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  • Framingham Road Work, Utility Projects, Traffic Detours

    Framingham Road Work, Utility Projects, Traffic Detours

    Framingham Traffic / Detour Signs
    Drivers are alerted to Be Prepared To Stop, (and wait), as construction continues on many roads in Framingham.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The City of Framingham Public Works Department has released information regarding road construction, utility projects and related traffic alerts for the week of September 29th through October 5th, 2019.  Note, construction schedules are weather permitting and are subject to change.

    Beacon Street Paving & Sidewalk Replacement – crews will continue curbing installation. Also, raise utility castings, prep and pave sidewalks, and driveway aprons. Expect delays.

    Beaver Street Bridge – Utility companies will continue re-locating overhead wires on Beaver Street. Two-way and/or one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect. Expect minor delays.

    Harrison Street Gas Main Relay (Eversource Gas) – Eversource Gas will begin installing gas main on Harrison Street. Expect minor delays.

    Hollis Street Water Main Project ­(located near a portion of Bates Road Extension & Thayer Street) – a city-hired contractor will begin installing water main on Thayer Street, near the intersection of Bates Road and Brackett Road. Expect minor interruptions at times.

    Hydrant Flushing ­ South of Waverly Street, (near the Ashland, Natick and Sherborn town lines) – the Water Department will begin conducting its Fall 2019 Water Main Flushing Program on Monday, September 30, 2019, through Friday, November 15, 2019. Water Main flushing will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in residential areas and 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. in business areas. The purpose of the program is to improve drinking water quality for residents and businesses in Framingham. (For more information and to view daily flushing status updates, please visit the Annual Water Main Flushing page on the framinghamma.gov website).

    Jodie Road Gas Main Relay (Eversource Gas) – Eversource Gas will continue installing gas main on Jodie Road. A one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect. Expect minor delays.

    Lanewood Avenue Siphon Replacement, (between Waveney Road & Briarwood Road) – a city-hired contractor will mill and pave the project area. A one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect. Expect minor delays.

    Lincoln Street Gas Main Relay (Eversource Gas) – Eversource Gas will continue installing gas main on Lincoln Street. A one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect. Expect delays at times.

    Lindbergh Road and Hampshire Road, (Water Main Replacement), the Water Department will continue to install water main on Hampshire Road and Lindbergh Road. Expect minor delays.

    North Concord Street – Road & Sidewalk Improvements, Punch-list items. Expect minor delays.

    Salem End Road, Badger Road, and Gates Street, (Intersection Improvements) – a city-hired contractor will begin installing new curbing. A two-way and/or one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect during the day time hours. Expect moderate delays as Salem End Road Bridge Rehabilitation also continues.

    Summer Street (Paving & Sidewalk Replacement) – crews will continue curbing installation. Also, raise utility castings, prep sidewalks, and driveway aprons for final paving. A two-way and/or one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect during the day time hours. Police detail officers will be on-site. Expect delays at times.

    Street Sweeping ­ (Area A) – The Highway Division will street sweep Area A on Tuesday, October 1, 2019. NO PARKING will be allowed from 9 AM to Noon. Vehicles parked on the street will be ticketed and towed. The following streets will be swept during this operation: Bishop Street: Number 1, Number 2, Clark Street, Davis Street, Franklin Street: Number 2 – Number 156, Frederick Street, Freeman Street, Grant Street: Number 1 – Number 76, Henry Street, Kendall Street, Lexington Street, Milton Street, Park Place, Park Street, Pearl Street, Proctor Street, Richardson Circle, Richardson Court, Sanger Street, Thompson Street, Torrey Street, and William H. Welch Way.

    Union Avenue Utilities, (between Beech St. & Proctor St.) – a city-hired contractor will continue installing water and sewer main. A detour will be in effect during working hours, Monday-Friday, 7 AM ­ 3:30 PM. Union Ave. Southbound traffic will be detoured down Lincoln Street to Concord Street. Union Ave. Northbound travel only on Union between Proctor Street and Lincoln Street. Expect delays at times.

    Winter Street Gas Main Relay, (Eversource Gas) – Gas main relay continues. A one-way alternating traffic pattern will be in effect. Expect delays.

    Worcester Road Eastbound/Rt.9 East, (Water & Sewer Improvements) – Night work: Sunday (night) ­ Friday (morning), 9 PM to 5 AM. Two crews will continue to install water and sewer main. Construction will occur between 328 to 150 Worcester Road. The right lane on Rt. 9 East will be closed to traffic during working hours. Please use caution if you are traveling through the area.

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  • Framingham 2019 Open Burning Season (Jan 15 – May 1)

    Framingham 2019 Open Burning Season (Jan 15 – May 1)

    outdoor / open burning in FraminghamFRAMINGHAM, MA – The City of Framingham announced today that Massachusetts burn season opens January 15 and runs through May 1. Residents may obtain an Open Outdoor Burning Permit by phone or online.
    To obtain a permit by phone, call the Framingham Fire Department permit line at (508) 532-5942, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on each day during which the burn will occur. Those wanting to obtain a permit should leave their name, address and telephone number. The contact information left on the message will serve as the permit.
    To obtain a permit online, complete the OpenBurning Form (on website) each day during which the burn will occur and print it for record keeping. Please note that permits will not be issued after 1:00 p.m.
    In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 48, Section 13 and the provisions of 310 CMR 7.07, permission will be granted to set a fire for the purpose of disposing of brush, cane, driftwood and forestry debris on a parcel of land situated at your location.
    The following is PROHIBITED:
    • Burning of brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial or industrial land clearing operations
    • Burning of leaves or trash
    • Burning of demolition or construction materials
    All open burning must be conducted:
    • On land closest to the source of the materials to be burned ;
    • At a location greater than 75 feet from any dwelling;
    • During periods of good atmospheric ventilation;
    • Without causing a nuisance.
    Additional requirements:
    • All fires must be completely extinguished by 4:00 p.m.
    • Someone must be with the fire until it is fully extinguished.
    • The person conducting the burn must have the capability of controlling the fire (i.e. shovels/rakes and pressurized water hose/can).
    As always, please remember to respect your surroundings and stay safe.
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  • Framingham Based Ameresco Completes Third Ashland Solar Project

    Framingham Based Ameresco Completes Third Ashland Solar Project

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham based renewable energy company Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC), has completed it’s third solar photovoltaic (“PV”) facility for the Town of Ashland at it’s capped landfill on Howe Street.

    The Town partnered with Ameresco to develop the solar PV projects under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Ameresco will operate and maintain the systems for the term of the contract to ensure optimal energy production.

    “We were happy to have a comprehensive service partner in Ameresco to help us identify and implement a diverse set of meaningful clean energy projects in our community. These projects not only combat the continuing global impacts of climate change but do so by virtually eliminating the Town’s electric bill.” Michael D. Herbert, Town Manager, Ashland MA.

    Ashland’s solar projects at the Middle School Roof, the High School Parking Lot, and the Howe Street Landfill are comprised of more than 5,500 photovoltaic panels totaling 1,800 kW DC and designed to generate over 2.2 million kWh of renewable electricity each year. The annual CO2 emissions reduction of 1,632 metric tons is equivalent to taking 350 cars off the road and annual electricity usage of 176 homes.

    “This project will contribute to the Town of Ashland realizing its goals, under the Green Communities Program, to reduce energy consumption and costs through the implementation of clean energy projects in its municipal buildings, facilities, and schools,” said David J. Anderson, Executive Vice President, Ameresco. “The three solar projects represent a complimentary component to the larger sustainable initiative across the municipality that included a $3.6 million comprehensive energy efficiency program, providing more than $250,000 in annual savings in its building portfolio.”

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  • Framingham Firm Receives Cannabis Testing License

    Framingham Firm Receives Cannabis Testing License

    marijuana plants
    Cannabis / Marijuana products sold in Massachusetts will be labeled with a seal certifying it has passed testing for contaminants.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, (“CCC”), has voted in favor of issuing MCR Labs of Framingham its license to operate as an Independent Testing Laboratory (“ITL”) for the state’s Adult Use Marijuana Program.

    While some have complained that the State has been to slow to roll out recreational marijuana sales, the CCC regulations were designed with consumer safety in mind and specify that all retail cannabis product must be tested for and free of contaminants in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, (M.G.L. c. 94G).

    MCR Labs is accredited to perform compliance testing “and has been inspected to meet all general operation and security requirements for marijuana establishments” as outlined in the Commission’s draft regulations, but there’s still a few steps that must be completed before full commercial operation of the lab, (a walk-through and “seed-to-sale” software training).

    MCR is setup to perform safety screening of marijuana including testing for heavy metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury), dozens of pesticides, microbial contaminants, (bacteria, yeast, molds, salmonella, E. coli, etc) as well as testing for volatile organic compounds, residual solvents, terpenes and other chemicals which should not be found in cannabis sold for human consumption.  MCR Labs will also provide cannabis potency and quality profile testing.

    Once the few final steps are completed, Massachusetts marijuana growers, cannabis product manufacturers, and others will be able to have their products tested for quality control and potential contaminants at MCR Labs, 85 Speen St. in Framingham, MA.

    About MCR Labs: Established in 2013, MCR Labs is an ISO-17025 accredited independent testing lab providing analytical cannabis product testing and R&D services to medicinal and adult use RMDs, patients, caregivers, home growers and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit http://mcrlabs.com

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  • Framingham Road Work / Traffic Alerts (Oct. 21-27, 2018)

    Framingham Road Work / Traffic Alerts (Oct. 21-27, 2018)

    Framingham Traffic Alerts, Detours, Delays, sign: Be Prepared to Stop
    Plan ahead for delays and be prepared to stop as many Framingham roadway projects are being finished before winter sets in.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The City of Framingham has released the following traffic alerts for the week of October 21st-27th, 2018, (note: construction schedules are weather permitting and are subject to change).

    Concord Street: Expect significant traffic delays as crews perform utility and roadway improvements during the day and night hours in areas along Concord Street between Cochituate Road (Rt. 30) and School Street. Day work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Night work will take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

    Crestwood Drive: Expect minor delays as crews pave the roadway between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Dinsmore Avenue: will be closed as crews make utility improvements. Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Edgell Road, Grove Street, Belknap Road, Vernon Street: Beginning on Monday, October 22, expect significant delays as a temporary detour will be in place for southbound traffic on a portion of Edgell Road between 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m as crews perform utility improvements. Southbound traffic will be detoured from Edgell Road onto Belknap Road to Grove Street, and reconnect to Edgell Road via Vernon Street. Northbound traffic will be permitted.  Due to road restrictions, oversized vehicles and trucks should observe the posted limitations and follow the truck detour route on Belknap Road to Mill Street, continue onto Pleasant Street and reconnect to Edgell Road via Vernon Street. Police detail officers will be stationed within the work zone and at critical intersections within the detour to assist motorists; school buses will be given priority to ensure safe and timely travel for students.

    Fountain Street: Expect moderate delays as crews perform roadway improvements overnight between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. A detour will be in place for this work.

    Indian Head Heights: Expect minor delays as crews continue utility work on Indian Head Heights between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Lanewood Avenue: Roadway closure between Briarwood Road and Waveney Road until November as crews perform utility improvements under the aqueduct. Traffic will detour onto Angelica Drive and Waveney Way to access Waveney Road.

    Little Farms Road, Shawmut Terrace: Expect minor delays as crews perform utility improvements between 7:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.

    Main Street: Expect moderate delays as a one lane alternating traffic pattern is in place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

    Nixon Road: Expect moderate delays this week as crews pave the roadway from Edmands Road to Parmenter Road and Parmenter Road to the Marlborough town line between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Old Conn. Path: Expect moderate delays this week as crews pave the roadway from School Street to the Wayland town line between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Speen Street: Expect minor traffic impacts as crews complete punchlist items on Speen Street between Old Conn. Path and Cochituate Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    Union Avenue: Northbound travel (heading toward Route 9) will be permitted through the work zone (between Melrose Street and Walnut Street). Southbound traffic between Walnut Street and Melrose Street is NOT permitted; traffic will be detoured to Franklin Street (southbound) to Melrose Street to reconnect with Union Avenue. All trucks and over-sized vehicles heading southbound must use Franklin Street. Two-way local traffic traveling between Main Street and Walnut Street will be maintained.  A new detour pattern is expected to be implemented Friday 10/26. Northbound travel (heading toward Route 9) will be permitted through the work zone (between DeLoss Street and Walnut Street). Southbound traffic between Linden Street and DeLoss Street is NOT permitted; traffic will be detoured to Franklin Street (southbound) to Henry Street to reconnect with Union Avenue. All trucks and over-sized vehicles heading southbound must use Franklin Street. Two-way local traffic traveling between Main Street and Linden Street will be maintained.

    MetroWest Medical Center on Lincoln, Thurber, Myrtle, Learned and Evergreen Streets:  work will take place in the area. Please take notice of posted parking restrictions. Overnight work will be conducted on Sunday 10/21- Monday 10/22 at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Evergreen Street. Lincoln Street will not be accessible from Union Avenue during the overnight work, please use Beech Street to access Lincoln Street.

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  • 1.7 Megawatt Solar Array Powered Up on Bose Mountain

    1.7 Megawatt Solar Array Powered Up on Bose Mountain

    A 1.7-megawatt SunPower solar project on “The Mountain” at Bose Corporation’s headquarters in Massachusetts is now generating power.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Bose Corporation has just brought a 1.7 megawatt solar installation online.

    The fixed-tilt, ground mounted array of nearly 4000 solar panels is located on the southern side of what locals commonly refer to as “Bose Mountain” an industrial area off Route 9, near the Southborough town line.

    The array which was designed, constructed and financed by SunPower® (www.sunpower.com), is expected to generate 2.4 million kilowatt hours of energy per year.

    Through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, SunPower will operate and maintain the solar installation which Bose anticipates will provide a substantial portion of the electricity needs for the Bose Mountain campus.

    In a press release describing the installation, Sam Nguyen, SunPower executive Vice President, Commercial Solar was quoted as saying “We’re proud to be working with Bose to further advance solar development in the Commonwealth, and to support the company’s [Bose] commitment to long-term sustainability as a leading global brand.”

    For more information, contact:

    • Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701, Tel: 1-508-879-7330, www.bose.com
    • SunPower, 262 Washington Street Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108, 1-800-SUNPOWER, www.sunpower.com

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  • Framingham Based Staples, TJ Maxx, Marshalls to Close Stores for Thanksgiving Day

    Framingham Based Staples, TJ Maxx, Marshalls to Close Stores for Thanksgiving Day

    CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
    Framingham area stores that are closed on Thanksgiving Day

    FRAMINGHAM, MA -This year Framingham based Staples, TJ Maxx and Marshalls, along with other major retailers will be joing the growing trend to not open their  stores on Thanksgiving Day.

    “We know that the holidays can be a hectic time but Staples is here to ensure shoppers and businesses of all sizes have the tools they need for a successful season,” Steve Matyas, Chief Executive Officer, Staples Retail was quoted in a press release. “Our priority as an organization is to ensure that our store associates have the dedicated time they deserve to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends on Thanksgiving Day, so they’ll be ready to support customers on Black Friday and throughout the holidays.”

    Starting in 2015 Staples joined the growing trend in retail — something that appeals to those who don’t like the over-commercialization of holidays, and of course the employees who would rather have the day off.

    Other Framingham area stores that won’t be open Thanksgiving day include BJ’S Warehouse, many large stores in Shopper’s World including DSW, Barnes & Noble, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx , Pier 1 Imports, Petsmart, Guitar Center, Burlington, Jo-Anne Fabrics, REI, Home Depot and Lowe’s.

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  • Framingham Roadwork and Construction (Oct. 7-13, 2018)

    Framingham Roadwork and Construction (Oct. 7-13, 2018)

    Framingham Traffic / Detour Signs
    Drivers are alerted to Be Prepared To Stop, (and wait), as construction continues in Framingham.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Commuters should be aware that there may be traffic delays due to road construction and other work being done in the the City of Framingham during the week of October 7th through 13th, 2018.

    Below is a list of scheduled road work:

    Concord Street: Expect minor traffic delays as crews perform utility improvements in areas along Cherry Street to School Street and A Street south of Bonito Drive between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    Cottage Street: Expect moderate delays as crews perform utility improvements between School Street and Danforth Street between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

    Flanagan Drive: Expect minor delays as crews perform utility improvements along the sidewalk between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

    Fountain Street: Expect minor delays as crews perform roadway improvements overnight between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. A detour will be in place for this work.

    Indian Head Heights: Expect minor delays as crews continue utility work on Indian Head Heights between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Lanewood Avenue: Roadway closure between Briarwood Road and Waveney Road until November as crews perform utility improvements under the aqueduct. Traffic will detour onto Angelica Drive and Waveney Way to access Waveney Road.

    Little Farms Road: Expect minor delays as crews perform utility improvements between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    Nixon Road: Expect moderate delays on Tuesday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 10 as crews complete punchlist items on the roadway from Edmands Road to Parmenter Road and Parmenter Road to the Marlborough town line between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    Old Connecticut Path: Expect moderate delays on Friday, October 12 as crews complete punchlist items from School Street to the Wayland town line between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

    Dinsmore Avenue: Dinsmore Avenue will be closed as crews make utility improvements. Work will take place between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

    Speen Street: Expect minor traffic impacts as crews complete punchlist items on Speen Street between Old Conn. Path and Cochituate Road between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

    Union Avenue: Northbound travel (heading toward Route 9) will be permitted through the work zone (between Melrose Street and Walnut Street). Southbound traffic between Walnut Street and Melrose Street is NOT permitted; traffic will be detoured to Franklin Street (southbound) to Melrose Street to reconnect with Union Avenue. All trucks and over-sized vehicles heading southbound must use Franklin Street. Two-way local traffic traveling between Main Street and Walnut Street will be maintained.

    Additionally, work will take place in the area of the MetroWest Medical Center on Lincoln, Thurber, Myrtle, Learned and Evergreen Streets. Please take notice of posted parking restrictions.

    The City requests that motorists do not cut through residential side streets or parking lots to circumvent the detour; that type of activity can create traffic issues and unsafe situations for pedestrians.

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  • Framingham State Volleyball Blanks Mount Holyoke 3-0

    Framingham State Volleyball Blanks Mount Holyoke 3-0

    Framingham State University RAMS Athletics
    Framingham State University RAMS Athletics

    Framingham, MA- The Framingham State University volleyball team compiled a .240 attack percentage as the Rams defeated Mount Holyoke College 3-0 this evening in non-conference action at the Athletic Center.

    THE BASICS:

    • Score: Framingham State 3, Mount Holyoke 0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-19)
    • Records: Framingham State (11-7), Mount Holyoke (6-8)
    • Location: Athletic Center – Framingham, Mass.

    INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

    • The Rams took a 9-3 lead in the opening set before the Lyons came back to pull within one at 10-9.  The Rams pushed the lead back to 18-13 before taking the first set 25-22.
    • After falling behind 3-0, the Rams rattled off a 10-0 run to take a seven point lead in the second frame.  The Lyons closed the gap, but the Rams pulled away again to lead 18-10 before taking the set 25-15.
    • Mount Holyoke jumped out to a 10-6 lead in the third set. The Rams came back and took the lead 14-13 on a kill from sophomore Brandey Rodriguez (Lawrence, Mass.).  The Rams scored seven straight to take a 20-13 edge before closing the frame and securing the three set victory.
    • Freshman Brandee Thomas (North Kingstown, RI) paced the Rams on the attack with a match-high 11 kills on 33 attempts to go along with tow digs.  Rodriguez finished the match with 10 kills on 17 attempts with just to errors and added a dig and a block.
    • Senior Mackenzie Whalen (Norton, Mass.) added 29 set assists and six digs, while freshman Alyssa Cafarelli (Peoria, AZ) led the defensive effort with a match-best 12 defensive digs.
    • The Lyons were led by a team-high 10 kills, nine digs and three service aces from senior Sarah Caggiano.  Freshman Sarah Bishop added seven kills, an ace and two digs.
    • The Lyons back row was led by a team-high 11 defensive digs from senior Isabell Linde, while sophomore Brayden Walden added 20 set assists and seven digs.

    UP NEXT:

    FSU Rams Volleyball is back in action Thursday night when they host Suffolk University at 7 p.m., while the Lyons host Western New England on Friday night at 6 p.m.

    Thanks to  KATHY LYNCH, Assistant Director, Athletics at Framingham State University for contributing this article.

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  • Framingham’s Thomas Eames Historic Marker Reinstalled

    Framingham’s Thomas Eames Historic Marker Reinstalled

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the City of Framingham have announced that crews have reinstalled a historic 1930 Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Marker in Framingham as part of an effort to inventory and document the original markers that were installed nearly 90 years ago throughout the Commonwealth.

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