Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Live reporting - Cooks Farm
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-50: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Jade Street, Ruby Way, Garnet Drive, and Opal Circle and Related Parcels and Easements
motion to accept, seconded, passed 9-0
3. Resolution 13-52: Granting M.G.L. Chapter 268A § 20(a) Exemption
motion to accept, seconded, passed 9-0
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Proposed Zoning Change
Councilor Bissanti recused himself
Attny Cornetta provides an overview
proposal for a family style residential development
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND)
can serve as a village center commercial and residential mixed
Mashpee Commons an example, Pine Hills is another
retail and municipal in Mashpee Commons
Pine Hills municipal, retail and residential
residential on 2,000 acres
2,000 sq ft lots being proposed for Cooks Farm
condominium ownership
homeowners associations
restrictive covenants
driveways in back alley
developable area 8.07 of the 14.75 total area
ownership - privately owned and maintained
public access to the trails
2000 sq ft floor plans, customized
attached two car garage
anticipated pricing at $500,000+
35 units
45% in assessed value of 200-300,000 valuation in Franklin
catering to the empty nesters
17.5M added to tax base, approx 240,000 additional tax revenues
improved streetscape coming in from Wrentham
proposed rezoning as an overlay district, needing a special permit and site plan review
Larry Bennedetto, Citizens Committee
speaking for this proposal
Powderly - a wonderful project, new revenue, only concern is the financial piece of this
looking to see if this sustainable
need to look long term to make this work, there is a great possibility to make this work
project was not age restricted but designed for empty nesters
all housing stock generates different numbers, harder to get today due to privacy restrictions
I won't have to work too hard to sell these, they'll sell
Mercer - I think it is a wonderful project, this is a major piece of re-zoning, I want to make sure we do our homework. A suggestion was made to hold a workshop in July with the various departments involved to look at the re-zoning issues. I am in favor of holding this workshop. I think the workshop would be a great place to start.
Pfeffer - an old adage is 'location, location, location' of all things that could go there, this is likely one of the best things. How come it took so long to get to us is another matter. We need to charge the Town Administrator and the Planning Dept, Planning Board to get this done fast.
Roy - this is before the "master plan' to see how we can incorporate it with our report due July 17th. We could do the workshop right after the presentation and likely have something back to the Council in August
Cerel - Medfield did nothing for the zoning for its TND, the developer cobbled together the lots to create the density to do the project without a zoning change.
Dellorco - I think this is a great place for this. I think we should move forward with this.
Jones - My mother lives in a type of this setup in Florida. It is nice. I like it. What type of revenue would this generate? What students would this generate? My concern is that this doesn't have a negative impact on the community. I think this is a good use for the parcel next to the Country Club.
Live reporting - Public hearing
Skipping ahead to cover some of the action items before getting to the public hearing at 7:10 PM
2. Resolution 13-51: Declaration of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)as Surplus and Available for Disposition
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
the lot is not buildable without being tied to another lot, proposing to put up for sale at a reduced price (because it is not buildable)
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Jade Street, Ruby Way, Garnet Drive and Opal Circle. – 7:10 PM
many other streets had not yet been accepted, this one is next in line to become accepted. Hence, the Town would be responsible for maintenance going forward.
This leads to another situation where another development would be done in Wrentham, just over the line. There is no access to the development from Wrentham.
There will be a future hearing at the Planning Board.
motion to close the hearing, hearing closed
2. Resolution 13-51: Declaration of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)as Surplus and Available for Disposition
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
the lot is not buildable without being tied to another lot, proposing to put up for sale at a reduced price (because it is not buildable)
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Jade Street, Ruby Way, Garnet Drive and Opal Circle. – 7:10 PM
many other streets had not yet been accepted, this one is next in line to become accepted. Hence, the Town would be responsible for maintenance going forward.
This leads to another situation where another development would be done in Wrentham, just over the line. There is no access to the development from Wrentham.
There will be a future hearing at the Planning Board.
motion to close the hearing, hearing closed
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, Kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bisssanti, Roy
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 1, 2013
motion to approve minutes, seconded, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Appointments
(see listing in agenda doc below)
motion to add Councilor Bissanti to the Citizens Committee, accepted
motion to approve appointments, passed 9-0
The set of documents published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/061913.pdf
Absent: none
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 1, 2013
motion to approve minutes, seconded, passed 9-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Appointments
(see listing in agenda doc below)
motion to add Councilor Bissanti to the Citizens Committee, accepted
motion to approve appointments, passed 9-0
The set of documents published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/061913.pdf
MassBudget: Ed Reform at Twenty: What's Worked, What's Changed, and What's Next
Twenty years ago this week, Massachusetts remade its education system to help ensure that all children across the Commonwealth would have the opportunity to learn and thrive. Among other things, the state introduced a more equitable system of school funding, reformed school governance, and changed the way students are evaluated. Millions of Massachusetts students have benefited from those reforms, but in recent years a combination of tax cuts, the recession, and the rising cost of health care have constrained the state's ability to keep up with the funding needs of our schools.
In honor of the anniversary, and as part of a broader effort to think about the next stage of education reform, MassBudget is releasing a new factsheet and organizing a discussion at the group blog, MassKidsCount.org.
Read ED REFORM AT TWENTY
Visit MassKidsCount.org
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Verspille and Igoe take awards for Hockomock Girls Lacrosse
Franklin junior midfielder Marta Vesprille has been named the inaugural 2013 HockomockSports.com Girls’ Lacrosse Player of the Year. Vesprille helped lead the Panthers to another Kelley-Rex division title and to the Division 1 South sectional semifinal.Marta was joined in the awards by Kristi Kirshe in getting named to the Hock 5 First Team. Steph Pisani and Meagan Shumauder were named to the Second Team. Coach Kristen Igoe was named "Coach of the Year"
The full article can be read at HockomockSports.com
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2013/06/hockomocksportscom-2013-girls-lacrosse-awards.html
Franklin resident shows off classic car at Herb Chambers "Cars and Coffee" 6/15/13
On Saturday, June 15th, Franklin resident Mike Lucier attended Herb Chambers' "Cars & Coffee" at the Herb Chambers Lexus in Sharon, an early morning meet up of classic, vintage and specialty cars from all over New England. Car enthusiasts are invited to gather at the dealership, and showcase their pride and joys while admiring the prized hardware of other automotive fanatics.
Chambers has always looked to gather people who are passionate about cars in one location, grab a cup of coffee and exchange stories of what makes their unique car so special to them.
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| mike lucier |
In the News: dorms allowed, scholarship winners
The state’s Board of Higher Education today unanimously approved a policy change allowing community colleges to build campus housing.
Franklin Republican Town Committee scholarship winnersNicole Higgins and Laura Murphy received the Franklin Republican Town Committee Scholarships at the Franklin High School Awards Night.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The magic of books
What happens when a dream you've held since childhood … doesn't come true? As Lisa Bu adjusted to a new life in the United States, she turned to books to expand her mind and create a new path for herself. She shares her unique approach to reading in this lovely, personal talk about the magic of books.
Whether you read in the tradtional hardcover or paperback or on a modern reader (Kindle, tablet, etc.), reading is important.
Time for painting?
One of my favorite running routes is out Summer St and up Mount St coming down Upper Union to King St. At the top, on Upper Union, you pass the water tower and then begin one of the real fun parts of the course; the long gradual slope down where gravity can do most of the work.
Coming by the water tower, the opportunity to freshen the coat of paint is becoming more obvious. Here are photos going back two years to compare.
Coming by the water tower, the opportunity to freshen the coat of paint is becoming more obvious. Here are photos going back two years to compare.
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| Jul 2011 |
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| Feb 2012 |
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| Jun 2013 |
Monday, June 17, 2013
Road construction complete
The East, West, Nason, and Church streets received their final coating of asphalt recently completing the rebuild process.
Back in September/October, the water and sewer mains were worked on.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/east-st-construction.html
The curbs and sidewalks were put in during March/April
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-street-construction-photo-essay.html
and now the final coat has smoothed out the ride.
Back in September/October, the water and sewer mains were worked on.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/east-st-construction.html
The curbs and sidewalks were put in during March/April
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/franklin-street-construction-photo-essay.html
and now the final coat has smoothed out the ride.
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| East St near Fire Station #1 |
Hold the date for Akin-Bak Farmstand
From Facebook:
We are proud to announce that we will be having a grand opening for our new farm stand here on the farm on Sunday, August 4th at 12 noon! Stop on in and learn about our past, meet the farmers (if you haven't had a chance) and receive a voucher for 50% off on a pumpkin this fall!! We are super excited and hope you can all join us to celebrate!
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| Akin-Bak Farm |
Join the event on Facebook for additional updates:
https://www.facebook.com/events/129101290629778/
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jun 19, 2013
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – May 1, 2013
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
E. APPOINTMENTS
Annual Committee Appointments
F. HEARINGS
Public Hearing to determine whether it is in the public interest to accept Jade Street, Ruby Way, Garnet Drive and Opal Circle. – 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Proposed Zoning Change
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-50: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Jade Street, Ruby Way, Garnet Drive, and Opal Circle and Related Parcels and Easements
2. Resolution 13-51: Declaration of Town-Owned Land (Vacant Parcel Between Old West Central and West Central Streets)as Surplus and Available for Disposition
3. Resolution 13-52: Granting M.G.L. Chapter 268A § 20(a) Exemption
4. Resolution 13-53: Purchase of Land at 37 Beaver Street Authorization
5. Resolution 13-54: Authorization for Non-Binding Local Ballot Question, Re: Adoption of Mayoral Form of Government
6. Resolution 13-55: Verizon Easement at New High School
7. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-718: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 7. Compliance Required, Parking. – Referral to the Planning Board
IMPERVIOUS SURFACES:
8. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-702: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 36. Impervious Surfaces – 2ND Reading
9. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-703: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 40. Water Resource District – 2ND Reading
10. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-716: Changes to Chapter 185, Section 3. Definitions – 2ND Reading
11. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 13-717: Changes to Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements – 2ND Reading
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
L. OLD BUSINESS
M. NEW BUSINESS
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as Required
Pending Litigation with Walsh Brothers Construction
P. ADJOURN
The set of documents published for this meeting can be found here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2013/061913.pdf
Relay for life
Cancer touches so many folks directly or indirectly. If it is not a family member, it is a friend, neighbor or work colleague that is affected by the disease. The Relay for Life was held Friday/Saturday on the track at Tri-County Regional to raise awareness and funds for this worthy cause.
The heavy rain overnight Thursday in to Friday cleared as forecasted to bring bright blue skies and comfortable temperatures.
For those staying over night to walk, it should have been a nice evening.
When a number of people come together around a cause, there is hope!
If you would still like to contribute to the Relay for Life, you can visit the event webpage
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| opening ceremony - national anthem |
The heavy rain overnight Thursday in to Friday cleared as forecasted to bring bright blue skies and comfortable temperatures.
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| the puddles remained |
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| there is hope! |
If you would still like to contribute to the Relay for Life, you can visit the event webpage
In the News: Unfunded mandates, structurally deficient bridges
Even with a few more weeks left in the school year, administrators and teachers are already bracing for next year when Massachusetts school districts will begin undertaking a number of mandates expected to improve education.
Cars drive over almost two dozen structurally deficient bridges locally and hundreds statewide spanning railroad tracks, rivers, roads and lakes. Local officials say the key to repairing or replacing these bridges is, no surprise, money.
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