at the FHS.
y. I recommend adoption of the 2013-2014 School Calendar as discussed.
z. I recommend approval of the recurring field trip to the Providence Place Mall on April 12, 2013 for RMS 8th grade math students as detailed.

3. School Committee Self Evaluation Workshop

4. Adjourn

Franklin Public Schools: Proposed Calendar 2013-2014

The DRAFT calendar for the 2013-2014 school year is up for discussion at the School Committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan 15.

The calendar as drafted looks like this:



For the complete agenda for the School Committee meeting on Tuesday Jan 15, 2013 view this link
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

When the calendar becomes 'official' it will be posted here. This is only a draft for discussion at the meeting Tuesday.

Franklin Library: Krafty Mondays

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 1/12/13



January 14, 2013

3:30 PM

"We Make A Beautiful Garden"

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day 
by Making a Garden Poster

Things you can do from here:

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Franklin road conditions: from worst to first!

If your road is in disrepair, just how bad is it compared to the other 200 miles of roads in Franklin? While in prior years, the DPW had done their own study to develop the 'master listing' of road conditions to help determine the repair needs, the new listing was done by an outside firm. The new listing is available on the Franklin website and located here for your convenience.

This PDF version is pre-sorted in ascending order of the road condition from worst to first!





You can also find this file on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0196EBCD-000F8513

In the News: Hamilton Storage, Ben's birthday




Tech firm opens in Franklin's Forge Park

New law requires national background check for teachers

The background check for current employees needs to be completed prior to the 2016-17 school year. This new law expands the scope of the background check to include potential criminal records outside of MA. This is likely another unfunded mandate. Allowing until 2016-17 to implement will attempt to soften the burden upon the district. Normally, the background check is done prior to hiring and with the 'normal' turnover would happen for about 30-50 folks.


Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by Staff reports on 1/11/13

Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill authorizing the Department of Early Education and Care and school districts to conduct fingerprint-supported national criminal history background checks on all teachers, school employees and early education providers in the state.

Things you can do from here:

Friday, January 11, 2013

Annual Report 2012: Planning & Community Development


The Department of Planning & Community Development (DPCD) maintains a professional staff that provides the Town of Franklin with a wide array of planning services. DPCD’s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the land use-related goals of the people of Franklin. We make every effort to maintain the character of the community while enhancing its economic
vitality.

DPCD’s activities and services include, but are not limited to, economic development, subdivision plan, site plan and conservation plan review, historic preservation, downtown revitalization, zoning by-law and  subdivision regulation development, brownfields redevelopment, affordable housing, open space and wetlands preservation, public transportation, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including use of smart growth and low impact development concepts. The Department regularly identifies and sources funding for various community development projects and activities. DPCD balances its approach to these initiatives through long-term planning and public participation.

Department Personnel
The DPCD’s staffing reflects the diverse skills needed to complete the many activities and roles the Department participates in within the community. DPCD’s staff consists of the following:
Bryan Taberner, Director
Beth Dahlstrom, Town Planner
Nick Alfieri, Conservation Agent, and part time Planner
Kathy Celorier, Conservation Secretary, and Administrative Assistant.

DPCD saw the resignation of Planning Board  Secretaries Joyce Hottenrott and Ellen Callender; both of whom not only provided administrative support to the Planning Board but also to other DPCD personnel with the many demands of a very active office throughout FY2012.

The DPCD manages an Intern Program to assist DPCD staff and other Town departments with administrative and technical assistance. The work performed by DPCD interns is extremely important to the Department’s productivity. Since mid FY09 when the intern program began, the DPCD Intern Program’s
interns have worked hundreds of hours each year; the majority of these hours are devoted to economic development, comprehensive planning, and conservation issues.

Support of Town Boards, Commissions and Committees
DPCD personnel provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Public Land Use Committee, Design Review Commission, Technical Review Committee, and the Town Council’s Economic Development Sub-committee. Well over fifty percent of the Department’s total staff hours are utilized on Planning Board and Conservation Commission related issues. In addition, Department staff frequently provides professional technical
assistance to other public entities including Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Franklin Housing Trust and various ad hoc committees including the Town’s Master Plan Committee.

Site Permitting and Guidance
DPCD is not a permit granting authority; its function during the permitting process is to integrate laws, regulations and plans with the Town’s goals to ensure that the best interests of the Town and its residents are served. DPCD personnel organize and attend meetings, provide technical assistance, offer professional
opinions, and guide developers, businesses and residents through the Town’s various permitting processes.

Conservation
DPCD provides support to the Conservation Commission, as provided by MGL Chapter 131, Section 40. Conservation Staff, specifically the Town’s Conservation Agent, is responsible for speaking for the Conservation Commission when they are not present (see separate Conservation Commission Report). Although not a permit authority, the Conservation Agent does have limited police powers to regulate
already approved Conservation Commission activities, stop unauthorized activities and to promote and develop the natural resources of Franklin and its wetlands, streams, brooks, ponds, lakes and watersheds. In addition, Conservation staff provides administrative support and reviews applications being presented to the Conservation Commission, as well as provides professional support to other Town Boards, Commissions and Departments.

Comprehensive Planning and Zoning 
DPCD is responsible for traditional land-use related activities including updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws. A description of zoning and land use issues worked on by DPCD during the 2012 fiscal year is summarized below.

During 2012 fiscal year DPCD worked on the rewrite of several sections of Franklin’s Zoning Bylaw; these included adding 36 parcels to the Biotechnology Uses Overlay Zoning District, rewrite of Section 185-20 Signs, and rewrite of portions of Chapter 185-45 D and E Special Permit Criteria. The three Zoning Bylaw
amendments were approved by the Town Council. All three amendments were the result of substantial effort, but the rewrite of the Town’s Sign Bylaw was an especially important accomplishment that resulted from on-going efforts over several years.

Part of this effort was the development of the following four sign districts:

  • Downtown Commercial District
  • Commercial and Business Corridor District
  • Industrial and Office Park District
  • Residential District.
The new sign bylaw created stricter requirements for signage in the downtown, and more clearly explains requirements for the Town’s Zoning Districts.

Also during FY2012, DPCD worked on drafting additional Zoning Bylaw amendments including rewrite of Chapter 185-31 Site Plan Review and Design Review, and development of a zoning bylaw related to Accessory Dwelling Units.

One of DPCD’s current major priorities is the Town of Franklin’s Master Plan Update. The Master Plan has nine elements, which are as follows: Land Use; Housing; Economic Development; Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources; Open Space and Recreation; Community Services and Facilities; Circulation; Goals and Policies; and Implementation. During the 2012 fiscal year DPCD worked with the newly formed Master Plan Committee

Planning and Implementation of Community Development and Economic Development Projects
Each year the DPCD works on many community and economic development initiatives. The department develops strategies, proposes policies, bylaw changes and Town Council resolutions, manages projects, and seeks grants in efforts to balance Franklin’s community livability and its economic viability. DPCD encourages responsible community development that meets the goals and objectives of the Town’s various planning documents, and the State’s Sustainable Development and Smart Growth Principles. Some of DPCD’s more important recently completed or ongoing projects and initiatives are summarized below.

Regional Planning
DPCD attends meetings and works on various regional planning issues with a variety of regional  organizations, including Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the Southwest Area Planning Committee, 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership, and the I95/495 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council. In addition, the DPCD occasionally supports the initiatives of
other regional organizations including the Franklin Citizens Rail Trail Committee.

Downtown Revitalization
For several years the Town of Franklin has made revitalization of Downtown Franklin a major focus and has worked to improve the Downtown in a variety of ways. During the 2012 fiscal year DPCD worked on several projects related to implementation of the Franklin Center Plan, which was developed in 2002 and 2003 to provide Town officials with a vision and basic strategy for revitalization of Downtown Franklin.
The revitalization of Downtown Franklin must be carefully planned to ensure that improvements positively impact the entire community. During FY2012 the Town completed improvements associated with a $1 million Massachusetts Public Works Economic Development (PWED) Grant to construct roadway and sidewalk improvements in the Emmons Street, Dean Avenue, Depot Street, and Ray Street area, as well as reconstruction of the Town’s Depot Street parking lot. These improvements are a component of the
Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project. The Town has also been awarded a $5 million Federal Highway High Priority Project (HPP) Grant for this important project.

The Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project is an integral part of the Town’s strategy for Downtown revitalization. The improvement project includes improvements to the traffic pattern of Route 140 in the Downtown Franklin area, installation of interconnected traffic signals with emergency
preemption system, period lighting, traffic calming devices, resetting curbs where needed, ADA compliant sidewalks, resurfacing of streets, and landscape improvements and street furniture.

The Project represents a substantial public investment in the downtown’s future and economic viability, and is expected to spur on private investment. The Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project is a main DPCD priority requiring a substantial amount of Department resources for consultant oversight,
managing public outreach, contract management, and grant management activities.

Tax Title Properties
As in past years, DPCD again worked with other Departments assessing the Town’s Tax Title Properties. Each year recommendations are developed for a number of these properties, and DPCD submits the work to the Town Administrator and Town Council for consideration.

Economic Development
DPCD works regularly on a wide range of economic development projects and programs, and is one of DPCD’s top priorities, second only to providing excellent administrative and technical assistance to the Town’s boards, commissions and committees. Potential benefits to the Town from successful implementation of DPCD’s Business Retainage and Attraction Initiatives are significant. These efforts focus on increasing the value of Franklin’s commercial and industrial tax base, filling the Town’s empty and underutilized industrially zoned buildings, and attracting the right mix of companies to the community. Below is a brief summary of the Town’s recently completed and ongoing business retention and attraction initiatives.

In partnership with MassDevelopment and theMassachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), DPCD developed and manages the MassDevelopment – MOBD - Town ofFranklin Business Visitation Program to make local research and development andmanufacturing companies in Franklin aware of
State technical assistance programs and financial resources that can be made available to further their development, and to raise awareness of DPCD as a resource for Franklinbased businesses. In addition, DPCD works regularly with MOBD, MassDevelopment, and other agencies as required in efforts to attract
the right mix of companies to Franklin’s industrial and commercial areas.

As part of DPCD’s efforts to market the Town of Franklin, DPCD staff develop press releases and various economic development advertisements for industry periodicals, and continuously update the Town’s  economic development marketing brochures.

Redevelopment of town-owned properties is a regular activity of DPCD, and continues to be a high priority. During 2012 DPCD continued to work with other Town staff and a consultant to move forward  redevelopment of the Town’s “Nu-Style” Property. The Nu-Style Property at 87 Grove Street consists of two parcels totaling 1.2 acres with two vacant former manufacturing buildings. The property is contaminated with a variety of hazardous materials. Demolition of the main Nu-Style building and remediation of the property is required in order for a developer or other entity to be interested in obtaining the property.

Preparing the site for redevelopment is expensive, and DPCD has sought funding from a variety of sources.
Late in 2010 the Town received notice it had been awarded a $200,000 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant. The Federal grant is being used for demolition of the main building, and partial remediation of soils. Since then DPCD staff has worked with the EPA and Franklin’s Purchasing Agent on contract and procurement related activities. The project required substantial DPCD resources during the 2012 fiscal year.

Project management activities related to the $200,000 EPA Brownfields remediation grant include consultant oversight, project management, and grant management including substantial grant reporting requirements. Much progress was made during FY012; two contracts were awarded, one to an engineering firm for remediation design and construction management services, and another to a general contractor. During the fourth quarter of FY2012 the former Nu-Style facility was demolished; the project is expected to be completed during the first half of FY2013.

Franklin is part of the I-495/95 South Regional Technology Economic Target Area, and as such can offer businesses looking to start up or expand in Franklin one of the most attractive incentives a Massachusetts community can offer a business, a Tax Increment Finance Agreement. The Town of Franklin supports the
use of this local tax credit for a wide range of development projects, including projects that create a significant number of livable wage jobs for Franklin residents, support innovative technology, and result in redevelopment of empty or underutilized industrially zoned properties, or development of new facilities.

Once a business negotiates a tax increment finance agreement with the Town of Franklin it may qualify for a state investment tax credit for qualifying tangible/depreciable assets, as well as other significant tax incentives. In order for a business or property owner to qualify for a tax increment finance agreement the specific parcels must be within an established Economic Opportunity Area. In recent years the DPCD worked towards creation of six multiparcel economic opportunity areas, which consist of 100 parcels on over 945 acres.

During FY 2011 and 2012 DPCD worked with National Development and Hamilton Storage Technologies of Hopkinton in order to site a new facility at 3 Forge Park within the Forge Park Economic Opportunity Area. Hamilton Storage Technologies plans to site at 3 Forge Parkway a new 51,000 square foot high tech devices manufacturing facility, which includes its U.S. headquarters.

During June 2011 the Town received a letter from Hamilton Storage Technologies informing the Town of their intent to enter into negotiations for a tax increment finance agreement. During FY2012 DPCD guided the company through the complicated “Certification” process required by the State, including providing assistance in completing the Certified Project application. The Town Council approved a ten-year tax increment finance agreement, which was approved by the state. Construction of Hamilton Storage Technologies’ new facility at 3 Forge Park is well underway and will be completed in FY2013.

Workforce Development was a priority for DPCD during FY2012. DPCD planned and implemented the Town’s 2012 Economic Development Summit, which was held on April 5, 2012 at Tegra Medical at 9 Forge Parkway. The main purpose of the event was to inform Franklin’s businesses that there are workforce
training resources available to assist them, and to build partnerships with state Agencies and educational resources. The event was well attended, and included involvement of property owners, business owners and managers, State and local officials, commercial property realtors and a substantial number of Workforce
Development professionals.

Outlined above are several types of community and economic development strategies, initiatives and implementation efforts. However, all of these DPCD projects relate to two fairly simple but extremely important community and economic development principles: 1.) Economic viability and community livability are equally important parallel goals; and 2.) Strive to create a community where entrepreneurs will want to
settle and raise their families. Franklin is already that community, and DPCD will continue to plan and implement initiatives to make it better. DPCD will continue to undertake a wide range of community and economic development projects, programs, and planning initiatives that will keep the Town’s goals and objectives current and representative of Franklin’s needs and desires.

DPCD is proud of its accomplishments and welcomes public input on all of its efforts to improve the quality of life for the residents of Franklin.

Respectfully submitted,

Department of Planning and Community Development Staff.


Note: As mentioned earlier in this series, the report is prepared by each department as FY 2012 closes and is published by the Town Clerk in November 2012. Nick Alferi, listed as the Conservation Agent passed away in July of 2012.

Additional information on the Planning and Community Development activities can be found on their webpage http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/index


Published by the Town Clerk, this comes from the 2012 Annual Report
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/


Public Forum: Core Values, Beliefs about Learning


Franklin Business Communities,

Greetings! We hope the New Year finds you well. As you are aware, construction is under way for the new Franklin High School. As part of our continuing effort to ensure our curriculum and instruction is relevant to the community’s needs in the 21st Century, and as part of our ongoing accreditation, we would like to engage you in helping us develop the Core Values and Beliefs About Learning that will drive decisions about the Culture, Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment of the school.

Towards this end, we are hosting a public forum for Franklin business leaders on January 23, 2013 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. in the high school technology center. This is an important and valuable effort that will benefit both current and future students, families, and the greater Franklin community. We are looking forward to your participation and sincerely hope you can join us. No RSVP is necessary. Please feel free to share this invitation with your neighbors who are equally vested in the continued excellence of the Franklin Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Peter Light Maureen Sabolinski
Principal Superintendent of Schools


Franklin High School
218 Oak Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-528-5600
lightp@franklin.k12.ma.us

You can also view the invitation document here
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWEk3NF8wTlpnekE/edit


Update: Hamilton Storage Technologies

As mentioned in the Planning and Community Development section of the Annual Report, Hamilton Storage Techologies was one of the Tax Increment Financing Agreements.
Hamilton Storage Technologies has opened a new Franklin, Mass. facility to accommodate growing business for its automated sample management and storage systems. The facility will serve as the Sample Management division's headquarters and the East Coast competence center for Hamilton Company, a global leader in the design and manufacture of liquid handling, process measurement, robotics, and storage solutions.

Read more about the new facility here
http://www.forensicmag.com/news/hamilton-storage-technologies-opens-52000-square-foot-facility-franklin-mass


Related posts:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/12/hamilton-storage-technology.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/real-time-reporting-legislation-part-1.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/hamilton-storage-technologies.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/06/needs-to-open-its-doors-in-franklin.html

MassBudget: Budget Preview. FY14 deficit = $1.2 billion



MassBudget    Information.
   Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy.
FY14 Budget Preview
On January 23rd, the Governor is expected to submit his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014, detailing how we fund our schools, maintain our roads and transit systems, keep our communities safe, manage health care spending, and fill our budget deficit.

Once again in FY 2014, Massachusetts will face a significant budget deficit. $1.2 billion is the conservative estimate we develop in our new "Budget Preview."

There are two basic reasons that Massachusetts continues to face persistent deficits.

  • The weak national economy, which has lowered state revenues even as it has increased the number of people relying on core safety net services

  • The income tax cuts of the late 1990s, which continue to cost the state over $2.5 billion per year

To accompany our Budget Preview, MassBudget is also releasing a new factsheet on "Income Tax Cuts and the Budget Deficit in Massachusetts." It describes the long-term cost of the income tax cuts enacted between 1998 and 2003 as well as other changes that have reduced state tax revenues and lead to significant program cuts.

Read Our BUDGET PREVIEW


The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.

MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER
15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700
BOSTON, MA 02108
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Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

In the News: Shaw's, new album, isolation



New owners may not hold onto Shaw's for long

The Shaw’s Supermarkets and Star Market chains will soon have a deep-pocketed New York investment group as their new owners, but the challenges faced by traditional grocery chains will remain.



Franklin country singer release new album at The Estate in Boston

Singer-songwriter Christie Leigh will release her new album, "Deep Down Damned,'' Friday, Jan. 11, at The Estate club in Boston.



Johnston: Isolation in 21st century America

There are many splendid new domestic subdivisions in the towns around the Greater Milford area, featuring large new beautiful homes surrounded by well-manicured grounds. Some of these homes are eight-room houses while others are easily more than twice as large. My town of Franklin has seen the construction of many new developments consisting of very large homes. I have taken more than a few older residents on tours of the town so that they could see exactly how the community had grown over the last 50 years.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Parmenter School Tour

Friendly reminder, the Parmenter School Tour begins Thursday night at 6:00 PM.


The sign was still frosty as I took this photo early in the morning. The sun had not yet risen to warm the sign and make it easier to read.


Franklin accomplishments in 2012


December 26,2012

To: Town Council
From: Jeff Nutting

Subject: Town Council's Mission - to improve the quality of life for our citizens

As I think back on 2012 the Town Council should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. In spite of a difficult economy your leadership continued to bring improvements to our community. Here is a list of some
items that you made a reality. It is a pleasure to work for a committed group of volunteers that always consider the greater good of the town.

Thanks for your leadership and Happy New Year

New High School
Delcarte Dam project underway
No layoffs for FY 13
Approved 8 of 9 collective bargaining agreements
Established Master Plan Committee
Established Citizens Committee
Adopted Updated Sign Bylaws
Adopted Bio Tech Overlay Zoning
Authorized refunding old bonds - savings tax dollars
Signed an agreement with the Franklin Cable Access Corp
Updated several Town By laws
Rezoned King and Rte 495 from residential to business
Water main replacement with new roads to follow
Improved the Town Common
Started stabilization accounts for senior center, fire truck and turf fields
Authorized a Home Rule Petition for Regional Dispatch
Received Library waiver
Funded sidewalk on Panther Way
Transferred land off Beaver Court to the Affordable Housing Trust
Funded new park at old town pool
Funded demo of old DPW building and construction of new one
NU style demo project started
Accepted laws to defer water and sewer charges for those in need
Accepted law to allow for Veterans workout program
Approved Solar Deal on Nuns property
Establish Operating Stabilization Fund


Copy provided by Jeff Nutting. Let me add my own thanks to Jeff for his good work assisting the Town Council on their accomplishments!