Voices from Downtown
After talking to a number of community leaders about the revitalization efforts underway in downtown Franklin, we decided that we should hear what the townspeople thought of the changes that have taken place since 2015, the year the revitalization effort began. So we walked around town asking anyone who would talk to us about their opinion on Mill City Park and the other revitalization efforts underway. The overwhelming impression that we got was that, while cautiously optimistic, most people in town are excited about the revitalization efforts. The optimism that we felt talking to people downtown last week stands in stark contrast to five years ago when many residents of Franklin were much more skeptical of Mill City Park and the revitalization efforts. What follows is a collection of person-on-the-street-style interviews:
“We definitely are seeing more people from out of state come into Franklin. People that move here know a lot about what’s happening, between Mill City Park and all the other projects that are going on. You can see it. People are excited about it; they are talking to [Franklin Mayor] Jo Brown… You can definitely feel it. My dad has lived here his whole life… He’s seen the good, the bad — and he’s so excited about this.” — Lex Grevior, Grevior’s Furniture
“My thought on the revitalization project is that it is something that this town needs. There’s a group of us who want to revitalize the town, we see its potential. If this works for Franklin, it could work for other cities in New Hampshire. I think so far it is working, but there’s still more to go. [Mill City Park] is trying to get a $2 million dollar grant for two or three more features; one is a wave for surfing. I think it’s going to bring in a lot of people. A few weeks from now Jackson Kayaks is moving in; they’re going to be doing [teaching] sessions with people. They never visit tiny towns like this, so that’s a big deal — it’s putting Franklin on the map.” — Jason Harrington, Vulgar Brewing Company
“I see a lot more interest being generated in Franklin. I definitely see a lot more people walking around downtown. It was huge for the town when Vulgar Brewing Company opened. It was like this little gem. [Mill City Park] is building the beautiful amphitheater and the whitewater wave which has helped bring other businesses into town, which is huge for businesses that are already here, and those of us who love Franklin.” — Miriam Kovacs, The Broken Spoon
“Franklin is cleaner and more inviting, which has helped the businesses here. Yes, Franklin is a place where I think I will want to stay. I think that revitalization is going in the right direction.” — Kristina Bailey, Hair & Company
“People have access to kayaking and canoeing which I think is awesome; it brings in more people. Everything they’re doing is making Franklin a better place. Investing into the new businesses that are coming in and just expanding that way.” — Shelly Cram (pink shirt), Thrift Clothes Closet
The Story was written by Liam Murphy, Sierra Jean, and Tom Morgan
Telling True Stories is a Proctor Academy Production
