Archive | June, 2014
Summary of Public Input from FRTA Community Conversations Available
A summary of the public input received at the Community Conversations co-hosted by the FRTA and FRCOG is now available here. This input will be used to create various service scenarios, which will be evaluated by the consultants, URS, as they draft the Regional Transit Plan for the Comprehensive Service Analysis.
We still would like to hear from you regarding the future of public transit in Franklin County! Contact us with your thoughts:
FRTA – Michael Perreault, Assistant Administrator, Michael@frta.org, 413-774-2262
FRCOG – Megan Rhodes, Senior Transportation/Land Use Planner, mrhodes@frcog.org, 413-774-3167
Alternative Transportation Champions
To help encourage more Franklin County residents to walk, bike, or ride transit, the FRCOG is collecting stories from people in our communities who are already realizing the benefits from these alternatives to driving. Check out our first round of Alternative Transportation Champions:
Transportation Champ Profile Maureen
Transportation Champ Profile Carol
Transportation Champ Profile Peter
If you would like to add your story as an Alternative Transportation Champion, contact Land Use Planner, Alyssa Larose at alarose@frcog.org.
Non-Toxic Cleaning Guide for Food Service
Thanks to funding from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute, the FRCOG has a new guide for restaurants and other food service establishments on how to reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals for employees, customers, and the groundwater.
A ready-to-print copy of the guide is available here: GreenCleaning_Booklet_Nov2013_FINAL_PRINT_version
An easy-to-read version is available here: GreenCleaning_Booklet_Nov2013_FINAL_READ_version
FRCOG receives a Toxics Use Reduction Chamption Award at the State House. Director of Community Services Phoebe Walker accepted the award from TURI Director Michael Ellenbecker.
MA Statewide Food System Plan in the News
The FRCOG is partnering with sister planning agencies MAPC and PVPC as well as with MA Workforce Alliance to conduct a statewide food system plan. See the news at www.boston.com.
Downtown Orange Market Assessment
The Downtown Orange Market Assessment is now available.
Statewide Food System Plan
Register for project updates and download this MA Food System Plan Flyer. For more info, contact Mary Praus at mpraus@frcog.org or 413 774 3167 x131.
Opioid Education and Awareness Task Force Overview
The Opioid Education and Awareness Task Force of Franklin, Hampshire, and North Quabbin was pleased to meet with DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett on May 30. Task Force Coordinator Marisa Hebble prepared a presentation about the work of the Task Force that can be seen here:
Opioid Task Force Overview. 5.30.14
Commissioner Bartlett discusses local priorities and needs with Task Force leaders
Franklin County health, education, government, law enforcement and other leaders meet with Commissioner Bartlett.
2012 Energy Code
Effective for any building permit issued on or after July 1, 2014, the 2012 IECC with Massachusetts amendments will be exclusively enforced. Among the new regulations is a blower door test for new single and two family homes. View the 2012 IECC from the ICC site and Massachusetts’s amendments for details.
Fire Protection of Floors
Effective for any building permit issued on or after July 1, 2014, the underside of floors constructed with non-dimensional lumber (e.g. TJI’s) must be protected with ½” sheet rock or 5/8” wood structural panel. There are some exceptions. See code for details.
