🔨 The State of the City
Top take aways from Mayor Sisitsky's address last night.
Good afternoon, Framingham.
Let us take a moment to remember Christa Corrigan McAuliffe, who 39 years ago today lost her life in the Challenger space shuttle explosion. The First Teacher in Space was a daughter of Framingham. She attended Marian High School and Framingham State.
As she once said about being a teacher: "I touch the future, I teach".
1.| The State of the City
Two weeks after announcing his intention to run for re-election this year, Mayor Sisitsky gave his fourth State of the City address.
The Council, School Committee, Legislative Delegation, department heads and employees, and two dozen board and commission members were in attendance in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building last night.
The Mayor's delivery of the State of the City address was measured and deliberate, outlining a litany of departments’ to do lists of accomplished and in-process projects.
The speech covered activities throughout the Mayor’s term and earlier, instead of a sole focus on 2024 and the future.
“In my first three years as Mayor, I have achieved many accomplishments.”
Here are some takeaways:
Celebrations, parties and more celebrations: The Sisitsky Administration loves to put on a good party, and the Mayor’s address highlighted them all, including fireworks, free skating at Loring, Find Your People Fair, raising the Pride and Disability Flags, Spooktacular, Indigenous Peoples Day, Spooktastic Book Fair, and long time favorites, Friday Night on the Common, Memorial Day, the Flag Day parade, and Christmas Tree Lighting. This year the Mayor created a Celebration Committee to mark the 325th anniversary of Framingham’s incorporation, which will plan more events and celebrations throughout the year, including the newly announced Framingham Day on October 4.
Farmers Market a top accomplishment: The first accomplishment the Mayor recognized is the newly revitalized Farmers Market. “The Framingham Farmers Market has become one of the most successful farmers markets in the Commonwealth.”
Stats, lots of stats: The address was filled with statistics from different departments. Here is a sample:
DPW replaced 3,200 feet of sewer main, 5,500 feet of water main, and relining of over 13,000 feet of sewer main.
FPL Children’s Department saw 13,000 visits from kids.
FFD responded to over 32,000 emergency calls, “equates to almost 90 calls per day”.
Continue finishing what was started: Last year’s address, the Mayor stated his major goal for 2024 was to complete projects that started, including “southside elementary school, community center, 180 Concord Street with a regional dispatch center, regional justice center, Mary Dennison Park, Arlington Street Park, and upgrades to other parks around the city. He also added new projects of a public-private collaboration for a community pool, and using Nevins Hall as a performing arts center.“ Here is his update:
Officially reopened Arlington Street Playground last summer, which has the city’s first splash pad. Also, there is free wifi.
Community center renovations began, with the next phase starting with a new roof and windows.
“Making progress” on new southside elementary school, stating the committee is hitting milestones.
The Public Health Department moved into 180 Concord Street, and the regional dispatch center with Natick will be operational in 2026.
The regional justice center is ongoing with the Mayor signing an agreement at the beginning of the month giving the old Danforth Building to the Commonwealth.
Avery Dennison will pay for the majority of the remediation costs to clean Mary Dennison Park.
Highlighted success FPS programs: The Mayor recognized the Early Start Program, a partnership with MassBay and Framingham State that allows FPS students earn college credits while still in high school. The program started in 2019. He also mentioned the FPS Welcome Center, which opened in the Farley Building in 2021. And lastly, he gave a shout out to the Framingham Adult English as a Second Language program for receiving a $300,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation to expand their program to Milford.
The Hard Issues: Throughout sharing the highlights of different departments, the Mayor briefly touched upon some of the top issues causing debate around the city: water and sewer rates, MBTA Communities Act, and school buses.
Body cameras implemented: The Framingham Police Department now has body cameras. “This program is designed to not only improve community relations but to also improve the quality of interactions between officers and members of the public.“
Economic Development Corporation meeting: The reconstituted Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was appointed late last year after being signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker in December 2022. The goal of the EDC is creating and supporting economic development, job growth, and revitalization throughout the city. The Mayor expressed his vision for them to create a public/private partnership for a new community pool and upgrades for improving accessibility in the Memorial Building to attract regional events.
His “Why”: Inspired by a speaker he heard this past weekend at the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Conference, Mayor Sisitsky talked about what motivates him as Mayor. “I revere the partnerships that I have built between our businesses, schools, and residents. I serve as your Mayor with the unwavering belief that when we come together, our collective efforts are far greater with strength.”
Closing with MLK Quote: “Last week, as we remembered the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. these words resonated with me.“The time is always right to do what is right. We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.””
The speech ended with a very campaign rally vibe with the playing of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
You can read the Mayor’s full remarks on the City website by clicking here. Also, you can watch his remarks on the Government Channel by clicking here.
2.| Takedown in the Memorial Building
Wrestling comes to Nevins Hall: The Framingham High Wrestling Team is bringing the mat to Nevins Hall this Wednesday, January 29. The 7:00pm match is against Bay State Conference rivals Braintree High.
All are welcome: Admission is free to watch the co-ed team. It is also senior night, when seniors will be recognized for their role on the team.
The Flyers’s record this season is 10-3.
Go Flyers! Go!
Community Events
Splish Splash: Parents hoping for the long awaited splash pad at Cushing Park have the opportunity to share your ideas.
Feedback meeting: Members of the Parks and Rec team are holding a meeting on Thursday, January 30 at 6:00pm in the community room on the second floor of Loring Arena. Also in attendance are people from CHA Consulting. The consultants will share their ideas on features such as water play elements, accessibility options, and safety measures.
The timeframe for the splash pad has not been announced.
Childcare available: For those needing child care services,email Parks.Recreation@framinghamma.gov by Tuesday, January 28, 2025 to reserve your spot.
Do You Know an Outstanding Senior?
Nominations are open for the 5th Annual Senior Heroes Awards. Do you know someone who gives and gives to our community?
There are four categories for the awards:
Culture/Arts: Performing arts, painting, poetry, playwriting, music, dance, video, singing/vocal, etc., celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
Social Development: Programs that improve or promote positive interactions among people from different ethnic groups, abilities, gender identities, and ages, such as sports, after-school programs, special events, or other activities.
Health or HealthCare: Efforts that focus on the populations whose access has been limited due to race, gender, gender identity, language, disability, immigration status, etc.
Public Service: Contributed this way with their volunteer service on our municipality's boards, councils or committees, Town Meetings, or former elected officials
Guidelines: Nominees must be 60+ years old, not employed by the city, or currently elected or candidates for political office. Current Council on Aging Board members are also ineligible.
Deadline: February 3, 2025 Submit your application online by clicking here.
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, January 28
Wednesday, January 29
Thursday, January 30
5:30pm: Keefe Technical High School ELPAC Agenda
In Closing…
See you on Monday!
Believe in Framingham,
