Franklin Square Civic installs banners celebrating local business, congratulating seniors

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Six banners promoting Franklin Square businesses and congratulating the Class of 2020 have been hanging up at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike for more than a month now, thanks to the work of the Franklin Square Civic Association.

The board decided to create the banners in May, according to Treasurer Frank Culmone, as a way to encourage people to patronize local businesses that have had to shut down for several months under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “New York on Pause” order, while also showing their support for high school graduates who have had to face a difficult senior year. They had originally planned on installing the banners before H. Frank Carey students graduated at the end of July, but were unable to get them up with the town’s permission until the end of August.

Still, Culmone said, Town of Hempstead officials were very responsive to their idea, as the Civic Association had to get the town’s permission to install banners on the light poles, which are owned and operated by the Town of Hempstead, and get their approval for the designs.

“These banners will certainly help attract neighbors to dine and shop in Franklin Square, while also recognizing our graduating students,” Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman said in a statement.

Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin also added that the banners “represent a sense of community and economic revival for Franklin Square businesses, shoppers and neighbors.”

The Civic Association also hopes to work with other local organizations in the future to further enhance the community’s appearance.

“The Franklin Square Civic Association hopes that these banners have heartened resident ng these uncertain times,” President Katherine Tarascio said, “and enhance the appearance of a small corner of our community.”