🔨 Robinson’s Hardware to Close
Public Hearing on Housing Plan | Residential Tax Exemption...Nevermind! | Jack’s Abby Empire Expands | NYE on the Cochituate Rail Trail | Community Events | Civic Week Ahead
The autumn winds blow chilly and cold, Framingham.
The MBTA Communities Act, housing and Mayor Sisitsky’s plan to comply with the law has been the topic of conversation on and offline for the last few weeks. Below I have information about the upcoming public hearing, so do check that out.
But I want to know some of your thoughts.
Please take a few minutes to take my survey. I will publish the results in a future issue. Thank you!
Robinson’s Hardware to Close
Another small business lost the battle against big box stores.
Pinefield Anchor: Robinson’s Hardware, a mainstay in the Pinefield Shopping Center in Saxonville, announced today on Facebook they are closing their doors. Their original location in Hudson is slated to close, as well.
What they said: “The economy, the big box competition, lack of or abundance of seasonal weather and a number of other factors have for all intents and purposes hamstrung us over the last two years,” posted Joe Deignan, on behalf of Kim Underwood. The Underwood Family has owned Robinson’s since 1963.
No closing date yet: According to the post, no closure date has been set. But they ask for “you good folks stop by the store and wish us all well.” And that if you’ve been eyeing a snowblower for lawn mower, “we would appreciate the opportunity to serve you one last time and go out on a high note.”
End of an era: Robinson’s Hardware opened in Pinefield in 2003. The hardware store was established in 1874 as a general mercantile store in Hudson. Robinson’s is known in Framingham for their outstanding customer service, for tool rentals, and that all important propane for your grill.
They will be missed.
Planning Board Public Hearing on Housing Plan
Seeking input: If you have thoughts, ideas or suggestions for the MBTA Communities Act compliance, attend this Thursday’s Planning Board meeting. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing about the Sisitsky Plan, that sets up seven overlay zoning districts to allow multifamily units built by-right.
Meeting information: Takes place this Thursday, October 17 at 7:00pm in the Blumer Room in the Memorial Building (150 Concord Street). You can also attend via Zoom. Click here for the Zoom information and meeting agenda.
Want more information?: I have put together a page of every issue following the MBTA Communities act discussion. Find it by clicking here.
Take The Ham’er Survey: Share your thoughts on the plan in my survey. Results will be shared in an upcoming issue.
Residential Tax Exemption…Nevermind!
Ah, nevermind: Last week the Council met specifically to discuss the potential of introducing a residential tax exemption to Framingham’s tax structure. This topic comes up every year. This year the Finance Subcommittee took a deeper dive into it.
However, the meeting was cut short due to last minute realization that only the Mayor can propose this exemption, not the Council.
Not interested: Calling it an “unfair redistribution of taxes”, Mayor Sisitsky told the Council he will not propose this exemption, but instead will explore ways to bring current exemptions up-to-date, discuss implementing the new state HEROES Act for disabled Framingham veterans, and investigate a possible senior tax exemption.
What is a residential tax exemption?: As outlined in Massachusetts general law, the exemption allows people who live in smaller or more affordable homes a tax reduction by shifting some of the tax burden to owners of larger, more expensive homes, vacation homes, apartments, or vacant land.
Jack’s Abby Empire Expands
Top of the game: Our own Jack’s Abby is now the largest craft brewer in Massachusetts. It was announced last week the Hendler Family Brewing Company, the parent company of Jack’s Abby, acquired Night Shift Brewing.
Growing the company: Recently the company also bought Wormtown Brewery in Worcester. The Hendler Family Brewing Co.(HFB) will now have 300 employees, including staff from Night Shift.
Night Shift’s Future: HFB says Night Shift’s core lineup of beers will remain, and its locations at Lovejoy Wharf in Boston and the Taproom in Everett will continue, along with their three seasonal Boston beer gardens on the Esplanade, Allston, and Dewey Square.
What they said: “Our mission is clear: to preserve and foster the growth of independent craft beer across the Commonwealth while maintaining a deep commitment to community and sustainability.”
Congratulations Hendler Family!
Celebrate NYE on the Cochituate Rail Trail
Back for its second year: Friends of Framingham Trails is busy organizing this year's New Year's Eve Celebration on the Cochituate Rail Trail. Last year more than 1000 people attended with 15 organizations hosting fire pits along the trail.
Get involved: Applications for fire pit hosts and sponsors now open. Hosting is open to organizations, neighborhoods, and groups.
Generous support from sponsors enables FoFT to enhance the event with more festive lighting, entertainment, and community-building activities.
Questions? If you have any questions, please email framinghamtrails@gmail.com.
Community Events
Spooktacular is Back
The 5th Annual Spooktacular returns on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Memorial Building, 150 Concord Street. Bring your ghouls and ghosts for this Halloween celebration with fun activities, trick-or-treating, and plenty of candy.
Seniors Flu Shot Clinic
October 16 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at the Callahan Center (535 Union Street) sponsored by the Department of Public Health. Please bring your insurance card. For more information call 508-532-5473. Please see flyer to scan QR code for pre-registration.
Pumpkins in the Park
Wear your costume and join us for pumpkin painting, arts & crafts, and a hayride through Cushing Park! The festivities take place on Saturday, October 19 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Ages 0-12, $5 per child. Spots are limited - register today! Visit www.framinghamrec.com to register.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by the FHS Drama Company
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Tickets are on sale now for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again) at www.cur8.com. Please join us for the show October 18th and 19th at 7:30 p.m. at Framingham High School Performing Arts Center, 115 A. Street, for a raucous good time!
Haunted Trolley Tour
Step aboard for an unforgettable journey through Framingham’s spooky past on this old-fashioned Haunted Trolley Tour with the Framingham History Center! FHC knowledgeable guides and talented reenactors will whisk you away on a 17-stop adventure, where you’ll encounter witches, pirates, highwaymen, and eerie ghosts from Framingham’s haunted history. Be prepared for thrills, chills, and fascinating tales from the City’s storied past.
Tour suitable for ages 8 and up. ADA-accessible trolleys are available. We will have tours in Portuguese and Spanish. Tour takes place on Sunday, October 20 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm. Tickets are $35 each. Purchase your tickets here.
For more October events, please check out The Ham’er’s Guide to October issue.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, October 15
Wednesday, October 16
Thursday, October 17
7:00pm: Planning Board Agenda
In Closing…
My ask this week is for you to share The Ham’er with others.
I’ve attended many meetings over the last few weeks and it is clear people are feeling left in the dark on the big issues facing our city. My weekly letter to you with what is going on and observations is one way to get local news.
I also recommend my friends over at The Frame from Access Framingham. Every Thursday you’ll find their weekly news program on Access Framingham and YouTube.
See you next week,
Mary Kate