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Building

Equitable

Neighborhoods

      for Franklin

Advocating for affordable housing and vibrant neighborhoods in Franklin, Massachusetts

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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.

 

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Building Equitable Neighborhoods for Franklin (BEN 4 Franklin)

BEN 4 Franklin is pleased to invite anyone who lives or works in Franklin to our two public launch events: 


On Friday, May 10, 2024, Ben 4 Franklin will host a launch party at 7:00pm at the Franklin TV Studio, 23 Hutchinson Street. In addition to a short speaking program with featured speaker Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, this interactive event will be a place where attendees can share memories of Franklin from the past and envision Franklin in the future through discussion, storytelling and artistic expression. Light refreshments will be provided.


On Saturday, May 11, 2024, there will be a second BEN 4 Franklin launch event: Cobi Frongillo and Franklin Matters’ Steve Sherlock will be leading a 90-minute Jane Jacobs Walk (rain or shine!) at 10:30 AM starting from the Franklin TV Studio, to explore the history, physical structure and architecture of Franklin’s built downtown environment. The community walk-and-talk will be one of thousands of Jane Jacobs Walks that take place every May in honor of the late social activist and placemaker. The walk will be accessible to wheels and paws, and participants are invited to gather afterwards at La Cantina Winery to share thoughts and observations. 


For more information and to RSVP for either or both of the two launch events, or to sign up for BEN 4 Franklin’s mailing list, please visit: tinyurl.com/ben4franklin

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We advocate for Franklin to adopt smart land use and zoning policies in the following areas:

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TRANSPORTATION

We support the option of active, low-pollutant lifestyles through the creation of pedestrian-oriented, transit-accessible neighborhoods.

Multifamily housing

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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