Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails - Apr 16

Rails to Trails and Rails WITH Trails projects in 
Southern New England: 
How we got here and where we’re going


Presenter: Craig Della Penna, Executive Director, Northeast Greenway Solutions

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2014. 7:00 pm

Location: Franklin Public Library, Community Room (Downstairs)

SNETT sign - Grove St entrance

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the longest trails in the region and is currently the center of a local effort to convert this old rail line to a universally accessible trail. Formerly the site of a major rail line from Boston to NY, the trail begins in Franklin (on Grove Street) and heads west through Bellingham. Developing the SNETT into a multi-use, non-motor vehicle trail will improve home values and businesses in both towns and create a recreational outlet for all ages. Come learn how a rail trail will benefit you.

For additional information on SNETT visit the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee page
franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org

Downtown Partnership - talking points on Emmons St building

The following are the talking points presented by Executive Director Lisa Piana to the Town Council at the 7:00 p.m. meeting on April 2:

Message from the FDP Board to the Town Council -- April 2, 2014

The Partnership Board of Directors recently sent a letter to the Town Council recommending that they give the community time to further develop concepts for the Emmons Street property. We also recommended that the Town Council evaluate the potential traffic and parking issues prior to sending out an RFP.

We believe there is no downside to inviting the community to participate in the process. We think Franklin has some very talented residents who could offer some creative solutions.

The March 4th workshop was a great start, and we appreciated being invited to participate, but many of us were under the impression that there would be time to further develop ideas and research funding possibilities.  

We feel that there is no rush to sell this property, since we believe the land will only increase in value once the streetscape project is completed.

We understand that a few Town Council members want to sell the property as quickly as possible. However, we feel that there are 5 key questions that still need to be answered prior to putting out an RFP:  

1. What are the specific long-term goals for this property?

2. What is the plan for where businesses will park during the construction project?
1. Businesses have been told for the last year that parking would be available at the Emmons Street property.
2.  When Main Street is under construction, there needs to be a place for people to park.

3. How will losing the 50 parking spaces on this property affect downtown businesses?
1. It is important to be proactive and plan for the future parking needs and growth of the downtown.

4. What will the new traffic patterns be after the streetscape project and the two-way traffic pattern is implemented?

5. What state funding is available in the town considers a cultural center and greenspace?
1. We have been told that there may be state funding available.
2. We think it would be in the town’s best interest to pursue these options before deciding to sell the property.

The town is so fortunate to own this “Gateway” property. We have a chance to really put something special on Emmons Street.

Something special means different things to different people. One of the reasons the Partnership Board wrote the letter to the Town Council was because of some of the commercial ideas that were being talked about. When the developer started talking about a drive-thru coffee shop and a drive-thru drycleaners, we started to get calls and e-mails.

One of the concerns is that if the town loses control of this property and the wrong commercial business gets built, we could see traffic back-ups all the way to the Davis Thayer School.

The Partnership Board of Directors would like to recommend that the Town Council give the community time to work together with the Council, Jeff Nutting and the Planning Department to further develop ideas and research funding options.

We also ask the Council to take the time needed to answer the important questions that I just mentioned. Once these questions are answered, we believe the community will feel more comfortable with the final plan for this property.

We feel that the more ideas, facts and knowledge the town has, the better the final outcome will be for this important “Gateway” property.

Thank you.

150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/04/talking-points-from-town-council-emmons.html

Bocce Club Meeting - Apr 22

The Senior Center Bocce Club will be meeting on Apr 22 at 10:00 AM

Bocce Club meeting - Apr 22, 10:00 AM

For information about additional activities at the Senior Center visit their webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

or review their monthly newsletter
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/newsletter%20archive/

Citizen Committee Annual Report

Steve - attached is the annual report on the Citizens Committee which was delivered to all town council members as well as to Town Administrator - this was done in January - thought you may want to see what the Citizens Committee has been involved with this past year - jppfeffer

Chairman Vallee:

Pursuant to your request for a report from the Citizen's Committee for topics and issues addressed this past year, please be advised:

AGENDA/DISCUSSIONS:

1. Improvement to recycling site on Beaver Street (ongoing).

2. Acquisition of land adjacent to recycling site (ongoing).

3. Improvements at train station (ongoing).

4. Cook's Farm/Country Club/Gateway initiative (ongoing)

5. Davis Thayer/temp classrooms/Gateway initiative (ongoing).

6. RFPs for Pond Street , old town hall, other potential town-owned properties (ongoing)

7. Enhancing the cbd (central business district) aesthetically and commercially.  PRIORITY

8. Seeking a developer to consider a public/private venture for a major cbd redevelopment.  PRIORITY

9. Consideration of an "unkempt property" by-law for both commercial and certain residential properties (bank-owned, foreclosed, abandoned, etc.).

10. Maintaining/Improving/enhancing the town's properties, roadways and facilities; (ongoing and PRIORITY).

11. Review and reconsider adoption of R6 zoning as initially written by the town prior to changes made to restrict/discourage development.

12. Inclusion of Dean College as a potential partner in certain town initiatives.

Those items above identified as "ongoing" indicate Council action, monitoring or participation as necessary, as shall the Committee. 

GENERAL AND RANDOM COMMENTS:

The Committee, with regular attendance and input from the Planning Board and ZBA chairs, is supportive of rezoning on many (if not all) our arterial roadways, and particularly #140 in its entirety.  Rezoning major roadways to accommodate certain commercial and retail development in residential areas, consistent with the Master Plan, and cognizant of the town's history in which neighborhoods frequently had mixed uses, and  "mom and pop" stores to serve their needs,  would reduce extensive travel for small purchases (milk, bread, etc.) and decrease traffic congestion.  This is particularly true for North and South Franklin residents. (note: the issue of rezoning, too often an emotional issue,  impacting property values does not appear, in most cases, to be accurate.  We could not identify any properties devalued as a result of rezoning. In reality, the opposite resulted with properties on #140 that were residential, particularly in the area of 3 Restaurant, greatly increased in value once designated commercial/retail).  

It was offered at one of our meetings that Franklin was comprised of 80% residential property and 20% comprising all other classifications.  If so, it is obvious that our financial position is not likely to improve if our revenue stream is driven, primarily, by residential taxation. 

The Committee is supportive of expanding regional services and efforts whenever possible or beneficial.  It also believes the permitting process in Franklin, although somewhat improved, needs further improving if we are to compete with our neighbors.   

Housing, almost always in demand, should seek creative and alternative development as suggested in the Master Plan.  Allowing market forces to determine housing is preferred and there appears to be a large inventory of existing affordable housing in the community (as well proposed); a small percentage of luxury housing; senior housing appears to be a likely issue in the near future and will require consideration.  A review of R6 to allow for certain condominium development, eliminating the restrictions imposed to curtail development, is recommended.   The recent R7 zoning requires "stand alone" units and precludes duplex or quads as constructed in desirable developments as Chestnut Ridge, Spruce Pond, etc.  The fear of multiple condo development proposals, as alluded to in the R7 debate, has not materialized and is unlikely to materialize as history tells us development is market driven. 

Those items above identified as "ongoing" indicate Council action, monitoring or participation as necessary. 

The use of sub-committees, and a more aggressive agenda by the Economic Development Committee, are encouraged and necessary to complete the issues/topics noted above.  Simply, Council participation enhances projects and proposals toward completion.  Topics identified as PRIORITY, most of which are relative to the aesthetics of the community, cannot be too strongly emphasized.  Characterizing Franklin 's cbd as "seedy" (Boston Globe) is a negative difficult to overcome.  Every major developer or investor inspects our downtown before considering Franklin as a potential site; there has been some improvement, and the blending of the downtown reconstruction along with the depot site is encouraging, but more needs to be done and should be a priority of the Council.    

As suggested by the Town Administrator, there needs to be a "Team Franklin" approach to conducting the town's business.  Workshops for all those, elected, appointed and/or volunteering should be ongoing to educate and encourage for a unified response to the town's problems and initiatives.   Historically, Franklin has been most productive and successful when the Council actively participates in moving the agenda and issues forward.  Assuming the town administrator, well qualified and energetic, can accomplish all these objectives alone is unrealistic.  The use of sub- committees is both recommended and essential and, in the past, served the community well in meeting its' needs.  

Lastly, there needs to be an enhancement of the relationship between Dean College , one of the town's largest landowners, and the community at large, particularly in the greater cbd development.  Dean is the elephant in the room; we need to recognize and appreciate the symbiotic potential and aggressively move to enhance it; it is in our mutual interest to do so.  

These are mostly the issues, subjects and topics we discussed in 2013 and shall continue to monitor in 2014, along with new or emerging proposals. 

On behalf of the Committee, Robert Avakian, Andrew Bissanti, Paul Cheli, Matt Kelly, Judith Pfeffer and Robert Ficco, Esq., 

I am, yours truly, 

L.P. Benedetto, 

January 19, 2014.

Franklin Municipal Building

Note: The Citizens Committee did get their own reference page set up on the Franklin website. 
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_BComm/Citizen%20Committee

While there has not been a published meeting schedule, or meeting agendas, or meeting notes, it is anticipated that these deficiencies will be corrected.

Affordable Housing

Condominium units in Franklin Heights off Lincoln St are available for purchase as affordable housing.

A realtor page shows this information
http://homesalesmetrowest.com/post/4176738/franklin-heights-new-construction-condos-in-franklin-ma

The following notice was posted to the official Franklin webpage
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01D0E1D0-000F8513

Franklin Heights

Additional information on affordable housing in Franklin can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Department%20Home%20Page

TOWN OF FRANKLIN RULES AND REGULATIONS (APPLIES TO ALL TOWN PROPERTY) Effective as of April 15, 2009

The book sale prohibition is explained in item #13 in the following list:

To ensure safety, fairness and for mutual protection of all patrons of the Town’s Facilities, the Town of Franklin maintains certain operating rules and regulations. The following rules and regulations have been developed to be in the best interests of the Town, its residents and the public who use the facilities. These rules and regulations are designed to assist the public in understanding their responsibilities and to ensure a safe environment for all persons using Town facilities. The rules and regulations are, as follows: 

1. Persons shall not enter or be upon town property under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Persons shall not consume or possess any alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana on Town property. 

2. Persons shall not use any tobacco product within any municipal building or upon the property on which any municipal building is located, except in designated areas. 

3. Persons shall not possess, use, or store any explosive, incendiary device or weapon on Town property. 

4. Persons shall not present a false or altered identification that may be required as part of using a facility. No person shall defraud the Town in any manner. 

5. Persons shall not assault, threaten, harass or abuse any employee or a member of the public, either physically or verbally. 

6. Persons shall not engage in any form of disruptive conduct while on Town property. 

7. Persons shall not use skateboards or operate dirt bikes, ATV’s, motorized bicycles, motorized scooters or other motorized vehicles on Town property. This prohibition shall not apply to a person who, as a result of a handicap or disability, requires the use of a motorized wheelchair or similar equipment. 

8. Persons shall comply with all posted safety rules and regulations.

9. Persons shall not misuse, abuse, damage or tamper with the property of the Town or property of any employee or member of the public. 

10. Persons shall not use Town property or enter Town offices without first obtaining proper authorization, except during normal business hours or when the property or offices are open to the general public. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility outside of regular business hours without authority or permission to do so. No person shall enter or remain in any portion of a Town building or facility to which the general public does not have regular access without authority or permission to do so. 

11. No animals (except those needed by the physically handicapped are allowed within Town buildings. All persons with an animal on Town property must properly remove and dispose of any animal feces. 

12. The Town assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal property. 

13. No solicitation or sales of goods or services is permitted on Town property, except those fundraising activities that directly support the Town's facilities or programs. 

14. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility unless properly clothed and shod: street clothes and footwear are required at all times; no bathing suits are allowed. 

15. No person shall enter or remain in a Town building or facility who emits an offensive odor because of poor personal hygiene. 

16. No person shall use any Town building or facility other than for its intended, authorized or permitted purpose or use. 

17. Persons shall promptly report all accidents or incidents which result in either personal injury or damage to the property of the Town, an employee, or member of the public, regardless of who is responsible for the damage 

18. Persons shall immediately report defective equipment or unsafe conditions of any equipment or facilities that may endanger anyone to the Town employee in charge of the facility or to the Town Administrator. 

Persons that fail to follow the rules and regulations of the Town or other rules or regulations established by each Department may be subject to a fine and/or loss of privilege to use the Town facilities. Depending on the severity of the offense or the frequency of other offenses the Town may initiate legal action.

This document can be found on the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/Municipal%20Facilities%20Use/randrfor%20muniuse.pdf

Franklin Municipal Building (and yes, I'll need to update the photo to show no snow)

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/4/14 - THU 4/10/14

FRI 4/4  6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Franklin Art Center

SAT 4/5   2-5pm   Black, Brown and Beige - Fundraiser for FPAC at Pour Richards, featuring a talented jazz trio.
SAT 4/5   8pm   Concert: Garnet Rogers & Archie Fisher, First Universalist Society

SUN 4/6   2-5pm   Best Buddies Fundraiser at Pour Richards
SUN 4/6   3pm   Student Show at Franklin Art Center
SUN 4/6   2 - 4pm  Cultural Council Open House at Franklin Historical Museum
SUN 4/6   1 - 4pm  Putting for Patients - Franklin High School Field House

MON 4/7   4-8pm   Kindergarten Registration in Franklin, Horace Mann MS.
MON 4/7   6:45pm   Community Garden Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg., Rm 106
MON 4/7   7pm   Planning Board Meeting, Franklin Municipal Bldg.

TUE 4/8   7pm   School Committee Mtg., Franklin Municipal Bldg.
TUE 4/8   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Meeting at Whole Foods Bellingham. Open to public.

WED 4/9   6pm   Zentangle Class at Jane’s Frames in Franklin.
WED 4/9   6:30pm   Cooking Matters - Free classes, Franklin YMCA. Call to sign up.

THU 4/10   4-7pm   Kindergarten Registration in Franklin, Horace Mann MS


For more details on above events click HERE and select the event of interest.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

I bought my book at Ginley's Funeral Home

Ted Reinstein, author and reporter for New England Chronicle, spoke to an enthusiastic group at the Franklin Public Library on Thursday evening. Some had already brought a copy of Ted's book "New England Notebook" to have him sign.

New England Notebook

Others waited patiently for him to finish his delightful stories,

Ted Reinstein during his presentation at the Library

sign a few copies of the book,
pack his bag, get into his Jeep,
drive across the street to the Ginley Funeral Home parking lot
where he was able to sell copies of his book.

Ginley Funeral Home at night

Yes, one of the unique things about Franklin, authors can NOT sell their books at the Library. Go figure!

Ted in the center of the Franklin book buyers!

Fortunately, Ted was a good sport and having as much fun as the book buyers. We all posed for a picture on the front steps to mark the occasion.

Ted prepares for the 'selfie'

His selfie may not compete with Ellen's or that of David Ortiz but it was memorable.

my signed copy of New England Notebook

I did get my copy signed. Thank you Ted. You shared some great stories. I am sure the book will be worth it. Even if not, the evening was memorable. I can say I am part of the select group that bought Ted's book at Ginley's.


More about Ted can be found on his webpage http://tedreinstein.com/

Black, Brown, and Beige: A Spirited Afternoon

Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary! Pour Richard's Ultimate Cocktail Challenge Saturday, April 5th 2-5 PM Fabulous Music courtesy of the  Acme Trio,  otherwise known as Mark White, Mark Poniatowski, and Kenny Hadley. Fine, rare, and antique spirits presented by the experts. Scotch: Springbank 10, Kilkerran WIP #5, a selection of Cadenhead's bottlings, Glenlossie 19, Fettercairn 16, Cragganmore 16, Bunnahahain 10, Tobermory 18, and many, many more. Bourbon, Rye, Etc: Town Branch, OYO, Cyrus Noble, 1512 Spirits, Pearse Lyons Reserve, Cu Chulainn, Most Righteous, Gunpowder Rye, and more. Armagnac: 12, 20, and 40-yr-old Darroze, plus vintage selections. This is a great opportunity for early Father's Day shopping! (Or, expand your own collection.) The $10 admission is a 100% donation to the Franklin Performing Arts Company's  Electric Youth , and will contribute to their July 4th concert for US troops stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in Italy. 21+only. Please RSVP by replying to this email. (All are welcome, but we want to have a handle on numbers.) Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)

Forward this email Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Franklin High sports results

Baseball 

Franklin, 6 @ Stoughton, 5 - Final - Pat O'Reilly was 1-3 at the plate with 2 RBIs for the Panthers. Kyle Skidmore picked up the win in relief, pitching 2.2 innings and knocked in the game-winning run in the top of the seventh inning. Stoughton's Jovani Pires was 2-4 with 2 RBIs for the Black Knights. 

FHS Panthers

Softball 

Franklin, 13 @ Stoughton, 1 - Final - Franklin's Sabrina LoMonaco picked up with win with 13 strikeouts and helped herself at the plate, going 2-4 with 2 RBIs. Brie Flaherty was 3-5 with two doubles and 2 RBIs, Maddie Connelly was 3-4 at the plate and Erin Hanley was 3-5 with 2 RBIs.

Boys Tennis 

Franklin, 4 @ Stoughton, 1 - Final 

As reported by HockomockSports.com
http://www.hockomocksports.com/1/post/2014/04/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-040314.html

MassBudget: New Reports from MassBudget and KIDS COUNT

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Shelter and Housing for Homeless Families: Historical Funding and the Governor's FY 2015 Budget Proposal  It is important to every family to have the basic security of a place to live. When children become homeless, their opportunity to succeed in school and in life is significantly reduced. Our new Budget Brief examines the Governor's funding proposals for affordable housing and shelter for families, and it puts those proposals in historical context. In the 1990s Massachusetts dramatically reduced funding for affordable housing for low-income households. Before 1993 the state paid for almost 20,000 rental vouchers to help families pay for housing. By 2013, the state was funding only 5,600 such vouchers. As funding for housing vouchers has been cut, spending on family shelters has risen considerably. In our current difficult economic times, growing numbers of families have been unable to afford market rate housing and this has led to increased state costs to provide shelter. Shelter and Housing for Homeless Families: Historical Funding and the Governor's FY 2015 Budget Proposal explains the Governor's proposals to increase funding for family shelters to allow families now living in hotels and motels to move into shelter. The Governor's budget also proposes level funding long-term housing programs, such as MRVP and state support for public housing. Funding shelters is an important way the state can make sure that families are not living in unhealthy and unsafe conditions -- and shelters provide important supports to help families get back on their feet that hotels and motels do not. But without adequate funding for long-term affordable housing -- or much more aggressive policies to help people escape poverty -- it will be difficult to find a lasting solution to the problem of family homelessness.  Read the Budget Brief. Race for Results: Building a Pathway to Opportunity for All Children The Annie E. Casey KIDS COUNT project this week released Race for Results: Building a Pathway to Opportunity for All Children. The report explores the intersection of kids, race, and opportunity. The report features the new Race for Results index, which compares how children are progressing on key milestones across racial and ethnic groups at the national and state level. Read the full report. MassBudget is the KIDS COUNT group for Massachusetts. You can learn more about our KIDS COUNT project here. 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

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108