LETTER: They Think We Are Stupid

Just when you think you’ve seen it all in Franklin, the Town manages to set a new low. Last night’s ZBA meeting was a perfect example of why so many residents are fed up with nearly every aspect of our local government. And we had no shortage of witnesses in the room—members of the Town Council and even the Town Administrator were present.

The evening’s headliner was TAG Central, the Florida developer pushing its 264-unit project for 444 East Central Street (Stobbart’s Nurseries). But before that circus began, residents got a front-row seat to how our so-called “public servants” treat the public. A homeowner—simply looking to build a porch—was denied a variance without explanation, despite having the support of a majority of the ZBA and all of his neighbors.

The treatment shocked many in attendance. It was unprofessional, dismissive, and it set the tone for the night.

Then came the main act. After running through a list of issues the developer wanted waived—you know, minor things like sewage pumping—we finally heard from the abutters. As always, they spoke with reason and clarity in opposing the project.

At this point, many of us expected the Town Council to finally stand with the residents. Instead, in a letter read aloud by Tom Mercer, we learned that the Council had unanimously decided to oppose the project only as currently presented.

And what was their ask?

To end the project?
To reduce the size and scope of the project?
To build a few less apartments?

No—the Council asked the developer to remove parking spaces so some of the buildings could be reduced from four stories back to three.
At first, some applauded this as the first sign of pushback against the developer.

But then, Stephen Malloy, not wanting to let the smell of BS linger in the air too long, quickly reminded everyone that a majority of the people of Franklin opposed the project as it was originally designed and that going back to the original design was not what the people of Franklin wanted.

What we witnessed last night, recorded for all to see on YouTube, was our Town government showing its true colors. It made clear the kind of leadership we currently have—and why, come November, we need to use our votes to replace as many of them as possible.
It’s not overly dramatic to quote the words of Abraham Lincoln here to say that we need to return to Government of the people, by the people and for the people here in Franklin. That the reason this town turned down the override, even if they thought it was needed, is because they are unwilling to hand over more of their hard-earned money to leaders they just don’t trust.
These people think we are stupid.

I assure you—we are not.

Gene Grella

Franklin Resident

[Image: A 'family' of crash-test dummies, Wikipedia]