The city of Franklin, Ohio, has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program to aid in the cleanup and revitalization of its downtown area. This funding marks a significant step in Franklin’s ongoing efforts to transform its city center into a vibrant community hub.
Revitalizing Franklin’s Downtown
The grant will be utilized to remove approximately 5,000 tons of contaminated soil and install vapor mitigation systems at the site of the former Franklin Boxboard Company, located at the intersection of Sixth Street and Route 123. This site, which is considered a gateway to Franklin’s new downtown, sits diagonally across from the future location of Slipcast Brewing.
Mayor Brent Centers expressed his gratitude for the grant, highlighting the collaborative efforts of city staff, council, community partners, and residents in supporting Franklin’s future. The plant, which closed in 2011 and was demolished in 2019, was purchased by the city for $1 million in 2022 as part of a broader plan to revitalize the downtown and riverfront areas.
Future Development Plans
City Manager Jonathan Westendorf noted that while there are no specific plans yet for the approximately 10-acre site, it is zoned for mixed-use development. He envisions a combination of residential and retail spaces that will enhance the refurbished downtown and provide access to the Great Miami River. Longer-term plans include transforming River Street into a park with walking paths, bike trails, and river access.
Westendorf emphasized that the grant is a crucial step in attracting further development interest and ultimately increasing downtown residency. He assured that the site is not unsafe, but the remediation will bring it up to standards suitable for residential living.
Statewide Impact of Brownfield Program
Since its inception in 2021, the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program has awarded $45.8 million for 84 cleanup and remediation projects across the state, along with $15.3 million for 76 assessment projects. Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel highlighted the transformative potential of these grants, stating that revitalizing forgotten properties opens new opportunities for local economies and strengthens communities.
The Franklin project is expected to create 164 new jobs, contributing to the city’s economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Original reporting: Dayton Daily News — read the source article.
