Last in the Walkability Ratings

Franklin's town planner Beth Dahlstrom is disappointed in the ranking and thinks it isn't quite fair. She says that the city is actually doing quite a bit to increase walkability:

"For starters, it's engaged in a $7.25 million multiyear downtown roadway improvement project. Fueled by a mix of federal, state, and town money, the endeavor is expected to improve roadways, vehicle circulation, and the overall appearance of downtown, as well as make it safer and more appealing to pedestrians through widening of sidewalks and the addition of bike racks and benches, Dahlstrom explained.

Likewise, the town has eased downtown zoning regulations to allow for mixed-use development in hopes of creating a more active center with intermingled housing and business."