My Vision for the Future of Framingham
My vision for Framingham is that its historic change from a Town to a City form of government will provide equal representation for all our diverse neighborhoods. Presently 100% of the Board of Selectmen and School Committee members live above Route 9. Equality will happen as Councilors and School Committee members are elected from each of our 9 geographic Districts. Despite being an active Town Meeting Member I strongly supported Framingham becoming a City because of this inequality and a lack of accountability from the Board of Selectmen. Because of the staggered 3 year terms of the 5 members, it is not possible to go in a new direction. The new Mayor will be where the buck will stop. If the citizens are not satisfied the mayor can be voted out in 4 years.
Framingham, a large and complex community, is unique in many ways compared to its surrounding towns. We are a transportation hub with the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Commuter Rail. Over 40% of our land area is water and wetlands. Residents have access to town beaches at Saxonville, Learned and Waushakum Ponds. There are numerous walking and biking trails, a large State Park and the beautiful Cushing Park which attracts visitors from surrounding towns. By drawing upon our untapped natural and human resources, we will continue to grow as the respected leader of the MetroWest Region and an outstanding City in which to live, work and play.
A vibrant Framingham downtown will attract visitors to its multi-cultural shops and restaurants
This is a picture of Cedar Swamp. This Southside 16 acre parcel of mature trees, moss, ferns, grapevines, wild flowers and vernal pools is a major natural resource. Until recently it has been unappreciated and misunderstood. The Framingham Conservation Department is in the midst of re-creating a walking trail connecting the Waushakum Farm neighborhood to Farm Pond. A more appropriate name would be Cedar Woods.
Smart developments will replace blighted areas
Imagine a Farm Pond Crossing via water taxis from a newly designed Mt. Wayte Plaza with Farm Pond connections to the skatepark area and to Downtown Framingham. A stop at the skatepark would be an opportunity to walk across to Cushing Park, the Children's Grove and to other sport activities. Walking/biking paths around Farm Pond would further enhance and establish the Farm Pond area as a destination for people and lessen the need for automobiles.