Senator Spilka Visits Franklin, Talks Downtown Progress
State Senator Karen Spilka visited the Franklin Downtown Partnership office recently, viewing the progress being made on the Downtown Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project and discussing the FDP’s work on a number of downtown initiatives.
Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana and Planning and Community Development Director Bryan Taberner reviewed the Streetscape construction project’s progress to date. They also shared plans for new development and improvements to the downtown such as the new retail building, park, and Horace Mann statue at the corner of Emmons and West Central streets.
They also discussed the Downtown Branding Initiative that the Planning Department is working on in collaboration with the Partnership, Dean College and the Cultural District Committee.
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| Planning Director Bryan Taberner discusses the roadway improvement plan with Senate StaffDennis Giombetti, Senator Karen Spilka and FDP Executive Director LisaPiana. |
“All of these projects and initiatives continue to focus on showcasing what an inviting place downtown Franklin is to work, live and socialize in. Senator Spilka has been a part of the improvement process all along, and we appreciate all she does for her district,” says Piana.
Senator Spilka also met with Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and discussed various topics and toured the fire house. The chief expects response times to improve once fire trucks and ambulances can make left-hand turns out of the station when West Central Street is open to two-way traffic.
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| Senator Spilka speaks with Franklin Fire Captain Gary McCarraher |
The senator joined local businesses owners, town administrators and members of the Franklin substance abuse prevention group the SAFE Coalition for lunch, where the main topic of conversation was the state’s opiate crisis. Stephen Spiewakowski, a founding board member of the coalition, drew on extensive experience as a probation officer and discussed the area’s most pressing needs, including expanded insurance coverage of treatment options for addicts.
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| (L to R) Jeff Nutting, SAFE Coalition representative Stephan Spiewakowski, Bryan Taberner, resident Alex Pizzi and Senator Spilka discuss ideas over lunch. |
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, residents and community leaders whose mission is to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Go to the www.franklindowntownpartnership.org to learn more.
