Posted by grantsara83 (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Another thousand(s) of dollars project. I'm in total agreement, just collect contributions from those who feel that more taxes is "mo" better. Just write a check to treasurer of City of Franklin, gateway project. It give those who pay no taxes a chance to participate in a meaningful way.

Posted by gunner58 (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Spending money to further improve the schools would be a wiser move. Quality schools could be a deciding factor in attracting business growth. If the "gateways" need to be beautified, solicit the help of the area civic organizations and clubs.

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I suggest starting with the water tower at Pretlow Industrial Park. The rusting faded words "Franklin and Business, Partners in Prosperity" sends an ambiguous message.

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they look fine the way they are now,,,,doesn't the Garden club plant flowers around the bricks? I don't think a new business is going to look at the entrance and say "Oh the signs coming into Franklin look bad let's not bring our business here" the whole thing just doesn't make sense...fix the things that really need fixing.!!!

Posted by davefrklnva (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just think keep up with the "up-keep" of the ones we have. There is nothing wrong with what the ones we have!!! The water tower would be a better choice to improve.

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 6, 2010 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree what we have is not very old...it is a big improvement from years ago where the welcome to Franklin sign was on a pole along with the other signs ...kind of looked like a totem pole..improving the water tower is the way to go...

Posted by happy2 (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The person who totaled the sign on armory, didn't the insurance pay the city so it could get rebuilt? Just fix that one and plant some flowers the tower and sidewalks on Fairview and Crescent where there are a lot of walkers would be nice

Posted by Baffled (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not very business savvy, but how much difference do the signs and water tower make when a company looks at coming to Franklin" Do they say "Gee, that's an ugly sign. Maybe we'd better locate somewhere else"? Why don't the Franklin execs extend their time and efforts to finding someone to come to the Pretlow Industrial Park instead of worrying about the Pretlow water tower? Just wondering. When I'm traveling, I never give a thought to what kind of sign a town has. All I do is look at it and say, "Oh, we're going into Whereever".

Posted by spike (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sorry, but a business could care less about a city's signs when considering where to locate. Road and rail access, adequate and dependable utilities, low tax rate, reasonably priced real estate, low crime rate, good schools, etc.. These are things businesses are looking for and where the city should be concentrating on improving..

Posted by justbecause (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Happy2...the sign on Armory Dr. was hazzardous to drivers. It was hard to see around it from the exit when trying to get a clear view to make the left turn headed to Newsoms on 671. I agree with Vista and Saltwater. Up-keep the signs and flowers already in place, as well as the water tower. Put that money in a much needed place-SCHOOLS!

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The beautification plan seems to be much more than just signs. The article said this could take 10-20 years. This plan must be more than just upgrading some signs and a flower bed. I guess it contains items like trees along the streets, new street lights or sidewalks or the like. Replacing signs and flowers is not a 10-20 year job. Where are the details of this plan?

I believe a business would look at the condition of the city property surrounding a potential site. If a city can't keep it's water tower painted will it keep the businesses property within the park up or will it let it fade and become an eyesore? When a family looks to buy a house in a new city don't they consider the condition of the neighborhood? I believe a business would look at what type of steward the city would be for the business parks as well as considering utilities, tax rate, crime, education, etc.

The "gateways" seem to be just fine to me. The signs look good. The water tower however is visible to thousands more people each day and is the first thing thousands of travelers on 58 see in Franklin. If your sign says you are a partner in prosperity your sign should not, in my opinion, indicate that you have given up on trying to put your best face forward.

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I believe sweetwater's suggestion to have the water tower repainted is an excellent one. Since it's logical, it will not be considered. Now just how do we put a shine on the crime and taxation excesses. Education is not a problem other than it's a bloated bureauractic works program.

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 7, 2010 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is sad commentary on a local government that has no idea what to do about the ecomony. It's like wrapping an empty box with fancy paper and bows. First efforts have to be with the schools.

Posted by johnmstx (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I am correct, the big welcome sign on Armory Drive has been demolished twice now. If we insist on rebuilding it, could we consider putting it closer to the overpass for two reasons: It would no longer restrict the view of vehicle operators and secondly, it would be less vulnerable to getting hit a THIRD time. Just a thought!

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the City should start a 50/50 pool to guess the date the Armory Drive sign will be demolished. Half the money could go to replace the sign and the other half to the person who gets closest to the date and time.

Posted by commoncents (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please reconsider the rebuild of the Armory Drive sign. It makes a left turn onto 671 from the 58W ramp extremely hazardous. Perhaps Southampton County would allow it to be placed on the other side of the bridge.

Posted by chuck (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Does anyone really think that this is just about signage and landscaping?

"Goodwin said the Planning Commission thought that it was important to that the plan be presented in a public forum to solicit input from the community and provide details for property owners."

Consider the drive into the city on Clay Street and North High Street. Contrast that with the drive in on South Street and Pretlow Street. Then look at the view coming in on Second Avenue and Armory Drive. What are property owners going to be required to do? Plant a few trees and shrubs, some grass, maybe a splash of paint on the shutters? Or is this going to be another attempt at demolishing commercial buildings and housing that do not meet "beautification" standards?

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The view coming into downtown is awful... they need to fix it up when you come over the bridge... but I still say that is why we have a Garden Club they do a wonderful job planting flowers...I am sure there are grants somewhere for beautification...I agree with you chuck I think it is just an excuse to tear some things down...

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that something needs to be done to improve education, but that something is not to dump more tax money in the system. How do those that are constantly requesting more money, plan to spend the additional funds? What new or enhanced programs? As I visit the YMCA each day, I notice that the high school has not yet seen fit to fly our nation's flag. Going on three months now, still no flag.

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Were they flying the flag 3 months ago and then stop flying it? I was unaware of this controversy.

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we want a "prettier" town, lets be more careful about trash flying out of our trucks on the way to the dump. The ditches are a disgrace. That is much better evidence of a beautiful community than brick signs.

Posted by KitKatVA82 (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't they just install these signs? Like a few others mentioned, let the Garden Club plant flowers around the signs that are already up. And with regular maintenance – I believe the signs will be ALL RIGHT!

Posted by Baffled (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Timberlake, you hit on one of my biggest pet peeves. It is lazy, irresponsible, inconsiderate and just downright nasty to ride down the road and throw trash out the window. I wish law enforcement could write a few tickets, but it's hard to catch someone actually doing it. Put a Food Lion bag in your vehicle, put your little trash in it, and take it out and put it in the trash can when you get home. I don't understand the total disregard some people have for their surroundings. It's just "trashy".

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 7:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It makes me so mad to see white bags in the fields where they have been thrown out of someone's vehicle...on a windy day they are everywhere!!! Or even worse a McDonalds bag on the road with nasty french fries all over the place...

Posted by saphronie (anonymous) on February 8, 2010 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We didn't realize the sign on Armory had been demolished accidentally. We seriously thought Franklin had taken it down out of consideration and concern for Southampton County residents trying to see around it. To see it rebuilt would definitely send a message to me that Franklin cares more about superficial appearances than the best interests of its neighbors. Be a good neighbor, Franklin. Please don't put that sign back up.

Posted by ljj88 (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We are worrying about signs, The city needs to fix the roads comming & leaving town. My front end on my vehicle stays knocked out of alignment if I drive in outside lanes on ARMORY or CLAY streets. It feels like I am driving offroad.One can't even enjoy a cup of coffee for fear of having the steering wheel snatched out of your hand.

Posted by employee2 (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a business mainly looks at is the available workforce. Are they able to do the job?, and do they want to work? The anwers to these questions have a lot of bearing on the decision!

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry....there are hundreds of communities in this state with able workforces that want employment. It's about tax incentives, low regulation, right to work (in my opinion), and a quality of life that not only holds the population and its next generation, but can attract new people in.

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only reason Newark, Bayonne and other Jersey cities have any businesses, is that the Mafia will not agree to let them leave. Now that I think of it, our p/t city manager comes from a very high tech area, she only has to use her connections and voila, we have high tech industries. Why mess around with low tech warehousing, not with all those high tech firms out there. Think big.

Posted by sundrop0sweetie (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with Vista. Instead of putting up new signs, flowers, and investing in material things, why not pick up the trash that people just toss out their windows. Aren't there signs all over Franklin stating that littering is illegal. It is bad for the environment as well as the asthetics of the city. Come on now!

Posted by callingdove (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Picking up trash, it is called "adopt a highway". So we need to promote more groups doing this community service, the sign gives them recognition. But please, do not expect the Garden Club ladies to plant flowers (there are at tleast 2 garden clubs in our area, and master gardeners make a 3rd). One of these clubs maintained and then abandoned the city park project and left my friend, who was assigned to buy and head the team to plant the flowers out on a limb. At the next meeting, the club simply decided it was no longer their 'thing' and my friend was stuck with the bill--the bill was literally thrown at my friend's face. In other words, the garden clubs are into many facets with some focused on self-interests and lets go out to lunch; others are extremely intense like the hosting the state-wide rose show, dressing up houses & yards for garden week, etc. In other words, if anyone thinks it is that easy to maintain a beautiful garden (gateway or other design), then why don't we see more private homes with gardens? Horticultural landscaping and design is a business, and is best kept that way.

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 9, 2010 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

callingdove that surprises me about the garden club ...and it is a shame...I wonder if the city has given these clubs any money and if they have.. then the city needs to take it back...I did notice how big the Rose Show is getting....I enjoy planting flowers and maintaining my yard through the season ...If I knew that I wouldn't get arrested I would love to buy and plant and maintain the flowers around the city,,,,at my expense of course:)

Posted by onthatnote (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As I understand, the garden club is not supported financially or otherwise, by the city. Like most clubs, it's members pay dues and have fund raisers such as the rose show and garden/home tours. The rose show has grown over the years due to the state-wide interest and increased participation. The show has helped the city by bringing people to the city, if only for a day or so, not only to lodge but to dine and shop. And not unlike most clubs, fund raising efforts require members to donate not only time and energy but often, financially, as well. Vista, I feel sure that like "adopt a highway" the city would welcome you to "adopt a spot" for beautification. Would be worth your looking into... since you expressed an interest.

Posted by happy2 (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 1:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have never had a problem seeing around the gateway sign on Armory. It needs to get fixed. The insurance paid for that from the person who hit it. It is one of the main roads into the city. And yes money should be put into the schools and more sidewalks. People are walking on the streets and they are going to get hit by the speeding car. And the tower looks terrible and I always look at the towers wherever I go. It is a sign that the town cares.

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

knowitall, you really think the Jersey crowd is more IT than Franklin? You simply amaze me. Here your NY and Jersey are bankrupt, both morally and financally and you're dissin Franklin. I suspect you're really not all that sophisticated as you would have us believe. You just can not shake off that small town mentality, can you.

Posted by Vista (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think I will call someone at city hall and see if I can adopt a spot I think that would be something that I could give back the city...Does anyone know who I could call on this?

Posted by callingdove (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"happy2", as I said, there are two garden clubs, and Master Gardeners would make a 3rd club. The Rose Club was organized by the same group that decorates homes/gardens for Historic Garden week (it was the other garden club which maintained and then declined further maintaining the city park). As I wrote, " others (as in projects) are extremely intense like the hosting the state-wide rose show" which implies that the rose show is a big production to host Franklin. One garden club has a proven record and it is a record which is well accomplished (no one should expect them to do more). Another group had an interest in community service and it didn't last. Which brings up the beginning statement I made, adopt a highway program could be set up for adopting a gateway garden, but please do not expect either of the garden clubS to do it.

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

All garden club members, whether they eat lunch together or not, are community volunteers that give their time,money and energy to beautifying and enhancing the environment, culture and history (yes history) of our area. To the knowledge of the women in my family, there is no "Rose Club" There is the Franklin branch of the Garden Club of Virginia, which is involved in local, historical and conservation projects in our area and statewide. There are other regional garden clubs which study horticulture and flower arrangement that serve our churches and public spaces.All are not-for-profit organizations that contribute to the community and all of us non-gardeners. Every speck of their service gives us something more than we would have without them. Each member should be applauded.

Posted by Drifter (anonymous) on February 10, 2010 at 10:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The constant eyesore of this regions' litter is something we all should be ashamed of. It reflects poorly on us as human beings. Is citizenship and environmental stewardship ever pushed in schools around here? In this country? Did all that go out the door with the advent of the SOLS. "Don't defile the Earth with your litter!" ....should be drilled into all children at a young age and then every year hence. Then maybe they can shame their parents and hard headed friends into stopping. All too often a clean ride makes for a dirty ditch bank and I'm sick of it. There is a thousand times more litter in the Tidewater/NE North Carolina area than in all of Europe!

Adopt a Highway! Clean a foot pathway! Wright some tickets. Bring back the crying indian! If we clean it they will come! If they don't, then we can at least enjoy the view until they do!

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

More awareness should be brought to the trash issue. All of the farmers, century farmers, proud to be rural people, and the ferocious opposition to noise pollution folks should get on the bandwagon against litter pollution. That would show that the locals REALLY care about the area they call home AND it wouldn't cost a cent.

Posted by happy2 (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Callingdove, I was not asking for the garden club it is plain to see that they do not want to do it. I will, not a problem. The city should have a beautify day and get people to come out and help. We should also do like NC and ban plastic bags to help with the trash.

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

KNOWITALL and happy2. Please read the whole newspaper. There is a letter to the editor just this week that encourages participation in CLEAN RIVERS DAY (rivers and DITCH clean up)April 24, an annual event. Put your money where your mouths are and BE THERE.

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some of us rednecks drink vodka and tonic you know.

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 2:10 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by Drifter (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Relax everyone! Rednecks live up and down the East Coast. A lot of them drink Boones Farm too! At least when they are young.

Bluefish, lay off the Sopranos for a while. KIA, tone down the "I'm smarter than all you rubes tude!"

Is it just me or does it appear that the internet is having less than desirable affects on our national discourse.

An angry mob is now born in an instant....

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now be kind, no call for all that negativity and name calling, simply trying to find out if you were really enviornmentally motivated. I do not care if you drink cheap liquor or not. But must say not overly impressed with your current choices. Maybe I'll find the time and ask my wine steward to forward to your attention (under cover of course) a list of current superb wines and after diner liqueurs. That stuff you are currently drinking, well it's regarded at best as swill. Do try to come in March, as you well know Snipe are at their feistiest in March. Bring your brother Manry, more the merrier. You really do not sound like a real Robber Baron. Stay well my friend.

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

#1 Finlandia, #2 Stoli, #3 doesn't matter.

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 11, 2010 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Your brother Manry. Priceless.

Posted by FreedomofOpinion (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Russians don't drink Stolichnaya themselves - it is their cheapest brand of Vodka - Stolichnaya means "table Vodka."

"just sayin.'

Posted by sweetwater (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you KIA. I had started to write a response but decided it wasn't worth it. Anyway...
...Clean up the water tower. Leave the "gateways" alone. Let the garden clubs do whatever they see fit. Don't litter and scold those who do. Pick up some trash yourself every now and then. Drink what tastes good to you without regard to the drinking habits of Rednecks or Russians. Be kind rewind. Mind the gap. Yada yada yada. мир вам.

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 12, 2010 at 5:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK except DO scold people who litter. It's against the law and it destroys the beauty of our area. Sweetwater you've done lots of scolding on these pages in order to "preserve" the country, don't punt on this one.

Posted by bluefishgertie (anonymous) on February 13, 2010 at 9:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Russians, I met during my frequent visits, preferred either Old Moscow, or the cheaper Stoli. Stoli, I was told had the distinct taste of a preminum sterno. Sterno, like that which was commonly used for sensitive electronics. Just an obsevation. To each his own.

Posted by chuck (anonymous) on February 15, 2010 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Gateway Enhancement Plan has been posted to the Franklin city website: http://www.franklinva.com/content/com_de...

Contrary to my earlier posting, it actually IS about signage and landscaping, about $350K worth.

Perhaps the TN can do a followup article with more details and reactions...?

Posted by Timberlake (anonymous) on February 16, 2010 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks for your research. I think the signs are attractive enough...what do they want? Bigger, more of them, lighted or neon?