Economic Development 11-12-26

The November 12, 2026, Franklin Economic Development Subcommittee meeting reviewed an intern’s analysis of the town’s five major industrial parks. The study found 80 developed parcels totaling about $733.9 million in assessed value, with 66 occupied and 14 vacant parcels—a 17.5% vacancy rate. Manufacturing was the largest business sector represented. Members discussed follow-up research on building square footage, vacancy duration, undeveloped parcels and development constraints, and possible discussions with property owners and brokers about filling vacant space. The work was completed with no project budget; no contracts, purchases, or procurement approvals were identified.

The committee also discussed affordable-housing inventory and zoning matters. Staff reported Franklin’s Subsidized Housing Inventory at 14.2% (1,776 units, including 737 deed-restricted units), with about 600 units in the development pipeline. Members voted to recommend favorably an ADU parking bylaw change to align with state requirements and an amendment removing the option to round down fractional inclusionary-zoning obligations, allowing a fractional payment to the Affordable Housing Trust instead. On the friendly 40B policy, members approved changing the annual review month from January to February and voted to forward the staff’s alternative proposal to the full council; no procurement activity was identified in these actions.