No2summerst.com
Impact Now
Let's continue to work together to keep Summer Street and Franklin a place we're proud to call home!
Next Planning Board Meeting and vote is set for August 19th at 7pm. Please attend!
We strongly oppose the proposed senior development called Autumn Hill, located at 496-498 Summer Street. This property is zoned for single family residential uses, RR1 and RR2. However, the Town of Franklin can override the zoning due to the Senior Village Overlay District. See 185-48 by-law amendment. This allows the densest development possible. Bruce Hunchard, the chairperson of the zoning board, also the owner of the property, is calling this a senior development. It is actually condominiums, 2-3 bedroom, full basement, and 2 car garage that will sell starting at $850,000. In other words, cluster homes for the wealthy seniors, not seniors in need of affordable housing. This is a clear conflict of interest for Mr. Hunchard who owns the property and is Chairperson of the zoning board.
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THIS IS A CLUSTER . . . . !
And Bruce Hunchard's way to twist the rules.
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Zoning and Overlay District Concerns:
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This development overrides the current zoning (RR1 and RR2) through the Senior Village Overlay District. This allows for denser development than what is typically permitted in single-family residential zones.
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This raises issues about how local regulations are being applied and potentially manipulated to favor specific developments.
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This property is currently zoned for single family residential uses, RR1 and RR2. By trying to rezone, see 185-48 by-law amendment, they would be allowing the densest development possible.
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Conflict of Interest:
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Bruce Hunchard, the chairperson of the zoning board, is also the owner of the property in question. This creates a clear conflict of interest situation.
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His dual role may undermine the integrity of the zoning decision-making process, as he stands to benefit personally from the approval of the development.
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Nature of the Development:
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While marketed as a senior development, the properties are described as luxury condominiums with high price points starting at $850,000.
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This contrasts with the community's needs for affordable senior housing, suggesting the development may not meet the genuine housing needs of seniors in the area.
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Community Impact:
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There are concerns about the type of community being created — a cluster of high-end homes rather than a development that serves a broader demographic and housing affordability needs.
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Such developments can potentially alter the character of the neighborhood and have wider implications on local infrastructure and services.
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Transparency and Accountability:
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There is a call for transparency in how zoning decisions are made and for accountability regarding potential conflicts of interest.
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The community expects fair and impartial decision-making that aligns with the broader interests and needs of residents, not just those of developers or individuals with vested interests.
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WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED
The Autum Hill plans as submitted can be found here
READ THE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
The Planning Board Meeting and vote is set for 7pm on August 19th at the Town of Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E Central St. This could be continued! Please check the agenda by clicking below
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We highly recommend that you attend. It is our final chance to say NO to the proposed cluster homes- so called Senior living development and to be heard as a community before they cast their "FINAL VOTE." A vote that could set precedence, and forever CHANGE the character and use of our already well-established residential neighborhoods looking forward...FOR YEARS TO COME!
A final Yes vote by the Franklin Planning Board
will not only be detrimental to the immediate area,
but also will erode the character of our community as a whole.
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Allowing these changes will potentially impact the way we use
our already well-established residential neighborhoods looking forward... FOR YEARS TO COME.
THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT SUMMER STREET!