FM #1316 - Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 11/13/24

Franklin Matters Radio

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers.

Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ... Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates.
• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year,
• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025.
• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call.
• Separately voted on definition and use table
• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential.
• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council
• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin.
• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this.
• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call
• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time
• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design
• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over 1 hour.

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

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations

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

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"