Hope you're all enjoying the summer, and continue to do so, while the good weather lasts.
Below is a STEPPS update on 517 Winter Street and our accomplishments to stop the expansion of social services in Framingham to date:
1. SMOC's application for a "change-of-use" permit for 517 Winter St. was DENIED, (at least temporarily). Their application has several reasons for denial, and it will be scrutinized by several entities of our town government, before any approval will be granted.
2. In three months we've raised the awareness of the citizens of all four corners of Framingham regarding the impact that social services have had on this town. The town of Framingham is becoming united, which is the ultimate result that we could hope for.
3. We've alerted our Board of Selectmen that they need to react quickly, and they have responded.
4. We've gotten two articles passed at Town Meeting: a moratorium on social services implementing new programs, and establishment of a PILOT committee to research the impact of social services in Framingham. The PILOT committee is in place; meetings are scheduled every Tuesday, 7:30 PM in Conference Room # 2 in the Memorial Building. So far, the public has been allowed to comment on topics under discussion, (and encouraged to do so), and possibly will be allowed to submit research documents relevant to future discussions. Also -- weekly minutes are posted on the town website, www.framinghamma.org. Please attend these meetings if you can. The citizens' input is crucial. The moratorium article needs to be addressed. It is largely symbolic, but it is important because it sends a clear signal to the social service industry that they should not open another shelter or facility until the PILOT committee completes its research and provides a report at town meeting, possibly in the fall, or in early 2006. Worcester was able to get SMOC to agree to such a moratorium, so Framingham ought to be able to do so, as well. Please call or write the Board of Selectmen and ask that they vote in support of Town Meeting's vote in calling for a moratorium on new social service facilities, at least until the study by the PILOT committee is completed.
5. We've achieved a change in Framingham's by-laws by a vote at the recent Special Town Meeting. This means that any social service agency that purchases a property in town, and applies for an occupancy or "change of use" permit under the "Dover Amendment" is now subject to more scrutiny than in the past. They must go through a "site plan review" before permits are granted.
6. Our State Representative, Tom Sannicandro is planning to propose legislation to our state government to try to limit the number of social services in Framingham and implement a "payment in lieu of taxes" program, (PILOT).
7. STEPPS has met with our State Senator, Karen Spilka, and we will be working with her and Rep. Tom Sannicandro on ways that we can stop the expansion and concentration of social services in Framingham. We hope to have a meeting with both officials, along with the State Senator and State Reps. from Worcester, and the Framingham Board of Selectmen in the near future. Our goal is to unite the communities that are experiencing social service concentration, and appeal to the state legislature as a united front.
8. The local media -- the Metrowest Daily News, the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, and the Boston Globe -- are all hearing our message. They may not always print what we say, however the message is getting out. There have been many articles published regarding the impact of social services when they are concentrated in a community, articles explaining the Dover Amendment to the public, and our message of "Enough is Enough".
Please continue to post our signs, as they are raising a lot of awareness. We have made huge progress in a very short time (3 months), thanks to all of those who have contributed their time and donations. It seems that we've just tipped the iceberg. Let's hope our voices are heard. Please take the time to call or write a message to our town and state reps and senators. The addresses and phone numbers are on the STEPPS website. The timing is critical. Thanks for everyone's participation. We are definitely making a difference!!
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