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Monday, January 16, 2017
Valentine's Day deals for our friends .... ❤
Sunday, January 15, 2017
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 18, 2017
Note the left column with the agenda item heading (E. Appointments for example) are hot links to the supporting individual documents
| A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES |
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| B. ANNOUNCEMENTS | |
| C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS |
Swearing in of Fire Fighters
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| D. CITIZEN COMMENTS |
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
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| E. APPOINTMENTS |
Finance Committee - David Wiech
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| F. HEARINGS | (no scheduled for this agenda) |
| G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS |
99 Restaurant Change of Manager Transition - 7:10 PM
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| H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS |
Communications and Civic Engagement
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| I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS | (provided during meeting) |
| J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
1. Resolution 17-01: Acceptance of Gift to the Library (majority)
2. Resolution 17-02: Acceptance of Gift to the Council on Aging (majority)
3. Resolution 17-02: Appropriation, Administration: GASB 4575 Actuary Study (majority)
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 16-775: Zoning Map Changes fro Rural Residential I to Residential VII an Area on Summer Street - 2nd Reading (2/3 majority Roll Call Vote)
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| K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT | (provided during meeting) |
| L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | (provided during meeting) |
| M. COUNCIL COMMENTS | (provided during meeting) |
| N. EXECUTIVE SESSION | (if required) |
| O. ADJOURN |
The full 92 page PDF with the agenda and supporting documents is also found on the Town of Franklin webpage
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| sunrise at DelCarte |
Part 2: Residential VII Proposal for Summer St
This is Part 2 of a series to collect the development of the Residential VII Zoning history in one place. The Residential VII zoning bylaw was discussed, written, and approved in 2013 and then applied to Cook's Farm in 2014. The Council meeting Wednesday is to decide if this zoning bylaw should be applied to the Summer St parcel. Additional items in this series will include information around the parties to the development, the timeline, and the written and recorded meetings.
If the zoning change were accepted, the developer would still be required to come forward with the formal proposal for the land and homes to be built. The Planning Board would hold their public hearings before issuing the permits required. Other sections of the Town government (Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, etc.) would get involved depending upon the nature of the proposal.
Based upon what happened with the Cook's Farm situation, once the Town Council approved the zoning change, they were no longer involved in the project. The Town Council is a legislative body, they enact the bylaws, the other boards, and commissions and town departments are responsible for ensuring the the process and regulations are adhered to.
Part 1
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-1-residential-vii-area-on-summer.html
---------- ------------- -------------
SPONSOR: Hunchard
BE IT ENACTED BY THE FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL THAT:
The Code of the Town of Franklin is hereby amended by making the following
amendment to §185-5, Zoning Map:
By changing from Rural Residential I to Residential VII an area containing 10.810± acres, comprising of the following parcel of land as shown on the Town of Franklin's Assessor's Maps: Parcel Number 302-008-000.
The area to be rezoned is shown on the attached zoning map (“Zoning Map - Rural Residential I to Residential VII”).
The foregoing Zoning By-law amendment shall take effect in accordance with the Franklin Home Rule Charter and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 5.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The following 44 page PDF document contains the bylaw map adjustment request and associated documents:
This 44 page PDF document can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/bylaw_16-775_summer_st_referral_to_pb_0.pdf
If the zoning change were accepted, the developer would still be required to come forward with the formal proposal for the land and homes to be built. The Planning Board would hold their public hearings before issuing the permits required. Other sections of the Town government (Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, etc.) would get involved depending upon the nature of the proposal.
Based upon what happened with the Cook's Farm situation, once the Town Council approved the zoning change, they were no longer involved in the project. The Town Council is a legislative body, they enact the bylaws, the other boards, and commissions and town departments are responsible for ensuring the the process and regulations are adhered to.
Part 1
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/part-1-residential-vii-area-on-summer.html
---------- ------------- -------------
SPONSOR: Hunchard
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT 16-775
ZONING MAP CHANGES FROM RURAL RESIDENTIAL I TO
RESIDENTIAL VII AN AREA ON SUMMER STREET
A ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF THE TOWN OF
FRANKLIN AT CHAPTER 185 SECTION 5, ZONING MAP
BE IT ENACTED BY THE FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL THAT:
The Code of the Town of Franklin is hereby amended by making the following
amendment to §185-5, Zoning Map:
By changing from Rural Residential I to Residential VII an area containing 10.810± acres, comprising of the following parcel of land as shown on the Town of Franklin's Assessor's Maps: Parcel Number 302-008-000.
The area to be rezoned is shown on the attached zoning map (“Zoning Map - Rural Residential I to Residential VII”).
The foregoing Zoning By-law amendment shall take effect in accordance with the Franklin Home Rule Charter and Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 5.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
The following 44 page PDF document contains the bylaw map adjustment request and associated documents:
- proposed zoning map change for the one parcel on Summer St
- Letter from Jeff Nutting to Town Council acknowledging receipt of request for zoning change and including the details on the housing developments in the pipeline (Sep 6 letter also shared separately)
- section of Franklin code highlighting the change requested
- a map of the zoning districts currently approved for Franklin
- a map of the sewer and water connections in the area of Summer St parcel
- letter from Attorney Cornetta on behalf of the Hunchard's including the owner petition for the zoning change.
- the last 20 pages are architectural renderings of the proposed development
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| screen grab of one of the proposed housing views |
This 44 page PDF document can also be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/bylaw_16-775_summer_st_referral_to_pb_0.pdf
Jeff Nutting's Letter to the Town Council - Housing Growth Summary
This was shared via Franklin Matters in October, 2016
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html
It is also part of the agenda for the Town Council Meeting Jan 18, 2017.
"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:
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.
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
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/bylaw_16-775_summer_st_referral_to_pb_0.pdf
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/jeff-nuttings-letter-to-town-council.html
It is also part of the agenda for the Town Council Meeting Jan 18, 2017.
"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
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
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| new Cook's Farm being built under the Residential 7 bylaw on RT 140 |
- Additional info is contained in the full PDF
- The agenda item for the Jan 18, 2017 meeting
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/bylaw_16-775_summer_st_referral_to_pb_0.pdf
Communications and Civic Engagement - update to the Town Council
The presentation document scheduled for discussion at the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Jan 18, 2017
You can also find this document on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/h-presentationsdiscussions-4
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| Town of Franklin webpage for dog license renewals that can be processed online |
You can also find this document on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/h-presentationsdiscussions-4
FHS wrestling takes 3 more wins
Via Hockomock Sports we can share the results of the FHS wrestling and boys hockey games on Saturday
Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin) –
Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. St. Mary’s (Lynn), 7 – Final
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-hockey-falls-short-in-rematch-of-state-title-game/
For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-011417/
Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin) –
Franklin went 3-0 on the day, picking up wins over West Springfield, Algonquin and Framingham, to improve to 15-0 on the season.
Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. St. Mary’s (Lynn), 7 – Final
"The last time that Franklin and St. Mary’s (Lynn) met on the ice, it was an instant classic. The Panthers and Spartans wowed the crowd at the Boston Garden in a dramatic, double overtime thriller that Franklin won to claim its first state championship in three decades.
On Saturday night, the teams met again, this time in the smaller confines of Pirelli Veterans Arena, and the game played out very differently.
Franklin got off to a great start, taking a lead just 1:23 into the first period, but for the majority of the next 43 minutes the game was dominated by the visitors. St. Mary’s took the lead by the end of the first and never looked back, pulling out a 7-3 victory and exacting a measure of revenge for last season’s title game defeat.
“I thought we played well for the first 10 minutes,” said Franklin coach Chris Spillane. “I thought we had a jump in our step, we forechecked well, we were physical, and then right after that you could see it start to derail. That’s sort of been our season. We haven’t played a full 45 [minutes].”Continue reading Josh Perry's game recap for Hockomock Sports
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-hockey-falls-short-in-rematch-of-state-title-game/
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| Franklin senior James Kilroe (7) scored a third period goal in the loss to St. Mary’s (Lynn) in a rematch of last year’s state final. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) |
For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-011417/
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| FHS Panthers |
Via the Twitterverse
— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 15, 2017
Final: St Mary's 7, Franklin 3, Spartans get revenge for last year's state final with dominant performance #hockomock— Josh Perry (@Josh_Perry10) January 15, 2017
End of 2P: St Mary's 5, Franklin 1, all Spartans so far with 21-11 edge in shots, Bono and Reddy each with two goals #hockomock— Josh Perry (@Josh_Perry10) January 15, 2017
End of 1P: St Mary's 2, Franklin 1, shots 12-5 for Spartans, Owen Ginley playing well in goal for Panthers keeping it 1-goal game #hockomock— Josh Perry (@Josh_Perry10) January 15, 2017
Great 42-24 win over Framingham to start the day off with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, MacLean, Hernandez, Colella, and Perry #FHSWrestle— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 14, 2017
Another great 41-26 win against W. Springfield with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, MacLean, Cogavin, and Hernandez. Algonquin is next— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 14, 2017
Great end to the day with a 49-22 win over Algonquin with pins from Carlucci, Bakalars, Racca, Cropper, Hernandez, and Colella ending 3-0— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 14, 2017
"everybody loves Winnie-the-Pooh"
"The temporary location of the Franklin Public Library at Kenwood Circle is not nearly as massive as the "Hundred Acre Wood" where Winnie-the-Pooh resides, but it certainly seemed a lot like the old forest Saturday morning.
Dozens of youngsters and their parents and guardians packed in for a "Winnie-the-Pooh Party" in acknowledgment of the upcoming birthday of A.A. Milne, the author of the original popular book series that chronicles the adventures of one honey-loving, yellow bear and his gang of animal friends.
The English author was born on Jan. 18, 1882, with the anniversary coming up this Thursday.
"We're celebrating a few days early," said Caleigh Ross, the children's librarian. "We just thought it would be a fun event to do on a cold Saturday morning."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170114/franklin-library-brings-dozens-to-hundred-acre-wood
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