Meanwhile, in Franklin...

In the summer of 2023, the quiet stretch of Upper Union Street that leads to Wrentham and the Big Apple farm store was transformed. 

At that time, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, was notified that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had entered into a year lease with the Best Western Plus Executive Residency on Upper Union Street in Franklin to shelter incoming immigrant families being rushed into the country under a liberalized Biden-era policy..

“The Town, and its departments, will lead with compassion, support and assistance for families, as allowed by the state,” Hellen said at the time. Eventually, that included considerable involvement from the Health Department and ongoing work with the library --not to mention a number of students enrolled in the Franklin School system.

Now, after two years, the hotel is "closed" according to signs posted on the door, and looks all but derelict with hundreds of square feet of torn up carpet in the halls and a dumpster overflowing with discarded mattresses.  But the odd assortment of cars in the lot may yet betoken some remaining residents. 

A visit to the unstaffed front desk yielded no clues. And Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, asked about the situation earlier in the month, indicated he had no information, writing: "I have not received any more communication from the Commonwealth on the matter and do not have any updates or information other than what I received in April/May. As you know the state is managing the shelter program. When we received notice of the hotel closure on June 30, 3025, I inquired with the state regarding the future of the hotel and never received a reply."

Somewhere along the way, the Best Western has reemerged as a 'three star' Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham but a website advises, "Contact this property for rates and availability."

Above, discarded mattresses, 7-14-25

Discarded carpet, foreground, boxes of replacement flooring to the rear 7-14-25