Frenchtown, a tight-knit community dating back to the 19th century, was once dotted with robust businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants and drug stores decades ago.
The predominantly black neighborhood sits in the shadow of downtown Tallahassee and the state Capitol, where power plays are exchanged and multi-million dollar projects take shape. The opposite is true in Frenchtown, an area besieged by crime, drugs and poverty. Many left, leaving behind vacancies and opportunity for economic development.
For the first time, a new credit union has opened in Frenchtown after two prominent financial institutions — Envision and Florida State University credit unions — forged a unique partnership with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.