🔨 Residents Slam Hospital Maternity Downgrade
Preview of Tuesday’s Council Meeting | Community Center Survey | Mayor’s D3 Forum Thursday | Community Events | The Civic Week Ahead
Good evening, Framingham.
With spring comes the return of many community favorite events! Please take a look at the community events section with the latest. If you have an event you would like me to share, please send it my way.
1.| Residents Slam Hospital Maternity Downgrade at Public Hearing
The big picture: More than 40 speakers unanimously opposed Tenet Healthcare's plan to downgrade Framingham Union Hospital's maternity services during an April 9 public hearing at the Memorial Building.
Why it matters: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) must determine within 15 days whether the current Level IIB nursery services are essential to the community.
Driving the news: The hearing drew healthcare workers, elected officials, and residents who voiced concerns about risks to vulnerable newborns without advanced care, transportation barriers to other cities, disproportionate impact on immigrant mothers, and staff morale and hospital reputation.
Between the lines: While DPH reviews the feedback, they currently lack authority to prevent Tenet's planned June downgrade from Level IIB (which provides respiratory assistance) to Level IA (basic nursery care).
Counterpoint: Tenet's Massachusetts Market CEO Denten Park defended the move as an "incredible blessing" compared to complete maternity ward closures happening elsewhere, adding they plan to recruit a new OB-GYN. Park also mentioned Tenet’s investments in cardiac health.
What's next: If the state determines these services are necessary, Framingham Union Hospital will be required to submit a plan ensuring continued access for the community.
2.| Council to Address Community Center, Economic Development, and Appointments
The big picture: The Council meets Tuesday, April 15 with a packed agenda that includes updates on the community center, discussions with state legislators, and votes on multiple board appointments.
State of play: The agenda features:
A discussion with State Senator Karen Spilka and Representatives Donaghue, Gregoire, Lewis, and Sousa on topics affecting Framingham residents
Updates on the Economic Development Corporation from Chair Doug Lawrence
A briefing on parks and recreation facilities from Director James Snyder
Mayor and COO presentation on the community center's financial situation
By the numbers:
6 appointments to city boards up for votes
4 finance-related items receiving first readings
3 affordable housing developments (Bancroft Lofts, Union House, and Modera) with rent limits up for review
Between the lines: The community center project, using the former Marian High School building purchased with federal ARPA funds in 2023, represents a significant investment for the city with potential long-term impact on community services.
What's next: The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Blumer Room at Memorial Building, with remote participation available via Zoom.
3.| Framingham Seeks Resident Input on Community Center Plans
Speaking of the community center, now is the time to have your voice heard about its future.
The big picture: Framingham has launched a community survey to gather resident feedback on plans for a city-wide community center in the former Marian High School building.
Why it matters: The 100,000-square-foot facility, purchased with federal ARPA funds in 2023, is projected to be a gathering space for the entire community. Earmarks requested by Senators Markey, Warren, and Rep. Katherine Clark for fiscal year 2025 were not included in the stopgap funding bill signed by President Trump on March 15.
What they're saying: “This community center is an opportunity to create a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive space for all members of Framingham. It’s crucial that the vision for this center represents the diversity of our community, and I encourage everyone to share their ideas and help us shape a space that is truly reflective of our collective needs.” DEI Officer Jesse Edwards, vice chair of the Mayor’s Community Center Advisory Board.
How to participate: The survey is available online at framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Boards-Committees-Commissions-39/Framingham-Community-Center-Survey-158 Survey open until Labor Day weekend.
The bottom line: Results will guide the Advisory Committee and architects in developing a community center that serves generations of Framingham residents.
Community Events
Keep Framingham Beautiful Great Framingham Cleanup 5.0
Join hundreds of Framingham’s finest volunteers from Friday 4/11 to Sun 4/27 for the Keep Framingham Beautiful 5th Anniversary City-wide cleanup bonanza!
You can do cleanups on your own, organize a small group or join one of KFB's 3 group cleanups.
Let's help our city earn a 5-star litter-free rating for our 5th annual event.
Details & Sign Up: If you can pitch in please register on this form: https://forms.gle/p7HmnAu1S3a15nyB6
Mayor to Hold D3 Meeting
Mayor Sisitsky returns to District 3 this month for his tour of neighborhoods. The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts an hour. The forum takes place at Brophy School.
D3 is my district - so if you’re in the district and you’re at the meeting, say hi!
The Taste of MetroWest
Join us this year for the 12th Annual Taste of MetroWest; where you can try foods, drinks and desserts from local, new and fan favorites all in one place!
Eggciting Event!
Framingham’s EGGciting Event is back. Join Framingham Parks and Rec, the Bookmobile, FPD, and FFD at Cushing Memorial Park on April 19th to collect eggs, make some crafts, and win some prizes!
This event is great for the whole family! Children ages 3-12 may participate in the hunt. Pre-registration is required to participate.
Limited spots are available so don’t wait! Sign up today and see more information at www.FraminghamRec.com Questions? We can help! Call our office at 508-532-5960 or send us an email at parks.recreation@framinghamma.gov
Parks & Rec Hiring Summer Jobs!
Parks and Recreation is hiring! Positions available include, Lifeguard, Bathhouse Attendant, Seasonal Laborer, Summer Laborer.
Apply today: https://selfservice.framinghamma.gov/.../emp.../default.aspx
The Civic Week Ahead
Monday, April 14
Tuesday, April 15
Wednesday, April 16
8:00am: Barbieri School Council Agenda
4:00pm: Board of Assessors Agenda
5:30pm: Veterans Council Agenda
6:00pm: Council Planning & Zoning Subcommittee Agenda
7:00pm: SIFOC Agenda
7:00pm: School Committee Agenda
7:00pm: Human Relations Commission Immigration Forum Subcommittee Agenda
7:00pm: Cultural Council Agenda
7:00pm: Conservation Commission Agenda
Thursday, April 17
In Closing…
Wishing a joyous and meaningful Passover to those celebrating this week. And a very Happy Easter to those celebrating on Sunday. May your Easter be full of renewal.
See you next week.
Believe in Framingham,
