🔨 It's Baaaack! Framingham's MBTA Drama Returns for Another Season
School Committee Finalizes Budget | Traffic Department Proposed to Mixed Reaction | Council on Aging Senior Heroes Award Honorees | Community Events | The Civic Week Ahead
Gather around, dear readers, for this week’s newsletter features another episode in the continuing saga of the MBTA Communities Act.
What many people thought was a settled matter is anything but as the Council and the Sisitsky Administration debate about the Central Business District.
This is one of several major issues facing the Council this month, including the budget.
Grab a cup of coffee, get settled, and let me share with you the next episode in the MBTA Communities Act drama…
1.| Council Seeking Final Vote on MBTA Communities Act
It’s baaaacckk… the drama of Framingham complying with the MBTA Communities Act continues with the Council working to finalize the zoning in the Central Business District at tonight’s meeting. And in true Framingham fashion, this process continues to be a scramble.
Why it matters: Despite achieving conditional compliance in January, Framingham must still reach full MBTA Communities Act compliance but the Council, Planning Board and Sisitsky Administration are divided on proposed Central Business District changes that would meet state requirements while restricting development.
The Council’s proposal: The Planning and Zoning Subcommittee, led by Councilor Christine Long, proposed changes to the current Central Business District (CBD). The plan includes reducing the size of the district and reducing the building height limit from 6 stories to 4 stories.
The proposal creates zoning for 4,375 units. The MBTA Communities Act requires zoning for 4,355 units.
The Council voted 10-1, with Councilor Leora Mallach voting no, to move the proposal to a second reading.
Additionally, they voted 11-0 on Councilor Brandon Ward’s amendment requesting the Planning Department to study the possibility of a transition zone between the adjacent neighborhoods and Downtown.
A long process: If you recall back to the winter, the Sisitsky Administration’s proposed plan included areas around the city, including Nobscot, Downtown, Shoppers World, Pinefield, 9/90, and caused much anger, bitterness and community division. While the Council voted to table the plan until February, Mayor Sisitsky dropped that plan and submitted existing zoning - the Central Business District in Downtown - for compliance with the state.
Sisitsky’s Submittal: The CBD zoning was approved by Town Meeting back in 2015. The CBD has the capacity for 12,777 units. The Mayor’s submission in December was for 6,286 units.
Solicitor Memo: With 26 hours before tonight’s Council meeting, City Solicitor Kathryn Fallon Manupelli issued a legal opinion stating the proposed changes don't qualify as "MBTA zoning" and require a 2/3 majority vote - a much higher bar than the simple majority threshold for MBTA compliance measures.
So, for all those following along, according to the Administration this zoning around the train station doesn’t qualify as MBTA Communities Act and has a higher vote requirement, while back in December Nobscot (not near any public transportation) zoning could be easily changed with a simple majority.
Compliant or not compliant?: Another argument from the Administration is that the Council proposal takes Framingham out of compliance. True, until the state approves it. By submitting this proposal, the process starts again for state approval. But state funding or grants are not at risk while the state does its process.
What about transition?: The Planning Department did put together a Neighborhood Central Business District (NCBD) per the request at the previous Council meeting. The draft proposal provides transition into residential neighborhoods while maintaining development opportunities with stricter height limits.
What’s next?: Great question. Tonight the Council votes on the second reading of their proposal to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. It should mark the ending of a very long process.
However, it will be interesting to see how the last minute memo from the City Solicitor makes an impact, if any, on tonight’s debate.
2.| School Committee Closes $1.5M Budget Gap, Approves Layoffs to Meet Mayor's Target
After weeks of negotiations, the School Committee has finalized their FY26 budget request at $183.1 million, matching Mayor Sisitsky's proposal but requiring layoffs and utility cuts to close the gap.
The big picture: The School Committee's decision ends a standoff that had prevented the Council Finance Subcommittee from making budget recommendations. The resolution came after intense pressure from councilors who pointed out schools were already receiving a $10.5 million increase.
By the numbers:
$183.1 million: Final school budget request (matches mayor's proposal)
$1.5 million: Gap that needed to be closed through cuts
6%+: Increase in school funding compared to FY25
$130,000: Retained for vacant Equity Director position
What got cut:
Early childhood alliance staffing positions
Wraparound coordinators
Nine instructional coaches (shifted to different titles)
Additional salary line items
$130,000 from electric utilities (to preserve Equity Director funding)
The risk ahead: The $130,000 cut from electric utilities could create problems down the line, potentially requiring a supplemental budget discussion if the district faces utility shortages during the school year.
3.| Traffic Department Proposal Faces Mixed Reception from Council
The Council heard the first formal proposal for a new Traffic & Transportation Department on May 6, but gave mixed reactions over whether the department should operate independently or under the Department of Public Works.
Charter Recommendation: The Charter, approved by voters in 2017, recommended the creation of a Traffic Department that would oversee all traffic and transportation issues in the city. The Traffic Commission was tasked with putting together a proposal within 2 years of their creation, hold two hearings on the proposal, and then present it to the Council and Mayor.
The May 2025 proposal: The newest proposal creates a new department that would incorporate the existing Lighting and Signals Division and serve as the city's lead agency on transportation issues.
Leadership: New Traffic and Transportation Director reports to the DPW Director
Responsibilities: Coordinate city-wide transportation initiatives, manage project planning and construction, maintain street lights and traffic signals
What stays elsewhere: Parking enforcement remains with Framingham Police Department, parking fines and resident stickers stay with Treasurer/Collector.
The reaction: Reactions from Framingham officials were mixed, with the proposal falling under DPW's purview being a key point of contention:
Opposition: At-Large City Councilor George King called the plan's development the "wrong direction," believing the traffic department should be independent from DPW and include traffic enforcement duties.
"I do not support this; I don't see where it gets us," King said.
Support: Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and District 9 Councilor Tracey Bryant backed the plan, with Sisitsky calling it "a very efficient and fiscally responsible way to create a traffic department".
Between the lines: The original Traffic Commission recommendation from 2020 was more expansive, calling for parking enforcement to move from police to the new department. The current proposal keeps more functions in their existing departments.
What's next: The Council's public hearing on the traffic department proposal is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, giving the public an opportunity to weigh in on the plan.
4.| Meet This Year’s Council on Aging Framingham Senior Heroes Award Honorees
For the fifth year, the Council on Aging is honoring four outstanding seniors who have given their time and efforts to our community.
The Senior Heroes Awards Recognition Event will take place on June 5, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Callahan Center (535 Union Avenue in Framingham) in the Blaise Room.
Those being recognized this week are:
Marcia Sharpe – Culture/Arts
Marcia is being recognized for her passionate advocacy for Access Framingham, our public access TV organization. As a proud veteran and active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Framingham and Downtown Framingham, Inc., Marcia works tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table and access to the resources they need to thrive.Robert (“Bob”) Anspach – Social Development
Bob is being honored for his lifelong commitment to promoting volunteerism and supporting individuals and families, regardless of race, social, economic status, or religion. As the chair of both the Framingham Human Relations Commission and the Alliance for MetroWest Unity, as well as the lead for the Elks Literacy Project, Bob has demonstrated unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive community.Sharon Arroyo, RN – Health/Healthcare
Sharon is being celebrated for her dedication to local healthcare, particularly in addressing the emergency needs of our diverse community. Her welcoming demeanor and empathetic approach have helped countless individuals feel comfortable seeking help. Sharon’s volunteer work includes serving with the Medical Reserve Corps, MetroWest Medical Center, Boston Marathon, and local 5K race first aid teams.Larry Stoodt – Public Service
Larry is being recognized for his years of service in environmental justice and sustainability initiatives. As a founding member of Energize Framingham and an enthusiastic community educator, Larry has played a vital role in shaping the community's sustainability efforts. He is also an active volunteer with Framingham Earth Day and Hoops and Homework, among many other projects.
Congratulations Marcia, Bob, Sharon and Larry!
Community Events
81st Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration
The Veterans Council is proud to host a solemn and respectful ceremony commemorating the 81st Anniversary of D-Day, marking the historic Normandy France Invasion during World War II.
The event will take place at: Veterans Memorial Park (638 Concord Street) on Friday, June 6 at 3:00pm.
This community gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the valor and unity that defined a generation. All members of the public are invited to attend and pay their respects.
Bay State Motor Festival
Sunday, June 8 from 9:00am to 2:00pm at Cushing Memorial Park. Celebrate Framingham’s automobile history! The free event features over 150 vehicles, including the Bay State model car, Chevys, Oldsmobiles, Buicks and Pontiacs made in Framingham.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 4
10:00am: Economic Development Corporation Executive Session Agenda
10:30am: Economic Development Corporation Agenda
4:00pm: Board of Assessors CANCELLED
5:30pm: 325th Anniversary Celebration Committee Agenda
6:00pm: School Committee Executive Session Agenda
7:00pm: Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Committee Rules and Regulations Meeting Agenda
7:00pm: School Committee Agenda
7:00pm: Board of Library Trustees Long Range Planning Subcommittee Agenda
7:00pm: SIFOC Agenda
Thursday, June 5
8:00pm: Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Committee Agenda
In Closing…
Seems like we’re jumping right into summer this week! Stay cool!
ICYMI: my guide to activities in June was published last week. Thank you to those who submitted more events to add. I’ll keep updating it.
Believe in Framingham,
