Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016"

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016" Norfolk County experienced for November 2016 a strong month of real estate sales and lending activity, tempered by a slight decrease in real estate sale prices. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The number of property transactions increased a healthy 12% in November, compared to the same time period in 2015. A total of 1,563 deeds were recorded versus 1,395 in November 2015. "However, what was a little surprising was a small by noticeable 4% decrease in the average sale price of residential and commercial property. The average real estate sale price for the month of November was $721,968. However, total sales volume, again both residential and commercial, increased by 5% to $679 million." Another positive factor was that mortgage activity across the county increased in November by 37% as compared to November of 2015. A key factor in this activity, according to O'Donnell, was the relatively low interest rates still being offered by lending institutions. While the number of mortgages recorded increased significantly, total mortgage financing for November came in at $1.78 billion, a 25% decrease from the previous year. This decrease can be explained by 3 separate commercial mortgage transactions totaling $550 million that were recorded against properties in Weymouth, Walpole and Plainville in November 2015. Further encouraging news was seen when it came to foreclosure activity. A total of 19 foreclosure deeds were filed in November compared to 24 filings year over year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage activity, the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased a significant 40% during the month compared to the same time period in 2015. Fifty-two Notice to Foreclose Mortgages were filed in November compared to 86 in November 2015. "These foreclosure figures are encouraging news," noted O'Donnell, "However, we can't simply focus on statistics, without realizing the human impact that results from a foreclosure filing. Clearly, some of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship. My office remains committed to partnering with Quincy Community Action Programs at (508) 598-0950 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 x-46 to ensure homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender are getting the help they need. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333." The number of Homesteads recorded, an important consumer tool, increased by 7%. A total of 1,002 Homesteads were filed last month, compared to 939 in November 2015. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the slight dip in average real estate sale price for Norfolk County in November was a bit surprising, I nevertheless was heartened by the solid 12% increase in the number of real estate transactions compared to year over year at a time of the year where typically there is less real estate activity. Lending activity continues its acceleration, which is good for the real estate market. As I have previously stated, an uptick in interest rates could cause a chilling effect on both real estate sales and lending. For now, however, we will accept the good news seen in the November data while we keep a watchful eye on what the Federal Reserve will do with regards to interest rates." 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 http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

"water levels have been declining all year"

"Many fear the impending cold weather will accompany dreaded snowfall, but this winter, many are actually hoping that the white stuff will replenish water sources depleted by the several-month-long drought. 

While some towns are beginning to recover from this year's detrimental drought, others are still facing declining water supply triggered by a lack of rain. 

Every region in the state, with the exception of the Cape and the Islands remains in a drought warning, according to a state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs statement released Friday. 

Although many areas of the state experienced some rain and snow this past month, year-long averages are still well below normal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161210/as-winter-looms-many-reservoirs-still-dangerously-low

U.S. Drought Monitor Map Archive - MA 12/06/16

MBTA: Through Monday: Commuter Rail notice

"The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 12/12/16. Please allow additional time travelling to stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

With winter weather expected overnight and into the morning,passengers are reminded to take precautions while travelling to their local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @mbta_cr, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 11 2016 06:07 PM"

Franklin Dean Station in the snow

Sign up for T-Alerts  http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/t_alerts/

2 police officers sworn in, tax rate set, and fire fighter civil service saved among key items at Town Council meeting

For the recap of the Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 7, 2016 I have the following summary and associated details:

Two new police officers were sworn in at the beginning of the meeting; Jack Flynn and Tara Souza.

Chief  Lynch introducing Jack Flynn and Tara Souza

Additional photos can be found here
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153881960095916&id=162770995915


The tax rate was set at 14.58%. This is a .08 increase over last year and while an increase, the good news within the details is that the overall assessed value of the properties in Franklin is approaching levels not since seen 2006. Beginning in 2008, the total assessed value declined for 6 years. We are now into the 4th year of increasing assessed values.

The annual renewal of liquor licenses was approved. For those businesses with unpaid bills, the license is held until payment is made. This time each year you can get a good listing of which businesses has a liquor license.

After much verbal positioning, the Town Council voted 6-3 to keep civil service for the fire fighters. Civil service came into Franklin in the 1950's and 15 groups were part of it. The fire fighters are the last unit remaining on civil service. The three councilors for removing the civil service were Mercer, Vallee and Kelly. Pellegri, Padula, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Dellorco and Jones voted to keep it. 

The Council declared the Milford Daily News as the newspaper that legal notices will be posted in, as well as the homepage of the town website. While legislation was passed earlier this year creating an online notice portal, the newspaper lobby kept the measure in place for communities to still post in the local papers.

The Council declared Forge Rill Road property as surplus land. Franklin TV will use the land to put their new radio broadcast tower on. The tower will also have space for the Town to move their antennas over to this tower and avoid an annual payment. This is a win-win for all of Franklin. We'll get a radio station next year and the Town of Franklin will save some money.

The Council approved an appropriation to purchase Google Applications for all town staff. With additional records keeping requirements coming, the Town Council will all get new Gmail addresses to conduct their official town business. This is part of the phased effort to bring the town communications technology more to better handle the current needs and be positioned for the future.

The Council approved an appropriation for funds to begin the design of new turf fields at the High School and on Beaver Street. The turf fields have been subject of much discussion regarding the crumb rubber infill. The Council voted to fund the design to use an encapsulated rubber. The rubber is coated which should provide more safety than the exposed crumb rubber currently used. A measure will come back in 2017 to fund the replacements which would likely be conducted during June and July while school is out and before the heavy use of the fields is needed in the fall.

The Council approved an appropriation to pilot E-Permitting software for the Town Clerk’s Office. Dog permit renewals are targeted to be the first enabled for online purchase. Additional departments will be brought on overtime.

The Council approved the first reading of amending a bylaw on delinquent taxpayers to conform to the Governor’s Municipal Modernization Act. The measure brings the language into conformance with the current requirements.

The published Actions Taken document

For the link to my notes taken live during the meeting Wednesday

• Live Reporting: Closing
• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action
• Live Reporting: Fire Dept civil service discussion...
• Live Reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee
• Live reporting: Annual License Renewals
• Live Reporting: Tax Hearing
• Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 7, 2016
• 
  

FHS Brahimi, Asmath recognized with Hockomock Sports Com Soccer Awards

The 2016 Hockomock Sports .com Boys Soccer Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM BEST XI

Hatim Brahimi – Franklin – Midfield

 Hatim Brahimi – Franklin – Midfield

Franklin senior Hatim Brahimi was once again one of the top playmakers in the Hockomock League. From his central midfield position, Brahimi was quick to make decisions and was the catalyst for the Panthers’ attack. His vision and skills with the ball at his feet made him one of the top players in not only the league, but the area. A three-year varsity player, the senior captain scored once and had one assist in 2016. “He is technically and tactically one of the best players that we’ve had in Franklin over the last few years,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM SECOND XI

Farley Asmath – Franklin – Forward

Farley Asmath – Franklin – Forward

Franklin senior Farley Asmath garnered a lot of attention during his final year with the Panthers. The speedy Asmath, who was a handful for opposing defenses, led Franklin with seven goals and two assists. “Farley has worked very hard to make himself into a very good player,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said. “I feel that he has made great strides as a player when you consider he had never played organized soccer until he came to this country four years ago. I believe that he is only going to get better if given the opportunity to play at the next level.”

For the complete listing of awards for the 2016 Hockomock Soccer season
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/boys-soccer/2016-2/

FHS wrestling and indoor track results from Saturday

From Hockomock Sports .com we share the results of  the winter sports action on Saturday. The FHS wrestling team split into A and B squads. The A team finished 3rd at Mt Hope; the B squad finished 16th. 

On the Indoor Track at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, FHS ran against Oliver Ames with the girls team winning and the boys team losing.

FHS Panthers

Wrestling

Mt. Hope Tournament (Foxboro, Franklin, Stoughton) 

– Foxboro finished first at the Mt. Hope Holiday Tournament with 180 points. Franklin’s “A” team finished third with 171 points, Stoughton finished eighth with 91 and Franklin’s “B” team was 16th with 26 points. 

Foxboro’s Matt Kelley earned his 157th career win, making him the winningest wrestling in Warrior history. Other winner’s included Foxboro’s Brian Kelley (138), Franklin’s Ed Cropper (152) and Stoughton’s Lino Azul (285). 

Second place finishes included Franklin’s Jordan Carlucci (106), Ian Bakalars (113), Mike Racca (120), Foxboro’s Max Dorman (152), Matt Mullally (160) and Dave Dow (170).

Indoor Track (@ Reggie Lewis Center)

• Boys = Franklin, 46 vs. Oliver Ames, 54 – Final
• Girls = Franklin, 72 vs. Oliver Ames, 28 – Final

For all the results on Saturday around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-121016/


For the complete track and field results
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set1.shtml

• Boys

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set2.shtml

• Girls

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/16/ma/Dec10_Hockom_set3.shtml

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Holiday Show on Sunday!

Rick Adams - One Man Parade

We are holding our annual Holiday Show on Sunday, December 11, at Attleboro High School!

Sponsored by generous donors, and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, this fun show is FREE to the public.

Join us, December 11th at 1PM, at Attleboro High School, 100 Rathbun Willard Drive in Attleboro.

If you have any questions, please call the chamber office at 508-316-0861.

www.unitedregionalchamber.org

www.unitedregionalchamber.org