🔨 A humanitarian crisis in Framingham
Mayor Eyes Marian Building for Community Center | City Requests More Funding for New School | Help Shape Framingham’s Climate Future | Upcoming Events | The Civic Week Ahead
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A humanitarian crisis in Framingham
The first wave of refugees arrived in Framingham on July 28 with no notice to the city from the state. The first group of 14 families were dropped off at the Red Roof Inn.
Six weeks later, and two more waves: As of today, Framingham is home to 130 individuals living in three different hotels, including the Red Roof Inn. The state says more may arrive this month.
Who are these individuals? The individuals, including many families, are ethnically Haitian, but have lived in other countries such as Chile and Brazil. They came to Massachusetts seeking asylum. Since they lived in other countries, many of the children speak Spanish, Portuguese or English. Massachusetts is home to the third largest Haitian population in the country.
How are they being helped?: The state named Jewish Family Services of MetroWest as care coordinators for the families at the first hotel. JFS reached their max, and the city is pushing for the state to name more coordinators to assist all families. According to the Mayor at tonight’s Council meeting, the city, led by Public Information Officer, Susan Petroni, is “struggling to coordinate all of the volunteers and meals”. Two local nonprofits were providing meals until last week when the state hired a caterer in East Boston to provide food. Consistent meals are still an issue.
Also according to the Mayor tonight, SMOC applied to be a service provider. Once they have been named, then Petroni will step down as coordinator.
What the Mayor said at the last School Committee meeting: "We have heard that they (JFS) are maxed out and they cannot take on any more families. We have tried to communicate with the state to try and see what they can do, and the state is basically overwhelmed with the number of families coming in. They are trying to locate them throughout the Commonwealth and they are running out of space. We have no idea where this is going, and we seem to be seeing this multiply by the hour."
What is the city’s role?: At the moment the city is coordinating volunteers and nonprofits to provide meals, supplies and other resources, and reimbursements from the state. The state is paying for the hotels, meals and other resources. The state is also paying for any education costs associated with any of the children attending FPS.
The city is now partnering with the Framingham Interfaith Community Association, a collective of local religious groups, to organize donations. The Framingham Emergency Relief Fund started during the pandemic by the Foundation for MetroWest, was reactivated in order to provide emergency funding and reimbursement to nonprofits that are assisting those in need.
How can you help: Donate today to the Framingham Emergency Relief Fund:
• Online: Visit www.communityfoundationmw.org/donate and choose "Framingham Emergency Relief Fund" from the dropdown menu.
• By mail: Send a check payable to The Community Foundation for MetroWest with "Framingham Emergency Relief Fund" in the memo line to 3 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760.
Ongoing state crisis: This issue is ongoing, not just in Framingham, but in many other communities in the Commonwealth. Governor Healey declared a state of emergency back in August. At the time, she said there was an 80% increase of people and families living in state shelters. The current influx of migrants has overwhelmed the system.
Massachusetts is a “right to shelter” state, which means the state must provide housing to a homeless family who have at least one child under 21. This law went into effect in the early 1980s.
Mayor Eyes Marian Building for Community Center
A new chapter: After years of being vacant, it appears the Marian High School building on Union Avenue is getting a second chance. Mayor Sisitsky announced his plans to pursue the property as a home for a new community center.
Recent history: Back on June 27, the Council held an executive session about the Marian High School property. Due to the private nature of executive sessions, I am not sure what, exactly, was discussed. Shortly after in July, the Sisitsky Administration issued a Request for Information seeking proposals for a community center. I shared my thoughts on why we need one, and what it should look like several issues ago.
Issue picked up steam: Coaches, parents, community leaders gathered in the Blumer Room in the Memorial Building at the Council’s Finance Subcommittee meeting on Tuesday, August 22nd to share their thoughts about a potential community center, especially the location - one that had to be accessible by walking, biking or public transportation.
The day before the RFIs were due, the Mayor spoke at the meeting about the process. He said the city had one interested party: the owners of the Marian site. The building already features a gym, a 750 seat auditorium, and plenty of study and studio space. What about a pool? The Mayor says a preliminary look shows building a pool as an addition to the building is feasible.
What is the plan to pay for it?: Framingham still has $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Mayor says these funds would be used to purchase the site and make renovations.
Stamp of approval: While the Mayor does not need Council approval to use ARPA funds, he does need approval to purchase property. The Finance Subcommittee voted to approve. At tonight’s Council meeting, the vote was unanimous for the proposal. The Mayor said he would set up a group of interested partners to work on making the center a reality.
My thoughts: As I said in my piece a few weeks ago, a community center is very needed in Framingham. This center is life changing for our kids. Having it at Marian is huge for our Downtown, as well. I look forward to seeing this project come to life. This is a good moment.
City Requests More Funding for New School
One step closer to a new school: Mayor Sisitsky requested an additional $3 million for the purchase of the Bethany property. The Bethany property is considered to be the top location for a new southside elementary school and early education center.
The Council’s role: The Council in March 2022 gave the okay for Mayor Sisitsky to start the process to acquire the property. The Council would have to approve the money for him to purchase the land. The Mayor originally asked for $6 million.
Today’s ask: Framingham is taking the property by eminent domain, and it is a friendly taking. Both the Sisters of St. Joseph, the owners of the property, and the City of Framingham are on the same page. The documents will be filed in court, and there will be no challenge.
Approved: The Council voted 11-0 in a first reading to purchase the property.
Final property cost: $9 million.
Help Shape Framingham’s Climate Future!
Thinking green: Framingham is at the beginning of developing a Climate Action Plan.
What is a Climate Action Plan?: Think of it as Framingham’s map to a more clean, green and sustainable future. It should have goals and strategies to achieve community resilience, combating climate change, and environmental justice.
How you can help: Join the city at a community workshop on Tuesday, September 12 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Costin Room at the Main Branch of the Framingham Public Library, or virtually over Zoom. Spanish and Portuguese interpretations will be available.
Register: Attendees can register at mapc.ma/framinghamCAP.
Who is hosting this forum?: The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the regional planning agency supporting the 101 communities in Greater Boston, is providing facilitation and technical support for the project.
If you are unable to attend, share your thoughts in this online survey: mapc.ma/FraminghamFuture.
Upcoming Events
2nd Annual Back to School Safety Fest on Saturday
Hosted by Mayor Sisitsky and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, the 2nd Annual Back to School Safety Fest returns this Saturday to Cushing Park.
The free event takes place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
According to the press release, “the family-friendly event aims to teach children and families about safety through a fun, interactive experience.”
Event includes:
Free lunch and kettle corn – while supplies last
Free bicycle helmets provided by The Framingham Police Association – while supplies last
Free backpacks thanks to Laborers International Union of North America, Local 609 - while supplies last
Buses and vehicles from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, Framingham School Department, police and fire, Parks & Recreation, and DPW
Middlesex Sheriff’s Office’s therapy dog Millie
Sounds like an event you want to get there early!
Framingham Holds 9/11 Remembrance
Framingham is hosting a remembrance ceremony to honor those who lost their lives, including 17 individuals who had ties to Framingham, on September 11, 2001.
The ceremony starts at 5:30pm at the 9/11 Living Memorial at Cushing Park. In case of rain, the ceremony will occur in the Chapel. All are welcome.
Celebrate World Clean-up Day with KFB!
World Cleanup Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September and brings together people worldwide to clean up their communities. This year Keep Framingham Beautiful [KFB] will participate from Friday Sept. 15th - Sunday Sept. 17th.
We encourage everyone to contribute by doing a litter cleanup on your own, in a small group or joining the Downtown cleanup on the 17th.
For sign up details visit https://forms.gle/cwPNVWMTwbL8szk59
Framingham Business Association Holds Monthly Meeting
The Framingham Business Association welcomes Mayor Charlie Sisitsky to their September meeting next Wednesday, September 13 at La Cantina (911 Waverly Street). The event is at noon and lunch is provided.
This is a great opportunity for local business owners to network and hear from the Mayor. Membership is open to Framingham business owners.
The Framingham Business Association was created to promote and protect the value, importance and significance of a thriving business community in the City of Framingham, and to ensure that local businesses’ needs are being considered, understood and supported by the residents and government officials. The FBA strives to be a good example of a successful community drive alliance dedicated to making a positive impact on behalf of the businesses and residents alike in the City of Framingham. The FBA believes that a thriving local business community equals a thriving Framingham.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, September 5
Wednesday, September 6
Thursday, September 7
Now that we’re all back from summer and vacations, expect things in Framingham to pick up a bit more steam. We’re going to have a lot to talk about. Plus, many of you gave great ideas on what I can incorporate into the newsletter. Stay tuned for a preview of what I am going to do for this election season.
If you have any thoughts, let me know.
Have a great week,
Mary Kate
The people who voted to be a Sanctuary City arthe ones who - the only ones who should be made to pay - support the immigrants.
Bob Draper