Register O'Donnell Reports on November 2015 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on November 2015 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported increased property sales and mortgage activity for the month of November 2015, but also noted that some statistics were driven by dramatic swings in average real estate price and mortgage indebtedness due to several major commercial sales across the county. Register O'Donnell noted, "The month of November saw a solid 14% increase in the number of land documents recorded compared to the same time period in 2014. In addition, the total number of deeds recorded increased 15%. 1,395 deeds were recorded in November compared to 1,208 in November 2014. This is an indication that the market in Norfolk County remains quite robust as we head to the end of the calendar year." While the number of real estate transactions increased, the total volume of commercial and residential sales in Norfolk County fell 32% coming in at $644 million. Also, the average sales price of commercial and residential property fell 41% to $750,673. "A valid question is how we can have solid increases in transaction numbers, but at the same time show significant decreases in total volume and average sale price. The primary answer was a property transaction that took place in Weymouth in November 2014, the sale of the Fore River Energy Center for $265 million," noted the Register. The mortgage market for the month of November 2015 showed both increases in recordings and a significant increase in total mortgage indebtedness. "The total number of mortgages recorded in November 2015 rose 11% to 2,325 compared to the same time period in 2014. This tells us a combination of low interest rates and a strong economy in eastern Massachusetts are resulting in consumers willing to borrow money to pay for critical expenditures such as housing and education costs," noted Register O'Donnell. November 2015 also saw an enormous 196% increase in total mortgage indebtedness coming in at approximately $2.38 billion. "This increase is explained by 3 separate $550 million commercial mortgages that were recorded against property in Weymouth, Walpole and Plainville," noted the Register. In November, Homestead recordings increased by 11%. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Details on the Homestead Act can be found on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. I urge homeowners to consider this vital protection." A total of 24 foreclosure deeds were recorded last month compared to 15 filings in November 2014, a 60% increase. Register O'Donnell noted, "Lending institutions continue to work at clearing a backlog of mortgages stemming from the economic 2008 downturn. More troubling is the increase in Notice to Foreclose Mortgage, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 86 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings were filed in November compared to 63 in November 2014. This is a clear indication that while our economy is strong, many people continue to face economic challenges." The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs and Neighbor Works Southern Mass to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option for homeowners facing challenges meeting their monthly payments is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program." Register O'Donnell concluded, "Reviewing the Norfolk County real estate statistics for the month of November 2015, I am struck by the solid increases in real estate sales and mortgage activity. This is clear evidence that the overall real estate market in Norfolk County remains on the right path. While there is no reason that we cannot continue on this path, there are a few variables that need to be considered. A rumored interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve has the potential to reduce consumer confidence. I am optimistic the overall health of our economy in eastern Massachusetts will allow us to weather any negative actions." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831 screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

Franklin TV: It Takes a Village

This week on "It Takes a Village...".  Judy Giovangelo shares her son Ben's story.  Tragically, Ben took his own life when the struggles of adolescence were more than he could bear.  

Ben Speaks

Through her foundation, Ben Speaks.., Judy wants to help young people and their parents understand how to build  resilience and the insight to get through the tough times.  Ben was a creative and sensitive young man.  We can all learn from his story.

• Tuesday 9:00 a.m.
• Wed.     7:30 a.m.
• Sat.       8:30 p.m.

Comcast - Channel 8

Verizon -   Channel 26

Franklin TV

For additional times to view this show, check the show guide updated weekly
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Franklin Downtown Partnership Holiday Stroll: Thank You and Photos to Share

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com A Frosty and Fun Time at the Holiday Stroll Thursday's Holiday Stroll was seasonably chilly and bright as Franklin kicked off this festive time of year with a tree lighting ceremony on Dean College's campus common. Strollers were treated to entertainment by Franklin musicians, crafts, shopping options from local businesses, sweets and warm beverages, and appearances by Santa, Mrs. Claus, Post Mark the North Pole Postman, Snow White and the Seven Elves, and Boomer. Thanks to the crowds who came out to enjoy the evening. Thank you DPW and Franklin Police Department for their hard work. Thank you, too, to Dean College for organizing hot chocolate, the carolers and the tree lighting! Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event a success. And, last but not least, thank you to event organizers Roberta Trahan and Gregg Chalk.  Gold Sponsors DCU, Dean Bank and Dean College Silver Sponsors Franklin Ford, Keefe Insurance and Franklin Local Town Pages Bronze Sponsors Beaux Regards Photographic Arts by Marjorie Sardella, Franklin Health & Rehabilitation Center, Jane's Frames, NEWPRO and Next Step Living. Check out more photos in the slideshow at the top right side of the website and on our Facebook page! Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org Connect with us:

Forward this email Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St. | Franklin | MA | 02038

FHS representatives on Hockomock Sports Soccer Awards; Victoria Stowell 'player of the year'

Catching up to the news shared from Hockomock Sports where they announced their soccer awards for the boys and girls 2015 season. The earlier awards announced were those voted on by the coaches in each fall sport.

Girls Soccer

PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Victoria Stowell

Victoria Stowell - Hockomock Girls Soccer Player of the Year - 2015 (Hockomock Sports photo)

Franklin senior C. The midfielder was instrumental in the Panthers unbeaten regular season, in which they allowed only a single goal against, and sixth consecutive Kelley-Rex Division title. She was named a Hockomock All-Star by the league’s coaches. 

Stowell finished the regular season with seven goals and 17 assists, many of them in Franklin’s biggest games including three goals in two games against division rival Mansfield and an “Olimpico” off a corner kick in the opening playoff game against Walpole.

Continue reading the highlights on Victoria here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2015-2/


2015 HOCKOMOCKSPORTS BEST XI

F – ALEXIS STOWELL, FRANKLIN 

M – VICTORIA STOWELL, FRANKLIN 

D – MEGHAN DIETERLE, FRANKLIN 

GK – DANI LONATI, FRANKLIN

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM 2ND XI

D – Lauren Rudolph, Franklin

For the complete listing 
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/girls-soccer/2015-2/

Boys Soccer

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM 2ND XI

M – Austin Kent, Franklin
D – Dan Geraci, Franklin

For the complete listing 
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2015-2/

FHS representatives on Hockomock Sports Volleyball and Field Hockey Awards

From Hockomock Sports we share the listing of the FHS players on the Volleyball and Field Hockey Award teams. Catching up to this posting from Hockomock Sports on their awards. The earlier awards announced were those voted by the coaches in each fall sport.

Volleyball

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Dayna McCue, Franklin


HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM THIRD TEAM

Caroline Maguire, Franklin
Beth Neal, Franklin

FHS Panthers

For the full listing
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/volleyball/2015-2/

Field Hockey

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM FIRST TEAM

Taylor Reutlinger, Franklin
G – Sam Jones, Franklin

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND TEAM TEAM

Kenzi Pleshaw, Franklin
Annie Walsh, Franklin


UNDERCLASSMAN OF THE YEAR

Annie Walsh, Franklin

In her freshman campaign, Walsh netted nine goals and had seven assists. Walsh had four game-winning goals for the Panthers, who only lost three games all season.

For the full listing for Field Hockey
http://www.hockomocksports.com/awards/field-hockey/2015-2/

Business After Hours at Sally's Alley - Dec 8th

Join the Franklin Downtown Partnership for a 

Business After Hours event! 

*** Networking, connections, music and appetizers ***

Date:    Tuesday, December 8
Time:    5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Place:   Sally's Alley at Franklin Village Mall

Come in and take a look at our fabulous window treatments, enjoy some music, and share some hors d'oeuvres from The Alumni Restaurant and Wine from Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits. Networking from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. -- Sally Alexander, owner Sally's Alley.

Sally's Alley

Please RSVP so we know how many people to accommodate:  

• Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com, 
• or Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu,
• or Sally Alexander, salexander.sallysalley@gmail.com.

   
This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/11/business-after-hours-is-december-8.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 8, 2015 - 5:30 PM

Yes, this meeting is happening on Tuesday, Dec 8 and scheduled to start at 5:30 PM. The School Committee meets at 7:00 in the same room (Council Chambers) so this will be done in time. The SAFE Coalition meeting is also at 7:00 PM at Franklin High School.


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
–November 12, 2015, November 18, 2014

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

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS 

• Appointment of Vice-Chair of the Town Council
• Appointment of Town Council Sub Committees
• Joint Appointment of Alternate Planning Board Member

F. HEARINGS 

1. FY 2016 EPA Brownfields Clean-up Grant Application – 5:30 PM
2. Tax Classification Hearing –5:40 PM

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-76: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Factor
2. Resolution 15-77: Classification Tax Allocation – Open Space Exemption
3. Resolution 15-78: Classification Tax Allocation – Small Business Exemption
4. Resolution 15-79: Classification Tax Allocation – Residential Property Exemption
5. Resolution 15-80: 2015 Town Council Schedule
6. Resolution 15-81: Legal Notices
7. Resolution 15-82: Acceptance of Gift – Franklin Fire Dept.
8. Resolution 15-83: Authorizing Application to EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant Application for 87 Grove Street, Map 276, Lot 22

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
– Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

Franklin Municipal Building - 355 East Central St

The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/12082015.pdf

"Save Kingsbury Pond" petition underway

From the Change.org petition:

"Kingsbury Pond is located in the northwest corner of Norfolk, MA and was once considered a 26 acre Great Pond of Massachusetts. In 1964, the town of Norfolk gave Franklin a piece of land approx 3000 yards from Kingsbury Pond, allowing Franklin to drill a well to supplement their water supply. 

Since that day, Kingsbury Pond's water levels have steadily began to drop. Studies performed over the last 40 years show the direct impact Franklin's well has had on Kingsbury Pond. 

Local pond residents have been fighting the battle to reduce Franklin's pumping from this well for decades, but Franklin's ever growing population and their need for drinking water has forced most pond residents to give up hope. 

Kingsbury Pond, Norfolk

In 2015, Kingsbury Pond has shrunk to unthinkable levels. What was once a 26 acre pond is now a disgraceful puddle. If this issue is not immediately addressed, there's a chance the aquifer beneath Kingsbury will never be given the chance to recharge and could potentially be gone forever. 

We need your help to show the elected officials in the town and the state that this is no longer acceptable. Something needs to change or this once amazing pond will be a distant memory. Whether you live in the Kingsbury Pond area or not, we need your help. 

What we are witnessing is a horrible shame. Please sign our petition and show our elected officials that the residents of Norfolk and the surrounding towns care about this once beautiful body of water. 

If you're interested, we also invite you to LIKE our Facebook page called Save Kingsbury Pond. 

We need your support. Thank you"

The full petition site can be found here
https://www.change.org/p/town-of-norfolk-stop-the-draining-of-kingsbury-pond-in-norfolk-ma?source_location=petition_footer&algorithm=promoted&grid_position=2

Where is Kingsbury Pond?

Did you sign the "No Spectra" petition?

The Greater Franklin Node 350 Mass is only 128 signatures from reaching 500. Would you reattach the No Spectra pipeline petition link onto Franklin Matters again? 

I have 17 lawn signs up in Franklin and I have 50 more that will be up between now and spring. Our website is Nospectrama.org

No Spectra sign in Franklin

The petition link is
https://www.change.org/p/jeffrey-roy-karen-spilka-richard-ross-stop-the-spectra-energy-pipeline-from-going-through-franklin-ma-we-don-t-need-or-want-it