Franklin Boulevard Business Association boosts neighborhood business improvements

Q. So what's happening on the Boulevard these days?

A. A lot is happening, and more is coming. There were improvements on the "billboard lot" at the corner of Franklin Boulevard and Sutterville Road, which was an eyesore for a long time. Neighbor Vince Angell did all the legwork with Clear Channel, the owner of the lot, convincing them to put in irrigation, grass and trees. Vince was recognized at the annual Franklin Boulevard Business Association meeting on Sept. 21.
We've invested in banners and holiday decorations to promote the Franklin Boulevard as a shopping district. We are in the midst of planning for the Annual Hispanic Parade that will be on Sunday, Oct. 14, starting at 12th Avenue and ending at St Rose's Catholic Church.
We are trying to get more businesses access to Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) Grant Facade program that provides up to a $50,000 in matching grants for improvements to building facades. Recently, Ming's Recycling Center on 47th Avenue created a beautiful wall with recycled glass mosaics using a SHRA grant, as well as other improvements.
We are excited about Franklin's first mixed-use project across from El Novillero, which will feature first floor retail and second floor office, along with the refurbished tank house. The property sold for a high price and everything but the tank house has been demolished.
People are recognizing the value of new development along Franklin Boulevard. There are streetscape improvements planned at Franklin & Fruitridge Boulevards and Turnbridge and 47th Avenue this fall and talk of another project between 12th and 26th Avenues.

Q. Let's talk about the Property and Business Improvement District (PBID) that was just extended and renewed. What will that accomplish?

A. The current PBID includes Franklin Boulevard between Wilmington and 35th Avenue. The extension that was approved on July 24 by the city council expands the boundaries to 12th Avenue on the north and 47th Avenue on the south, nearly doubling the area.
The area now includes 108 property owners with 204 parcels that will generate about $110,000 per year for the next five years for safety and cleanup projects. This is a major accomplishment for the small businesses on Franklin, and represents a renewed commitment to the future of the area. They are double taxing themselves because they pay regular property tax and the PBID assessment on top of that. So they are really stepping up to improve the district.

Q. Why isn't the section of Franklin Boulevard that borders Curtis Park neighborhood (between Broadway and Sutterville) part of the PBID?

A. We were not able to get the support of the largest property owners in that area and decided not to include them at this time. That doesn't mean that we won't try again but we didn't want to jeopardize passage of the rest of the area. We will continue to advocate for the businesses between Broadway and 12th Avenue and fund removal of shopping carts that collect there, as well as other beautification efforts.

Q. What is the five- to 10-year vision for Franklin Boulevard?

A. In the next few years, the face of Franklin Boulevard will change significantly. The association will continue to promote the distinctive California Mission architectural style and appropriate colors in new and redevelopment projects. We are advocating for safety improvements such as ADA sidewalks.
We have laid the foundation for a brand - The North Franklin District - and will focus improvements around the concept of water and water features, which are a big part of the landscape in mission towns like Santa Barbara and San Diego. The tank house across from El Novillero is a landmark - there are very few of these left in Sacramento. El Novillero has ordered fountains for their outdoor patio.
A new retail center at 26th Avenue will have an outdoor water feature. The Caballo Blanco restaurant is planning a water feature for the corner as part of the streetscape project that will happen this fall. Plans are also underway for a waterfall at Ming's Recycling Center on 47th Avenue.
Our strength is the many small, independent business owners who also own their property along Franklin Boulevard. Some of them have been here for 40 years, including El Novillero, Gunther's, South Sacramento Leader Pharmacy, New Home Supply and Caballo Blanco. We would like to see these types of businesses continue to be successful and new businesses established in the district.

Q. What can neighbors do to support businesses on Franklin?

A. Shop and eat on Franklin Boulevard. It is convenient and will save gas and driving time. Neighbors are aware of and already making regular treks to Coffee Garden and Gunther's.
If you are planning a remodel, check out Bathrooms Plus. There are many bridal and formal shops and alteration services. We have a fashion component to our retail mix that offers reasonably priced prom dresses and other women's fashions that are totally unique. New Home Supply is a great alternative to Home Depot. We have a wide range of neighborhood serving businesses.

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