The Framingham Planning Board is comprised of five members.

The board reviews a wide range of applications for commercial and residential projects.

The mission of the Planning Board is to ensure the projects increase quality of life, contribute to economic development, and are consistent with Framingham's character.

The Framingham Planning Board is also responsible for enforcing and revising the zoning bylaws and developing and implementing the city's master plan.

The following planning board meeting coverage is brought to you by the government channel, a service of the city of Framingham.

EM.

I would like to uh convene the August 13th meeting of the Planning Board.

This is an on this is both virtual and in person, so anybody who is online please use the your raise hand feature if you'd like to speak.

But there have been several continuations from this agenda, and in some ways that's kind of nice because what I really like to do is our first order of business is recognize the soon to be uh departure of one of my uh favorite colleagues here, Mr.

Tom Bowie has concluded his second full term on the planning board.

Today is his last meeting.

Um I actually am going to read right from this part.

We have a proclamation from the mayor.

Uh I'm gonna read right from here, Tom.

And then I I have a few words, others may as well.

But uh Tom Bowie, in recognition of your dedicated service to the Framingham Planning Board, whereas Tom Bowie first uh began his first term as a member of the Framingham Planning Board on July 13th, 2020, and has devoted more than six years to serving the residents of Framingham.

And whereas during his tenure, Tom has participated in the thoughtful review and consideration of at least 203 cases, including 108 site plan reviews, site plan review, and special permit cases, 63 approval not required, ANRs, 26 Shoppers World signed cases, and six subdivision cases.

Whereas, in addition to these numerous case reviews, Tom has carefully considered zoning amendments, minor modification requests, scenic roadway modification applications, and countless other matters essential to the thoughtful planning and development of our community.

And whereas Tom has also served for several years as clerk of the planning board, bringing diligence, organization, and a strong commitment to public service to that important responsibility, and whereas throughout through each of these matters, Tom has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to careful review, responsible planning, and the long-term interests of the City of Framingham.

Now, therefore, I, the mayor of the City of Framingham, do hereby extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Tom Bowie for his years of dedicated service to the Framingham Planning Board and to the residents of Framingham.

So I will ask everybody, we'll take a group picture because we don't get to do that very often.

But before we do that, I I do want to just say a few words.

You know, I first recognized you in this role, geeking out on the government channel back in 2020, you know, when we're in the middle of COVID, and and I I, you know, I I will say I I was like, who is that?

Where did he come from?

And I listened to you, and it was immediately clear what uh, you know, intelligent, well-spoken, thoughtful, you know, person we had on the planning board.

And it was really it was just like a breath of fresh air.

And uh since I've come over here, I've gotten to see that firsthand, and you know, it has been a privilege to work with you.

I thank you for the warmth you extended to me when I came over from the from the zoning board, and you know, the your willingness to share your thoughts and insights and and you've really moved the needle on, you know, probably every project that's come in here, but some really stand out in particular, and um I I just personally will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to work with you.

I've learned a lot, and um it's gonna be sad to see you go, but I'm glad we had the time we had.

I don't know if anyone else has any remarks.

If they if not, I'd like to maybe take a group picture because we don't get to do that very often.

Um and we have a card here that that we've all had a chance to sign.

And um it's somewhere.

Oh, there it is.

It's still moving.

I get it to you before you go.

Thank you.

Yeah, Tom, it really has been a pleasure.

Thank you.

It's been a pleasure, sir.

Can we take a little group picture?

Do we have a speech from Tom?

Do we want to have some words?

I do not, I did not prepare it.

I didn't want to push this.

I didn't want to put you on the spot.

Hey, it's been a pleasure serving the community.

I've been I've enjoyed it.

Even the frustrating parts, but I've enjoyed it.

And uh I would encourage other folks to volunteer for a board and give it a shot.

Yeah.

I mean, I think like to me, that is I mean, it doesn't have to be forever.

I mean, that's what completing a term should look like.

You know, you you share your knowledge and experience with the with the city, and we all benefit from it.

And you know, you you don't have to do it forever.

No, self-governance is a responsibility and be part of making the sausage.

It's yeah, it's worth the time, it's worth the effort, and everybody should take a turn.

Yeah, good.

Thank you.

All right, let's take a picture.