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| Before - weeds growing happily |
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| After - weeds drying up |
The notification on the herbicide spraying was posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/herbicide-spraying-to-begin.html
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Herbicide - before and after
As noted during June, the herbicide spraying was going to happen. On my regular walks I managed to capture a before and after sequence on King St by Spruce Pond.
The notification on the herbicide spraying was posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/herbicide-spraying-to-begin.html
The notification on the herbicide spraying was posted here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/herbicide-spraying-to-begin.html
AWESOME Dining For A Cure Event - July 28
The Milford 99 is hosting another AWESOME Dining For A Cure Event!!
Join us at the bar on Monday night July 28th 5pm to closing for great fun for an even greater cause!
There will be raffles, games, trivia and 5 amazing gals donating all of their tips that night to Dana Farber.
Stop on in and support Lisa, Christina, Kristen, Alexis and Emily in their efforts to raise money for Dana Farber. All money raised during this event will be donated.
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| fund raising for Dana Farber at Milford 99 |
You can check out the event details on Facebook here
https://www.facebook.com/events/249743365219188/
For more info on Dana Farber you can visit there page
http://www.dana-farber.org/
Monday, July 14, 2014
Downtown Improvement Project Meeting - audio
Here is the audio recording of the Downtown Improvement Project public meeting on Thursday, July 10th at Dean College. As the recording starts, Brian Kelly, the Facilities Director for Dean covers the safety logistics for the room and then turns the meeting over to Town Administrator Jeff Nutting.
Jeff proceeds to introduce the team from the State managing the project, the representatives from Walsh (the contractor), Representative Jeff Roy, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, and Town engineer Mike Maglio.
You can follow along with my notes that I captured as the meeting happened.
FM #105 - The audio from the Downtown Improvement Project meeting held at Dean College on July 10, 2014.
My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-downtown-project-status.html
MP3 File
The video of the meeting is not yet on the broadcast listing for the local cable channel -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in writing about something that matters in Franklin, please let me know.
As always -
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Jeff proceeds to introduce the team from the State managing the project, the representatives from Walsh (the contractor), Representative Jeff Roy, DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, and Town engineer Mike Maglio.
You can follow along with my notes that I captured as the meeting happened.
FM #105 - The audio from the Downtown Improvement Project meeting held at Dean College on July 10, 2014.
My notes from the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-downtown-project-status.html
MP3 File
 |
| map of Downtown Improvement Project |
The video of the meeting is not yet on the broadcast listing for the local cable channel -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
---- ---- ----
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin. I can use your help.
How can you help, you ask?
If you have an interest in writing about something that matters in Franklin, please let me know.
As always -
- If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like this, please tell me.
This feedback loop is important. Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark &Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - July 15, 2014
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.
AGENDA
"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."
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| Franklin Public Schools |
1. Routine Business
Citizen’s Comments
Review of Agenda
Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the June 24, 2014 School Committee Meeting.
Payment of Bills Mr. Clement
Payroll Mrs. Douglas
FHS Student Representatives
Correspondence: BICO Info and Activities
2. Guests/Presentations
a. School Lunch Price Increase – Miriam Goodman
b. Student Technology Insurance Revolving Account – Miriam Goodman
3. Discussion Only Items
Policy – First Reading
JJE – Student Fundraising
Policy – Second Readings
AC – Discrimination Harassment
CHCA – Approval of Student Handbooks
IJOAA – Field Trips
JICFB – Bullying
JII – Student Complaints and Grievances 
JLCD – Self-Administration Medication
Elimination of Policies
AC-E – Public Discrimination Complaints
AC-R – Harassment Discrimination Investigation Checklist
ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender
ACAB – Sexual Harassment Policy for Students
ACE – Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
ACE-R – Rights of Handicapped Persons
4. Action Items
a. I recommend moving Policy JJE – Student Fundraising to a second reading.
b. I recommend adoption of the following revised policies:
1. AC – Discrimination Harassmentc. I recommend elimination of the following Policies:
2. CHCA – Approval of Student Handbooks
3. IJOAA – Field Trips
4. JICFB – Bullying
5. JII – Student Complaints and Grievances
6. JLCD – Self-Administration Medication
1. AC-E – Public Discrimination Complaintsd. I recommend acceptance of a check for $150.00 from Janet DeNapoli in memory of Mr. Joseph DeNapoli for FHS in-house enrichment.
2. AC-R – Harassment Discrimination Investigation Checklist
3. ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Gender
4. ACAB – Sexual Harassment Policy for Students
5. ACE – Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability
6. ACE-R – Rights of Handicapped Persons
e. I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,045.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for FHS music department.
f. I recommend approval of the school lunch price increase as detailed.
g. I recommend establishment of a student technology insurance revolving account as detailed.
5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
School Committee Liaison Reports
6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.
7. Adjourn
Agendas for the School Committee can be found here
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Agendas/
Office Hours: Rep Roy
State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced that constituent office hours will be held in Franklin for the Month of July on the following day:
Franklin – Thursday, July 17th, 9:00-10:00AM, Franklin Senior Center – 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA
Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.
Representative Roy stated that all office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.
He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him at Jeffrey.Roy@MAhouse.gov.
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| Senior Center - Community Concert - July 21 |
For additional information about events at the Senior Center, you can visit their page
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index
Franklin, there is still time to solarize your residence
Solarize Franklin is still looking for folks that are interested in solar power. Details are in the flyer shown here:
To learn more about the program visit the Solarize Mass webpage here
http://www.masscec.com/solarizemass
If you are interested in participating, you can contact Franklin's Dept of Planning and Community Development by calling 508-520-4907 or via email at TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us
To learn more about the program visit the Solarize Mass webpage here
http://www.masscec.com/solarizemass
If you are interested in participating, you can contact Franklin's Dept of Planning and Community Development by calling 508-520-4907 or via email at TOFPlanning@franklin.ma.us
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The 'Free Little Library' - Franklin
Franklin is already known for having the first public library in the US. We now also have a "Free Little Library." From a reader I received an email with this information to share:
Where is the little free library in Franklin?
While Lincoln St is being re-done, it may not be as easy to visit until it is re-paved but it still might be worth a stop to get a book and leave a book.
Note: This email had arrived during the week before the 4th so the Supreme Court Reporter may not be there now (but it might also come back sometime too!).
I did want to share our Free Little Library, pictured below. It's an Amish-made cranberry box. We put books in it for people to take, and people come by and leave theirs. We've seen all types of books, from poetry to murder mysteries to classic lit -- and today's gem: the Supreme Court Reporter from 1939.
There's lots about the organization here: http://littlefreelibrary.org/ and people can search for boxes all over the world using their locator.
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| free little library - Franklin |
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| Supreme Court Reporter - 1939 edition |
Where is the little free library in Franklin?
366 Lincoln Street
While Lincoln St is being re-done, it may not be as easy to visit until it is re-paved but it still might be worth a stop to get a book and leave a book.
Note: This email had arrived during the week before the 4th so the Supreme Court Reporter may not be there now (but it might also come back sometime too!).
The Franklin Education Foundation Announces 2014-2015 Grants Awardees
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| Franklin Education Foundation |
The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) has awarded 8 grants totaling $13,775 for the 2014-2015 school year to teachers who represent all educational levels in the Franklin public school (FPS) system.
Since its inception in 1997, the FEF has awarded over $300,000 in grants. A committee composed of FEF representatives and FPS staff read all proposals through a blind review process and selected the recipients. “Consideration was given to need, innovation, impact, and integration with other school programs” stated Kit Brady, President of the Franklin Education Foundation and Chair of the Grant Review Committee.
This year’s recipients are:
Franklin High School РAnn Butler, FHS Science Caf̩; Carolyn Fortuna, Colleen Moore, Sarah Scannell, and Sam Rosen, Storytelling in 12th grade children's literature class.
At the middle school level, recipients are:
Horace Mann School – Heather Wilson, Carolina Campos, Chromebooks to support Spanish education; Erin O'Leary, School-based audio book library; Shawn Fortin, Expansion of middle school “virtual” online courses; and Remington School - Kimberly Schmidt, Chromebooks to support English language arts and social studies education.
At the elementary school level, FEF awards went to
Kennedy School – Kathleen Merten, Chromebooks to support 4th grade education; and Jefferson/Parmenter Schools – Brian Kelley, Number sense web site videos.
Two yearly events, Casino Night and a Trivia bee, as well as an annual fund campaign, provide much appreciated support from businesses, families and organizations for the FEF grants. To see a list of programs the FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org. The Franklin Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization. All gifts are fully tax deductible.
New England Chapel in the news
How are you spending your summer?
In this first news item, a group of 33 people from Franklin's New England Chapel spent time in PA fixing up houses.
In this first news item, a group of 33 people from Franklin's New England Chapel spent time in PA fixing up houses.
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| "Franklin, MASS"
Daily update ⋅ July 12, 2014
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| NEWS | ||||||||
Missionaries wrap up week of fixing up Shamokin houses
The 33 volunteers from New England Chapel, of Franklin, Mass., arrived in Shamokin Sunday to perform construction work on dilapidated homes.
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Shrewsbury Softball Player, Others Honored for Academics
Junior Edie Richardson (Franklin, Mass./Fontbonne Academy), sophomores Joanna Giordano (South Salem, N.Y./John Jay), and Caroline Kushner ...
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VWR Internaional marks the 10th anniversary of its Franklin, MA Distribution Center
From the news wire, I find this company touting their Franklin, MA distribution center. I was unable to find the exact location but it is likely in one of our industrial parks.
VWR International, LLC, a global solutions provider of laboratory supplies, equipment and services today announces the 10th anniversary of its Franklin, Mass. Distribution Center. Serving the Greater New England area, this location supports customers in the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare industry. Over the last decade, this location has provided a variety of services to help VWR customers maximize supply chain security by providing reliable and transparent solutions to critical research, process development and manufacturing process applications.
A special capability provided by the Franklin facility is production chemical services and supply chain solutions through regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and supply chain assurance. These special services including sampling in an ISO Class 8 Cleanroom and other unique services meets the specific needs of VWR's biotech and pharmaceutical customers. The facility is compliant with International Pharmaceutical Excipient Council's (IPEC) Guidelines for current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP) and has been recognized by Avantor Performance Materials, Inc. as Certified Excipient Distributor (CED) facility. In addition, the facility is ISO 9001:2008 registered, and a licensed Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy (BOP) warehouse.
Besides traditional distribution other services conducted at this 55,000 square foot facility include custom pallet programs, storage and warehousing of customer dedicated, pre-reserved or customer owned inventory, custom bar-code labeling, and furnishing product certifications with shipments.
"The Franklin facility is an integral and valuable asset to our supply chain. The local support we've received over the years has significantly contributed to the success of our manufacturing operations in many ways," shared Alex Malgieri, Associate Director of Logistics for Alexion Rhode Island Manufacturing Facility. "On behalf of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, we would like to say thanks for the exceptional level of support."
"VWR continues to focus on providing superior service to our customers by minimizing complexity and increasing their productivity," said Tim Wedemyer, SVP, North America Operations for VWR. "With the many special services our Franklin facility can offer to our customers, especially in the area of research and production chemicals, we look forward to many more years of serving our customers in key geographies like New England."
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| VWR International, LLC |
About VWR International, LLC
VWR International, LLC, headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a global solutions provider of laboratory supplies, equipment and services with worldwide sales in excess of $4.1 billion in 2013. VWR enables the advancement of the world's most critical research by providing product and service solutions to laboratories and production facilities in the pharmaceutical, biotech, industrial, educational, governmental and healthcare industries. With over 160 years of industry experience, VWR offers a well-established network that reaches thousands of specialized labs and facilities spanning the globe. VWR has over 8,000 associates around the world working to streamline the way scientists, researchers, medical professionals and engineers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific stock and maintain their facilities. In addition, VWR further supports its customers by providing onsite services, storeroom management, product procurement, supply chain systems integration and technical services.
For more information on VWR, visit www.vwr.com.
VWR and design are registered trademarks of VWR International, LLC.
http://investors.vwr.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=859165
Saturday, July 12, 2014
FHS Last Tour: Corridors and Student Art Work - part 6 (photos)
I was out of town and offline for most of the 4th of July week. So after a pause, let's continue the walk through the corridors of Franklin High School on the 'last tour.' I'll share more photos of student art work and other significant items of interest here:
Photos shared earlier can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_29.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-welcome-to.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-small-gym.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-photos.html
Note: all the photos will be posted to Facebook and to Flickr for anyone to view in a single place. The locations are already established and photos will be added to them over time.
Facebook album Flickr album
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| student art - full wall mural - view from the left |
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| student art - full wall mural - view from the right |
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| the infamous lecture hall and stage |
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| student art work - 1 |
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| student art work - 2 |
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| student art work - 3 |
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| student art work - 4 |
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| student art work - 5 |
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| student art work - detail |
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| student art work - in context |
Photos shared earlier can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_30.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art_29.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-welcome-to.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-corridors-and-student-art.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-small-gym.html
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/fhs-last-tour-field-house-photos.html
Note: all the photos will be posted to Facebook and to Flickr for anyone to view in a single place. The locations are already established and photos will be added to them over time.
Facebook album Flickr album
Update: E-ZPass email phishing scam - sample email
I had shared the alert from MassDOT about the E-ZPass email phishing scam that was making the rounds. As I checked my email spam folder this morning, I found that I had one! How cool... This is what I got and how it looks in Gmail:
While the Google spam filter has already identified this as spam, one of the key place to look is in the email address. The header of the email will look official (E-ZPass Service Center) but the actual email address will be something other than what it should be (support at dadomu.ru). The .ru in this case indicated the email is from a Russian domain.
The simple word on how to deal with suspicious emails? Delete.
Don't follow the link, you could pick up a virus or worse. Don't ever provide information if you do follow the link. They are looking for your account info and will take you for a ride if you give it to them.
Be safe!
For reference the post earlier this week can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/e-zpass-payment-for-driving-on-toll-road.html
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| E-ZPass phishing email |
The simple word on how to deal with suspicious emails? Delete.
Don't follow the link, you could pick up a virus or worse. Don't ever provide information if you do follow the link. They are looking for your account info and will take you for a ride if you give it to them.
Be safe!
For reference the post earlier this week can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/e-zpass-payment-for-driving-on-toll-road.html
In the News: Marjorie Turner Hollman
Marjorie Turner Hollman sat at a small wooden picnic table at the entrance of Louisa Lake Park in Milford.
Hollman, a freelance writer and personal historian from Bellingham, watched as water trickled down the nearby dam. To the north, a paved pathway trailed into the distance.
This trail, known as the Upper Charles River Bikeway, is one of 30 trails described in Hollman’s book, "Easy Walks in Massachusetts." The book describes hiking trails in Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Hopedale, Medway, Milford, Millis, Uxbridge, Wrentham and Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
"It’s not arduous walks," Hollman said. "It’s when you’ve got an afternoon or morning … and you just want go someplace right around the corner but you don’t know quite where to go."You can continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here:
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140712/NEWS/140718764/1994/NEWS
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| along the SNETT off Grove St in Franklin |
You may recall that we featured a few of the Franklin walks from Marjorie's book last month. You can find the write up on each walk here:
SNETT
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-snett.html
Beaver Pond/Chilson Beach
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-beaver-pond.html
Dacey Fields
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/easy-walks-in-franklin-dacey-fields.html
MassBudget: What the Governor vetoed from the FY15 budget
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Friday, July 11, 2014
Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/11/14 - THU 7/17/14
FRI 7/11 6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
SUN 7/13 8am Yoga on the Beach - Beaver Pond, Franklin.
MON 7/14 4-7pm Farmer’s Market at Whole Foods Plaza in Bellingham.
MON 7/14 6:30pm Family PJ Storytime at Franklin Public Library.
TUE 7/15 4pm Lego Club and Games at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/16 1pm Teddy Bear Picnic at Franklin Public Library (lawn area)
WED 7/16 6pm Concerts on the Common - The Bubble Music Man followed by The Frank Padula Band.
THU 7/17 6:30pm Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center (Sangria Night)
For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.
For more details about events click HERE.
*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com
Franklin Farmers Market - Town Common
The farmers market is open today on the Town Common from noon to 6:00 PM.
MA.gov provides a searchable map to locate farms and farmers markets.
http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/map.htm
The search of a 15 mile radius around Franklin reveals 16 markets. So if you can't make it to the Town Common today, there are others days to visit a market.
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| Franklin farmers market |
MA.gov provides a searchable map to locate farms and farmers markets.
http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/map.htm
The search of a 15 mile radius around Franklin reveals 16 markets. So if you can't make it to the Town Common today, there are others days to visit a market.
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| screen shot of Mass Grow map |
300 Fisher St - MA DEP, EPA presentation
Matthew Fitzpatrick, from the MA DEP, provided the presentation file used for the discussion on 300 Fisher St during the Town Council meeting Wednesday.
You can view the file here:
All the files on the MA DEP site associated with 300 Fisher St can be found here
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Rtn.aspx?rtn=2-0016683
and here
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Rtn.aspx?rtn=2-0017879
One of the recent updates (7/10/14) reveals that the most recent walk through of the site found it to be unsecured "from trespassers"
You can view the file here:
All the files on the MA DEP site associated with 300 Fisher St can be found here
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Rtn.aspx?rtn=2-0016683
and here
http://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Rtn.aspx?rtn=2-0017879
One of the recent updates (7/10/14) reveals that the most recent walk through of the site found it to be unsecured "from trespassers"
MASSDEP SPOKE WITH JOE SALVETTI LSP. MASSDEP STATED THE FENCING NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED, SIGNAGE REPLACED, AND IRA STATUS REPORTShttp://public.dep.state.ma.us/fileviewer/Default.aspx?formdataid=4544200&documentid=0
MUST BE SUBMITTED. ALTHOUGH THE FENCING/SIGNAGE HAS BEEN REPAIRED/REPLACED LAST WEEK, THE SITE IS CURRENTLY NOT SECURED.
MASSDEP STATED INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE MUST BE INCREASED SUCH THAT THE SITE IS SECURED FROM TRESPASSERS.
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| photo of map shown during presentation at Town Council meeting |
300 Fisher St (map)
A follow up email from a Fisher St resident prompted sharing this map.
As I understand the water flow, Mine Brook flows from the Fisher St area towards Beaver St and i495. As you look at this map, it would be flowing up to the top of the map and to the left (oriented as north and westerly).
The details on the hazardous waste (contaminated soil and ground water) can be found in the notes from the Town Council meeting this week:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
The presentation document and associated MA DEP files on 300 Fisher St can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
As I understand the water flow, Mine Brook flows from the Fisher St area towards Beaver St and i495. As you look at this map, it would be flowing up to the top of the map and to the left (oriented as north and westerly).
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| screen shot of the detailed map showing contamination at 300 Fisher St and Mine Brook |
The details on the hazardous waste (contaminated soil and ground water) can be found in the notes from the Town Council meeting this week:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/live-reporting-epa-300-fisher-st.html
The presentation document and associated MA DEP files on 300 Fisher St can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/300-fisher-st-ma-dep-epa-presentation.html
In the News: recycling center, downtown project
The recycling center will open on Sundays beginning next month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November, a change the Town Council pushed hard for.
The town still has to get the staff in place, and adding the new hours at the 455 Beaver St. center will cost roughly $2,200, which will likely come from the sale of permits.Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140711/NEWS/140719256/1994/NEWS
After a decade of waiting, interspersed with numerous meetings and design updates, the initial improvements to the downtown will finally begin this month with roadwork on Lincoln and Main streets.
Throughout the summer, construction crews with Walsh Contracting, the project manager hired by the state Department of Transportation, will install new drainage infrastructure and start a full reconstruction of the roadways.
Delays and detours during the daytime hours are expected as the work progresses. A construction superintendent will notify residents who live along the streets when crews are working in front of their homes.Continue reading the full article in the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140711/NEWS/140719264/1994/NEWS
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Live reporting - Downtown Project Status meeting - 7/10/14
meeting opens
Dean College's Brian Kelly provides some safety logistics about the room we are in here at Dean.
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting introduces the key folks part of the evening Questions and Answers and then Rep Jeff Roy provides some opening remarks in his role as one of the State liaisons.
Dave (last name not captured) - Walsh Construction
focus of work this year will be Main St to Lincoln, primarily underground work, then grinding up the road prior to re-paving. Anticipate having all the underground work and a binder layer done before the winter. In 2015, we'll come back to begin the sidewalks, etc. which will take more time (we'll have the full season to do so).
Final coating should be all done in one smooth continuous cover.
Nutting - There'll be some pole replacements and the State can speak to the coordination.
George Merdi - State, construction engineer
coordinating the utility work to be done. The utility work is critical to the timeline of the schedule. The utility companies are on board.
Nutting - will there be traffic flow during the construction?
Dave - when feasible, there will be detours noted for work for the day (removed at the end of the day)
Nutting - access to the driveway?
Dave - will try to provide what we can during the day, at least at the end of the day
Q - on the map, there is a small section of Summer St, what about the remainder of Summer St?
Nutting - Yes, the first 100 feet or so from East Central is part of the downtown project. The remainder of Summer St is a town project, water line this year and paving next year as we normally do. Trying to coordinate the schedule between the two during the year.
Q - can you take us back through the project, what it will be like at the end?
Nutting - Obtained funding in 2002, the ultimate goal to get the fire station off the one way street. (2) To slow down traffic on Main St. Speed bump curb to curb at Depot St, and at Dean at the crosswalk. (3) studies have shown that not all the traffic wanted to go on Main St, so the traffic staying on 140 can do so. (4) aesthetic improvements, brick walks, utilities underground, period lighting.
There is no indication that the traffic getting through town will be any faster. The funding was $1M per year beginning in 2005, so we wouldn't have had all of it until 2010 anyway.
Did look at under grounding utilities from Ruggles to West Central but it didn't make sense financially. Will still some overhead wires there.
Q - line on my property seems to be in the middle, is that where it will stay?
Nutting - we have the full plan docs here, the same contractor did the Union St work a couple of years ago.
Q - what is the change order process?
Nutting - we'll have the info available. No guarantee but submit it, it will be reviewed and decided.
Q - what will the Main St be like?
Nutting - there'll be a base coat down before the winter will be here.
Q - sense of Bridge to Emmons St?
Dave - all of next year, early Apr through the summer. Construction equipment? There will be times it will be closed.
Nutting - Main St is a full depth reconstruction
Dave - right now it will be all daylight work.
Nutting - water and sewer is already done, the State will be doing some drainage
Q - what about parking?
Nutting - we are looking at alternative areas. Perhaps Emmons st. The Post Office is putting their own parking lot in, so that will help us. May prohibit commuter parking for a period
There is a sequence for doing the bridge in 3 phases, you can come down and review the details.
Q - what about the width of the road?
The right of way will not be any wider. The structure of the bridge will not be touched.
Q - what about the work in front of the fire station?
The fire dept will not be impacted during the work period.
Q - on the quality of the asphalt mix?
Q - What about the trees? Some of them have colored ribbons.
Dave - orange indicates trees to be protected, blue to be removed; we'll be coming in next week to start putting the protection in and around the trees
Q - no handicap accessible access on Main St?
Nutting - that is why we are doing this. The work we are doing is going to be all ADA compliant
Q - considering some lights? At St Mary's trying to turn left coming up Beaver.
Nutting - there is no signalization in this work. There is no plan to change any of the signals in this work
Q - Anything ore on the timing for downtown next year?
Dave - we'll concentrate on doing the full depth first, the lions share of the West Central/Emmons would be later next year.
Brutus - mill and overlay will be fairly quick, you can do it in about two weeks
Q - on street lighting downtown vs. Union St where it is light up like a Christmas tree
Downtown will be getting the period lighting, the East Central area will remain with above ground poles and lights
Q - What about the Emmons St lot?
Nutting - there is nothing decided yet, the Town Council has to consider that. Even to go through a public process to dispose of the property, it could be set to be available in fall of 2015.
Q - when will the traffic turn?
Nutting - when it is all done, hopefully some time Sep/Oct 2015. It could be as late as Apr 2016
Q - there'll be times when our students will be moving in and out, where we have to communicate with 1,000 families
Nutting - we will keep you informed and work with the abutters as issues come up. This is a MA project so we (Franklin) will be in a communication role.
Q - what is the normal day hours
Nutting/Dave - 7-3 normally on M-F
Q - on how to get to Main St
Nutting - Coming east on West Central, you'll turn left on Emmons and right on Main.
Q - how do GPS people know that Franklin has no gone two-way?
Nutting - call Google?
Q - on parking along Main St down by St Mary's, currently can be done on both sides?
Nutting - we'll need to look at that, maybe need to restrict parking
Q - what about the meters?
Nutting - they'll come out during the construction but the Town Council has not yet decided what to do. We could enforce 2 hour parking without meters.
Q - Emmons up to Ray St?
Nutting no change, it will remain one way
We'll be getting the communications and notifications out in the next couple of weeks.
closing meeting
Dean College's Brian Kelly provides some safety logistics about the room we are in here at Dean.
Town Administrator Jeff Nutting introduces the key folks part of the evening Questions and Answers and then Rep Jeff Roy provides some opening remarks in his role as one of the State liaisons.
 |
| Jeff Nutting - at podium introducing the remaining folks |
Dave (last name not captured) - Walsh Construction
focus of work this year will be Main St to Lincoln, primarily underground work, then grinding up the road prior to re-paving. Anticipate having all the underground work and a binder layer done before the winter. In 2015, we'll come back to begin the sidewalks, etc. which will take more time (we'll have the full season to do so).
Final coating should be all done in one smooth continuous cover.
Nutting - There'll be some pole replacements and the State can speak to the coordination.
George Merdi - State, construction engineer
coordinating the utility work to be done. The utility work is critical to the timeline of the schedule. The utility companies are on board.
Nutting - will there be traffic flow during the construction?
Dave - when feasible, there will be detours noted for work for the day (removed at the end of the day)
Nutting - access to the driveway?
Dave - will try to provide what we can during the day, at least at the end of the day
Q - on the map, there is a small section of Summer St, what about the remainder of Summer St?
Nutting - Yes, the first 100 feet or so from East Central is part of the downtown project. The remainder of Summer St is a town project, water line this year and paving next year as we normally do. Trying to coordinate the schedule between the two during the year.
Q - can you take us back through the project, what it will be like at the end?
Nutting - Obtained funding in 2002, the ultimate goal to get the fire station off the one way street. (2) To slow down traffic on Main St. Speed bump curb to curb at Depot St, and at Dean at the crosswalk. (3) studies have shown that not all the traffic wanted to go on Main St, so the traffic staying on 140 can do so. (4) aesthetic improvements, brick walks, utilities underground, period lighting.
There is no indication that the traffic getting through town will be any faster. The funding was $1M per year beginning in 2005, so we wouldn't have had all of it until 2010 anyway.
Did look at under grounding utilities from Ruggles to West Central but it didn't make sense financially. Will still some overhead wires there.
 |
| photo of the map handed out at the meeting |
Map detail - The green coloring indicates work being done in 2014. The blue and yellow sections will be done in 2015. The blue is the full roadway rebuild on Main St. The yellow is the mill and re-paving along East/West Central and Emmons Sts.
Q - line on my property seems to be in the middle, is that where it will stay?
Nutting - we have the full plan docs here, the same contractor did the Union St work a couple of years ago.
Q - what is the change order process?
Nutting - we'll have the info available. No guarantee but submit it, it will be reviewed and decided.
Q - what will the Main St be like?
Nutting - there'll be a base coat down before the winter will be here.
Q - sense of Bridge to Emmons St?
Dave - all of next year, early Apr through the summer. Construction equipment? There will be times it will be closed.
Nutting - Main St is a full depth reconstruction
Dave - right now it will be all daylight work.
Nutting - water and sewer is already done, the State will be doing some drainage
Q - what about parking?
Nutting - we are looking at alternative areas. Perhaps Emmons st. The Post Office is putting their own parking lot in, so that will help us. May prohibit commuter parking for a period
There is a sequence for doing the bridge in 3 phases, you can come down and review the details.
Q - what about the width of the road?
The right of way will not be any wider. The structure of the bridge will not be touched.
Q - what about the work in front of the fire station?
The fire dept will not be impacted during the work period.
Q - on the quality of the asphalt mix?
Q - What about the trees? Some of them have colored ribbons.
Dave - orange indicates trees to be protected, blue to be removed; we'll be coming in next week to start putting the protection in and around the trees
Q - no handicap accessible access on Main St?
Nutting - that is why we are doing this. The work we are doing is going to be all ADA compliant
Q - considering some lights? At St Mary's trying to turn left coming up Beaver.
Nutting - there is no signalization in this work. There is no plan to change any of the signals in this work
Q - Anything ore on the timing for downtown next year?
Dave - we'll concentrate on doing the full depth first, the lions share of the West Central/Emmons would be later next year.
Brutus - mill and overlay will be fairly quick, you can do it in about two weeks
Q - on street lighting downtown vs. Union St where it is light up like a Christmas tree
Downtown will be getting the period lighting, the East Central area will remain with above ground poles and lights
Q - What about the Emmons St lot?
Nutting - there is nothing decided yet, the Town Council has to consider that. Even to go through a public process to dispose of the property, it could be set to be available in fall of 2015.
 |
| Jeff Nutting facilitating answers to the questions |
Q - when will the traffic turn?
Nutting - when it is all done, hopefully some time Sep/Oct 2015. It could be as late as Apr 2016
Q - there'll be times when our students will be moving in and out, where we have to communicate with 1,000 families
Nutting - we will keep you informed and work with the abutters as issues come up. This is a MA project so we (Franklin) will be in a communication role.
Q - what is the normal day hours
Nutting/Dave - 7-3 normally on M-F
Q - on how to get to Main St
Nutting - Coming east on West Central, you'll turn left on Emmons and right on Main.
Q - how do GPS people know that Franklin has no gone two-way?
Nutting - call Google?
Q - on parking along Main St down by St Mary's, currently can be done on both sides?
Nutting - we'll need to look at that, maybe need to restrict parking
Q - what about the meters?
Nutting - they'll come out during the construction but the Town Council has not yet decided what to do. We could enforce 2 hour parking without meters.
Q - Emmons up to Ray St?
Nutting no change, it will remain one way
We'll be getting the communications and notifications out in the next couple of weeks.
closing meeting
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