Thread by @FranklinMatters

Hang in there, working thru some tech difficulties as MAPC is hosting the meeting. #ffa0307

Should be live in all places now #ffa0307

Let us know if there is a problem via Zoom or live stream or cable #ffa0307

A view of the Chamber, Chair Melanie Hamblen providing some home work assignments #ffa0307

Walk around Franklin, sign up for newsletter, checkout Franklin For All page, let's all be open and treat comments with respect #ffa0307

MAPC covers 100+ communities in their region, multiple issues are similar across the region, implementations will vary as required by the local community #ffa0307

Emma (MAPC) running through some of the project background items to set stage for tonight's presentation and discussion #ffa0307

Community survey being launched tonight to formalize the feedback in a structured manner #ffa0307

Projection on the large screen in Chambers was added; the monitors in the Chambers were already operating #ffa0307

Approx 40-50 in room, another 100+ via Zoom, some other number (unknown) likely watching via cable or live stream #ffa0307

Slides for the record #ffa0307

More slides #ffa0307

And more slides #ffa0307

Visioning survey MAPC.ma/franklin-for-a… #ffa0307 #ffa0307

Open now for comments and questions; Dean has been involved in one of the focus groups. This is not a HUD funded project. #ffa0307

Jane Calloway-Tripp commenting against denser downtown, some folks can't walk downtown, #ffa0307 some folks downtown will be forced out by developers coming in, think about the residents not the developers, nothing downtown for teens that appeals to children

Bryan Taberner comments that nothing has been designed yet, no changes proposed yet, still gathering info #ffa0307 Emma concurs with Bryan's comments

Question on when the meetings for the subcommittees #ffa0307 Jamie advises to check the Town calendar, for the details. Usually posted 48 hours in advance.

Speaker moved to Franklin to get away from Boston, kudos for doing this, #ffa0307 cites example of Walpole as something not to do with downtown (there will be plenty of opportunities to have hearings and input to whatever the changes are when proposed)

No pictures of what the future will look like at this time? Keep the levels are they are now. MAPC worked with Reading and their transit district to check out. Before and after photos will come next time #ffa0307

Question on the survey, results to be public? yes. Questions on the survey after released send to Emma or Bryan info at end of meeting #ffa0307

Alpine place resident confused with the process. Doesn't understand the MAPC role in the process. #ffa0307

Resident adding some history to the conversation #ffa0307 suggestion from one to include close caption, (the transcript of the meeting can be shared after the meeting it won't be perfect but it can help)

Folks seem stuck on why and where MAPC comes into this. Wonder who raised that question to distract the focus of this info gathering session? #ffa0307

Info on next steps and feedback, link to survey as well #ffa0307

The scope of the study focused on downtown, outside along both ends of 140 could be future study areas but outside of the discussion for now. #ffa0307

MAPC did the recent study (market analysis) and building upon what was there to focus on the downtown, aligned with the Transit initiatives the state is looking to do, those guidelines are still being drafted #ffa0307

Q on how to incorporate the existing buildings, little can be done, would need to work with those owners, or make the zoning worthwhile for someone to make an effort #ffa0307

Survey is meant to formalize the feedback from all in the public. Take some time to fill it out the survey. The time to raise questions will come when there is a proposal to look at. #ffa0307 as mentioned May or June

Q on how many people live in which zones around Franklin center? It was asked in another Jan/Feb meeting and is being worked on. #ffa0307

Kaye Kelly reminds that the center is also a newer cultural district and that piece needs to be considered, i.e. an ice cream store as well as an art and cultural center #ffa0307 this past Saturday pleased her as she saw so many folks walking around downtown

What does "high" mean? Folks are concerned. (Yet those proposals are not yet developed!) #ffa0307 "I won't charge you for these ideas"

First business owner to speak, many building owners are old time Franklin folks. Having trouble to get the owners to do work on their buildings, also not handicap accessible. #ffa0307

Strawberry and Harvest festivals shut her business down during these times, these business owners won't change, good luck getting them to do anything, good luck doing that! #ffa0307

Lots of mother's with little kids in her peer group, does zoning address the ownership arena? the library, bakery, etc. Is good but more could be done. No answer when it is privately held. #ffa0307

Let's enhance the cultural parts of downtown, that will help bring folks. #ffa0307 Q are we meeting the affordable requirements? Yes, this in preparation to stay above the affordable requirements

Affordable is a federal definition that the state works with #ffa0307 Franklin Federated Church member is concerned about the building and affordability, wants to ensure zoning allows flexibility for church and the community.

Something may happen, Council does have final say (with Planning Board, Economic development, etc) what will happen remains to be seen. #ffa0307

MAPC did the downtown study 20 years ago, now we are bringing them back to redo the study and see what if anything we need to do or could do. #ffa0307 coincidentally the State wants zoning looked at around the T stations, other zoning changes locally proposed failed recently

Downtown owners haven't installed a grease trap in their buildings - it is a zoning forum. MAPC is a consultant to the town #ffa0307

If we do this and nothing changes, then what do we do? Can we see what they have done and been successful with? Go to MAPC.org and check it out #ffa0307

We are done for this evening! Thanks for following along, that is all for tonight catch you next time! #ffa0307

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