The City of Franklin, Indiana

Press Release 
March 15, 2016

CITY OF FRANKLIN, INDIANA ANNOUNCES NEW DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Residential condominiums, retail space, and event/conference center to be located in former garment factory

Franklin – During the Franklin Redevelopment Commission meeting this morning, plans were unveiled outlining the redevelopment of the Young’s Creek Neighborhood showcasing the former Varynit Garment Factory located on Wayne Street. The redevelopment is a public-private partnership between the Franklin Redevelopment Commission, the Bemis Group and Kwang Casey with Oaken Barrel Brewing Company.

Revitalization plans for the project presented this morning include: a mixed-use facility consisting of residential condominiums, retail space, and event/conference center to be located in the former Varynit Garment Factory, office space adjacent to the Factory, reconstruction of Wayne Street, and creating new parking in the area. The project is expected to be a total investment of approximately $4.6 million.

The Varynit factory was originally constructed in the mid-1920’s and was a bustling factory during World War II as the seamstresses prepared clothing for the United States Military. Later it became home to Kay-Jee Sporting Goods and gained notoriety for producing the uniforms used in the movie, Hoosiers.

“We have and remain committed to making major investments throughout the City of Franklin. Watching the recent renovations and street projects over the number of years and seeing the results of the same street and façade projects coupled with a progressive city government. We are excited to be a part of promoting Franklin as a destination and the energy that this project will bring,” said Billy Bemis with The Bemis Group.

Kwang Casey, owner of Oaken Barrel Brewing Company states, “I am excited for the new adventure that opening an event center (The Garment Factory Event Center) will bring. This is a unique project and a building with endless charm that will put Franklin out in front of other cities. It will draw people from all over and continue to make the City of Franklin the destination place that people have come to love.”

“The Garment Factory has been on our radar for redevelopment for a few years. When this opportunity presented itself, I knew we must act on it. The Young’s Creek Neighborhood project is one of the most exciting projects I have had the honor of working on for the City. This will have a profound impact on the community and further solidify our strong efforts to revitalize our downtown,” said Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness.

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Press Release 
November 23, 2015

In response to the City’s request for Indiana American Water (INAWC) to hold a public forum to answer citizen’s questions regarding drinking water quality provided to Johnson County residents, INAWC has scheduled the following.

A public forum will be held on Monday, November 30^th at the Franklin Community High School Auditorium, 2600 Cumberland Drive in Franklin, Ind. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Participants in the forum will include representatives from the Johnson County Health Department, the Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and Indiana American Water.

The format of the forum will consist of:

6 – 7 p.m.         Open house for community members to meet and discuss the issue with individuals of the represented agencies

7 – 8 p.m.     Presentations to the community by individuals of the represented agencies

8 – 9 p.m.     Additional opportunity for community members to meet and discuss the issue with representatives of the represented agencies

Press Release from Jo. Co. Health Dept.
November 18, 2015

Press Release
November 17, 2015

The following statement has been made regarding WTHR's report: "City of Franklin has been made aware of the concerns regarding drinking water quality provided to our residents. We have contacted the owner and operator of the domestic water supply within city limits, Indiana American Water Company (INAWC), and asked them to address questions posed by our citizens in a timely manner. The City also requested that they host a forum to answer questions and concerns in a public format."

Welcome to the Mayor's Blog.
September 25, 2015 

This morning a group of 10 students and 3 adults had the opportunity to head over to our Sister City in Kuji, Japan.  We have been sister cities for 54 years now.  Each January we receive a delegation of students and chaperones from Japan.  We were very excited to have the opportunity to send a delegation over to Kuji this year.  While in Japan the students will be able to attend school with their host families and learn about the Japanese culture.  We will post updates and pictures when the group returns.  

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