The Framingham City Council held its regular meeting on June 16, 2026, addressing a range of items including proclamations, zoning amendments, the FY27 city budget, and a discussion on liquor license extensions for World Cup games. The meeting lasted several hours and included public participation, committee reports, and multiple votes.
Zoning Amendments to G Zone (Second Reading): Proposed changes to floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.30 per dwelling unit and height restriction of 35 feet (amended from 40). Councilor Stefanini explained the aim to prevent oversized houses. Councilor Ward expressed concern about incentivizing duplexes over single-family homes. An amendment to reduce height to 35 feet was accepted. The measure passed on a roll call vote of 9-1-1 (Councilor Bryant abstained).
Clarks Hill Zoning Amendments (Second Reading): Proposed rezoning of parcels to PRD and related dimensional regulations. An MOU with the developer was reviewed. Councilor Bryant questioned late document delivery; the city solicitor said it was not an open meeting violation. The measure passed unanimously (11-0).
Mayor's Report: Upcoming events: Framingham Farmers Market (Thursdays), Juneteenth flag raising (June 19, noon), Bay State Motor Festival (June 21), Winter Street roadway project meeting (June 25), library touch-a-truck (June 27). Discussion of CSX trash train stench: Mayor will convene a meeting with federal delegation. Councilor Stefanini noted a state bond amendment to require encapsulation.
FY27 City Budget (Second Reading): Total budget of $398,170,206, with $10 million from free cash and a 3.5% tax levy increase. Several amendments were offered:
Prior Year Bills: Authorized payment of $42,121.29 in unpaid bills from prior fiscal years. Passed unanimously.
Blazers Band Donation Account: Established a donation account. Passed unanimously.
Adaptive PE Equipment: Funded equipment for Framingham Public Schools as requested by the Disability Commission. Passed unanimously.
U.S. Bike Route 1: Motion to recommend mayor send support letter for designation. Councilor Long expressed safety concerns about Edge Road. Passed unanimously.
Liquor License Extension for World Cup: Discussion on allowing businesses to extend hours for World Cup soccer games. Councilor Ataviani and Stefanini urged support; noted state legislation. Motion to recommend mayor and licensing commission act expeditiously. Passed unanimously.
The City Council is the sole legislative body of the city of Framingham and is therefore responsible for passing city ordinances. The city council is made up of eleven members who exercise the legislative powers of Framingham. Two of these members are known as counselors at large, and nine members are known as district counselors. The city council serves as a link between the citizens of Framingham and their municipal government. Counselors help constituents by connecting them to resources, services, and city departments. And also serve as advocates for all Framingham residents. The following city council coverage is brought to you by the government channel, a service of the city of Framingham. We're using version three of our agenda, which is posted in the public meeting portal online. And any backup material for this meeting is all available online under our agenda, hyperlinked to each item. This evening, uh councillors Bryant and Cannon, I believe, are going to be remote. I see Council Cannon here. I do not see Council Bryant yet. There are no minutes to be considered this evening, so the first item tonight would be a proclamation, which is in this instance a joint proclamation by the Council of Mayor recognizing Caribbean American Heritage Month. And who Mr. Mayor. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This is a joint proclamation to recognize and recognize Caribbean Caribbean American Heritage Month. Whereas for over two centuries, the peoples of the Caribbean region, the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and formerly the town, present presently the city of Framingham, have developed enduring bonds based on mutual interest. Whereas, similar to the United States, the inhabitants of the Caribbean region are a melting pot. They are of indigenous African, European and Asian descent and speak various languages. Either through the bondage of slavery or emigrating in search of a better life for themselves, their families and their loved ones, as they left behind the world they knew. These courageous and tenacious people have been immigrating from around the region from locations such as, but not limited to the independent island nations of Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Granada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts, and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines. And the following territories belonging to the United Kingdom. And you're doing very good. I'm actually impressed. The Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Turks, and Caicos, as well as the following territories belonging to the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the following territories belonging to France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saba, St. Barthes, Saint Eustaceus, and Saint Martin. And the following semi-autonomous territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba, Bonaire, Curso, and Saint, I should say Saint Martin. And finally, due to their strong cultural connections, immigrants from the mainland mainland continents of North, Central, and South America, to include Guyana, Belize, Honduras, Suriname, Costa Rica, and Panama have joined the family of Caribbean countries. And whereas amongst the millions of Caribbean immigrants are talented craftspeople, poets, doctors, scientists, athletes, and entertainers. Many known and unknown have reached the pinnacle of their careers here in the United States, which has undoubtedly enriched our national character and strengthened the fabric of our culture, and we are proud they are part of the American family. And whereas the following are a small list of renowned individuals that have made indelible contributions in their vocations into the United States, founding father and first Secretary Secretary of State, Al Alexander Hamilton was born in St. Kitts. Former Vice President of the United States and former U.S. Senator Kamala Harris is of Jamaican parentage. Grammy Award winner, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, Robin Rihanna Fenty was born and raised in Barbados. Grammy and Tony Award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, and playwright, Lynn Manuel Miranda is Puerto Rican, retired designated hitter for the Boston Boston Red Sox, two-time World Series World Series champion and future Hall of Baseball Hall of Famer David Big Poppy Ortiz, hails from the Dominican Republic. And whereas in February 2005, the United States House of Representatives unanimously adopted Resolution 71 recognizing the significance of the Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14th, 2006, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year bipartisan and bicameral effort. And whereas, since the passage of the resolution in 2006, the President of the United States has issued an annual proclamation officially recognizing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month, and whereas during Caribbean American Heritage Month, it is also important that we acknowledge and celebrate the indispensable relationship, the United States and the dozens of island nations and territories in the Caribbean region. We should all strive to build upon these long-standing partnerships to assist the people of the Caribbean, to provide aid and assistance whenever feasible, to approve health care and educational opportunities, to promote mutual and sound economic development between our countries and support shared desires for democratic governance and support climate change mitigation efforts throughout the islands. Now, therefore, be it resolved, the Framingham City Council and Mayor recognize June 2026 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Framingham and encourage residents to recognize the importance of Caribbean influence on our community and partake in this celebration, and it's signed by the mayor and the members of the City Council. Thank you. Phew. Very good in geography and some history.