This document outlines the major challenges currently faced by the Town of Franklin. These key issues, along with potential opportunities, are instrumental in understanding and shaping the Town’s Master Plan update. Additionally, they contribute to the formulation of the town’s vision, goals, and strategies for the next ten to twenty years.
Economic Development
ISSUES
Downtown Revitalization
Franklin has a vibrant downtown with restaurants and retail stores, yet faces various challenges including traffic issues, run down storefronts, limited accessibility by bike or foot, high commercial rents, and a need for additional shops and casual dining options. The town has already taken significant steps to support the revitalization of the downtown, and stakeholders identify a desire for continued planning, investment, and development in this area. By implementing recommendations from the Franklin For All Rezoning Project and MAPC Market Study, and continuing collaboration with groups like the Franklin Cultural Committee and Franklin Downtown Partnership, the town has the opportunity to make Downtown Franklin a vibrant, destination downtown.
Labor Force/Employment Base Mismatch
Franklin’s well-educated, highly skilled labor force largely depends on external/regional employment opportunities. While Franklin's employment base offers some high-wage employment, most local jobs exist in lower-wage industries that provide goods and services to Franklin’s residents, but not many opportunities for residents to work locally. Stakeholders state an interest in seeing commercial investments to expand job opportunities in town.
Sign Bylaw
Stakeholders find the sign bylaw difficult for businesses to understand. The MAPC Market Study noted the opportunity for Franklin to revise the sign bylaw to allow for more creative and varied signage in commercial and industrial areas to attract business and improve pedestrian wayfinding.
Need for Affordable Housing
There is a pressing need for affordable housing in Franklin, a concern echoed by stakeholders. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensure housing accessibility for all residents and to support the town’s economic development by providing a stable workforce.
OPPORTUNITIES
Downtown Revitalization
The downtown area presents significant development opportunities. There is strong resident support for additional planning, investment, and development in this area. By implementing recommendations from initiatives like the Franklin For All rezoning project and MAPC Market Study, the town can create a vibrant downtown. Measures such as establishing a facade improvement program and offering financial incentives for mixed-use development can stimulate economic activity and attract businesses and visitors.
Property Redevelopment and Façade Improvement
Redeveloping vacant, deteriorated, or contaminated properties in downtown Franklin presents an opportunity to enhance the area’s aesthetic and economic value. Implementing Façade Improvement Programs, supported by grants and loans, can attract businesses, and improve the overall appearance of the commercial district. Franklin for All recommended establishing a façade improvement program for small businesses and property owners in the Downtown.
Creating a program to provide loan or grant funding to small-businesses and property owners could provide an incentive for owners of existing buildings to make façade improvements like new signage, awnings, painting, lighting, and more. To fund this program, Franklin could use payments from the 40R Smart Growth District or from in-lieu fees generated through inclusionary zoning. A façade improvement program should be supplemented by design guidelines to ensure that upgrades match the desired aesthetic for Franklin Center. These can be the same design guidelines as those associated with the proposed 40R Smart Growth District, or they can exist as their own document.
Vacant storefronts in the downtown area can be attributed to high rental costs that make commercial spaces unaffordable, especially to small-business owners. Providing financial assistance to small-business owners could help incentivize desired commercial uses in Franklin Center. Filling these vacancies is important for downtown vibrancy and local economic development.
The Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program (MVSP) was created in 2018 to encourage new occupancy of vacant storefronts. Municipalities may apply to the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) for certification to designate a downtown area as a Certified Vacant Storefront District. After achieving such a designation, businesses or individuals can work with the municipal designee to apply to the EACC for refundable Economic Development Incentive Program tax credits of up to $10,000 for leasing and occupying a vacant storefront in that district. Municipalities must provide a source of matching funds. Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding may be a good option for this local match.
Mixed-Use Development
Incorporating mixed-use development in downtown Franklin can attract more residents and businesses, fostering a lively community and supporting local commerce. Offering financial incentives to downtown businesses with well-integrated mixed-use development would keep people in the area, stimulate economic activity, and keep commerce local.
Tourism and Event Attractions
Franklin can leverage its cultural resources, historic sites, and performing arts scene to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity. Investing in cultural districts and promoting events can enhance the town’s appeal as a destination for residents and visitors.
Targeted Industry Recruitment
Franklin has the opportunity to attract key industries such as Life Sciences and Clean Energy, leveraging its existing strengths and competitive advantages to become a regional competitor.
Partnership with Dean College
Collaborating with Dean College offers opportunities to meet the needs and interests of students while enhancing downtown Franklin’s nightlife and entertainment offerings. Strengthening connections between local businesses and the student population can drive economic growth and vitality. Dean College has been an extremely important partner for the Town (for example, hosting monthly FDP meetings). Strengths identified were that Dean College brings in a younger, more diverse population to Franklin. College students find Franklin Center to be clean, safe, and its shops to be welcoming. The Harvest Festival is seen as a boon for Franklin and bringing in younger crowds. Dean College roundtable participants also feel that the Franklin meets their needs in grocery stores, pharmacies, and hairdressers. Local stores that are frequented by students include Little Shop of Olive Oils, Elizabeth's Bagels, and Birchwood Bakery. Participants stated that the town could and should utilize its green spaces for students, in particular the Town Common could be used for more outdoor events and food trucks. They also stated there is a disconnect between local businesses and the student population's needs, and that pizza shops seem to be the only types of restaurants that thrive in town. There is little knowledge about what the town has to offer the student population. Students generally frequented chains such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and pharmacies, and that there is a lack of entertainment in town outside of Dean College. Dean College roundtable participants generally stated that Franklin was weak in men's apparel, bookstores, independent coffee shops and clubs/bars. Dean College roundtable participants thought that Franklin Center lacked cultural attractions, gathering places, and outdoor and nightlife activities.
Redevelopment of Underutilized Properties
The town has opportunities to redevelop underutilized commercial and industrial properties and superfund and brownfields sites. For example, in 2023, Franklin was awarded $500,000 by the EPA to support remediation of the former “Nu-Style Property”; a critical step towards eventual redevelopment of the site and continued investment of the Grove St. corridor.
Capacity for Economic Development
The town has the necessary infrastructure and resources to facilitate economic development, including capable town staff, dedicated committees, and completed economic development initiatives. Continued collaboration and strategic planning will further enhance Franklin’s economic opportunities.
