Jeff Nutting's Letter to the Town Council - Housing Growth Summary

Lately, I have been approached by landowners/developers (L/D) seeking my opinion on whether the Town will provide a zoning change so they can develop their land into Condos, Apartments and Zone 7 (which allows 4 times the density of Rural Residential zoning). All the requests require a zoning change for the L/D. While a project may offer some benefit, it is the Town Council that needs to decide on zoning and the pace of development you want for Franklin.

The Town Council adopted an updated Master Plan in 2013 as a road map to continued improvements for the citizens of Franklin. The plan covered a wide range of topics many which the Council have embraced to date, most notably zoning changes, sidewalk construction, as well as open space /recreation issues.

Currently, the economy seems to be in good shape and the demand for housing in Franklin is higher than it has been in a long time. You will recall the tremendous growth of the 1990's and the various steps Town Council took to reign in the growth. They rezoned residential land to industrial land, adopted over-55 housing, bought open space when available, adopt the water and sewer extension bylaws, a growth control bylaw, the so-called circle bylaw, etc. Further, the Council voted for an impact fee on new homes that was rejected by the Court. All the efforts to control development happened after the spike in housing production of the mid- 1990's and the fast growth created problems that we are still dealing with today. Housing starts continued in the early 2000's at a slower pace and then the recession of 2008 reduced development further.

In review, dwelling units created in the last five years by the Building Commissioner reports the following dwelling units:

• 2011 - 20 units
• 2012 - 57 units
• 2013 - 48 units
• 2014 - 47 units
• 2015 - 38 units

This does not count the two developments on King Street and East Central Street with a total of over 250 units for elderly citizens.

Since 2012, we are averaging about 48 units a year. This seems to be a reasonable and steady growth. Franklin is now at a crossroad again concerning proposed dwelling units. Currently, there are over 800 units in various stages of development.

Under Construction (Various Stages)

• Weston Woods - 40B Apartments - 280
• Lorraine Metcalf – Subdivision - 4
• Cooks Farm - Condos  - 55
• Lincoln Street - Subdivision - 9
• County Side Estates - Subdivision - 8
• Franklin Heights - Condos - 7
• Winter Gardens- Subdivision - 5

Approved

• Uncas Ave - Subdivision - 18
• Upper Union Street - Subdivision - 7
• East Central Street - Apts. - 7
• Chestnut Street - Over 55 - 10

Before Planning Board

• Maple Street - Subdivision 10

In the Works

• Madeline Village -  40B  =  30-40 Decision by ZBA by end of year  
• Pond Street  - Condos  =  96 Expects to file prior to end of year
• At the end of Dean Ave - Apartments = 250 - Expects to file prior to the end of year
• West Central Street - Condos =  30 ?? Recently rezoned 
• Others units that are currently approved = 20 +/-  or under construction

Total possible Dwelling Units 800 +/-


While not all of these units will be constructed at once, we could see well over 600 units in the next 3 years. Further, we do not know how many other "as of right" dwelling units may be proposed in the next couple of years.

The housing development speaks well to Franklin's quality of life and all the improvements that have happen over the last 15 years under the leadership of the various Town Councils that make Franklin a desirable community to live.

Does the Town Council want to maintain the zoning plan adopted in the Master Plan or make changes to the plan? Providing a clear message to L/D's makes a lot more sense than dealing with zoning on a case-by-case basis. It is hard to say yes to one person and no to the next if you do not have an overall game plan.

I suggest this topic be put on a Council agenda or workshop in the near future. I am happy to answer any questions.

Jeff Nutting

new Cook's Farm being built under the Residential 7 bylaw on RT 140

• Additional info is contained in the full PDF

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/October%2019,%202016/R7%20HANDOUTS%201%20AND%202.pdf

Franklin Town Council to consider proposal for Rural 7 zoning expansion

The Town Council has a rather full agenda scheduled for the meeting on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016. The public hearing for the proposed "rural business zone" is scheduled. There are 6 separate bylaw amendments that need to be consider together to put this proposal in effect.

The documents for the rural business zone can be summarized here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/October%2019,%202016/Hearing.pdf

and found here http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F90D5-000F8513


Also on the agenda for the meeting is a discussion on a proposal to rezone a parcel along Summer St from R 1 to R 7. The proposal would enable the property to be developed for four times the units allowed for R 1. The proposal would also require approval for a sewer extension.

The proposal documents outline the current buildings under construction and the 800+ units already approved to build.

• The associated documents for this Town Council discussion item

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/October%2019,%202016/R7%20HANDOUTS%201%20AND%202.pdf

• The 2013 Master Plan as referenced can be found here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczRVFxM1hsemUzb2c/view?usp=sharing

The Cook's Farm development which was approved as the initial R 7 development

The Cook's Farm development which was approved as the initial R 7 development. Located at the entrance to Franklin on RT 140 coming in from Norfolk near the Franklin Country Club.

• The full Town Council agenda can be found here

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-19.html

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club: meeting and craft fair scheduled

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club welcomes you to our next monthly meeting. On Wednesday, November 9th we are hosting Susan Nicholl, Executive Director of the MetroWest Visitors Bureau.

We invite any resident of Franklin, or a surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, to join us at "3" Restaurant, 461 West Central Street, Franklin. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.  

We meet upstairs at 7:30 pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We run September through May but hold many other casual events to stay connected throughout the year.

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club

CRAFT FAIR ANNOUNCEMENT

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is proud to announce our upcoming 43rd Annual Franklin Newcomers and Friends Craft Fair is coming up. It will be held on Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, at the Tri-County Regional Vocational High School in Franklin. 

Our craft fair is a tradition for the Town of Franklin and several local charities benefit from the funds raised by this annual event. Admission is $3, children are free. We are accepting donations of non-perishable items for the Franklin Food Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at the entrance.

For more information visit www.franklinnewcomers.com.

FHS Cross Country Results from the McIntyre Twilight Invitational

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS cross country results from Saturday, Oct 15


BOYS

Division 1
Teams
1. Wellesley – 47
8. Attleboro – 315
12. North Attleboro – 411
17. Franklin – 493
18. Sharon – 531
19. Mansfield – 551
22. Taunton – 587
24. Stoughton – 661
27. King Philip – 682


Results
1. Ben Kovacs, Saint John’s – 15:20.11

47. Tyler Marchioni, Franklin – 16:50.29
68. Everett Henderson, Franklin – 17:07.73
128. Kyle Stevens, Franklin – 17:51.24
144. Hayden Goldsmith, Franklin – 18:03.60
150. Nicholas Gnaman, Franklin – 18:07.62
199. Zachary Siders, Franklin – 18:58.25
206. Owen McKenna, Franklin – 19:06.01


GIRLS

Division 1
Teams
1. Hopkinton – 123
10. Franklin – 292
11. North Attleboro – 295
14. Sharon – 386
20. King Philip – 473
24. Attleboro – 660

Results

FHS Panthers

1. Clare Morgan, Newton South – 17:45.50

3. Nicole Clermont, Franklin – 18:24.49
15. Katherine Hartnett, Franklin – 19:17.15
71. Ella Gutkowski, Franklin – 20:34.17
101. Brianna Cummings, Franklin – 21:04.78
118. Kyra Siano, Franklin – 21:26.23
152. Molly Houlihan, Franklin – 22:18.98
157. Hanna Cunniff, Franklin – 22:23.39
196. Erin Barry, Franklin – 23:52.87


For the complete set of Hockomock results
https://hockomocksports.com/hockomock-results-from-cm-twilight-invitationals/

Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Registry of Deeds Internet Research Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell is providing a friendly reminder to consumers that you don't have to spend time and money to drive to the Registry to view land records since they are available online via the Registry's internet-based document research system at www.norfolkdeeds.org. "Consumers can see up to 6,000,000 scanned land document images dating back to the founding of Norfolk County in 1793. These documents are available via our internet-based document research system. "Providing secure, accurate and accessible land record information, coupled with our on-site customer service center, is critical to our success at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds," said Register O'Donnell. Elaborating on the Registry's research capabilities, O'Donnell said, "Land record information can be researched by multiple options, including the name of the property owner and property address. Consumers can access our internet-based document research system for many endeavors such as, to determine property ownership, to research land titles, to review land plans (not plot plans which are not recorded at the Registry) and finally to confirm that documents affecting a person's property - such as mortgage discharges - have been duly recorded." The Registry's website also provides information on how to obtain copies of land documents. The Registry copy charges are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry. Norfolk County residents and businesses deserve a Registry of Deeds that provides them with access to land record information in an easily accessible and consumer friendly manner. The Registry website www.norfolkdeeds.org does that by bringing the Registry records into your homes and businesses." 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 and/or Instagram.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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Doggie Tales returns to the Library on Wednesday, Oct 19

Doggie Tales returns to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday, Oct 19. This will be held at the temporary location, 25 Kenwood Circle.

Doggie Tales returns to the Library on Wednesday, Oct 19

This was shared from the Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/10/doggie-tales-wednesday-october-19-630-pm.html

"We're in control of the situation"

"The town has gone out to bid for energy suppliers, looking to put into motion a plan that could save money for local electricity customers. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the state Department of Public Utilities has approved Franklin's municipal aggregation plan, which has the town seeking alternative suppliers and, hopefully, lower rates for its residents. He said the bidding process began on Oct. 7, and the town hopes to have preliminary pricing within the next few days. 

"(This) week is where the rubber meets the road," he said. "We'll see if there are savings, and what the savings might be."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161016/franklin-goes-out-to-bid-for-power

• Related posts

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/municipal-aggregation-program.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/in-news-national-grid-gets-rate-increase.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

cover page of presentation to Town Council on Aggregation Program

Voter information - What is early voting? (video)

Watch Town Clerk Teresa Burr and Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discuss the 2016 Presidential election, new laws regarding early voting, and other aspects of the upcoming election.

Polikseni Manxhari leads the discussion to answer the following questions 

• What the difference is between absentee voting and early voting? 

Absentee voting applies to those who will be out of town or unable to get to the polling place on November 8. Early voting is open to all registered voters. Early voting will take place at the Town Clerk's office beginning Oct 24, 2016.

• Where do I vote? 

Early voting will take place at the Town Clerk's office from Oct 24 to Nov 4 and voting on November 8 will be at Franklin High School

• What is the last day to register to vote?

Wednesday, October 19


Watch the video to hear other questions answered



For additional information on the November 8, 2016 election, visit the "Election Collection"  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/election-collection-2016.html.   Information will be added to this page as the election and voting information becomes available

the mailing with information on the Nov 8 election and ballot questions

Franklin Library: Get Organized with Marilyn Cruickshank - Oct 18

Declutter, Simplify, Get Organized with Marilyn Cruickshank, Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 p.m.

"Marilyn brings her passion for organizing, strong listening skills, easygoing manner, and love of orderly surroundings to Creative Simplicity. Her background in education and museum work sharpened her already strong organizational skills by honing her attention to detail, design sense, creativity, and ability to break projects down into simple, doable steps."

Declutter, Simplify, Get Organized with Marilyn Cruickshank, Tuesday, October 18

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/10/declutter-simplify-get-organized-with.html

For more about Marilyn and her 'creative simplicity' approach visit her webpage
http://csimplicity.com/

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Oct 19, 2016

The agenda for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday is shown in the embedded PDF file below. 

Note, the associated documents for each of the agenda items are linked. Follow the underlined links to review each document.

downtown triangle in the rain

You can also find this document on the Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024F90D5-000F8513

(Note Franklin is changing their website and this link will not be valid after about 10/20/16). My Google doc link will be good however.)

Proposal to ban plastic bags for retail sales scheduled for 1st review by Town Council - Oct 19

The plastic bag proposal is up for the Town Council consideration on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2016.

You can review the full bylaw language here (PDF embedded)

Note: there are two hearing in the bylaw approval process. This is the first scheduled hearing. The motion would be to move this to a second hearing or to make changes and move it. At the second hearing, the voting would be for the final approval or rejection.





The proposal was presented by FHS students at the Sep 27, 2016 meeting. You can find the meeting summary and a link to their presentation document here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/town-council-recognizes-helen-huang-and.html

some of the FHS students making the plastic bag ban proposal to the Town Council

Ford Hall Forum presents "Questions on Question 2" - Oct 20

Register for the next Ford Hall Forum event! Join the conversation on Thursday... Moderator Mike Deehan Questions on Question 2: Charter Schools Co-Presented with New Leaders Council - Boston and City Awake In November, Massachusetts voters will decide on Question 2, which would authorize up to 12 new charter schools each year across the state. Priority would be given to proposed charter schools in public school districts that are in the bottom quarter in terms of performance.  Come hear two supporters of Question 2 -- Shane Dunn of Great Schools Massachusetts and Thabiti Brown of Codman Academy -- and two detractors -- Tito Jackson of the Boston City Council and Harneen Chernow formerly of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education --along with moderator Mike Deehan and decide on your vote! THURSDAY, October 20, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Modern Theatre, 525 Wahsington St., Boston Yaron Brook Register now for upcoming forums! 11/14:  Is Equality Fair? A Debate. Ayn Rand Institute's Yaron Brook will be selling his latest book, Equal Is Unfair Visit www.fordhallforum.org to register for a forum All forums are FREE and open to the public, and accept walk-ins   Seating is "First Come, First Served"   Ford Hall Forum members receive priority seating at every forum   Registering does not save you a seat. It only tells us how many attendees to expect.   If you register online, you do not have to sign in when you arrive Ford Hall Forum at Suffolk University | 41 Temple St., Boston, MA 02114 | (617) 305-6316 | jbonardi@fordhallforum.org | www.fordhallforum.org

Suffolk University, College of Arts and Sciences, 41 Temple Street, Boston, MA 02114-4280 Sent by jlbonardi@suffolk.edu in collaboration with Try it free today

If you miss making it to the event, they are usually good about posting a video of the event shortly after to their Youtube channel -->> https://www.youtube.com/user/fordhallforum1908

I'll share the link as soon as it is available

Open Forum on school Dress Code and two Coffee Hours scheduled

In line with the Franklin Public Schools School Committee’s mission of improving communication with the citizens of our community, we will be hosting a series of meetings over the next few months:

*** The Policy Subcommittee is hosting an open forum about the Dress Code Policy. Several citizens came forward to express concern and have provided thoughtful points of view for consideration. We welcome your input and hope you will join us on:

• October 29, 9:00 a.m. Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Third-Floor Training Room

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street

*** The Community Relations Subcommittee will be hosting two coffee hours at our town’s state- of- the- art new television (and radio) studio. We welcome feedback on the hiring of the new superintendent, budget and policy issues. Issues, concerns brought forth at these meetings are brought to the attention of the superintendent and will often appear as agenda items on upcoming school committee meetings. Please join us on:

• Wednesday, November 9, 6:30 P.M.
• Saturday, December 3, 9:00 A.M.

Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street.

Franklin Public Access Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street

All of society benefits when public schools are strong. The interest and support of the community is vital in our effort to provide the very best education we can for all of our students.

FHS tops Sharon in girls soccer, volleyball and field hockey

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Friday, Oct 14

*** Football = Franklin, 7 @ Mansfield, 42 – Final

1st Quarter: (M) Conor Driscoll 25 yard interception return, Diogo DeSousa XP good; (M) Anthony DeGirolamo 61 yard pass to Kristian Connor, D. DeSousa XP good; (M) Nick Graham 2 yard rush, D. DeSousa XP good.
2nd Quarter: (M) A. DeGirolamo 25 yard pass to Ben Budwey, D. DeSousa XP good.
3rd Quarter: (M) N. Graham 5 yard rush, D. DeSousa XP good; (M) Joe Cox 2 yard rush, D. DeSousa XP good.
4th Quarter: (F) Alex Cregg 84 yard pass to Packie Watson, XP good.

*** Boys Soccer = Franklin, 0 @ Sharon, 2 – Final

– Follow the link  for a full recap of the game.
https://hockomocksports.com/stamms-brace-sharon-boys-soccer-win-franklin/

*** Girls Soccer = Sharon, 0 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– Miranda Smith and Emily Mastaj each scored a goal for the Panthers while Halle Atkinson and Calen Frongillo both notched an assist in the win.

*** Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Sharon, 0 – Final

– Franklin middles Meaghan Maguire and Maggie Doyle “were dominant at the net” according to Panther head coach Kate Horsmann. Maguire registered a pair of kills and five blocks while Doyle had two aces and three blocks. Erin Skidmore had four aces, 16 service points, eight kills and four digs for the Panthers while Ellie Wisniewski chipped in with five kills and Maddie Kuzio had 18 digs and an ace.

*** Field Hockey = Franklin, 2 @ Sharon, 0 – Final

– Franklin senior Dana Lewandowski netted what turned out to be the game winner just five minutes into the first half as the Panthers picked up their seventh win of the season. Sophomore Annie Walsh scored with just under three minutes remaining to ice the game for Franklin. Franklin head coach Lisa Cropper said Kate Morse “did an outstanding job in the midfield” for the Panthers.

Sharon’s Michael Baur (left) goes up for a header in the second half against Franklin. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-101416/

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - Saturday; Bag Sale - Sunday

The monthly Franklin Public Library Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, from 9:00 - noon is the books by the bag sale

Franklin Public Library Book Sale - Saturday; Bag Sale - Sunday

This was shared from the Library webpage
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2016/10/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

Drummers' Studio to host Lenny Kravitz drummer Franklin Vanderbilt

The Drummers' Studio (TDS) - Franklin, is honored to welcome Franklin Vanderbilt drummer for International Rock Star, Lenny Kravitz. 

Franklin Vanderbilt drummer for International Rock Star, Lenny Kravitz 

Franklin will conduct a Clinic and Workshop on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 covering his "L.O.C.K. Theory" concepts. Parents and all musicians are highly encouraged to attend. Come take advantage of this great opportunity to meet and speak with such an amazing and accomplished musician. The Clinic will run from 10:00am to 12:00pm and is open to the public. Autographs, pictures and raffle will be held at the end of the clinic Q and A. The Hands-on Workshop runs from 1:00pm - 5:00pm. The Hands-On Workshop is "Split level" for intermediate and advanced drummers.

Franklin Vanderbilt was born April 13, 1978, Franklin was raised in Chicago's West side. By age 5, he was playing a Ludwig kit given to him by his Father and Grandfather.

Influenced by his Uncle, Robert Vanderbilt, Franklin played in church and school bands throughout his teens. Chicago Jazz and Blues legends such as, Ramsey Lewis, Willie Pickens, Pat Mallenger and Clarke Terry became his musical mentors.

Photo by Karen Bystedt

Franklin's music education continued thru high school than on to Eastern Illinois University with renowned percussion professor and Vic Firth Signature Artist, Johnny Lee Lane. During this time, Franklin formed his first band, the Franklin Vanderbilt Experience. The band played the legendary Chicago music scene where Franklin met influential Chicago Rock and Roll, Blues guitarist, Gregg Parker. Parker encouraged Franklin to expand his music to include Rock and Roll, along with his Blues and Jazz repertoire.

In 2000, Franklin left Chicago to play with Las Vegas jazz pianist, Ghallib Ghalab, and went on a Worldwide tour with Grammy nominated Jazz/Urban dance music group, Liquid Soul.

2002, legendary R&B/Funk diva Chaka Khan came to Las Vegas and hired Franklin for the next 2 1/2 years, during which time, Franklin performed and/or recorded with Jazz-Fusion pioneer, Stanley Clarke, Rock guitarist, Richie Kotzen and Bass guitar legend, Billy Sheehan.

In 2005, Franklin had the honor of playing with 22 time Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder and in 2007, 4 time Grammy winner, Lenny Kravitz invited him to become a member of his band. Franklin has been touring worldwide and making TV appearances with Lenny Kravitz for the past 9 years, minus Cindy Blackman-Santana appearances in 2015.

This event is sponsored by TDS, Remo, Vic Firth, Ludwig and Paiste drum companies. Tickets for the Clinic are a suggested donation of $20.00. Please call for Workshop details. The Drummers' Studio is a state-of-the-art music facility located at 244 East Central Street in Franklin. We offer Piano, Bass Guitar, Drums and Guitar lessons. For tickets or Workshop fee information, please contact, Kris Russell at 626-676-2486 or 508-520-1414. Email us at thedrummersstudio@gmail.com or visit www.thedrummerstudio.com