Building
Equitable
Neighborhoods
for Franklin
Advocating for affordable housing and vibrant neighborhoods in Franklin, Massachusetts
About Us
We are BEN 4 Franklin, an organization based in Franklin, Massachusetts. Our mission is to create a community with abundant, affordable housing for all and a walkable, economically vibrant downtown. We are grassroots activists who advocate for responsible growth and development in Franklin, ensuring that our neighborhoods evolve in a fiscally-responsible manner. Join us in building a better Franklin for everyone.
We meet every third Thursday at Franklin TV (unless otherwise specified).
We advocate for Franklin to adopt smart land use and zoning policies in the following areas:
TRANSPORTATION
We support the option of active, low-pollutant lifestyles through the creation of pedestrian-oriented, transit-accessible neighborhoods.
HOUSING
We support the creation of diverse housing options, both public and private. By zoning for duplexes, triplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and other forms of missing middle housing, especially in our downtown core, we create more abundant and affordable homes for all stages of life and ensure residents greater control of their economic futures
ECONOMIC VITALITY
We support local, neighborhood small businesses, the lifeblood of a vibrant community. Through traditional human-scaled design, Franklin’s charming New England downtown should be a regular destination for residents and visitors alike.
COMMUNITY
We support a built environment that safely welcomes people of all backgrounds and encourages people to connect and socialize with others. Third places, gathering spaces, social events, and arts & culture enhance the Town’s social cohesion and civic engagement.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
We support a resource-efficient Franklin that favors compact development over excessive sprawl, protecting the Town’s rich forests and farmlands. Street trees, multi-use paths, green space, and parks improve public health and climate resiliency.