🔨 Shoppers World's Glow Up
Something's Brewing in Nobscot | Share Your Thoughts about the City Budget | Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Info Session & Hearing | Community Events | The Civic Week Ahead
Good evening, Framingham.
Last Thursday night was a beautiful celebration of local artists at the Framingham Public Library.
It was the annual Framingham Cultural Council Awards Reception. Five students - Naima Amazulu, Genesis Dominguez Rivas, Nicholas Haratunian, Trevor Seliverstov, and Elizabeth St. Louis - received the Rita and Bill Collins Scholarship for their dedication to their art (dance, drama, visual). The Howard Street Studios was named Contributors of the Year. Brazilian-American Center (BRACE), and Dr. Helen Heineman received special recognition awards.
The evening featured performances by PAC singers Caroline DiPalma and Ruby Howard, the Heritage Chorale, the Common Thread Theatre Company, and the student awardees.
The Cultural Council also awards grants and funding to local non-profit groups. Friends of Framingham Trails was fortunate to be one of those recipients for our NYE Celebration on the Cochituate Rail Trail. We are incredibly lucky to have the Cultural Council supporting so many creative, community-building projects.
Thank you Cultural Council for all you do supporting art and culture here in Framingham!
1.| Shoppers World’s Glow Up
One of the first open air shopping malls in the country is headed for a more modern glow up.
Preview at Planning Board: Representatives from Urban Edge, the company that purchased Shoppers World in October 2023, gave the Planning Board a preview of potential coming attractions.
More pedestrian friendly: Right now the main focus is on the Kohl’s parcel. The conceptual plans showed a more dense, walkable area with retail, residential, office and open gathering space areas. When Urban Edge first met with the City after the purchase, they “heard loud and clear there is a hope and expectation that we can do something different for the property.”
Inspiration for the update include The Street Chestnut Hill and Assembly Row.
Special features: The early plans show residential units above retail and architectural elements giving homage to the Original Shoppers World. Additionally, special events can be held with the central street closed making for a walkable only area.
By the numbers: The presentation featured some tidbits about Shoppers World, that I thought were interesting:
7.9 million annual visits
Ranked #10 of 737 shopping centers in Massachusetts
Tenant performance: Marshal’s is ranked #1 of 41 in the state, and AMC is ranked #1 of 5, as well.
Golden Triangle Plan: Several years ago Framingham and Natick came together To draft a master plan for the Golden Triangle area, which includes Shoppers World. According to Urban Edge, their proposal aligns with this plan, but also requires the recommended zoning changes.
Moving forward: While Urban Edge mentioned they have conceptual long term plans for the entire site, they are only focused on the Kohl’s parcel, which came up for revitalization faster than expected. The stores in the rest of the mall have long term leases and a love of the parking lot. So, don’t expect anything dramatic there anytime soon.
Next steps include Urban Edge testing the market for interest. And we’ll see where we all go from there. This is definitely a stay tuned story.
2.| Something’s Brewing in Nobscot
Speaking of walkable places, Nobscot village is getting a craft beer restaurant.
New Neighborhood Hangout: The Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar is projected to open in the new apartment building on Water Street, the site of the old shopping plaza. An opening date is unknown at the time of publishing.
What is this place: According to their website, they offer “150+ craft beers from around the globe in a neighborhood atmosphere that feels both relaxed and upscale.” The menu features classic American comfort and bar food. The website also says there will be live entertainment.
The Brass Tap is a chain restaurant started in Florida.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more updates.
This is all I know at the moment - I’ll report back when I find out more.
Exciting news for Nobscot!
3.| Share Your Thoughts about the City Budget
The Finance Subcommittee wants to hear from you about how Framingham spends its money.
Public hearing: The Council’s Finance Subcommittee holds a public hearing tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00pm in the Blumer Room in the Memorial Building. You can attend in person or on Zoom.
What’s in the budget: Mayor Sisitsky submitted the budget to the Council before May 1. Some important highlights:
FY 2026 budget includes a 6.7% or $23.9 million increase over the current budget.
The proposed budget shows a 6% increase - $10.5 million - to the Framingham Public Schools. However, the School Committee did have to cut another $2.5 million from their budget to make up for the spending gap.
The 2.5% tax levy increase will raise the average single-family home tax bill from $7,761 to $7,956, a $195 increase for homes valued at $653,116.
To read more about the budget:
4.| Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Hearing
While Framingham’s section is years away, MassDOT is holding an important public hearing on the Sudbury portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail into Framingham.
The section will go to Eaton Road.
The sessions: The Sudbury Rail Trails Advisory Committee is holding an in-person plan review session followed by virtual participation in the MassDOT 25% design public hearing for Phase 3.
What is the plan: Phase 3 is the 1.4 miles of trail from Station Road in Sudbury to Eaton Road in Framingham.
The proposed trail will be a 10-foot paved shared-use path with 2-foot dense graded crushed stone shoulders, consistent with the other portions of the BFRT in Sudbury and Concord.
Sidewalks and pedestrian curb ramps at the at-grade intersection of the trail and Route 20 are proposed to be updated to create an ADA compliant and accessible crossing at the existing signalized intersection of Nobscot Rd/Route 20.
A new paved parking lot is also being proposed along Nobscot Road, approximately 550 feet south of Route 20.
Other work includes fixing or replacing culverts and stream crossings where necessary and implementing safety fencing along the trail where appropriate.
Meeting information:
Drop-in session to view design plans, ask questions and discuss timing.
When: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
Where: Goodnow Library – Community Room, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury.
MassDOT Public Hearing
6:30 pm a Virtual Design Public Hearing will be hosted on the MassDOT website below to present the design for the proposed project in Sudbury.
To register visit https://www.mass.gov/event/sudbury-framingham-bike-path-construction-of-bruce-freeman-rail-trail-05-15-2025
Community Events
Framingham Business Association Meeting Wednesday
Monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at noon at La Cantina (911 Waverly Street)
This month’s guest is Marlene Aron, Principal of Metrowest Commercial Real Estate. Marlene will give a presentation on commercial real estate. Marlene specializes in retail, office and industrial sales and leasing, as well as representing non-profits, medical tenants and buyers.
Lunch is served, and the meeting is open to all small business owners in Framingham.
Volunteers Wanted To Place Flags on Veterans' Graves on Saturday Morning
Framingham Veterans Services and the Cemetery Trustees are seeking volunteers to place flags on the graves of veterans in Edgell Grove Cemetery in observance of Memorial Day 2025.
Volunteers are needed on Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 am at Edgell Grove. Nearly 2,500 flags will be replaced that morning.
Volunteers should meet at the cemetery office to get their flags and assignment.
In the event of inclement weather, the rain date for the flag placement will be Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 9 a.m.
It’s Senior Week at the Callahan Center!
Come down to the Callahan Center for its annual Senior Week celebration this week
This special week is dedicated to honoring and engaging the senior community (55 and older) with a full schedule of exciting events, educational opportunities, and festive entertainment.
Highlights of the week include:
Painting Rocks Craft Project – Tuesday, May 13 at 2 PM
Ted Reinstein: A Journey Through New England – Tuesday, May 13 at 6 PM Longtime journalist Ted Reinstein shares stories of fascinating New Englanders.
Friends Laugh & Lunch – Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30 AM
Mary Make Do Craft Sale – Wednesday, May 14, 11:30 AM–4 PM
J.E.M.S. Spring Concert – Wednesday, May 14 at 3 PM
Flippo the Juggling Magician – Thursday, May 15 at 2 PM
Mark Goldman Social – Friday, May 16, 9–11 AM
Please note: Pre-registration is required. Call the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980, ext. 0 to reserve your spot today.
Framingham History Center Annual House Tour
One of the most anticipated events of the year!
Explore stunning homes and historic sites that capture the stories, history, and architectural presence of Framingham. Highlights include:
Modern home made with reclaimed barn wood from Maine
Light-filled studio that once belonged to one of Framingham’s most influential artists
Classic mid-century modern home built during the Campanelli housing boom
Scenic, history-rich property from the 1700s with direct connections to the American Revolution
When: Sunday, May 18 from 12:00-5:00pm.
Price: $40
Want to Participate in Flag Day?
The Civic Week Ahead
Monday, May 12
Tuesday, May 13
Wednesday, May 14
10:00am: Economic Development Corporation Agenda
3:00pm: MRECC Board of Directors Joint Meeting with the Operations Committee and the Finance Advisory Committee Agenda
4:00pm: Potter Road School Council Agenda
4:30pm: Brophy Elementary School Council Agenda
6:00pm: Composting Task Force Agenda
6:00pm: Stapleton School Council Agenda
7:00pm: Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda
7:00pm: Historical Commission Agenda
7:00pm: Cultural Council Agenda
7:00pm: Sustainability Committee Agenda
Thursday, May 15
7:00pm: Planning Board Agenda
In Closing…
All I have to say is: Go Celtics!
Believe in Framingham,
I think I'm missing something about the Kohl's thing - these plans are inclusive of AMC, Shopper's World AND Kohl's or just where Kohl's is located?
I think a taproom is a terrific idea. Taprooms, brewpubs, and beer gardens won't be successful without great food. The profit margins on beer/ale just won't be enough to be profitable. I look forward to the taproom, a sign of new possibilities for Framingham's newest retail center!