BY ANDREW FAISON/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
andrew.faison@tidewaternews.com

FRANKLIN—Following a public hearing Monday night, the Franklin City Council unanimously approved a plan for roadside beautification in conjunction with the City’s Gateway Enhancement project.

“This will go a long way to jump start some of our programs on Route 58,” said Amanda Jarratt, president and chief executive officer of Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. “This will also go along with implementing further stages of the gateway plan.”

To date, the only interchange that has received significant focus from the City of Franklin is the interchange of Highway 58 and Armory Drive. Through participation in the program, funds can be leveraged from private businesses to make significant improvements at the two additional Route 58 interchanges in the city.

“I think the premise that this doesn’t cost the citizens is due merit,” said Dan Howe, executive director of the Downtown Franklin Association.

“Any way to keep our city beautiful is positive,” he added.

There is no cost to the City of Franklin for participation in this program and all of the costs for maintenance and planting are obtained through the private donations.