Franklin residents demand more diverse dining and retail options

The Franklin Economic Development Commission convened on November 14, 2024, to discuss key findings from recent surveys and focus groups aimed at shaping the city's economic future. The meeting, led by Tim Wachter, began with a roll call and proceeded to a citizen comment period, which saw no public attendance.

Corey, a presenter at the meeting, shared insights from a comprehensive survey that garnered over 400 responses, indicating a statistically valid representation of the community. The survey revealed significant interest among residents in attracting new businesses, particularly restaurants and small retail, with 89% and 87% of respondents respectively deeming these sectors as \"very\" or \"somewhat important.\" Conversely, warehousing and big box retail were identified as less desirable, with 30% of participants expressing disinterest.

The demographic data from the survey indicated an older respondent base, with 40% of households including members aged 65 or older. This demographic trend may influence the types of businesses that would thrive in Franklin. Notably, the survey highlighted a perceived lack of diversity in dining options, with 63% of respondents frequently leaving the city for dining experiences.

Corey emphasized the importance of focusing on local job creation and the need for more resources to attract new businesses, with 53% of respondents strongly agreeing on this point. The discussion also touched on the community's desire for improved traffic flow and ample green space, which were identified as critical factors for the city's future development.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions and a promise to provide detailed data for the commission's review, underscoring the commitment to leveraging community feedback in economic planning.