[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6081139,"mediaKeyId","2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac","parentId",2943635,"title","Framingham council continues Central Business District zoning hearing after developers and residents disagree on height and parking","audioSeconds",2660,"startMs",2540000,"endMs",5200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac&start=2540&end=5200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac/thumbnail_2540000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081139/Framingham-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Framingham-council-continues-Central-Business-District-zoning-hearing-after-developers-and-residents-disagree-on-height-and-parking","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081139-418106d3bd294e4a6a18f1d0d0a0b040/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208722&Signature=Th7pYokBWyszxlaW-QQTRvqMNjKhMBnl8d5TIQpvNaP341IEfTuY3cwZcjh2ROESWfLQnYVQWuT4j8mJI1Rmlcsdod1lK9ssq9R9u3FIalg7Rl37jaHT7gQ02EM0Pgkx-kiDMsQDZZLvtRsmf1rgwx4kU8nxyyYnVQK61GR-DhjTI3pnN5gaCzBfpEU~cErnDW4NxOyQy7jHUvNz9kWyUtbSTjLDy9BmJpEydUDmvCItBqTu3PTrUNMAv8GZy-UakPua7wNXK6y3-eT6H9O9EPoYpH2cIh4WkhrT93RCnbtuHBNu-9OyLWddwX54yg42MSBq0QqbINlOch20qU3veg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Framingham City, MA","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","The City of Framingham City Council on April 1 continued a public hearing on proposed changes to the Central Business District (CBD) that would shrink the district to meet MBTA zoning housing targets and change permitted building heights and uses.

The council’s planning and zoning subcommittee presented the draft amendments, saying the change would reduce the CBD density to 35.68 units per acre and meet the MBTA requirement of 4,375 units. Councilor Michael Long, chair of the planning and zoning subcommittee, told the council the draft reduces the district’s footprint and reverts parcels removed from the district back to their prior zoning (general, residential, commercial or manufacturing). “The recommended height would be 4 stories — 40 feet — but it’s up to the council what they want to do,” Long said.

Why it matters: The CBD changes would shape where denser, by-right, multi‑story development can be built downtown, affecting housing, parking demand, sunlight and the character of adjacent neighborhoods. Developers told the council the rules must be predictable to attract investment; residents warned that taller, denser buildings could worsen heat-island effects, block sunlight and reduce green space.

Doug Lawrence, representing the newly formed Framingham Economic Development Corporation, told the council developers favor adequate building height and residential density downtown to create foot traffic that supports retail and restaurants. “They feel strongly that having adequate building height and residential density in the downtown is extremely important,” Lawrence said. He also relayed developers’ request for stability in permitting and zoning so projects can move forward without rule changes midway.

Several councilors and residents challenged that posture. Councilor Janine Bryant and Councilor Leslie White Harvey said residents who live in and near downtown have raised concerns about heat-island effects, loss of sunlight, lack of green space and the dominance of rental apartments rather than homeownership opportunities. White Harvey urged the council to promote condominium and townhouse ownership as part of any downtown housing strategy.

Councilor Christopher Ward and Councilor Liam Bruno said the parcels proposed for removal are mixed in prior zoning and suggested a transition or CB‑2 zone might better manage the land‑use change. Councilor Ward said reverting parcels wholesale to their pre‑CBD zoning risks unintended results because many parcels are now residential in practice and would face permitting hurdles if restored to manufacturing.

Planning staff and the subcommittee said they had considered a transition zone in earlier drafts but decided against it after reviewing street widths, existing parking constraints and clustering of property uses. Planning staff member Michael Tosino said a CB‑2 allowing multifamily housing could replicate the same parking and congestion issues the subcommittee sought to limit.

Public process and next steps: The council left the public hearing open and continued the matter to its May 6 meeting so the planning board and administration can provide the required recommendation and additional technical input. Councilors asked for staff analyses on sewer capacity, traffic and the planning board’s formal recommendation before any vote. Councilors also asked the Economic Development Department to provide further written feedback on projected parking demand and other impacts.

The council said it will accept additional public comment at the continued hearing and will review a revised map and draft code language before a final vote. The planning board is required to provide a recommendation at least 21 days before any council vote, a timeline cited during the meeting.

Ending: The continuation gives the council and community time to reconcile competing goals: encouraging downtown investment while protecting neighborhood character and environmental quality. The May 6 session is expected to include presentations from the planning board and the city’s economic development and public works staff.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Framingham City Council 4-1-25","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Framingham City Council on April 1 continued a public hearing on proposed changes to the Central Business District that would shrink the district to meet MBTA zoning housing targets and change permitted building heights and uses.","taxTitle","Framingham City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",12558,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081123,"Council tables hire of city council financial analyst, requests candidate task and returns April 29",1944,7171000,9115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac&start=7171&end=9115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac/thumbnail_7171000.jpg","/articles/6081123/Framingham-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-tables-hire-of-city-council-financial-analyst-requests-candidate-task-and-returns-April-29","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081123-09d38bf245ed35951e0bd22b401efb50/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208722&Signature=fk~yplRTLKEGamR3BNu1FF724T-N2MORexPGgKmYQ39XrKXiDLWlX6vGVk2tzugs3V-OWAAZzAkEK4crPdkwbl7~ay296rNT4Ojy1FEHopEqLnn~CRe4tHgeS86lwlW9uQB4zoBlfcBhKF0vIsQzUspXdL3dTvq5DA7IPs-sehbfb8jjHucwY91lT0OibKMi5~R91DMrdCxpLgfoLdSR2qQE8jDyvhZc~VnsFW~eFc39J8VHnIwgFidzOwZin249gMyJGWHhwBoCLNiFnW0xZj8QPNAIH9tqt2QekoRIrtzFQudhI3KIjA8XUwuPsq5JefxSgFFtlMrhYrsvAsb9YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham City Council on April 1 postponed a decision on hiring a financial analyst for the council office after interviewers said neither finalist fully matched the job’s municipal finance expectations.

The council interview committee recommended two finalists after a public search; members praised both candidates’ strengths but also expressed concerns about municipal experience and day‑to‑day supervision arrangements for a position that reports to the council rather than the mayor’s office.

Councilor Adam Steiner moved to hire one finalist (Nicholas Lima) but the motion was not accepted for final vote. Councilor Liam Bruno and Councilor Frank Cannon raised concerns about candidate readiness and suggested the council ask both finalists to complete a written analysis or project that demonstrates relevant municipal finance skills. Councilor Malek and others argued an analyst would be a valuable asset to the finance subcommittee and the full council.

The council voted 9‑2 to table the hiring motion and instructed the finance subcommittee and the interview committee to prepare a short practical task or assignment the candidates should complete; the council set the follow‑up on April 29, 2025. Members noted that new hires would be subject to a standard probationary period and that the position would operate under council direction with day‑to‑day policies to be clarified.

Ending: The council delayed the hire to gather direct evidence of candidate skills and to set supervision and performance expectations; the finance subcommittee will help define the assignment and evaluation criteria before the April 29 follow‑up.","After interviewing two finalists for the council’s long‑vacant financial analyst post, the council voted 9‑2 to table a hiring decision and asked the finance subcommittee and the interview committee to draft a practical assignment for the candidates; council set follow‑up for April 29.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081127,"Council amends capital loan order to include Blocks Juniper Hill roof in approved school roof project",247,2247000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac&start=2247&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac/thumbnail_2247000.jpg","/articles/6081127/Framingham-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-amends-capital-loan-order-to-include-Blocks-Juniper-Hill-roof-in-approved-school-roof-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081127-9261442de26983a562884ad25de540be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208722&Signature=Q5D4ejRlwNKfl7hff7qIMmPAAMqjpwa5coGuQ-VCg4trlucU1AJ8QZ4glNITePqiHLW05mAkcEwaD3mXvwD0V5u5xqGX05f8dhPPgXTPJVMxO1JFgFrDNMQ02ycIFsCjW~833gs6u4bZdBX9xvGQabwf1rGW0ToXU78op7f6DbXnlkgI0bIAuCUb6ymN~izJNVR1fLoPjKP3w~XUd4uEUH8vx48dCY0KWGTwuVLerf43hVWVGtUAczfU0qkTkkZAAjb42~0G6DZzaqNWBRXVEu2iDI4HhuzFdht2QUZNGcuWtb6nyCYDUfXsAWP1JWh4vbV5rJa2ZqQyVuKDVNgA1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham City Council on April 1 approved a second reading to amend a prior loan order so that funds originally appropriated for roof replacement at Potter Road and Brophy Schools can also be used for roof replacement at Blocks Juniper Hill School.

Councilor King explained the school department had requested the addition and said the estimated cost for the extra roof can be accommodated within the previously appropriated sum. The amendment changes loan order 2023‑103‑001 (appropriating $25,358,380 for various capital projects) to allow $235,950 originally appropriated for roof replacement to be used for Blocks Juniper Hill as well as the originally named projects.

The council opened the public hearing (second reading) and then closed it; no substantive public opposition was raised. Councilors noted that the original loan order was adopted on June 25, 2024, and that the first reading on this amendment carried a unanimous committee recommendation. A councilor disclosed a potential conflict of interest (spouse on the school committee and a daughter working on a LaSalle University lab at Blocks) for the record.

The council approved the amendment by roll call vote; the meeting record shows affirmative votes from councilors present.

Ending: The amendment allows the school department to add Blocks Juniper Hill School roof replacement to the existing approved roof projects and use available capital funds for the work; the administration and school department will proceed with procurement and construction planning under the existing appropriation.","The City Council approved a second‑reading amendment to add Blocks Juniper Hill School roof replacement to an earlier capital appropriation covering Potter Road and Brophy schools, after the school department said the additional roof can be covered within the existing authorization.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081131,"Framingham council approves Verizon pole relocation at Winch Street to clear driveway access",335,1921000,2256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac&start=1921&end=2256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac/thumbnail_1921000.jpg","/articles/6081131/Framingham-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Framingham-council-approves-Verizon-pole-relocation-at-Winch-Street-to-clear-driveway-access","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081131-f4640ffc20218bf67d57da018dcbb317/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208722&Signature=awWVDoWy6QUTNsSQVlwjy15v48tnwSZMA-LC8umPD5t-Hr5vSpLcEKZPLrGDYFGoqjS8sYt27R6iZdca3RGjraCVVeCo-oo4oAnWhlqf4eoAv2gTvJJJzYXq4zdBi-DvwhfACr5bk~mQxAh4qbWPRKFsNhHbbQQYXQneNYwO3belhRaJac~ZEf5-XXSG6LCOpmaDOmBg7xxXwEIRUfNDp95BYsfVbTWhvWes98KVQfsDjQtq7YgHdM4PyXZnW5WXHmoq7T0VEv~wgi7EP3ZBUhfF1ktI4gFYO9GhJiSbkxJ0q5Cqgk9nnjBmce1AQlt~wD8kU5M72XiNxSmLmz5lYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham City Council on April 1 approved a grant of location request from Verizon to relocate a utility pole on Winch Street that one resident said sits in the middle of a driveway.

Dawn Devonna, representing Verizon, described the company’s site visit and said the current pole sits in the driveway for a planned access point for a new development. “There is a utility pole that's smack dab right now in the middle of their driveway that needs to be moved off to the side,” Devonna said. Verizon’s plan will move the existing pole laterally and add a replacement pole to avoid a long unsupported span of cable.

Councilors asked whether the pole location resulted from new driveway construction and whether rubble from prior pole removals would be cleared. Councilor Christopher Long said the driveway appears new and questioned why the developer could not have chosen a design that avoided moving poles. Councilor Laura Alexander sought assurance that Verizon would remove debris and restore the former pole site; Devonna said the area will be paved or otherwise made safe for vehicle access.

The council opened and closed the public hearing and approved the grant of location by roll call; the motion passed unanimously. The council chair noted abutters were notified by certified mail and that the notice met publication requirements.

Ending: Verizon’s work will proceed to relocate the pole, with city staff and the company expected to coordinate on site restoration after removal. The council’s action clears the way for the driveway and associated construction to proceed.","The council approved a grant of location allowing Verizon to move a utility pole at Winch Street that currently sits in the middle of a driveway. Verizon said moving the existing pole requires placing a new pole nearby to maintain span and service; the council approved the request after confirming restoration of the old pole site.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6081136,"Framingham council approves nonunion pay-placement plan and $89,750 salary‑reserve transfer",1959,5196000,7155000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac&start=5196&end=7155","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2943635-d732c7171ee26e18b2354f95f40a74ac/thumbnail_5196000.jpg","/articles/6081136/Framingham-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Framingham-council-approves-nonunion-pay-placement-plan-and-89750-salaryreserve-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081136-b49e332d920cc7904ab667ba975b38c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771208722&Signature=fugvv8kaEOMU4E0wWUFvoVVBY~5FhsPaaAhh01-zS5BUaafN6YfgCYRl0vVBTJeQt~IK3Zo~1bOfbA-F~pxb6-ujAQhnuuoujX-dk6OoCr0tI3HagAl5-fLsqn~ZCERUHwfkAr9MD-dpstMV0pi5cbJgMheV~RyB0BwCh4626v-nA6qx17-5bCYuVNaVArs2-rbKpTq-76KiDurY~FBbaL2G6RSTjX7ieGGyrhS-aF1Q~nwh0CwCVMmw3kaCE~BSzDfz6ttDfNipSAaWIlGDtOqTLVz-IZroE15a73vud2Wr94FylzeO8Y6UtaaV24GpJqiq77OJmVdnMyLMoJojhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Framingham City Council voted on April 1 to adopt a citywide nonunion classification placement and to fund the immediate FY2025 cost with $89,750 from the salary reserve.

The action follows a consultant‑led classification and compensation study of nonunion positions. Councilor Adam King, chair of the finance subcommittee, said the council considered multiple placement scenarios and selected a compromise “yellow” column that implements consultant grade recommendations while moderating step placements to keep the proposal affordable.

“Ultimately, after a lot of talk about what the goals of the survey were and what they were trying to achieve, while at the same time making it affordable and equitable, our recommendation is that we adopt the yellow column dated March 12, 2025,” Councilor King said.

The adopted placement moves certain positions into new grades and places incumbents on steps consistent with the city’s personnel policy; some positions were grandfathered so incumbents remain on their current pay scale until turnover. City officials said the placement approach preserves internal equity and avoids the large one‑time jumps that would have occurred under an earlier draft.

The council voted to appropriate $89,750 from the FY2025 salary reserve to cover the immediate step placements and to implement the revised salary schedules effective Jan. 1, 2025. The roll call vote recorded the measure as passed 10‑0‑0.

Council discussion: Members debated the process and outreach. Some councilors expressed concern that department heads had not always returned to staff to review draft placements and that transparent feedback to employees would have been helpful. Others noted that a classification study is distinct from a broad cost‑of‑living raise and that the study’s purpose is to align job grades and future step progressions rather than to deliver uniform raises to all employees.

Councilor Janine Bryant said she heard many employee concerns and urged better communication between department leaders and staff during future classification work. Councilor Liam Bruno and Councilor Frank Cannon said the city should consider more flexible pay tools to retain top staff going forward.

Ending: The council adopted the consultant’s grade recommendations with locally determined placement, moved to fund the FY2025 cost from the salary reserve and directed staff to follow city personnel policy for grandfathering and step placement. The administration will implement placements and return with any requested follow‑up details to the council.","After several finance subcommittee meetings, the council approved a recommendation from a compensation consultant implementing a new classification placement for nonunion municipal positions and authorized $89,750 from the FY2025 salary reserve to fund placement steps effective Jan. 1, 2025.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Framingham council continues Central Business District zoning hearing after developers and residents disagree on height and parking

Council tables hire of city council financial analyst, requests candidate task and returns April 29

Council amends capital loan order to include Blocks Juniper Hill roof in approved school roof project

Framingham council approves Verizon pole relocation at Winch Street to clear driveway access

Framingham council approves nonunion pay-placement plan and $89,750 salary‑reserve transfer