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Former Sentry Property Labeled “Blighted” as Agenda Is Revised — Residents Question Apartment Shift, $15 Million TIF, and the Future of “Downtown Franklin

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fa By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News Franklin, WI — Fr anklin residents were once presented with a vision of a vibrant, mixed-use “Downtown Franklin” at 76th and Rawson — a destination with retail storefronts, restaurants, public gathering spaces, seasonal events, and a walkable community focal point similar to Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square.  The current proposal looks markedly different. " This massive development proposal would create a new downtown in Franklin" . Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article May 18, 2023. Instead of a retail-forward community center, the updated site plan shows approximately 300 apartments, structured parking, and limited new commercial frontage — prompting many residents to question whether the project still reflects what was originally presented. At the same time, the proposal is advancing under a Tax Incremental District (TID) structure that could redirect roughly $15 million in future tax increment over the next 27 ...
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Franklin Community News Surpasses 101,000 Views — Here Are the Top 10 Most-Read Articles

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News Franklin Community News, first published in October 2023, has officially surpassed 101,000 readership views — a major milestone for independent local journalism in our community. What began as a commitment to transparency and accountability has grown into a widely read source for in-depth reporting on local government, public policy, and civic leadership. More importantly, the reporting has made a direct impact by providing residents with information that directly affects Franklin politics, public policy decisions, and voters. From investigative reporting and open records disclosures to election coverage and public accountability stories, Franklin Community News has focused on delivering factual, documented information that empowers residents to make informed decisions about their community and its leadership. Below are the Top 10 most-read articles since launch: 🔟 Top 10 Most-Read Articles #1 ⚖️ Franklin Mayor John N...
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Former Sentry Property (Poth's General) Labeled ‘Blighted’ — Residents Seek Supporting Evidence

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By Dr. Richard A. Busalacchi Franklin Community News Franklin, WI — What began as a vision for a vibrant mixed-use “downtown” for Franklin is now the subject of increasing scrutiny as city officials consider the creation of Tax Incremental District No. 10 (TID 10) and related financing structures tied to the Poth’s General development, the former Sentry and associated property. At issue are two key questions: Does the property legally qualify as “blighted” under Wisconsin law? Should public tax increment revenue be committed under a 90/10 Pay-Go structure for up to 27 years? Excerpt from the Tax Incremental District #10 Project Plan - Prepared by Ehlers From Mixed-Use “Downtown” to Residential Focus Early versions of the Orchard View redevelopment were presented as a transformational project — a true mixed-use destination comparable to Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square. The vision included: Retail storefronts Residential units Entertainment uses Public gathering space Green space and wal...
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