Artistry Kitchen Closes

I had picked up through the grapevine that Artistry Kitchen had closed as of Saturday night, Jan 3rd. I walked by Sunday morning to see if there was a sign posted about this. There wasn't. Looking through the windows on the corner what was noticable was the tables instead of being set as they impeccably were for business, were bare.

photo of Artistry Kitchen Sunday morning, Jan 4

The photo looks like it was created with a special effect and was only the reflection of the background on the glass window as I looked in to the empty tables.

An email from the recent owners of Artistry Kitchen was shared by a Franklin Matters reader:

It is with sadness, but much pride that Elissa and I announce that we have left Artistry Kitchen. We have been out of the Bistro since October and fulfilled our last catering responsibilities as of December 31st. 

The CEO of the company has decided to take the company in a different direction than the one we originally signed on for and therefore we have decided to pursue other opportunities. 

We are immensely proud of the work we, along with the rest of the Franklin team have done to create what we believed was a wonderful place to experience great food, in a great atmosphere with top notch culinary and hospitality talent. 

We will always be so grateful to our friends, family and the community for embracing our ideas with open arms and for supporting us every step of the way. This journey would not have been the same without your constant words of encouragement and the many visits you paid to us over the last few months. 

It has been a very difficult decision to walk away from Artistry after putting so much love, sweat and tears into the project. However, when faced with the prospect of changes that WE believe would compromise the integrity of what was built, we knew it was the right choice. 

We are looking forward to our next adventure and hope to share the next chapter with you very soon!

If you do have a gift card, there is a process for redemption/refund.

For anyone who has Artistry Kitchen gift cards, call Spencer at the restaurant between 9 and 4pm at 508-530-7440 and he will refund your gift card. If he does not answer the phone just leave a message and he will return your call.

Artistry Kitchen - Dec 2013

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving Programs To Local High Schools

Trial Attorneys Bring End Distracted Driving
Programs To Local High Schools

The Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) will bring its "End Distracted Driving" (EDD) program to

• Brockton High School on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 9:52am and 12:53 pm
• Medford High School on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 8:30 am
• Norwood High School on Thursday, January 7, 2015 at  9:54 am

The program will be headed by MATA President Charlotte E. Glinka and Philadelphia Attorney Joel Feldman, who created the EDD program after losing his 21-year old daughter Casey in 2009 as a result of  the actions of a distracted driver. 

Attorney Glinka remarked, "MATA is proud to continue to support the efforts of Attorney Joel Feldman in bringing the End Distracted Driving program to high schools throughout the state. Over the past few years we have reached out and engaged in a dialog with thousands of teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There couldn't be a more important message about driving safely and saving lives". 

MATA Past Presidents Timothy C. Kelleher III and C. Michael Conley, as well as MATA Executive Committee Member Saba Hashem have volunteered in the last few years to bring the EDD presentation, created by Attorney Joel Feldman, to as many schools as possible and will continue to do so going forward. 

MATA has made this ongoing volunteer program a priority as an organization and the EDD events are a prominent part of MATA's public service projects statewide. As trial lawyers, MATA members believe in safety on every level and this important program is educating those most at risk – young and inexperienced drivers.

Blackstone River Theatre: Great bluegrass/Americana with The KroppDusters!!

THANK YOU! The 2014 Solstice Festival was our biggest yet... stay tuned for performer information for the 2015 festival set for June 20! COMING SOON TO BRT!                     Ongoing   Zumba with April Hilliker on Mondays, 6:30 PM Thursdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 Cajun Two-Step 6:30 PM  Beginner Zydeco 7:30 PM with instructor Jody Rudnick Friday, Jan. 9, Sat., Jan 10 and Sunday, Jan 11 8-week session of Irish Dance classes with   Erika Damiani begins        Saturday, January 10, 8 PM THE KROPPDUSTERS Tuesday, Jan. 13, and Wednesday, Jan. 14 Five levels of group fiddle classes begin (6-week session) with Cathy Clasper-Torch Thursday, Jan. 15 TOTAL BEGINNER FIDDLE (6-week session) starts Saturday, January 17, 8 PM  MATT & SHANNON HEATON / TORRIN RYAN and MARK OIEN Saturday, January 24, 2 PM  DIXIE DIEHARDS JAZZ BAND Saturday, January 31, 8 PM  FELLSWATER / ERIC MCDONALD AND WILL WOODSON Saturday, February 7, 8 PM  OCCIDENTAL GYPSY Sunday, February 15, 7 PM  FULLSET (from Ireland) Saturday, February 21, 8 PM  ROSSONI Saturday, February 28, 8 PM  THE GNOMES Sunday, March 1, 7 PM  RUNA Quick Links... BRT Website     BRT Classes       Directions to BRT THE KROPPDUSTERS MATT & SHANNON HEATON Tickets often available at door but to ensure a seat CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 401-725-9272 Please understand that when a show is SOLD OUT, it truly is! We must adhere to fire codes and it truly is not possible to fit "just one more"... especially when we have had several people ask to do the same! If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the same day as the show, you will pay the day-of show-price. NOTE for prepaid tickets or if reservations have been made but not pre-paid: If you reduce the number of tickets requested or paid for at the box office on the night of the performance, that ticket must still be paid for! BRT requires 24 hour notice for cancellations or you will be charged for all seats reserved. Dear Steve, We are really looking forward to a great first concert featuring our friends THE KROPPDUSTERS on January 10... wonderful musicians and great 4-part harmonies! BRT CLASSES STARTING SOON! - NEW! Cajun Two-Step and Beginner Zydeco    classes will be offered Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29 (see details below!) - Irish step dance classes (12 levels) begin Jan. 9, 10 and 11 - Fiddle classes (5 levels) begin Jan. 13 and 14 - TOTAL BEGINNER FIDDLE classes start Jan. 15 at 5 PM And don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook to get late-breaking news and really expensive gifts. Well, not that last one but definitely the first part... Please share what we do with your friends! www.facebook.com/pages/Blackstone-River-Theatre/165592431396    Hope to see you soon... Russell Gusetti, Executive Director   THE KROPPDUSTERS - BLUEGRASS /AMERICANA The KroppDusters are a group of veteran musicians featuring banjo master Mike Kropp, guitarist and singer Bill Henry, bassist and vocalist Jeff Horton, mandolinist and singer Monty McClanahan, and claw-hammer banjo player Lisa Schmitz. Mike Kropp is New England's premier finger-style banjoist. As a member of the critically acclaimed Northern Lights he performed nationally and recorded with Vassar Clements, Don McLean and Jonathan Edwards. Lisa Schmitz has been playing 5-string banjo for 20 years and is regarded as one of the top melodic clawhammer players in the country. Guitarist Bill Henry joined Northern Lights in 1981 and he has also recorded with Peter Rowan and Jonathan Edwards. Bassist/vocalist Jeff Horton also currently performs in the Pegheads. He was a founding member of the Neon Valley Boys, and for six years in the early '90s he played with Northern Lights. Monty McClanahan is an alumni of the New England bands Southern Rhode and Shady Creek. He is most noted for his lead and tenor vocals in the high lonesome style. The band's vocal blend culminates in beautiful 4-part harmonies augmented by some impressive instrumental work. A great night of bluegrass and Americana music to kick off BRT's new season! EVENT INFO Saturday, January 10, 8 P.M. $12.00 advance / $15.00 day of show at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Call 401-725-9272 for reservations  www.riverfolk.org CAJUN TWO-STEP & BEGINNER ZYDECO CLASSES BRT will offer a 4-week class in Cajun two-step at 6:30 PM and Beginner Zydeco at 7:30 PM on Thursdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 with instructor Jody Rudnick. Fee is $60 for the 4-week session... these classes are lots of fun and no partners are necessary! Minimum 8 students needed to run each class. Beginner Two-Step This will be a four-week "Sampler" class. One basic step will be learned with at least one figure at each class. While the two-step is ultimately a partner dance, no partner is necessary to participate in class. This dance can be performed to any musical genre that has a six- or eight-count tempo and is excellent for both experienced and inexperienced dancers. Music played will range from Hank Williams to the Mavericks to some funky Cajun and contemporary Country two-steps. Beginner Zydeco This will be a four-week basic introduction to Zydeco dance. One basic step will be learned to match a slower tempo of the music. Even those who think they may have "two left feet" will be able to learn these basics! Steps are carefully and patiently broken down and students are invited to learn through counting, speaking the "mantra" and mimicking the instructor so that several learning styles are covered. Both "closed" and "open" position will be taught once the basic step is acquired. Music played is from Louisiana greats such as Beau Jocques, Nathan Williams, Boozoo Chavis and from younger performers like Keith Frank and Curley Taylor. Fun will be the priority!   CLASS INFO Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29  CAJUN TWO-STEP AT 6:30 PM  BEGINNER ZYDECO AT 7:30 PM $60.00 for 4-week session at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Email russell@riverfolk.org for registration   www.riverfolk.org

Forward email to a friend! Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864

Live Reporting: Planning Board - Jan 5, 2015

Present: Rondeau, David, Halligan, Padula, Carroll
Absent: Ballarino

General business

#1 - move to accept meeting minutes of Dec 14, 2014; seconded, passed


#2 - Franklin Rod and Gun Club
81-P Plan submitted, all in order per Planning Dept
motion to accept, seconded, passed


motion to recesss until 7:15 when the public hearing can be opened
moved, seconded, passed

*** recessed until 7:15 PM ***

meeting resumes

motion to suspend the reading, seconded, passed

Jeff Nutting, provides the overview on the intent behind the zoning change
allowing condonimums would potentially allow the property to be more marketable
the upside of a multi use is less traffic than other possible business uses, down side is it has been woods for many years so any change will be noticed.


Elaine Murphy, abutter to property
question on how the zoning change would affect her property

if the town approves the bylaw, can I come in a few years to sell my land and

been here since 1973, the woods are beautiful, they do many things for us
we have other land in the town that can be developed

Nutting - was a proposal back in 2007 and that went no where, another later with more design docs, it was just a plan, did not go anywhere


there is no change to the set backs or to the nature of the land, wet lands, etc.
no development near Walker Road due to the wetlands
the constrain is mostly to the middle where it is not wetland
the Town is looking to make the zoning change
we do not property in the downtown, property is already designated as open space, etc.
we are looking for additional tax dollars, a $500-600K annual revenue for the property would be good for our budget needs
it is a balencing act

if this is approved by the Council, then it would be another RFP to see what would be proposed. All that would have to be worked out for approval by the Council

it takes a 2/3 vote to change the zoning and a 2/3 vote to sell the property

Padula - the set backs will remain
Murphy - will the footprint be the same?
Padula - it depends upon what the developer proposes. This is just the first step in trying to make the property more commercial

If you had more than 5 acres, you could make that proposal
this is the only property that is zoned office use

Nutting - the hardship issue would be before the Zoning Board of Appeals, we are not making that proposal. 
if we could get a hotel on that site we would be happy
if we could get condos, we could be happy
we would like to get some residential

there are height limits, 3 floors by right, 5 by special permit
there is topology coming into play where the land slopes away from Pond St to i495

Stephanie Pazniokas
trying to get clarity on what may happen
940 acres of economic opportunty area in Franklin and this is only 15
why is there so much for this now

Nutting - economic development zone already built out at about 98%
this is our land and not yet developed, all the other land is already owned by private owners

Stephanie
furthering questions on other changes from the stipulations

Nutting - if the town were to sell the land, we would stipulate requirements
could that make further changes 40 years from now, maybe but not right now
but then they would have to go through the whole process again

We are better off getting condominiums than we are getting apartments

Stephanie - Once the decision is made, we are trusting that the decisions will be followed through with

Nutting - the Council will ultimately make the decision on the change, and the nature of the change, and if we sell and how we sell

Halligan - there is more in the existing zoning allowed. It is scary. We are not changing the zone itself

Nutting - we are adding a use

Elaine - Could you only sell the buildable land and keep the rest?

Nutting - If they own and they can't build on it, they still pay taxes on it. From a practical sense

another resident -
given the Starbucks, it could be a mess

Padula - when the developer comes before, the discussion would includes those factors

Nutting - Weds the Council holds a public hearing, then a second one per law. If approved, then the Council would consider re-issuing the RFP

a hotel would bring us the most tax revenue; less traffic impact than a business as the time of arrivals and departures would be staggered

motion to close the hearing, seconded, passed

motion to recommend to the Council, seconded, passed

Scheduled public hearing 7:30

505 West Central St - Midas Muffler

Padula - recused himself
Rondeau moved from Associate to Member
Ballarino though absent can still review the material and video to be eligible to vote on the project

Don Norman - engineer provides an overview
was Taco Bell with Wendy's
are outside the limited site plan modification requirements
are looking for a site plan modification

lot 1 - Midas
lot 2 - still vacant
lot 3 - Wendy's site

each lot individually owned, an association will own the roadway and maintain it to the current standards

Midas is similar to what was approved by the Planning Board in 2010
maintaining same buffers on wetlands, and retaining wall

actually reduced impervious coverage, much actually the same footprint

Midas auto and tire maintenance, internal tanks/barrels for handling their waste (windshield fuilds, greases, etc.). All the tanks will be above ground and inside the facility. No intent for storage of hazardous wastes outside the facility

There will be a dumpster for general waste and for metal
we are on town water and sewer, drains will address fuilds before going to the sewer system

most of the plantings outside the property are previously approved by the prior site plan, did not want to change what had already been approved

did submit a special permit application
did submit a drainage analysis

Maglio - a couple of questions on some calculations that can be worked out
minor adjustments to the plan to include some additional details that can all be worked out

Wierling - for the next meeting, can you have some presentation boards for the public to view?

some references need to be adjusted for some minor points
did you apply for the zoning board?
Norman - yes, we'll do that this week

what hours do you anticipate the pickups for some of the disposal items?


Marie DelRapo - Board of Trustees of the abutters
worried about the noise issues, did work up some calculations and came up with some 5 decibles higher than what you had come up with
the closest family would be about 30 feet from the property
find a way to buffer the noise other than the chain link fence as proposed

concerned about the fumes? would need to be vented some how?
what is the plan?

Midas - the vehicles are not running while they are maintained
we are only doing light maintenance, no exhaust fumes like you think might be

Marie - garage doors? open or closed? 

Midas - garage doors are generally open during the summer?
7-6 or 7-7 something in that area

I like the plan, I just want to make it as accommodating as possible

the building of the retaining wall? would blasting be required?
Nutting - you can ask for a pre-blast survey, this is under the fire chief's control

Midas - current plan is to be closed on Sunday

Marie - dumpster and view from the property?
Halligan - screening of that is one of my concerns

Looking for the Board's help in returning the residential feel, it can cetainly be made better

Don - we proposed an arborvite, we can lok at changing that

Marie - we have residents, looking right down into the property
I would like the fence on the retaining wall be thicker and more screening than what is proposed.

Kelly Fitzpatrick from Franklin Crossing
I am concerned about the noise levels, shrubs, 
there are 154 homes to be affected

Halligan - there could have been a Taco Bell there, we are sensitive to the neighbors. Give it a little consideration that something will be going there

There are DEP regulations for what they can do store inside and outside

Bill Laquidera - concerned about the disposal of the tires

Midas - the corporate parent does own tires, so it will be part of our business but it is not our main point of business; the objective is to get it off the site as soon as possible

Halligan - where would you store them?
Midas- maybe in the dumpster area? we'll need to look at. It is a fair concern and I'd like to address it

Marie - presented copies of pictures of dumspter areas in other Midas shops

Midas - I can speak to Warwick, the dumpster tore down the electrical lines so we were in a state of disrepair at the time. It is not an every day occurance

John Carroll - can you put something together to show the residents
Don - yes, we can and will

John - the retaining wall is 7-8 ft high?
Don -  the building is about 8 ft above grade at the steepest part

Midas- one AC unit on the roof, 
John - could you look at how you cover it?

Midas - if cars remain over night, we generally take them in so there is no tempation overnight

Snow storage in multiple spots, I can add more to show it later

Midas - we may do inspection stickers? we do not have a machine in place but it is possible

Comment on the white pines already planted by the Association, Midas likes it and maybe able to add to what is already there

Could you relocate the AC unit to the ground and thereby remove it from the site line?

Midas - we do have drop offs, it would be gentle at that time of the morning

next meeting, January 26th at 7:15 PM
meeting to be continued

meeting adjourned

Community Walking at Franklin High School

With typical variation in the New England weather for this week, this is timely!

Franklin Public Schools is pleased to announce that Community Walking is returning to Franklin High School effective Monday, January 5, 2015. 

Franklin residents are invited to escape the cold temperatures and walk in the warmth of the high school track or hallways. Walking will be available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  

• Walkers may use the elevated track when there are no games taking place in the gym
• When there are games in the gym, walkers may use the high school hallways on the first floor

There will be signs in the lobby to inform walkers whether the track or hallways are available. Additionally, a Community Walking calendar will be posted on the Lifelong Learning website. 

Walkers should enter the Panther Door and go to the Adult Ed. Office to sign-in and receive a guest lanyard. When they are finished walking, they go back to the Adult Ed. Office, sign-out, and return their guest lanyard. The sign-in/sign-out process and the wearing of guest lanyards are part of the school safety protocol. 

For more information on Community Walking please call 508-553-4814 or email lifelong@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Community Entrance at Franklin High School

This was shared from the Franklin Public Schools page here
http://franklindistrict.vt-s.net/Pages/FranklinDistrict_News/01F6E2B9-000F8513.0/Community%20walking%20press%20release.pdf

You can navigate to the Lifelong Learning webpage via the Franklin home page, chose "Schools", and then within "Departments" chose "Lifelong Learning"

or go directly here  http://cfweb.smartedu.net/lll/

Public Hearing - Pond St zoning bylaw

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday to discuss the proposal to change the zoning for the Pond St property.

The property was the subject of an RFP which did not receive any legal responses. It did receive one response but it arrived late and hence was disqualified. It did contain a proposal for more of a mixed use development including residential. The current zoning would prohibit residential. The discussion at the Economic Development Committee meeting concluded with the plan to propose the zoning change to include residential and then if approved, re-issue the RFP to see if there are more takers.

The owners abutting the property were sent the following information to help prepare for the discussion:



A whole lot of information on Franklin and, in particular, the Pond Street property can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/pondrfp


The Economic Development Committee meeting notes can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/12/economic-development-committee-dec-17.html


The agenda for the Town Council meeting on Jan 7 (and all associated documents released for it) can be found here 
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-7.html

Note: The meeting has a scheduled start of 6:00 PM. They will open the meeting, go to Executive Session with a return to open meeting after their discussion on the Fire Fighters Union contract.

Franklin Planning and Community Development photo of Pond St property

Reminder: Electric Youth at THE BLACK BOX - Jan 10

Electric Youth (EY) 2015, the international touring ensemble of talented singer-dancers trained at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), will debut at THE BLACK BOX in downtown Franklin on Saturday, January 10, performing two shows at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Electric Youth is pictured in Todi, Italy during the group's 2014 summer concert tour of Austria and Italy

Backed by an eight-piece band of world-class musicians, Electric Youth delivers a fun, high-energy evening of family entertainment with an extensive range of contemporary pop, classic rock, Broadway and country hits for audiences all ages. The EY shows at THE BLACK BOX will feature fully choreographed performances of Adele, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Frank Sinatra, Styx and more.

Selected annually by audition, the group is chosen for superior musicianship, stage presence, and triple threat accomplishments in voice, dance, and acting. This season’s ensemble of performers, ages 14-17, studies multiple dance disciplines, voice, and acting at FSPA. Electric Youth 2015 includes Adriane D’Amato of Foxboro; Madison Asgeirsson, Kendra Dombroski, Shaina McGillis, Lauren Szczepanowski and Melissa Wyner of Franklin; Michael Fajardo of Hopkinton; Sam Evans of Medfield; Maddy Williams of Medway; Katie Gray of Milford; Kylee Rollins of North Attleboro; and Jenna McDermott of Wrentham.

The EY singer-dancers are backed by Boston musicians who’ve performed, recorded and toured with such music legends as Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Diana Ross, The Temptations and Van Morrison.

“The band that tours with EY really raises the level of experience for our singer-dancers and audiences alike,” says Director Raye Lynn Mercer. “These musicians have performed with A-list entertainers, and the music is first-rate. The arranging team for Electric Youth, including several of the band members, writes custom arrangements for EY that allow the group to take classic songs and make them their own.”

EY’s show band features Kenny Hadley on drums, Arnie Krakowsky on tenor saxophone, Artie Montanaro on trombone, Walter Platt on trumpet, Mark Poniatowski on bass, Ken Reid on baritone saxophone, Mark White on guitar and Mercer on piano. Under the direction of Mark Poniatowski, musical arrangers for Electric Youth are Rick Hammett, Jeff Perry, Walter Platt, Poniatowski, Mark White and Ben Whiting. Choreographers include Mercer, Casey Andrade, Cheryl Madeux, Nick Paone and Kellie Stamp.

Electric Youth has released six professional albums and toured Europe 11 times, with performances at England’s Arundel Festival, Disneyland Paris, professional theaters in Bristol, London and Windsor, and such renowned venues as Sanremo’s Ariston Theatre and Vienna’s Konzerthaus, Musikverein and Schonbrunn Palace. EY has also headlined Fourth of July shows for U.S. troops and their families stationed in Italy at Camp Ederle, Camp Darby, and Aviano Air Force Base.

The ensemble has performed on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, on Fox-TV and WBZ Radio, and at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Mechanics Hall, the Smithsonian Museum Theater and the United Nations. EY’s music, including the 2014 album, Power Chord, is available at amazon.com and iTunes. Electric Youth 2015 will tour England and France this summer.

Tickets for Electric Youth In Concert at THE BLACK BOX are $26, with $18 tickets available for children 12 and under at the first show only. Tables may be reserved for larger parties of 8 and 12. To purchase tickets, visit www.theblackboxonline.com, stop by the box office at 34 Main Street in Franklin, or call (508) 528-3370.

THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin. Light pub fare and cash bar are available. For more information about Electric Youth, visit www.electricyouth.com.

“We’re still trying to come out of the hole"

The Boston Globe West section ran an article on Ritchie Elgar in the Sunday edition, Jan 4, 2015.

While the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High wrestling team practiced in the school’s upper gym Monday morning, preparing for a meet in Agawam the next day, Ritchie Elgar sat alone in the adjacent weight room. 

With his left hand, the reigning Mayflower League MVP reached to the ground and picked up a 30-pound dumbbell; his right hand gripped the side of his wheelchair, enabling him to sit up straight as he performed a biceps curl with the weight. 

The 17-year-old Franklin resident, the defending state vocational school champion at 106 pounds as a sophomore, was in a car accident last summer that left him paralyzed from the sternum down.

Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (subscription required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2015/01/04/paralyzed-tri-county-regional-voke-wrestler-ritchie-elgar-determined-compete-again/GCHzAZ6mVwkhEknUlehF1J/story.html


Prior articles on Elgar can be found here:

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/09/he-spent-first-few-weeks-in-hospital.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/10/we-wanted-to-make-transition-easier-for.html

The fund raising page is still active and can be found here

older screen grab of fund raising page - current total is over $15,000

FHS Sports: girls hockey team wins, boys basketball loses

From Hockomock Sports we find the results of the FHS boys basketball team and the girls hockey team from their games on Sunday, Jan 4, 2015.

Boys Basketball

FHS Panthers

Franklin, 53 vs. Catholic Memorial, 79 - Final - Marcus Giese scored 19 points - 14 of them in the third quarter - and added seven rebounds for the Panthers. Dylan Reno chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds and Tim Prunier added nine points.

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 2 vs. Dover-Sherborn, 0 - Final - Franklin head coach Margie Burke recorded her 100th career victory.

For all the results across the Hockomock League on Sunday, visit this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-010415

"Survey Says" - Which option on the 150 Emmons St property would you like to see?

As mentioned in the agenda for the Town Council meeting on Weds Jan 7, 2015, the council is scheduled to discuss the four options for the 150 Emmons St property.

Let's do a quick survey to see what you would choose?






The letter outlining the four options to the Town Council is found on page 25 of the 79 page PDF file released for the Town Council meeting January 7, 2015:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf

150 Emmons St

Updated 7:00 PM 1/6/15

Currently there are 63 responses with 15 for 'selling the property as is' offset by 15 doing nothing while 27 would 'sell with the restriction of no drive' through and another 6 would look to see who would actually be the occupant before doing anything.

survey results as of 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Jan 6, 2015

Note: if you do have any trouble leaving your response for the survey, please leave your vote in the comments. There are two of those not in the above totals atthistime.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 7, 2015

Note: The meeting has a scheduled start of 6:00 PM. They will open the meeting, go to Executive Session with a return to open meeting after their discussion on the Fire Fighters Union contract.  


A. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining with Fire Fighters Union

The Town Council needs to meet in executive session for the purpose to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with fire fighters’ Union; I declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body. 

The open session will reconvene at the conclusion of the executive session.

B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- December 17, 2014

C. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

D. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

E. CITIZEN COMMENTS

F. APPOINTMENTS
- Historical Commission: Phyllis Messere Malcom

G. HEARINGS
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 7:10 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- Artistry Kitchen – Change of Manager

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• Community Opportunity Group – Community Development Block Grant 
• 150 Emmons Street 
• Town Administrator’s Annual Update, Five Year Fiscal Forecast, Master Plan Update

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-01: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging 

2. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-745: Amendment to Chapter 185, Attachment 7, Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule, Residential Uses, Office Zoning District – 1ST Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this meeting can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf

150 Emmons St, Franklin, MA

Options for 150 Emmons St decision

The Emmons St discussion is likely one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for their first meeting of 2015. The letter from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting to the Town Council lays out the current options for the discussion on the Request for Proposal (RFP) to sell the property.

As the Council is aware, we discussed an RFP for the sale of 150 Emmons Street with a minimum bid of $475,000. We did receive one bid for $500,000. The proposal submitted does not identify any specific use for the property. 

The Council has several options including:

1. Sell the land for $500,000 and allow the developer to construct anything on the property allowed by zoning. 

2. Sell the land for $500,000, but restrict the use. (The discussion at the Economic Development Committee was whether to allow for VSEs (Vehicle Service Establishments) for any use or not allow VSEs for fast food/coffee uses? 

3. Sign a Land Disposition agreement and allow the developer 180 days to find a tenant (s) acceptable to the Council. 

4. Take no action at this time.

If the Town Council chooses to sell the property, we will need until July 1, 2015 to relocate the Recreation Department.

The screen grab of the letter can be viewed here: 

screen grab of letter with options for decision on 150 Emmons St

150 Emmons St, Franklin   MA

The letter is found on page 25 of the 79 page PDF file released for the Town Council meeting January 7, 2015:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/010715.pdf