FM #889 - Economic Development 'Plus' Cmte - 11/30/22

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 in the Council Chambers with one member (Hunchard) participating virtually (hence roll call vote).  One member absent (Wierling)

Quick recap:

• The discussion centered on the inclusionary zoning proposal carried over from the prior meeting. While the group had more time to review the matter, they still could not reach consensus on a recommendation and yet did move the item for discussion by the full Council. 
• In my view, this group, which in principle approves of the concept, and yet can't recommend an approach, likely sets the full Council discussion up for failure. Stay tuned, this is an important discussion, and no matter the next vote, Franklin needs to address this properly.

My Twitter thread:

• Ready for Iive reporting on back to back meetings; first up, economic development subcommittee and inclusionary zoning #edc1130 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf
• Planning Director Bryan Taberner provides an overview of the proposed changes to introduce this measure. #edc1130 map being shown on the screen of the zoning areas
• Clarification on 4 vs. 5 in some of the prior drafts, should be 5 in all places. #edc1130 consideration of getting affordable units after 30% of development (so if something happens, and they were planned for the end and didn't happen, the Town would be left short)
• Also consideration for the affordable units #edc1130 that are permitted in another area. Back to the 5vs4 question, from 5 units to 14, only 1 required as affordable to meet 10% requirements; Planning Board would need to approve the alternative site
• Question on 15 units vs 20 units gives the Planning Board ability to regulate - this is part of the density piece not part of inclusionary #edc1130 Frongillo, Q on how did we get to 10%, Hellen explains cap by state rule at 10%
• 10% also aligns with the 10% 40b units, it is a middle road. Rondeau clarification questions answered. Halligan (from audience) comments great example of a walkthrough to say we should be working on setbacks, etc. To make the building feasible #edc1130
• Hellen asks Q, what is the percent that would make it work? If not 35%, then 50, 70, 100? #edc1130 Frongillo still to the point this won't get us anything (maybe up to 15-20 units be4 requiring affordable) would like to work with developers to find the #s that work
• Hamblen Qs is what is the starting point, 5, 8, 10 (vs Frongillo at 20-25 or so). #edc1130 motion to send to full council for recommendation to planning board, 6-0 via roll call 
• Motion to adjourn, 6-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over an hour.   

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The agenda and doc released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

Franklin TV YouTube video ->  https://youtu.be/sUk0eqtUzXE

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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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