Franklin aldermen approve limited no-parking on Greenacres and Harpeth drives after amendments

The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Feb. 25 voted 7–1 to adopt Ordinance 2024-49, establishing a no-parking zone on Greenacres Drive and Harpeth Drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The measure began as a second-reading ordinance and was amended twice on the floor. Vice Mayor Potts proposed clarifying language that specified hours, and Alderman Susan Seager moved to change the hours from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. to 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; Alderman Baggett seconded the amendments. Alderman Baggett made the original motion to approve the ordinance, which was seconded by Alderman Barnhill.

Neighborhood residents addressed the board during public comment. William Andrews said, “I live at 429 Greenacres Drive, here in Franklin,” and asked the aldermen to pass the change. Resident Holden Berger flagged a practical concern about private events and said neighbors should be able to request temporary relief from the restriction for guest parking; he described a process for asking the city to permit temporary parking for functions.

Alderman Seager explained the reason for her amendment on the floor: “I would like to make a motion to amend the times on the ordinance to say from 7AM until 3PM because Hank's opens at 7AM.” Vice Mayor Potts said he would support the measure, noting neighborhood preferences and majority support on the matter.

Board members debated potential unintended consequences, including overflow parking outside the restricted hours, impacts on service and maintenance vehicles, and the likelihood the rule is a short-term “band aid” until a broader parking strategy is implemented. Alderman Baggett reminded colleagues that the area is included in a larger parking study and said the city should consider comprehensive solutions in addition to targeted restrictions.

The final vote on the ordinance was 7 in favor, 1 opposed (Alderman Blanton), and the board approved the ordinance on the second reading as amended. The ordinance title and text were clarified on the record to reflect hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the city will update signage accordingly and handle temporary permit requests per existing city procedures.

The ordinance affects Greenacres Drive and Harpeth Drive and is meant to address resident parking concerns amid continued redevelopment pressures in the area. Council members said they expect to monitor impacts and revisit the restriction if necessary.