FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting - 09/27/21 (audio)

FM #615 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 615 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Planning Board meeting held on Monday, September 27, 2021. The recording was captured via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 38 seconds)

• Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18 (in recording at approx. 21 minutes)

• Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote  (in recording at approx. 46 minutes)

• Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call  (in recording at approx. 1 hour 11 minutes)

• Citizen comment on complete streets (begin approx. 1 hour 19 minutes)

 Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 1 hour and 36 minutes, so let’s listen to the Planning Board meeting of Sep 27. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/048d7b83-9e78-43fc-bfae-c5ebf1650595

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Planning Board agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf 

Planning board meeting documents:

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296 

 

My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/planning-board-recap-92721-housing.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #615 - Franklin (MA) Planning Board Meeting

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with another "Talk Franklin" episode - 09/24/21(audio)

FM #613 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 613 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Community Preservation Committee

• 215 Prospect St Chap 61 process

• Complete Streets

• Cultural Festival

• Harvest Festival

• Housing Production Plan – Planning Board – 9/27

• Oct 6 – Town Council joint session with School Committee

 

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily.

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c717bcfd-8bb7-4040-b371-518b49230af0

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Community Preservation Committee

• Agenda - 9/29  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-09-29_cpc_agenda_3.pdf 

• Agenda - 10/4 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-01_cpc_agenda_1.pdf 

Harvest Festival scheduled for October  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/harvest-festival-scheduled-for-october.html 

Housing Production Plan (revised draft) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/preliminary_final_housing_production_plan_-_august_2021.pdf 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with another "Talk Franklin" episode -  09/24/21(audio)

See You This Weekend! - Harvest Festival - Oct 2

Harvest Festival October 2

Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

FHS boys soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and golf teams all post wins on Monday

Via @HockomockSports  and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Sep 27, 2021  

Boys Soccer = Foxboro, 0 @ Franklin, 1 – Final

– In a well-played, hard fought match, it was the Franklin Panthers that secured two points after converting a late chance from the penalty spot. Sean O’Leary earned the pen in the 76th minute and senior Terry O’Neill stepped up and buried his shot for the lone goal of the game. Foxboro goalie Derek Axon received high praise from Franklin coach Fran Bositis for his strong play (12 saves) in net.

Field Hockey = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 8 – Final

– Franklin built a three-goal lead by halftime then pumped in five more after the break as the Panthers stayed red-hot on offense in a win over Mansfield. Haley Wernig and Delaney Hess (first varsity goal) each scored two goals to lead the attack while Raena Crandall, Emily Carney, Kaitlyn Carney, and Ella Mahoney (first varsity goal) all scored once in the win. Shaw Downing, Kaeley Dubriske, Kendall Jones, and Kiera Kotwicki all recorded assists in the win.

Volleyball = Mansfield, 0 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Franklin got off to a strong start and then fended off a strong fight from the Hornets for a 3-0 sweep (25-10, 25-23, 25-22). Sophomore Taylor Lacerda recoded nine digs, eight kills, and two aces in the win while Brigid Earley added six kills and four blocks for Franklin. For Mansfield, Lexi Scibilia notched six blocks and a kill, sophomore Elyssa Buchanan added six kills, and Julia Kelly finished with four kills and four digs.

Golf = Franklin, 151 @ Attleboro, 152 – Final

"Great win against a very tough Attleboro team on their turf.  Lowest score of the season and first time all 4 in the 30's.

Congrats to both Brendan and Curren Collins for first rounds in 30s this season.

Ryder Cup moment on that chip in by Tyler O'Brien!!!!!

Obrien-35

B.Collins:-38

C. Collins-39

Steel-39"  https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1442602402520215555  and https://twitter.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1442624010676805632

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-09-27-21/

For FHS Sports updates via Twitter, check out the list

https://twitter.com/i/lists/823290154886512641

FHS boys soccer, field hockey, volleyball, and golf teams all post wins on Monday

Cobi Frongillo authors report "Offshore Wind Workforce Training & Development in Massachusetts"

Via Cobi Frongillo:

Want a peek into my professional life? Super proud to attend this important event with the Governor, calling for further offshore wind workforce investments and announcing the release of a report I authored!

MassCleanEnergyCenter 

"Today at the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal @MassGovernor + @MassLtGov announced a new report that assesses the workforce strengths, gaps, + opportunities in MA for the emerging #offshorewind industry. #MAClimateWeek

http://ow.ly/NbrY50GeQaA

http://ow.ly/U6FO50GeQaB"

Press Release ->  https://www.masscec.com/about-masscec/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-report-inform-offshore-wind-workforce

Report link ->  https://files-cdn.masscec.com/reports/MassCEC%20OSW%20Workforce%20Final%20Report_Sept%202021.pdf

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/CobiFrongillo/status/1441233019084230666?s=03

Planning Board Recap 9/27/21 - Housing Production Plan approved, hearings continued on 40 Alpine Row and 5 Fisher St

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on 40 Alpine Row discusses multiple updates and continues to Oct 18
• Public hearing on 5 Fisher St discusses multiple items and continues to Oct 18
• Public hearing on Housing Production Plan (HPP), after clarifications on the "plan" as being Town based/Town controlled (not State), still requiring much work to make happen, and that the Planning Board would still "get a bite at the apple", the HPP is approved 5-0 roll call vote
• Site plan modification request to split 2 plots into 3 approved by 5-0 vote via roll call

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live via the Zoom conference bridge.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #pb0927  https://twitter.com/search?q=%23pb0927&src=typed_query 

Planning Board agenda:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf 

Planning board meeting documents:

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board/events/331296 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/barTW8HVVbFYx3Kz9

• Live reporting underway for the Planning Board meeting underway in Chambers and virtually via Zoom as well as live stream via local cable (Verizon or Comcast) #pb0927
• Agenda doc and connection info here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_27_2021_agenda.pdf… #pb0927 
• Halligan recused himself from this first hearing as he is an abutter #pb0927
• Engineer Mike Maglio comments on project changes #pb0927
• Project update uses map on stand, diagrams also in PDF doc linked to with the agenda #pb0927
• Discussion on easements for town sewer and drain lines thru property should be included as condition of certificate of occupancy #pb0927
• Discussion on pavement levels they differ between parking lot and site plan requirements, to be looked at by developer. #pb0927
• Additional questions and clarifications, will need to be continued to Oct 18. #pb0927 no others to speak, hearing closed vote via roll call. Associate available but only activated for special permit, not a site plan (as this is).
• New hearing opens, same engineering team provides updates for the former Clark Cutler McDermott property on 5 Fisher St. Study being done for parking uses and what is expected. #pb0927
• Multiple updates to comments and adjustments requested #pb0927
• Items outstanding from Planning and Engineering, brewing/distillery drainage requires coordination with Charles River, food processing would be covered with DPW requirements and grease trap #pb0927
• Discussion on storm water flows within lot, and supposedly reduced before going off and across the street. Exposure to our well from this discharge. To be resolved before they return #pb0927 no additional comments, to be continued to Oct 18
• Discussion on parking and 'hiding' the parking as it increases in the front. Don't want to block too much as it would affect line of sight entering and exiting property. #pb0927
• Motion to continue to 18th via roll call, passes 5-0 #pb0927
• Next up, housing production plan, open the public hearing, waive reading of notice, passes via roll call 5-0 #pb0927 final version presented incorporates comments and meetings as the plan developed Planner Amy Love provides overview
• Halligan has question for B Taberner (who is not present) if the plan is accepted, each item would still need to go to State before coming back to be executed each possible change thru normal process #pb0927 Amy was able to answer the question, this is a plan
• State approval would like be months rather than weeks #pb0927 Planning Board chair concerned about Council making zoning overruling possible planning board decision. Discussion on intent vs. working language
• Planning Board fearful of Council action overriding their preference, but for that to occur, PB would still be involved and decide, if then the Council tries to go over, there would still be discussions before a decision. #pb0927
• This is a town plan, not State. Some members confused/fearful of state (ala Council) and really fearful of losing their own control. Any project needs to be approved by town with water, sewer, police, fire, etc. #pb0927 there is not town owned land to make this happen
• It would be private land owners to make the deals, public hearing opens for public comment, M Morrengello (?) speaking for the housing plan, asking for a vote for affordable housing and seniors. #pb0927
• B Wierling speaking for the housing plan as well, glad to hear the #pb0927 members had changed opinions from prior meetings. We were not educated enough in prior meetings. Close hearing, via roll call passes 5-0; motion to accept plan via roll, passes 5-0
• Next up, street extension, waive reading, passes 5-0 via roll call, revision to plot plan of 2006, plan approved before as two lot, now owner looking for additional lot to be added #pb0927
• According to private road covenant it was not intended to be plowed, town did not want ownership of road. Motion to close hearing, via roll call passes 5-0 #pb0927 
• Motion to approve modification via roll call passes 5-0
• Council candidate J Callaway-Tripp asking questions about the complete street plan and meeting last week, mostly protocol as she had no knowledge of it, it had already been approved. Also thinks that the EDC held the meeting, and it was a town meeting #pb0927
• Meeting did adjourn via roll call vote,  passing 5-0; got distracted and almost forgot to close out the thread #pb0927

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Planning Board Recap 9/27/21 - Housing Production Plan approved,  hearings continued on 40 Alpine Row and 5 Fisher St

The year of understanding: COVID-19 and the humanity of the unvaccinated - The Boston Globe

"For the most part, people are looking for answers, but the cards are stacked against them in this digital world. Every health care provider has had that one ardent unvaccinated conspiracy theorist who refused to believe that COVID is real despite showing them their trashed lungs on the CT scan, all while they’re on high-flow oxygen. Anecdote holding the power that it does, that patient runs the risk of coloring our perception of all unvaccinated patients in this same light. But, instead, my charge to health care providers is this: Take a meaningful pause and ask, “How did this person get to this point?” And understand that their condition is in part due to the challenges of the common person trying to understand complex medical science and being influenced by those with alternative agendas.

That same night, I diagnosed a young woman, with three young kids, with lung cancer. She was a smoker, and she knew that smoking can cause cancer. How is her situation any different from an unvaccinated person with COVID? How many of us would stand at the bedside in her tragic hour and berate her for smoking? How many of us would, upon learning of someone’s death from cancer, say flatly, “Served her right”? If she said. “I didn’t think it would happen to me,” would anyone really say, “Whelp, I hope you survive” as we walked out the room? These are statements I have heard said to or about unvaccinated COVID patients in a recent week. Clearly, this does nothing to foster that trusted relationship between a physician and their patient.

When I asked my unvaccinated COVID patient what was keeping him from getting the shot, he said he had read online that the vaccine gets into your DNA and he was afraid of what that would mean. So I sat down on his bed and spent a few minutes drawing a picture of a cell and nucleus, and explained in simple terms how mRNA works and why his DNA is not at risk. His next question was, “How soon can I get the vaccine?” He then called his kids and told them the same, and they asked where they could get the vaccine. While not successful in every encounter, I’m optimistic about the ripple effect that these little wins may have. And damn it if we don’t need a win now and again. In our most fundamental charge, “doctor” means “teacher.” This is the year where we understand. This is the year where we teach."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/27/opinion/year-understanding-covid-19-humanity-unvaccinated/

Anti-vaccination protesters near Los Angeles City Hall on Aug. 14. Earlier that week, the City Council voted to require proof of vaccination to enter many public indoor spaces in the city. DAVID MCNEW/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

One story, two headlines

Boston Globe:  

"Eric Rosengren, president of the Boston Fed, moves up retirement, citing kidney illness"

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/09/27/business/eric-rosengren-president-boston-fed-retire-after-fed-begins-review-how-it-oversees-investments-officers/

Washington Post: 

"Two Fed officials announce retirements amid controversy over ethics and stocktrading"

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/09/27/eric-rosengren-boston-fed/

Sen. Rausch on COVID emergency paid sick leave

Senator Becca Rausch: 

"Last month I filed a bill to provide paid time off for parents and caregivers taking children to COVID-19 vaccination appointments; today that provision is headed to the governor's desk to be signed into law. We cannot get to the other side of this pandemic without widespread vaccination, and we cannot force families to choose between putting food on the table and providing their children with life-saving preventive care. I am so proud that my proposal to uplift Massachusetts families was included in the Legislature's COVID emergency paid sick leave extension, and I remain fervently committed to advancing the data-driven public health policies we need to safeguard our communities.

Sen. Rausch on COVID emergency paid sick leave

Mass. Public Health - in-home vaccination available

"Massachusetts offers in-home vaccinations for anyone who can't travel to a vaccination location. To learn more and sign up for an in-home vaccination, call (833) 983-0485. 

Learn more about the in-home vaccination program: https://t.co/Aoly326Nn8 

#TrustTheFacts #GetTheVax"

Shared from https://t.co/ooVrOH7k5E

Mass. Public Health - in-home vaccination available

FSPA Ballet Conservatory Alums Join Professional Ballet Companies

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) Ballet Conservatory celebrates its former students who are currently dancing in professional companies all around the world. FSPA's Ballet conservatory Program offers classical ballet education of the highest quality. Under the direction of former American Ballet Theatre (ABT) dancer Cheryl Madeux, an extensive range of training and performance experiences provides exceptional opportunities for students of all ages and levels interested in the study of classical ballet. The FSPA Ballet curriculum is based on the foundations of the ABT National Training Curriculum. All teachers on the FSPA Conservatory Track have been certified in the NTC program.

Former FSPA Ballet Conservatory student Melissa Chapski is currently dancing with the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich after joining the company in April. After training at FSPA until 2012, she graduated from the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program in New York City. That same year, she was awarded a gold medal at Indianapolis International Ballet Competition and Youth American Grand Prix's Boston regional, and a contract to the Dutch National Ballet's junior company at YAGP Finals where she placed top 12. Chapski danced two seasons in Dutch National's junior company followed by three seasons in the corps de ballet. She has appeared as a guest artist in galas in London, Spain, Mexico, Switzerland, China, America, and The Netherlands. Chapski was also featured as 'Emma' in the movie High Strung: Free Dance and has done ad campaigns for Huawei Mobile, Nikon Europe, Discount Dance Supply, Capezio, and Russian Pointe.

Noura Sander was recently promoted to Studio Company with The Washington Ballet and Jared Brouillette joined Kansas City Ballet II. Both studied in FSPA’s Ballet Conservatory with Cheryl Madeux and faculty and were featured in the Franklin Performing Arts Company’s Nutcracker.  Colleen Megley, an FSPA Ballet Conservatory graduate, has been serving as Manager of School Programs at New York City Ballet since 2018. Megley received her Master’s degree in Dance Education and Ballet Pedagogy from NYU Steinhardt and was on the ballet faculty at the Peridance Capezio Center in NYC for eight years. 

In previous years, FSPA has presented its students for Examinations in the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum at ABT’s studios in New York, NY. The Examination class was taught by Ms. Madeux. FSPA is proud to incorporate the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum, a nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development for students of all ages and skill levels. Upon successful exam completion, Cheryl Madeux earned the distinction of ABT Affiliate Teacher.

FSPA also offers two additional tracks of Ballet study for students not on the pre-professional path and advanced dancers with limited time in their schedules. 

For more information on Ballet at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts, visit www.FSPAonline.com, call 508-528-8668, or stop by the facility at 38 Main Street in Franklin, MA. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

Noura Sander