Building a Foundation

It has officially been one month since I was sworn in. This first month was about settling in and building a foundation for how I want to show up as your Councilor.

The Council took several steps this month to set itself up for the new session, including approving our Rules and organizing subcommittees. I am happy to share Chair King appointed me to the Environment and the Rules, Ordinances & Ethics subcommittees.

As someone who is passionate about our trails and outdoors, I am really looking forward to working on the sustainability issues facing Framingham. As I said in the Energize Framingham forum back in the fall, I want to be a voice for a greener Framingham. We have made progress, but there is much more to do - from planting more trees to expanding gardens and green space, to expanding solar and EV chargers.

The Rules, Ordinances & Ethics subcommittee reviews all ordinances submitted by subcommittees before they head to the whole Council. This is "meat and potatoes" legislative work.

Council Work & Recent "Firsts"

The January 20 meeting was one of a few firsts for me:

• The McAuliffe Proclamation: I felt it was important for the city to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Challenger. I am deeply passionate about our city’s history, and I will continue to use my position to highlight our story. More about this below.
• A Motion for Efficiency: Every new Council session requires a review of our Rules. I made my first motion to include a vote on Appointments to boards and commissions earlier in our order of business. Often, volunteers have to wait until the very end of a long meeting just to be voted in. This change respects their time, highlights their service, and signals a better partnership between the Council and our boards. The motion was approved unanimously (11-0).

The Community Center

During the January 20 Mayor’s Report, I asked about the status of the community center at the old Marian High building on Union Avenue and making the building weather-tight. Last I heard, windows were supposed to be installed in November; they were not.

The Mayor noted that the windows have been framed but still need installation. The COO, Mike Tusino, mentioned work began recently, though the timeline depends on the weather. I also asked about the rumor that these windows were made in Italy - there was no confirmation on that, just that they arrived "on a barge."

I absolutely believe Framingham needs a community center, especially for our youth. But I remain concerned about this project since we have yet to see a budget or a strategic plan, even though the advisory committee has met for over two years. On our Tuesday, February 2nd agenda, we are scheduled to receive an update regarding the use of municipally owned buildings. I look forward to hearing where it stands.

613 Pleasant Street (The John Hemenway House)

Not a week goes by without someone asking what is going on with the John Hemenway House. This has been an ongoing issue in the neighborhood for more than 7 years. My concerns about this house aren’t only about historical preservation - it is now a public safety issue.

I wrote a letter to Sarkis Sarkisian, our Director of Planning and Community Development, expressing my frustration and providing two actions we can take:

1. Refer the property to the Attorney General’s Neighborhood Renewal Division: This allows the City to seek a "receiver" - a third party responsible for fixing the property - without the City assuming ownership or the financial burden.
2. Nominate the house for the "Most Endangered Historic Resources" list: While not a legal designation, this raises the profile of the property beyond Framingham and acts as a powerful advocacy tool.

I am a proud champion of Framingham’s history, but this house is an accident waiting to happen. We cannot afford to be reactive any longer.

You can read my letter here:

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​Christa McAuliffe and the Challenger Anniversary

40 years ago we lost of the brave crew of the Challenger. On board was a daughter of Framingham, Christa Corrigan McAuliffe. Christa’s memory is weaved into our Framingham community - from the branch library on Water Street to the charter school to the Challenger Center at Framingham State University. Her motto “I touch the future. I teach.” lives on. The City of Framingham proclaimed January 28 as Christa McAuliffe and Challenger Remembrance Day, inviting all residents to pause and honor the memory of a beloved neighbor, teacher, and pioneer who reminded us all to reach for the stars. I had the honor of bringing this proclamation to the Council, in collaboration with the Framingham History Center and the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University. Additionally, this weekend I spoke and presented the proclamation at a remembrance ceremony for Christa and her crewmates at the McAuliffe Challenger Center at Framingham State. Stepping back into the Challenger Center was a full circle moment for me. My middle school class at St. Bridget’s was one of the first schools to “travel into space” at the new Challenger Center. My teacher Nancy Goguen loved the Center so much she left SBS to work there. I always think of her when I hear mention of this special gem.

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Office Hours and Neighborhood Meetings

Thank you to those who came to my Neighborhood Chat in Nobscot on Saturday morning. We’ll do that again.

In the meantime, I have regular office hours. Every first Thursday of the month from 6:00-8:00pm in the Cafe at the McAuliffe Library on Water Street. I am hoping the evening will allow folks who cannot do during the day the chance to meet with me.

I am planning more Neighborhood Chats. If you would like to host one in your neighborhood, please let me know.

Community News

Do you know an outstanding senior?

Nominations are open for the Framingham Senior Heroes Awards! These awards are given to four residents who are 60+ years old, who volunteer efforts reflect their value for diversity and show significant contributions to inclusivity in Framingham.

There are four categories: • Culture/Arts: Performing arts, painting, poetry, playwriting, music, dance, video, and singing/vocal, etc. that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. • Social Development: Programs that improve or promote positive interactions among people from different ethnic groups, abilities, gender identities, and ages, such as sports, after-school programs, special events, or other activities. • Health or Healthcare: Efforts that focus on the populations whose access has been limited due to race, gender, gender identity, language, disability, immigration status, etc. • Public Service: Contributed in this way with their volunteer service on our municipality's boards, councils or committees, Town Meetings or former elected officials. Former public officials or residents of Framingham who are not currently employed by the city may be nominated for outstanding volunteer efforts that show they value diversity and inclusivity.

Nominations are open until February 9. To nominate someone, please fill out the form explaining why your person should be recognized. I look forward to celebrating this year's awardees!

Henry Knox Comes to Framingham!

Actually, he’ll be in beautiful District 3 on the Centre Common! On Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., history comes alive on the Framingham Centre Common as we host a featured stop along the Henry Knox Trail! It is a free, family-friendly event. The afternoon features a dramatic outdoor procession followed by a community quilt unveiling, rare Revolutionary War era artifact exhibition, and a commemorative program that connects Framingham’s local history to a turning point in the American Revolution. The program begins outdoors at 2:00 p.m. with a winter procession across the historic Framingham Centre Common, featuring cannons mounted on draft-animal-pulled sleds, a Fife and Drum unit, and colonial reenactors portraying a welcoming party for Henry Knox and his teamsters. This procession recalls the daring 1775-1776 journey that brought artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston and helped shift the course of the American Revolution. I cannot wait for this! See you on Sunday (yes, it is before the Super Bowl - Go Pat's!)! ​ ​

Think Warm Thoughts Parks & Recreation opens registration for Spring and Summer programs on February 2 for residents and February 9 for non-residents. Programs running from April through August will be available to view and register online, offering a full season of recreational, enrichment, and wellness opportunities for all ages. This year’s lineup also features seven brand-new programs, expanding options for residents to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the community. Registration will follow a rolling enrollment format, with new programs added throughout the season as they become available. Residents are encouraged to check the website regularly for the most up-to-date listings. ​You can register online for all activities.​

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Openings on Boards and Commissions

Cable Advisory Commission

The Role: Filling 3 seats for a three year term

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for negotiating and overseeing franchise agreements with the Framingham's three cable television providers: Comcast, RCN, and Verizon.
• Acts as an ombudsman for residents experiencing unresolved cable television billing errors or persistent repair issues, after reasonable efforts have been made to resolve concerns directly with the cable provider. ​

Qualifications: Must be a resident in Framingham. Residents interested in consumer advocacy, municipal oversight, and telecommunications policy are encouraged to apply.

Deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply: Click here to apply for the Cable Advisory Commission​

The budget process is underway with the School Committee currently working on the school budget. I appreciate everyone who has reached out to me about the school budget. I am watching the Committee's work very closely. Next month's dispatch will dive into the budget. To stay up to date in real time, please follow my Facebook page or Instagram.

As always, if I can be of any assistance or if you have an idea, please do not hesitate to call/text me at 508-733-3153 or via email.

Happy February!

All the best,

Mary Kate Feeney

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Authorized by the Feeney Committee.