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Looking back at the last year | Update on Community Center | The Civic Week Ahead
A year ago today I pressed publish on the first Ham’er post on Substack.Â
I started this newsletter to keep track of and share the goings on in and around the Memorial Building, and try to make sense of it with my own commentary.Â
The idea for The Ham’er was inspired by the annual emails I would send friends with my observations about local politics and my opinion pieces published by the MetroWest Daily News and Framingham Source. Due to the changing nature of local media, I felt there were too many things happening under the radar we needed to talk about. And The Ham’er was born!
I am an observer and an active participant in our community. It is my hope that over the last year you have found this weekly newsletter informative and inspired you to get more involved.Â
Building community is important. If The Ham’er newsletter and podcast can do that by telling our story, then mission accomplished.Â
Can you help me shape this newsletter for the future? Please fill out my quick survey about The Ham’er. Your feedback is welcome!
Thank you again for joining The Ham’er journey. I appreciate every email, every time someone stopped me in the grocery store to say hi and how much they love the newsletter, and every share and comment on social media. This continues to be a work in progress. I hope you keep participating.
Let’s take a look back over the past year.Â
Have a comment or question? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at mkfeeney@gmail.com
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The Top Stories
This last year in Framingham saw a new Mayoral Administration, more apartment growth, and projects that can change our Downtown. We said goodbye to several restaurants and businesses, and hello to of new, exciting restaurants and businesses. Framingham Union remained a struggling challenge, but a community hospital worth fighting for our residents. I wrote about our history, and wondered who are we as a community without local news.
If you were a reader since day one, or subscribed along the way, here are the top 10 newsletters (some you might have missed):
Our Fourth of July History on Farm Pond
A reflection on Farm Pond’s role in celebrations, protests and community.
Guess How Many New Housing Units are Coming to Framingham
A look at the new apartment buildings on the docket, along with information about the in-law apartment debate and the geothermal project groundbreaking
Why ARPA funds should be used for a community center for our youth
The future of the Marian High School building
The Council met in Executive session about the future of the Marian High building. podcast launched and Beverly Hugo resigns from School Committee
The first article about the proposed rezoning of Nobscot for apartments, condos, mixed-use; also update on Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance
The Disappearing Neighborhood Grocery Store
A deep dive into the history of grocery stores in Framingham, and thoughts on what may come next.
Seabra Foods announces it is moving into the old Salvation Army building Downtown. Other stories include School Bus reimbursement and major changes with the Framingham Source
Signatures are in. Who is on the ballot?
Preview of the fall 2023 municipal election, a list of the latest comings and goings of businesses.
Remembering those who lost their lives to substance use disorder, the latest on the opioid epidemic in the city and an update on Framingham Union.
Where There's Smoke, There's Debate: Pot Discussion Lights Up
Discussion surrounding the expansion of licenses and the retail zoning map for adult use marijuana stores.
Who knows what the next year has in store for Framingham? Apartments, Downtown and economic growth will remain hot topics. We’ll hear more about a new school and the new courthouse in the old Danforth Museum. Mayor Sisitsky will enter the middle of his term; what announcements will he make? And does he run for re-election? The Council is guaranteed to have one new voice due to the election in D2 with no incumbent. The School Committee will have two new members; and the Charter Review Committee will finish their work in May.
Lots of changes on the horizon.
Stay tuned and we’ll find out together.
Podcast Launched!
Fulling my NPR dreams, I launched The Ham’er Podcast in July. The main goal is telling the stories of the individuals making an impact on Framingham. The series is still new, but there is a good line-up of interviews for the fall. Tune in!
Here are the episodes so far:
Meghan Todd & Sheryl Goldstein: Raising Awareness about Framingham’s Disability Community
Emily Toombs & Lara Vilahomat: Exploring the community at the public library
Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify (or other apps of your choice) to never miss an episode.Â
Update on Community Center
Council discusses the idea: On the agenda for Tuesday’s Finance Subcommittee meeting: Request of the Mayor, discuss ARPA funds for purchase of property to construct a recreational center.
As I wrote a few weeks ago - Wanted: A Community Center - the Sisitsky Administration issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding potential locations for a much needed community center (or more than one).
Remaining ARPA money: According to the background material for the meeting, Framingham has approximately $15,800,000 remaining in unspent (American Recovery Plan Act) ARPA funds. The memo continues: “Basically, ARPA funds could be used to build a community center in an area of Framingham that benefits environmental justice areas and disadvantaged census tracts of the City. “
Responses for the RFI are due by Wednesday, August 23. I am curious if the City has received any and what the plans are moving forward.
Also on the agenda…discussions about the Bethany property which is targeted for purchase for the new southside school.
It is a busy night for the Finance Subcommittee.
The Civic Week Ahead
Monday, August 21
Tuesday, August 22
Wednesday, August 23
Thursday, August 24
7:00 PM: Charter Review Committee Agenda
Thank you again for reading The Ham’er! Don’t forget to share with your friends, family and anyone else who is interested in all things Framingham.
Believe in Framingham,
Mary Kate