Historic commission approves widening of concrete turnout at Harlinsdale Farm to improve truck and trailer access

The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on Sept. 8 approved site alterations at 331 Franklin Road, the Harlinsdale Farm property, to widen a concrete turnout used for access to the North Paddock. The work was presented as a city project and will extend the existing concrete to improve turning clearances for fire trucks and vehicles towing horse trailers.

The request drew staff comment that, because the work is a city project, staff would not make a formal recommendation but offered potential conditions should the commission approve the plan. That context framed the commission's decision to approve the work with staff conditions.

Applicant Kevin Lindsay said crews observed that the existing concrete makes it “hard for our fire trucks, people who are carrying trailers with horses, to make this turn adequately.” He told the commission the proposal would widen the area “about 4 to 5 feet outside the final rut” and might extend some sections to roughly 24–25 feet turning radius to match anticipated vehicle needs. Lindsay said the new concrete will match the existing mix and color and “may go in a tad bit darker, but it will blend out over time.”

Commissioners asked for clarification on how the new concrete dimensions were determined and were told the applicant and the city-contracted contractor, Mace Construction, performed a field test by pulling a trailer through the turn. No public comments were offered on the item. A motion to approve the application with staff conditions passed (motion and second not specifically named in the transcript).

The approval covers the concrete widening as shown in the applicant's submittal and is subject to the staff-recommended conditions discussed during the meeting. The record shows the work is intended to maintain the current material and color to match the historic setting while addressing safety and access concerns.