Todd Workman (in the plaid shirt) led an Andover Institute walk last summer exploring rarely-visited parts of downtown Franklin. Photo: Larry Chase

Something’s happening in Franklin – which you already know if you keep an eye on the properties along Central Street and if you read the steady stream of articles about New Hampshire’s smallest city in the Concord Monitor.

But what you see and read is just a modest introduction to what’s in the works, if the planning generated by a non-profit formed in 2014 and called PermaCityLife comes to fruition.

To learn more about those plans, which could dramatically transform Franklin, and how Andover might benefit from them, plan to attend a presentation on Monday evening, July 11, offered by Todd Workman, executive director of the non-profit behind the ambitious effort. The presentation will be given in the Highland Lake Inn on Maple Street in East Andover, beginning at 7 PM. Sponsored by the Andover Institute, it is open to the public at no charge.

PermaCityLife’s mission, according to Workman, “is to lead the charge for positive and sustainable economic growth in downtown Franklin while protecting past investments. We are working in partnership with local government, private investors, and the philanthropic sector to support and develop specific real estate projects in downtown Franklin.”

Andover residents are well-represented in the organization of PermaCityLife. They include Vice President Harvey Pine and Advisory Council members Jeffery Dickinson, Sophie Viandier, and Jennifer White.

A lot has been accomplished, a recent Concord Monitor article pointed out. Examples: Workman’s nonprofit, in partnership with Franklin Business and Industrial Development Corporation, Franklin Savings Bank, and the Franklin Industrial Park, now owns 10 properties along Central Street and the Winnipesaukee River. Seven of these have been transferred to nonprofits like the Franklin Studio coffee house, which used grant money to begin and grow. Others could house a kayaking-focused establishment, a housing renovation project, and a tavern.

“Other businesses and organizations – dealing in software, research and design, housing, brownfield remediation, and mushrooms – are all possibilities for the future, too,” according to the Monitor. “‘The list just goes on and on,’ Workman said. ‘It’s real. It’s happening.'” To learn more, go to PermaCityLife.com.

Workman’s presentation will also include a discussion about how Andover residents interested in “repurposing” an old neighbor can help the process along. He observes: “While we’re focusing on projects within the city limits, their success can have a strong impact on quality of life, property values, and economic activity in neighboring communities and beyond. We’d love to have downtown Franklin become a destination for Andover again in the future, just as it once was in the past. And we’d love to have Andover residents get involved in making it happen.” For more information, contact Workman at ToddWorkman1@nullgmail.com.

The Andover Institute is a branch of the Andover Community Association and is committed to “bringing people together to learn new things and gain new skills.” Stay connected to local events by “liking” its Facebook page at Facebook.com/AndoverInstitute03216.