Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues with high priority
City-Wide Priority Setting and Strategic Plan
The board reviewed progress on the Franklin Forward strategic plan and picked which issues the city should focus on next. The priorities chosen here will steer department work plans and shape what gets funded in the FY 2028 budget.
E-Bicycle and Play Vehicle Regulations
The final e-bike rules ban class 1-3 e-bikes from sidewalks 'unless otherwise signed,' after aldermen worried about riders on busy roads like Highway 96 with no legal alternative. Staff can now sign specific sidewalks as allowed.
Standalone Multifamily Housing Standards
The planning commission debated whether to allow standalone apartment buildings in areas designated for mixed-use regional commerce. Officials expressed caution about over-saturation of rental units and adherence to master-planned development principles.
Columbia Avenue Widening Right-of-Way Appraisals
The estimated cost for the Columbia Avenue widening and improvement project has jumped from $38 million to $51 million due to added environmental requirements. TDOT has agreed to maintain its 20% funding share for this phase, but future cost increases will fall on the city.
Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades
The city is moving ahead with several utility projects, including sewer extensions, pipe rehabilitation, and membrane replacements at the water treatment plant to ensure system reliability and clean water standards.
Bassett PUD Subdivision and Multi-Family Development
The planning commission debated whether to allow standalone apartment buildings in areas designated for mixed-use regional commerce. Officials expressed caution about over-saturation of rental units and adherence to master-planned development principles.
Workforce Housing Proposal at 1221 Liberty Pike
A proposed workforce housing development near Liberty Pike sparked debate over the need for affordable housing versus serious concerns about safety near an electrical substation, lack of secondary access, and cumulative apartment growth.
Del Rio Pike Roadway Widening & Culvert Improvements
City leaders approved contracts and amendments for major roadway projects, such as intersection improvements at Mack Hatcher Memorial Parkway and Hillsboro Road, bridge design, and utility coordination.
Water Treatment Plant Membrane Train Replacement
The city is continuing a five-year contract with Veolia to remotely monitor water treatment plant membranes as they approach the end of their typical 8-to-12-year lifespan.
Huffines Ridge PUD Rezoning and Development Plan
A developer wants to add 54 condos and 4.15 acres to Huffines Ridge, but staff and commissioners raised questions about whether to require a vehicular road connection or allow a pedestrian-only link due to steep slopes.
Ovation PUD Modifications of Standards and Signage
Developers of the Ovation PUD requested multiple sign modifications, prompting board members to debate the balance between functional wayfinding in large developments and preventing visual clutter.
Harpeth River Bridge Construction Design
State and local officials are coordinating on the design of the new Harpeth River bridge on East Main Street and Franklin Road. Local leaders are pushing for historic-appropriate concrete finishes and lower speed limits to make the mandatory safety walls feel less intrusive.
Downtown Parking Strategy and Management
The city is evaluating comprehensive survey results and peer city practices to address parking congestion, employee parking needs, and strong resident opposition to paid parking in downtown Franklin.
Harpeth Village PUD Mixed-Use Project
Developers are proposing five mixed-use commercial and residential buildings at 318 Franklin Road, utilizing the factory district guidelines while tucking structures behind a natural hill. The commission advanced a preliminary recommendation of approval after reviewing building heights, massing, and requested signage flexibility.
Branch Creek Crossing PUD Condominiums
The board advanced a rezoning proposal for 19.11 acres near Moores Lane to create the Branch Creek Crossing PUD, setting a public hearing for November.
Commercial Beer Permit Applications and Ownership Transitions
Two beer permit applications for Chipotle locations on Galleria Boulevard and Columbia Avenue were deferred to September.
Fiscal Year 2028 Budget Process and Timeline Improvements
The city reviewed survey feedback from department heads and elected officials regarding the budget process and outlined proposed timeline changes, such as staggered department deadlines and earlier goal-setting sessions.
Buckingham Circle Retaining Wall Setback Variances
A homeowner built an unpermitted retaining wall without realizing it violated setback codes. Though city staff recommended denying the side-yard variance due to safety and proximity concerns, the board voted to approve all wall variances after hearing testimony about severe stormwater runoff and historical battlefield preservation agreements.
Downtown Traffic Study and Cut-Through Concerns
Traffic data showed a sharp increase in peak-hour vehicles using Oxford Glen as drivers look for alternate routes to Cool Springs. Leaders discussed monitoring the situation once Market Street opens.
Agricultural Exemption from Hillside Overlay (HHO)
Local farmers testified that their century-old family farm should be exempt from new Hillside-Hilltop Overlay mapping due to state agricultural protections. The commission agreed to carve the property out of the ordinance.
Iron Horse PUD Infill and Traffic Impacts
An existing apartment complex wants to squeeze in 30 new units by building a three-story apartment building and removing 16 garages, leading to concerns about parking and traffic on Franklin Road.
Commercial Permitting Timelines and Delays
City staff and commissioners evaluated the popular One Stop expedited permit program, looking at ways to handle increasing project volume without burning out staff. Ideas included bringing back mandatory in-person meetings to ensure higher quality applications.
City Hall Block Redevelopment Tour
City leaders toured the active construction site for the City Hall Redevelopment Block to review progress. Residents can check out an online video of the tour since the physical site visit was restricted for safety reasons.
Small Cell Tower Deployment in Historic Right-of-Way
Verizon is proposing a 34-foot stealth small cell tower near Five Points on Columbia Avenue to improve wireless coverage. Commissioners are evaluating pedestrian safety, sidewalk congestion, and visual compatibility with the historic district streetscape.
Restaurant and Brewery Permitting Compliance
The board evaluated new business permits, ensuring that applicants like Pelato Restaurant and Curio Brewing meet health, safety, and certificate of occupancy requirements before serving alcohol.
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Addition
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church sought permission to construct a rear addition to expand its worship and community space in downtown Franklin. The Historic Zoning Commission denied the addition because its footprint exceeded the 50% guideline maximum, raising concerns about preserving the historic building's scale.
Employee Health Benefits and Self-Insurance Management
The city manages its employee health, prescription, and dental coverage through a self-insured model administered by BlueCross BlueShield, facing tightening profit margins and rising healthcare costs. The committee approved several procurement renewals and contract agreements to maintain stable coverage.
Battleground Academy Campus Expansion & Traffic Concerns
Battleground Academy is planning a major campus expansion at 336 Ernest Rice Lane requiring multiple variances. Nearby residents raised strong concerns about severe traffic congestion, school drop-off backups, and neighborhood cut-through traffic.
Zoning Code Updates on Containers, Parking Pads, and Half-Stories
The board approved annual zoning updates, debating whether properties along Columbia Avenue should be limited to two stories or allowed up to three stories with specific architectural setbacks.
Franklin Transit Master Plan
The commission is reviewing the city's transportation and mobility policy guide to evaluate transit sustainability, infrastructure goals, and potential policy updates.
Closed Defined Benefit Pension Plan Funding and Demographics
The committee advanced a resolution to update administrative provisions for the city's closed employee pension plan, granting the mayor more flexibility in committee oversight.
Franklin Housing Authority Redevelopment (Iris Place and Denson Place)
The Housing Authority and Elmington are redeveloping older properties into modern affordable housing, adding 144 units at Iris Place and 97 units at Denson Place.
Setback Variances for Commercial Development at 880 Oak Meadow Drive
Developers requested major setback adjustments to build a large retail furniture store on Oak Meadow Drive while working around power lines, slopes, and stormwater infrastructure.
Clovercroft Road Area Annexation
The board advanced the first reading for annexing 22.78 acres and zoning them to Planned Development (PD 1.8) for the Poplars Reserve PUD near Clovercroft Road.
Regional Traffic and Growth Around Clovercroft Road
A developer is proposing 41 single-family homes off Clovercroft Road with waivers for street connections. Officials and residents discussed how the project impacts local traffic and the roundabout at Oxford Glen Drive.
Armistead Infrastructure Development District and Housing
The board deferred a policy resolution governing IDDs to late February, sparking citizen debate over whether such financing tools encourage unchecked growth or help developers fund necessary infrastructure.
Liberty Park Improvements and Bridge Replacement
Liberty Park is receiving significant upgrades, including a brand-new concrete bridge replacement and updated irrigation systems for the ball fields.
Lewisburg Pike Sidewalk and Trail Construction
Construction of Phase 1 of the Lewisburg Pike sidewalk and multi-use trail is moving forward, with residents requesting early communication and "Good Neighbor letters" to prepare for access restrictions.
Hillside Hillcrest Overlay Rezone at 354 Franklin Road
An applicant requested to shift the HHO boundary line across a 200-acre property near Roper's Knob to match newly adopted conservation boundaries, releasing about 7 acres of previously disturbed land from conservation restrictions. The commission recommended approval with strict conditions to protect neighborhood viewsheds.
Sanitation and Stormwater Utility Rate Adjustments
The committee discussed potential increases to the stormwater utility fee to cover rising operational costs and build a fund balance, debating whether to implement gradual increases or larger adjustments.
Battlefield Preservation Plan Update
Commissioners are weighing in on the city's preservation plan to better protect historic battlefields from development and improve public education.
Energy Policy Guide Review
The city is reviewing its ten-point energy policy guide to track progress on energy conservation, LED lighting, solar projects, and municipal building efficiency.
Clean Water Facility Project Financing
The city is moving forward with engineering and design for a new wastewater treatment plant to handle long-term population growth. The board approved a $17.6 million state revolving fund loan, which includes $5.8 million in principal forgiveness.
Goose Creek Inn PUD Multifamily Development
Madison Capital presented plans for a 230-unit multifamily development at I-65 and Goose Creek Bypass. Officials expressed strong concerns about gateway visibility, building massing, and boxy architecture.
Southvale PUD Subdivision Offsite Sewer Condemnation
City leaders advanced a condemnation resolution for sewer easements across Stream Valley HOA property after developer outreach efforts stalled.
Carter Hill Park Expansion and Straw Street Repurposing
The city is planning a cohesive expansion of Carter Hill Park, which includes turning part of Strahl Street into a grassy walking path with benches and historical signs. Planners plan to gather neighborhood feedback before moving forward.
Royal Oaks and Mack Hatcher Intersection Infrastructure and Pedestrian Safety
City leaders discussed whether to add pedestrian and bicycle crosswalks to the upcoming fast-tracked intersection improvements at Royal Oaks and Mack Hatcher Parkway. While staff noted it would cost an extra $300,000 to $400,000 in city funds that might eventually be replaced when major widening happens in the 2030s, aldermen expressed strong interest in providing immediate walkability for residents.
Williamson County EMS Station Design at Aldersgate Way
The commission reviewed plans for a new Williamson County EMS facility at 110 Aldersgate Way. Commissioners raised concerns about window head heights, siding reveals, and architectural compatibility, ultimately deferring the item.
FY 2027 Outside Agency Appropriations
The committee reviewed base funding requests and program enhancements for various non-profits and government agencies, including the Williamson County Public Library, ShareBuilt, and Doorstep Project.
Sustainability Policy Guides Revision
The commission began discussions to update its 2021 policy guides on energy, transportation, and waste to incorporate new municipal priorities and staff expertise.