a. Staff Memo & Draft Zoning amendment
a. Staff Memo & Draft Map
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| Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda for June 7, 2023 Meeting at 5:45 PM |
Panthers put up a tough fight in playoff match but came up short against talented Andover team. Couldn't be more proud of the girls who traveled north today and played through some tough conditions. Mia Dewsnap and Avalon Thomes played their first match together and hung tough. https://twitter.com/fhs_gvtennis/status/1665108358435684355
Big 19-8 tournament win today! Total team effort all over the field. Proud of how the girls played after almost 2 weeks without a game. Congrats to Andover on a great season and good luck to the seniors next year.Next we play CC at home on Wednesday 4pm.
Final from Pisini StadiumFranklin 19Andover 8Atkinson 3 goals 3 assistsK. Carney 6 goals 3 assistsK. Ryan 1 goal 2 assistsK. Peterson 5 goals 3 assistsJ. Tanner 4 goalsFranklin will play Concord-Carlisle TBD https://twitter.com/FHSTrainingRoom/status/1665395498436513792
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| FHS Panthers |
A statistical review of the past five months shows an increase in foreclosures, particularly notice to foreclose mortgage filings, the first step in the process. Over this time period, a total of 33 foreclosure deeds and 161 notices to foreclose were recorded. February saw the most notices to foreclose with 43 in one month.
"Higher home prices, mortgage interest rates above 6%, and an increased cost of living are all factors that could be contributing to the increase in the number of foreclosures and notices to foreclose we are seeing recorded at the Registry." Register O'Donnell continued, "With that said, we realize that while Norfolk County is a destination location to both live and work, but there are still some of our neighbors facing economic hardships."
To help those facing issues paying their mortgage, the Registry of Deeds has partnered with upstanding non-profit agencies by promoting their services when it comes to mortgage modification and foreclosure programs.
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (NHS) offers a multitude of services with the aim of helping homeowners maintain safe, affordable, high-quality housing and grow their financial skills. NHS' services include rental assistance, emergency financial help, shelter and homelessness prevention, first-time homebuyer education and counseling, financial coaching, foreclosure prevention, affordable residential and small business loans, and the construction and management of high-quality rental housing across Southern Massachusetts.
Since 1965, Quincy Community Action (QCAP) has been providing anti-poverty services in the Greater Quincy region. This includes basic needs such as food and nutrition, fuel assistance, affordable housing, quality early education and care, adult education and workforce development, and financial education. QCAP helps more than 100 communities, and more than 28,000 individuals benefit from QCAP services annually.
Homeowners can contact Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 or NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at (508) 587-0950 x-46. Another option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400.
"All of these agencies provide a range of assistance, from helping with the mortgage modification process to providing legal services to offering credit counseling," stated Register O'Donnell. "If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance."
For more information on these and other support options, go to the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org, click on the Support tab, and then click on the subtab that mentions Foreclosure Assistance.
"Counselors can help homeowners understand their mortgage terms, negotiate with their lender, and develop a plan to avoid foreclosure. There are legitimate resources available to help homeowners in distress, but it is important to be cautious and do your research before trusting any company promising quick solutions," said Register O'Donnell.
Register O'Donnell also warned homeowners against falling prey to for-profit companies that offer loan modification and credit counseling services but charge an exorbitant fee.
"Unfortunately, foreclosure rescues and mortgage modification relief are becoming a growing scam. In some cases, unscrupulous for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification companies are preying on vulnerable homeowners," noted O'Donnell. "They make unrealistic promises and charge a lot of money for doing so. If one of these companies is telling you something that is too good to be true, it probably is. Please check out any for-profit foreclosure relief and mortgage modification company before entering into a contract with them."
To avoid falling prey to for-profit companies that offer loan modification and credit counseling services but charge an exorbitant fee, residents can check the Better Business Bureau or consumer protection websites to see if there are any complaints against the company.
Register O'Donnell concluded, "The Registry is proud of its commitment to helping those facing a mortgage delinquency or foreclosure by directing them to the appropriate agency that can hopefully put them back on the road to financial recovery. I urge people who feel that they need such services to contact the agencies referenced above."
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and 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 at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
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| Register O'Donnell Reports on Increasing Number of Foreclosures, Promotes Assistance Programs |
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| Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) |
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.
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.
a. April 12, 2023 -https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._april_12_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_1.pdfb. April 26, 2023 -https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._april_26_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdfc. May 3, 2023 -https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._may_3_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
a. Recognition: Electric Youth
a. Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees
i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for names ->https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._committee_renewals_2023.pdf
b. Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee
i. See “Appointments: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee” in packet for names ->https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._davis_thayer_committee_appointments.pdf
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below ->https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._liquor_world.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition
i. Legislation for Action Item #9a ->https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (formerly 23-895): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units
i. Legislation for Action Item #9bhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks
i. Legislation for Action Item #9chttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf
a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. GATRA Advisory Board
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| Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023 |
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| Electric Youth 2023 Bon Voyage Concert |
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| Electric Youth 2023 European Tour Dates |
This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
Our primary topic was the school budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024). The Finance Committee meetings are done, the Town Council held their budget hearings and approved the budget. Coming up at the June 7 are a couple of resolutions to add another approx. $700K to the schools budget. This still leaves the School budget short of what they were asking for and hard choices remain.
One bright spot coming out of the hearing is that there appears to be agreement on trying to do something to address the systemic issues in the school and town budget.
The recording runs about 40 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Dave Callaghan. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1003-school-cmte-dave-callaghan-05-31-23
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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
School budget -> https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget
Town Administrator’s budget ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
Town Council budget hearings (video & audio links)
May 24 & 25 (budget hearings) - recap & audio links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/audio-recordings-for-1st-of-2-budget.html https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget_01384873643.html
recap & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget.html
Finance Committee budget hearings (video & audio links)
May 11 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) public safety (police, fire, dispatch) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-cmte-completes-fy-2024-budget.html
May 10 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) schools (FPS, Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie) recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-committee-budget-hearing-2-gets.html
May 8 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) general government and DPW (enterprise accounts (sewer, water, solid waste & stormwater) - recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/fincom-gets-fy-2024-summary-from-town.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"
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| School Committee member Dave Callaghan talks about the school budget & hard choices - 05/31/23 (audio) |
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| memorial marker for Henry "Ski" Faenza |
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| Town Clerk Nancy Danello, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen having some fun |
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| CPA sign at entrance to Nason St tot lot |
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| Recreation Director Ryan Jette |
