Now there are three proposals for Pond St

I got caught working late in Boston but John Pazniokas kept the Pond St group informed via Facebook and I can share his meeting summary here.

The EDC meeting tonight introduced the three proposals for the parcel: 

- A sale/development proposal from Baystone Development, proposing 85 townhouse condos and 14,000 square feet of "Office/Retail". (Unofficially, the developer indicated that they'd rather go full office space on that 14,000, but that's not in the proposal.) 

- A land-lease proposal for solar by Kearsarge Energy. 

- A land-lease proposal for solar by Solect Energy. 

The three proposals were presented at the meeting, with little if any prereading done by anyone. (Chairman Bissanti basically claimed a cursory reading; nobody else sounded familiar with any of it.) There was a three-page memo from the town summarizing them. 

Highlights from the meeting:
- Interestingly, Bissanti opened the meeting by stressing rules of procedure and an unwillingness to permit personal or professional attacks. Not sure what THAT was about. 

- Vallee is disappointed in the response to the RFPs, referring to it as an "ideal parcel" to have only 3 proposals. He seemed to take 'the process' to task for not getting the word out enough, and suggested that he wanted to try to get more proposals. 

- Bissanti, again, brought up the specter of the anaerobic digester, which he, again, pointed out he had opposed. This was to warn us that these proposals were pretty good. 

- The Planning Board rep spent most of the meeting critiquing the solar proposals and insinuating that, if anything, the Baystone bid was waysuperawesomer than anything else. (I'm sorry, but I can't un-type that now.) 

- Bissanti, again, insinuated that everyone "but these seven people in the audience" were basically seen as in favor of whatever the council decides.

Town of Franklin photo of the Pond St property

When the RFP responses are posted to the Town webpage, I'll share the links. It is likely they will be posted to the same page where the other info on the Pond St property is found.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Planning/pondrfp

"the human cost of operating a farm in a culture of cheap food" (video)

There are three local farms in Franklin: Grateful Farms, Ak-Bak and Hoffman Farms. Scenes from their locations could fit in this film. #shopFranklin and shop local when you visit the Farmers Market on Friday!


Seedlight Pictures premieres a new film:

GROWING LOCAL—A mid-length film in three parts that explores the growing pains of the local food movement and the uncertain fate of the farmers and farmland that keep it alive.

The locavore movement is old news. Growing Local takes the conversation to the next level. While "buying local" is on the rise, these three poignant vignettes make clear that small farms and access to locally produced food is not a sure thing. 

In Growing Local, we meet father and son organic dairy farmers struggling with the realities of producing a commodity food product to keep their farm going and in the family, we follow an artisanal butcher who helps us understand how healthy, thoughtful meat production can be supported and sustained, and the series closes with the story of a young farm couple who, on risky sweat-equity, have revitalized a fertile piece of farmland into a thriving community food hub. These stories help us to better understand the interconnected fates of farmers and farmland, consumers and the local food movement.

Growing Local (Trailer) from Seedlight Pictures on Vimeo.

Artist Bridget Besaw talks about the Making of Growing Local

"We’ve made a series about small farms and the uncertain fate of the local food movement. The challenge of this series was weaving together three separate but connected stories to create a coherent narrative about local food and local farms. Our goal was to craft a project that will help fellow Mainers, and hopefully others around the country, better understand the agrarian landscape surrounding us and the important role it plays in growing community as well as food. We hope to inspire viewers to actively seek out local foods for their own health, the health of their communities and that of the planet."

Continue reading what Bridget says about the film here
http://www.growinglocalfilms.org/about-the-series/artists-statement/

For more about "Growing Local" check their webpage  http://www.growinglocalfilms.org/

hat tip to Sarah Mabadry for finding this piece to share

2015 Whatever Theater Festival performs at the Franklin Cultural Festival

The 2015 Whatever Theater Festival will feature a production of Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin Town Common and a series of one-act plays staged at THE BLACK BOX. 

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present the Whatever Theater Festival from July 29 - August 1, with performances offered free to the public.

Wednesday, July 29, 8:30 pm - One-Act Plays staged at THE BLACK BOX

Thursday, July 30, 7:30 pm - Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin Town Common

Friday, July 31, 7:30 pm - Shakespeare's Henry IV (Part 1) on Franklin Town Common

Saturday, August 1, 8:30 pm - One-Act Plays staged at THE BLACK BOX

arts happen here - Franklin Cultural Festival

This year’s Whatever Theater Festival will be part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, hosted by the Franklin Cultural District Committee. 

The visual, performing and culinary arts celebration will take place at various downtown Franklin locations within the proposed Cultural District from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2. 

FPAC’s Whatever Theater Festival is sponsored in part by grants from the Franklin and Norfolk Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, call (508) 528-3370.

For more information on the Franklin Cultural Festival visit www.franklinsculturalfestival.org.

In the News: Grant received, Pond St proposals

After applying jointly for Community Development Block Grants from the state Department of Housing and Economic Development, the towns of Bellingham, Franklin and Hopedale were awarded a total of $894,082 for housing rehabilitation and a fuel assistance program. 

The Baker-Polito Administration announced 33 grants totaling $26 million to 65 communities Wednesday. 

The federally-funded grants will help cities and towns provide housing, infrastructure improvements, childcare vouchers and other services, a press release said.

Continue to read the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150715/NEWS/150717728/1994/NEWS


The grant was applied for in early 2014 and reported on here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/questions-were-raised-answers-sought.html

and here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/01/150-emmons-st-sold-pond-st-parcel-re.html

The town is vetting three potential developments proposed for more than 30 acres of land on Pond Street that officials have been trying to sell for at least a decade. 

Two developers proposed solar farms for the property near Interstate 495, and the third submitted a commercial project with 85 condominiums and 14,000 square feet of office and retail space. 

The town’s Department of Planning and Community Development received the proposals July 9.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150716/NEWS/150717691/1994/NEWS

THE BLACK BOX: Mark Poniatowski Situation - July 17

Enjoy a cool summer night out at THE BLACK BOX as Jazz in July welcomes The Mark Poniatowski Situation Friday, July 17, 2015 8:00 PM THE BLACK BOX is pleased to present The Mark Poniatowski Situation, led by bassist, composer and arranger Mark Poniatowski, with Robert Gallegos on trumpet, Jon Garniss on trombone, Kenny Hadley on drums, Joe Mulholland on piano and Jared Sims on saxophone. The Mark Poniatowski Situation released a self-titled CD of jazz instrumentals composed and arranged by Poniatowski in 2010. An associate professor in the Contemporary Writing and Production department at Berklee College of Music, Mark Poniatowski's extensive experience includes performances with the Bruce Katz Band, Toni Lynn Washington Band, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Soul Kitchen, Floyd Dixon, Sid Caesar, Rita Moreno, Bob Newhart, Junior Watson, Janiva Magness and Kid Ramos. Click link below to purchase tickets online https://www.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=5195bd3307096b7e3e5ff89eafb6c516 Tickets will also be available at the door Cash Bar for Beer and Wine

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668

Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173


View as a web page.

Franklin Library: Book Sale - Sat - Sun July 18-19

This is the weekend for the monthly Franklin Library Book Sale. 

The standard schedule applies; books for sale on Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 PM. 

Books by the bag for sale on Sunday from 9:00 AM to noon.

Franklin Library - Book Sale

This was shared from the Franklin Library page:
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/library-book-sale.html

"how to handle a growing number of “sexting” cases"

At the State House Tuesday, Roy and Reilly, joined by a Bridgewater State University psychology professor, testified before the Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill. According to Roy, the legislation would not hinder legitimate child pornography investigations, but rather establish an important, potentially life-altering distinction between child porn and sexting among teens. 

“This bill would set up a new section of the statute to give police officers and prosecutors more tools to curb this behavior,” Roy said. 

Filed earlier this year, H.1567, An Act Relative to Transmitting Indecent Visual Depictions by Teens, has found supporters beyond the Legislature, including in law enforcement and academics. One letter of support came all the way from a professor at the University of Colorado. 

The bill, Roy said, protects minors who participate in sexting as long as they do so consensually. Instead of a felony, 15- to 19-year-olds convicted of sexting would have to enter a mandatory diversion program; other penalties range from a civil fine to community service.

Read the full article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150714/NEWS/150718263/1994/NEWS

Would a wheelchair fit here?

One of the reported benefits of the Downtown Project is to make getting around town easier. Traffic calming cross walks will be installed along Main St to make it easier for the Dean students to cross and to make it easier for drivers to slow down for the cross walk.

Based upon the placement of the new utility poles, handicap access according to ADA requirements was left out of the planning process. These are a couple of photos from Sunday's walk along Main St. I have several more with similar situations present along West Central.

eventually take away the 'old' pole on the right

and same here, take away the old pole on the right

Assuming the 'old' pole is removed, does that leave enough space for a wheelchair or stroller to get by?

Dinner Show and Fundraiser - August 27

Dinner Show and Fundraiser

Hosted by the Committee to Elect Diane Padula-O’Neill for Town Clerk

Featuring Las Vegas Headliner Singing Comedy Impressionist

SCOTT RECORD

And Professional Singing Sensation

TONY DALE

Thursday, August 27, 2015

The Elks Hall 

1077 Pond Street 

Franklin, MA

For tickets and more information call: 508-528-0315

Food and Entertainment $30.00/pp
Suggested contributions:  $25, $50, $100

• Doors Open and Cash Bar @ 5:30 PM
• Dinner Buffet @ 6:30 PM
• Showtime @ 7:30 PM

Make personal checks payable to:

CTE Diane Padula-O’Neill
3 Lincolnwood Drive
Franklin, MA 02038

Visit our website: www.dianepadulaoneill.com
or email: ctedianepadulaoneill@gmail.com

Senator Spilka: Lifting All Families in the FY 2016 Budget

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Legislature Passes Budget to Lift All Families Dear Friend, Last week, the legislature sent a $­38.145 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2016 to the Governor's desk. I'm proud that my first budget as Chair of Senate Ways and Means lifts all families. These budget line items are so much more than just numbers - they represent values, priorities and meaningful tools for people across MetroWest and the Commonwealth. We invest in the future, strengthening pathways to educational opportunity from early ed through college and workforce training. We provide assistance for those struggling with opioid addiction and help people find stable housing solutions.  The Earned Income Tax Credit increase is a big step to address rising income inequality and put more money in the pockets of hard-working families. Thank you to advocates and constituents across MetroWest and the Commonwealth for making your voices heard on your priorities throughout the budget process! This is my new e-newsletter - stay tuned for more details and updates. Please feel free to share with family, friends and colleagues by clicking on the "Forward to a Friend" link at the bottom of this email.   As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov. Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Forward this email Senator Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 212 | Boston | MA | 02133

Pond St RFP's responses to be reviewed

The next Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for Weds, July 15th at 6:00 PM. The meeting will review and discuss the responses to the RFP that was issued for the Pond St property and due to be submitted to Franklin as of July 9th.

At the Town Council meeting on Weds, July 8th, there had been at least one response submitted for solar. Reported to be from the same company that did the solar farm for the Mount St Mary's property. Franklin has an agreement with the solar farm there to purchase the electricity which effectively provides about 80% of Franklin's municipal requirements.

The meeting was discussed as being held in the Council Chambers as the 3rd floor training was unavailable. According to the Franklin calendar, the meeting will be held in the 3rd floor training room so something may have changed.

In any case, I do know the date and time of the meeting at the Municipal building. Worse case we show up to find out what room it is in.

Franklin Municipal Building

Regency Transportation to move "The Wall That Heals"

Franklin trucking company Regency Transportation was selected for involvement with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in transporting “The Wall That Heals,” a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

The memorial, unveiled in 1996, was designed to travel, and has visited more than 400 cities and towns in the U.S. 

Regency Transportation driver Gordon Rogers, a Marine Corp veteran, will move the memorial from Fuller Elementary School in Gloucester, where it is currently on display, to Staunton, Virginia. 

For more information, visit vvmf.org/twth.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150713/NEWS/150718959/1994/NEWS

"The Wall That Heals"

Rail Good Coffee - open from 5:00 to 11:00 AM Monday through Friday

An update to my post from June 26th, the hours that Rail Good Coffee operate were posted to the window when I went by on Monday morning.

Rail Good Coffee hours Mon - Fri

When getting ready to catch the inbound train Thursday morning, I noticed that the doors to the building were open. This had been closed up for a bit after The Cake Bar and Cafe Dolce both gave it a good try. 

They were indeed open. It had just opened earlier that morning. Newspapers had not yet started delivery but were scheduled. Train tickets can be purchased. The menu board had a listing of prices for coffee, etc. 

Stop in to talk with Randy. Buy a coffee before your ride into Boston the next time you go.

menu board at Rail Good Coffee

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/06/rail-good-coffee-now-open-at.html

Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew"

The best way to experience Shakespeare is to see a performance in person. To see an outdoor performance is an opportunity that is just around the corner for folks here in Franklin.

The Star Players of MA is collaborating with Dean College to perform "The Taming of the Shrew" in the open on the Dean quad.

This free performance is scheduled for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the Franklin Cultural Festival kicks off.

• Friday, July 24 - 7:00 PM 
• Saturday, July 25 - 7:00 PM 
• Sunday, July 26 - 2:00 PM

Star Players and Dean College perform Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew"

In case of the rain, the performance will move inside to the Chapel in Dean Hall.

For a quick recap of "The Taming of the Shrew" check the wikipedia entry here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Taming_of_the_Shrew

Parmenter Bird House (photo essay)

Saturday's walk gave me a great chance to capture some photos of the new bird house  put in at the entrance to the Parmenter Nature Walk.

One weekend in June, I happened upon a group of parents and 5th graders working to clean up the trail and to prepare for the installation of the bird house.

entrance to Parmenter Nature Trail (bird house now in its own circle of stones to the left of the trail)

The bird house was supposed to be installed that Monday but the weather (rain) prevented that, time went by, it did get installed (sometime) and I finally did get to take some photos (on Saturday).

The group posed for a photo after their trail clean up work (thanks to Mary Jo Peterson for sharing)

The group posed for a photo (thanks to Mary Jo Peterson for sharing)

The bird feeder

front view

memorial plaque

one side view

other side view

full size  view

Photos of the Story Walk from October 2010 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157625155278049/

Note: The "Story Walk" is no longer but the trail is what was recently cleaned up

Photos of the Nature Trail from 2008 can be found here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157606926154439/