Community Meeting – March 20, 2025

Franklin Square Forward Meeting – March 20, 2025 – Plattduetsche Park Restaurant

On a cold night on March 20th, approximately 40 people joined us to hear the latest news from the Franklin Square Forward steering committee. Katherine Tarascio welcomed everyone for coming out and announced that on April 17, 2025 at 7 PM we have arranged for a meeting space at John Street School in the Small Gym/Cafeteria for our next meeting to be used as a work-session for the various committees that people have signed up to be part of. Anyone interested can still be part of this effort by coming to the April 17th meeting.

Anthony Passarella spoke about some ideas for “streetscaping” and tree planting. He also briefly described a AARP grant that we have applied for to get some funding to do some work in these areas.

Darren Boerkel described the latest news on the purchase of the Franklin Square Theatre and answered attendee questions regarding the GoFundMe that is raising funds to assist in this effort. There was an announcement of a crowd photo opportunity at the FS Theatre on Saturday March 22nd at 10 am. Many came out to be a part of the photo we will use to show the interest of our community to reopen the theatre.

There was time set aside for Q & A from attendees. Many of our residents were very passionate wanting to be involved in planting trees, cleaning up our downtown area, and getting the large fountain across from the Plattduetsche Restaurant (next to the Bolla Gas Station) cleaned up and working. One man who lives in the Franklin Avenue area advised on news about many buildings up for sale in the Franklin Avenue area. He also advised that Valley Catering is up for sale and unless another owner is interested in buying, it will be closed in a few months.