(WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA unveiled new upgrades Monday at its Franklin Station it says will improve accessibility.
The upgrades include the completed construction of a mini-high platform which provides stair-free, level boarding for all passengers, including those with disabilities as well as those using strollers and luggage with rollers.
Franklin's Commission on Disability Chairperson Alison Rheaume said the upgrades are game changers. "So many residents in this very neighborhood were told to just go to another station," she said. "However, for those navigating disability, nothing is ever just that easy."
Now, Rheaume said better access to the station is improving people's lives. "There's one lady who lives just down the street, and for the first time, she was able to go into the city independently."
Along with upgraded station accessibility, artist Kayla Jean Nisbet was commissioned to create a mural on the station wall of a vacant coffee shop.
She said not only does the painting bring new life to the empty store front, it also celebrates the town's history. "As the story goes, the donation of 116 books that Benjamin Franklin gave to our town went on to establish America's first public library."
Town officials said they are hoping the upgrades will also attract a new tenant to the building.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jared Brosnan (@JaredBrosnanWBZ) reports
via https://www.instagram.com/kaylajeannisbet/
"Normally I share a project with you after it’s done and wrapped with a bow but since the exciting word is out thanks to the @franklinmatters.ma podcast, this time, I’m sharing backwards. Or rather starting from the beginning. In 1778 to be exact!I’m honored to have been asked to design a mural for the Dean College/Franklin T station. The mural will celebrate the historical charm and history of our town. I promise to put my fun + simple spin on it, and always with a touch of whimsy! On this journey with me are members from the @franklin_art_association, @franklinculturalcouncil02038, Franklin Cultural District, and Franklin High School. Here are some sneak peeks as we begin the long process of applying to the MBTA for mural permissions.A huge thank you to @beccarausch4ma for awarding Franklin an extremely generous grant for Public Art and for Cory Shea @franklinculture for asking me to lead this project. This project wouldn’t be possible without both of these amazing ladies, or without the help of Dr. Robert Lawson, Dean College History Professor and our town Archivist, Rowan Lowell who have helped me extensively research Franklin’s rich history.So proud of what has been accomplished already and I can’t wait to paint this with the team in the Spring. Listen to the Franklin Matters podcast on the link in bio for more info!"
