Community-building: Where is REAL support for local Franklin businesses?

Last week I went for coffee and tried to patronize a locally-owned establishment. Alas, a sad note (dated February 14) on the door: MOONDANCE COFFEE is closed down again.

Well due to many reasons this is hard for us to say but we will be closing down. The last day open will be Feb 19th 2008 at NOON. Please redeem all credits that anyone may have by them.  We tried our best and it was nice getting to know everyone that came in on a Regular basis. Thank you for your support. Maybe we will see you down the road. Thank you. Laura & Jerry.

Candidate for mayor Basil Ryan made a good point at the candidate's forum last night: The land between the Franklin Library and City Hall is city-owned and should be looked at as a development opportunity.

Local entrepreneurs should be offered incentives and/or subsidies to put amenities like coffee shops in place on that land, which would go a long way toward making a true  - - and much needed - - community gathering place.

Or we can wait for another Starbucks to open on Rawson...