Monday, April 11, 2022

Register O’Donnell Reports on March 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that the March numbers relative to Norfolk County real estate activity decreased as compared to March 2021 but showed an increase over February’s numbers.

“Our data indicates that the Norfolk County real estate market in March slowed when compared to March 2021 but has rebounded somewhat when compared to the February numbers”, noted Register O’Donnell. “There were 12,402 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in March, a 38% decrease from March, 2021 but an increase of 21% from last month.

“The number of deeds for March 2022, which reflect real estate sales and transfers both commercial and residential, decreased by 8% from March 2021 but increased by 58% from February. Sale prices continue to increase compared to last year but now appear to be leveling off. The average sale price in March  was $1,122,863, a 23% increase compared to March 2021 but down 8% from February. Total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales also showed gains from one year ago, increasing 13% and surprisingly are up 46% from February,” noted the Register. “The March number compared to February may be skewed somewhat by a small number of high priced commercial transactions. Four separate sales of commercial properties together totaling over $200 million dollars were recorded in March. It remains to be seen if this trend continues into the second quarter.”

Overall lending activity showed a decrease again for the month of March. A total of 2,399 mortgages were recorded during the month, a 56% decrease compared to a year ago but up 24% from last month. “It appears that many consumers have already refinanced given the past low interest rate environment, although the mortgage activity is starting to pick up from earlier this year, perhaps due to a concern about rates increasing,” noted O’Donnell.

A continuing cause for concern in Norfolk County is the number of foreclosures. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market. During March, there were 5 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, one more than in March, 2021.  However, there were 11 Notices to Foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded in March, down from 16 recorded in March 2021, and down from 27 recorded last month. “These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors are still facing financial challenges”, said O’Donnell.  “We will continue to monitor these numbers.”

 

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O’Donnell stated, “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance.”

 

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased this month at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.   There was a 17% decrease in homestead recordings in March 2022 compared to March 2021 but an increase of 39% from February. “The comparison from last March is not too surprising where the sales of homes have started to level off, but all homeowners, not just new purchasers, should keep in mind that a recorded Declaration of Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000,” noted O’Donnell. “We want to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  The recording fee is only $36. Feel free to visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homesteads and to make sure you have taken advantage of this protection.”

 

Register O’Donnell concluded, “March real estate activity in Norfolk County continues to show a decline from last year but looks like it’s beginning to pick up as we head into the second quarter. We still see available real estate inventory as a source of concern in Norfolk County but clearly, the market is not as hot as last year. Whether this translates into more and better opportunities for buyers, particularly first time buyers, remains to be seen.”

The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business. Registry personnel are processing in-person recordings while vigilantly maintaining Covid related protocols.  The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable entering the Registry of Deeds Building The volume of documents recorded electronically for many of our institutional users continues to increase.. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express, UPS and from our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA.”     

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 Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

 

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.


March 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
March 2022 Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Franklin Rotary selling tickets to Ayer Rotary's Ducky Wucky Race

Ducky Wucky is back and we want to know “Where will you go?” …and enjoy dinner for 2 ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD…yes we said ANYWHERE! 

About the Race:

The race is run on the Nashua River and will be held on Saturday May 21, 2022. Due to COVID concerns there will be no spectators. 

Each rubber duck has a number imprinted on it that corresponds to a ticket number. 

A $40 ticket for example, will be assigned to 13 ducks.

The Grand Prize is "Dinner for Two Anywhere in the World!" This includes airfare, two-night hotel stay and dinner for two (alcohol not included). The winner has two years to book their trip.

All winners will be notified directly by the Ayer Rotary Club and may also see the winners, runner-up prizes & official rules on www.DuckyWucky.

Tickets are limited so call us today!!

Also look for Rotary Club of Franklin, MA at a local venue near you!!

Thank you for your support! 

Franklin Rotary selling tickets to Ayer Rotary's Ducky Wucky Race

Shared from Rotary Facebook posting ->  https://www.facebook.com/groups/FranklinRotary/permalink/10160163095604083/

Upcoming Sessions for the 50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

Tuesday April 12 - 10 am - Practice Interviewing (Ed Lawrence, facilitator)
If already registered with the program, you can use the same link you have used to join previous Tuesday sessions this year.

Thursday April 14 - 11 am - Savvy Seeker Series: MassHire Services with special guest Kim Leonard, Dept of Career Services

Thursday April 21 - 2 pm - Special Event: Personal Branding with special guest Stephen Melanson

Tuesday April 26 - 10 am - Job Applications (Melody Beach, facilitator)
If already registered with the program, you can use the same link you have used to join previous Tuesday sessions this year.

Thursday April 28 - 11 am - Savvy Seeker Series: Reimagining Gender with special guest Sarah Gustafson

Register in advance for this event:


Wednesday May 4 - 2 pm - Savvy Seeker Series: The Sociology of Aspirations with special guest Ofer Sharone

Register in advance for this event:



New to the program? Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/

For more information contact Denise Magnett: 50plusjobseekersadmin@mcoaonline.com

This free program is available through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) andthe Executive Office of Elder Affairs


Thank you,

Ed Lawrence
Group Leader, MCOA
CPRW; NCOPE; Member, CPRW Certification Committee


Upcoming Sessions for the 50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups
Upcoming Sessions for the 50+ Job Seekers in MA Statewide Networking Groups

MetroWest Visitors Bureau Awarded Tourism Recovery Grant

The MetroWest Visitors Bureau (MWVB) announced today (Apr 5, 2022) that they have been awarded $99,000 by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) as part of the Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant Program. This grant award will help fund the MWVB’s new “We Are MetroWest” campaign, designed to highlight the diversity of MetroWest, as well as the following projects by their collaborative partners:

Natick Cultural District’s Natick Nights, Holi Festival, and Multicultural Day marketing

Framingham Centre Common Cultural District’s “Many Cultures, One Heart” public art project and multicultural festival marketing

MetroWest Chamber of Commerce’s guide to underrepresented businesses

Town of Marlborough’s Brazilian Festival, Greek Festival, Marlborough Food Truck & Arts Festival, and Labor Day Weekend event marketing

Town of Ashland’s “The Corner Spot” marketing

Framingham Together’s diversity video

The Bureau’s executive director Erin Lynch says “MetroWest is an incredibly vibrant region, with a variety of cultural experiences to offer its residents and visitors. This award is exciting because it celebrates so many aspects of who we are as a welcoming and inviting destination.”

Part of the “We Are MetroWest” campaign will include a public TV series with episodes highlighting the diversity of MetroWest and its many ethnic and cultural communities and festivals. Episodes will air throughout MetroWest and on the MWVB’s YouTube channel. A new section of the website will be created to promote all “We Are MetroWest” events and activities. 

Sign up to receive updates here: https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/#newsletter

The MetroWest Visitors Bureau promotes travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MWVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org
Metrowest Visitors Bureau Awarded Tourism Recovery Grant
Metrowest Visitors Bureau Awarded Tourism Recovery Grant 

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Apr 11, 2022

  •  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

7:59:00 am Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19
8:00:00 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
9:00 am Concerts on the Common: Jamie Barrett & Electric Youth
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad
12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Spring
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 1
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 5
5:30 pm Senior Connection: Hearing Loss
6:00 pm Veterans' Call: Social Security
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Shawn Dooley
8:12 pm Frank's Musings: Back to Ukraine
8:30 pm The Black Box: Wicked

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1
8:30 am FHS Boys Varsity Tennis: v Canton 04-04-22
10:30 am All-Town Showcase: Chorus and Orchestra
12:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Milford 04-07-22
1:30 pm ArtWeek: Games
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman
6:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media
8:30 pm Track and Field: v Taunton 05-18-21

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
8:00 am Planning Board: 03-28-22
12:00 pm Community Preservation: 04-05-22
2:00 pm Planning Board: 03-28-22
7:00 pm Planning Board: LIVE, Chambers, 813 7178 0452

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Sunday, April 10, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 13, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 13, 2022 - 7 PM


1.     ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a.     This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b.     Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2.     CITIZEN COMMENTS
a.     Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three 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.


3.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

4.     PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a.     Recognition: Roger Magalhaes - Recipient of The Immigrant Learning Center’s Barry M. Portnoy Immigrant Entrepreneur Award in Outstanding Business Growth

5.     APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6.     HEARINGS - 7:00 pm
a.     Alcoholic Beverages Licensees – Failure to Pass Compliance Check
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_memo_and_backup.pdf
i.          TM1 Solutions, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380 - 664 Union Street
ii.          Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World - 365 West Central Street
iii.          Jimmy D’s LLC d/b/a Jimmy D’s - 338 Union Street

7.     LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8.     PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a.     Presentation: Community Planning: DHCD Multi-Family Housing Guidelines for MBTA Communities - Bryan Taberner, Director, Planning and Community Development

9.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a.     Resolution 22-26: Acceptance of Easement of Property at 732 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-26 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-26_acceptance_of_easement_732_washington_street.pdf

10.  TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11.  SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a.     Capital Budget Subcommittee
b.     Budget Subcommittee
c.      Economic Development Subcommittee

12.  FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13.  COUNCIL COMMENTS

14.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

15.  ADJOURN
 
Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda and associated documents released for this meeting ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 13, 2022 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 13, 2022 - 7 PM


Economic Development Subcommittee: Agenda - Apr 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 13, 2022 - 5:45 PM

3rd Floor training room & Zoom option

Agenda:
1. Downtown traffic and parking improvements
a. West Street neighborhood follow-up
i. Town Administrator Memo
ii. Town Bylaw Parking Fines
b. Downtown Main Corridor Parking
i. Map Amendment proposal


Full agenda and associated documents including remote connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-04-13_edc_agenda_packet_0.pdf 

West Street neighborhood parking follow-up
West Street neighborhood parking follow-up

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 04/07/22 (audio)

FM #770 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 770 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of April  6, 2022


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - James Koch

b. New Employee: Fire Department - Michael Eaton

 

HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Street Acceptances: Brandywine Drive and Portion of Charles Drive

i. Legislation for Action Item: 9b

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - NDO Enterprises, LLC d/ b/a Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, Located at 14 Grove Street

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Windtop Acres d/b/a Birchwood Bakery, Located at 17 East Central Street

*** More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee


Our conversation runs about 37 minutes:


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking April 7, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-770-tc-quarterbacking-04-07-22



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


Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf 


Town Council recap & Audio ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/town-council-hears-of-iso-class-1-for.html


My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

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


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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin
Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin

Franklin TV: Goings On. Going Forward

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 04/10/2022

‘Shopping' for Shows

As we ramp up our post-COVID studio activities we are looking for programming. If you think that you would like to pursue a TV program of your own, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We make it easy. We promise. Now you can interview guests over Zoom – right from our studio as if they were seated right in front of you. That literally opens up a whole world of opportunity. Fascinating folks who would otherwise not have time to come to our studio from wherever can now ‘stop by’ for a virtual sit-down and chat.


Town Chambers – The Sound

We are aware of audience reports regarding noisy or scratchy sound during our coverage of the government meetings. We have been doing all we can to keep the microphone mixing systems in Chambers functioning long enough and quietly enough until we can replace them with new gear. What we need is very specific. Only 2 companies manufacture these devices. They are on back order, like so many other items that people can’t easily obtain because of supply chain issues. We are also working on implementing a temporary system this week until we can install an optimal solution.


Graduation ‘22

This year FHS Graduation 2022 takes place on June 3rd. It’s less than 7 weeks away. That time will hurtle by in a blink, so we start planning and prepping about now. Our latest HD equipment update that I mentioned last week is part of the preparations. We’ll be fine-tuning and testing over the next two weeks or so. This year Franklin High is again conducting the ceremonies outside on the field. If the weather hints at rain then we’ll return to the gym. Either way, we’ll be ready.


And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  


Franklin TV: Goings On. Going Forward
Franklin TV: Goings On. Going Forward


Unified Wrestling? Really? Yup, coming May 14 to Franklin!

"May 14th - Unified Wrestling comes to Franklin!  

If you are interested in learning more, please see the attached flyer.

Unified Wrestling? Really? Yup, coming May 14 to Franklin!
Unified Wrestling? Really? Yup, coming May 14 to Franklin!

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1512488069819092996 

“Day of Giving for Ukrainian Refugees” - April 13 - Horace Mann Middle School

“Day of Giving for Ukrainian Refugees” - April 13th - @HMMSLightning  Cash donations accepted on Wednesday April 13th at Horace Mann Middle School

More photos can be found with the post from Twitter:   https://twitter.com/CDonahue48/status/1512147420469248003 

“Day of Giving for Ukrainian Refugees” - April 13 - Horace Mann Middle School
“Day of Giving for Ukrainian Refugees” - April 13 - Horace Mann Middle School

Hold the date => Night of the Arts at FHS - Apr 29

"Save the DATE! The National Art Honors Society is hosting a Night of the Arts at FHS on Friday, April 29th, from 5:30pm - 7:30pm for middle/elementary school students.  
Enter FHS through the community door & travel around the world through art!!

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnsonb_ms/status/1512454889242255373 

Hold the date => Night of the Arts at FHS - Apr 29
Hold the date => Night of the Arts at FHS - Apr 29 

When are you moving into the new building?

The Franklin Food Pantry gets a frequently asked question these days: 
Q    When are you moving into the new building?

A   The short answer is "not yet." While the former Edwins is a beautiful building, we still have lots of work to do so make it afunctional Pantry to best serve our neighbors. Please watch our social media and website for updates about the building project. In the meantime, we are grateful to still be able to operate out of current location.

For more about the Edwins building visit the Food Pantry page ->
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/edwins-building-to-be-new-site-of-the-franklin-food-pantry/

When are you moving into the new building?
When are you moving into the new building?

Check your inbox for an email about a refund from OnPoint Global


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Karen Hobbs

Did you use one of OnPoint's bogus websites — like DMV.com or floridadriverslicense.com — to get driver's license or vehicle registration services? Now you can apply to get back the money you lost. 

Learn more at ftc.gov/OnPointDMVDon't wait, the deadline to apply for a refund is July 5, 2022.