New Bridge Brings Hope For Franklinton

A new downtown bridge is making it easier for drivers to get around.

For one community, though, the new Rich Street bridge means more than a shortcut.

Mayor Michael Coleman said that he hoped the bridge would aid in the revitalization of the area.

“I’ve seen neighborhoods that have died because they didn’t have access to them,” Coleman said.

Louie Pappas, owner of Milo’s Deli and Café, said that the new bridge opens up Franklinton for development.

“That bridge is a nice touch,” Pappas said. “There’s already a lot of investment down there.”

The investment is visible as the arts community moves in to the neighborhood and homes are renovated.

“Historic neighborhoods have existing infrastructure in place, roads, sewers, police, fire. All the services are here, we just need to repopulate the area,” said Jim Sweeney, executive director of the Franklinton Development Association.

Pappas said that he hoped more people would look to move to Franklinton.

“It’s on the river,” Pappas said. “It has a lot of charm to it, and it just needs to be revitalized to what it was 100 years ago.”

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