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To the Editor:
I am writing to express my concerns about the Stobbart project. While I have not been vocal about this issue before, I have followed it closely. From the beginning, many residents have opposed this project. Yet, despite this opposition, five out of nine council members voted in favor, and the ZBA, which has the authority to invoke SAFE HARBOR and end this project, has not yet acted—seemingly disregarding the will of the residents.
If we were below the 10% requirement for 40B, I might understand your decision. However, we are well above that threshold—around 12-13% once all existing projects are completed. As Mr. Nutting noted at the last ZBA meeting, we are currently in SAFE HARBOR, meaning we are not obligated to approve this project as it stands. This provides an opportunity to take a step back and reconsider.
I understand the need for growth, and our town has expanded significantly in recent decades. However, we could develop the Stobbart location in a way that not only generates more revenue for the town but also preserves its character. Instead of adding more rental units, we could focus on promoting home ownership while maintaining the traditional look and feel that residents cherish.
You often speak about wanting a flourishing downtown. However, the issue is not a lack of residents—it is the downtown itself. In the past, when the area thrived, we had fewer residents but plenty of foot traffic. This was because downtown appealed to families and teens with shops catering to everyday needs, not just special occasions.
Today, aside from eateries, there is little downtown that people visit regularly. While you envision apartments bringing more foot traffic, Franklin is not Boston—we lack the same number of storefronts and public transportation. Franklin has always been a family-oriented town, and somewhere along the way, the push for growth has overshadowed this. It is time to refocus on what makes our town special.
Given these circumstances, I urge the council and the ZBA to listen to the residents. There is no legal obligation to move forward with this project, so you have the opportunity to prioritize the community’s wishes. You ask us to support an override and trust that you have our best interests at heart. Yet, when it comes to this project, it feels like our voices are being dismissed. It is my understanding that there is a small window of opportunity to act on SAFE HARBOR. No action is still an action—it shows that the voices of the residents are being ignored.
Please do the right thing: terminate this project, work with the ZBA, and respect the will of the residents who elected you. These are the same people you are asking to support the town financially in June. Let us put the community first.
Jane Callaway-Tripp
Franklin resident.
