Revitalization Strategy

Weston & Sampson worked with Town of Franklin representatives to prepare a revitalization strategy for Franklin Center. The strategy includes implementation of a series of infrastructure related improvements (parking, traffic, streetscape, open space expansion) in order to create a more exciting, cohesive, and aesthetically pleasing retail and residential setting. Franklin is also home to Dean Junior College, which influences much of the retail fabric.

Specifically, Weston & Sampson helped secure $5 million in funding through the Federal Highway Department’s High Priority Project program and helped prepare a Public Works Economic Development (PWED) grant application for additional funding. Weston & Sampson facilitated the community participation process through individual and group meetings with merchants, residents, town department heads, and elected officials.

The work for this project has been completed and consisted of various improvements to the Franklin Downtown “Triangle” and adjacent areas.  Improvements were made to several streets including Emmons Street, West/East Central Streets, Summer Street, Lincoln Street, Main Street and portions of the intersecting side streets. Specific improvements included full depth reclamation on Main Street and Summer Street and full depth box widening, pavement milling and overlay on the other project streets in order to achieve a minimum of 2-11 foot travel lanes and appropriate paved shoulder on both sides. After pavement milling on Main and West Central Streets in the vicinity of the MBTA Bridge, waterproofing was added to the milled pavement surface. The existing granite curb along both sides of all streets was removed and reset or replaced to achieve a consistent six inch reveal and a consistent edge for the newly installed, ADA/AAB compliant, cement concrete sidewalks. The drainage system throughout the project area was upgraded, new period lighting installed on selected downtown sidewalks along either side or on existing utility poles, new signs, new pavement markings, landscaping and other miscellaneous items of work. A new coordinated signal system was added between the intersections of Main/West Central/East Central/Cottage and West Central/Emmons/West Street intersections as well as pedestrian and bicycle accommodation throughout the project area.

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