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Franklin debates closing part of Straw Street to expand Carter Hill Park amid resident access concerns
Summary
City staff presented a concept master plan to expand Carter Hill Park that would add trails, signage, amenities and possibly close a portion of Straw Street; residents and aldermen raised concerns about emergency access, senior-center parking becoming a cut-through, ADA parking and safe crossings of Columbia Avenue.
City staff asked the board to adopt a concept master plan for the expansion of Carter Hill Park and to consider closing a section of Straw Street to create a contiguous park area. The concept includes split-rail fencing, picnic tables, benches, interpretive signage already installed, a water and dog fountain, and possible ADA-accessible parking near the Reddick Center.
Staff acknowledged broad agreement among agencies (the Battle of Franklin Trust and Parks & Recreation) over the concept but said neighborhood residents opposed closing Straw Street. Staff noted they do not take possession of the property until the end of June and that the timeline allows time for additional discussion.
Tony Morelli, a public speaker, urged the board to ensure access for people with disabilities: "Regardless of where it's put, that should be addressed to allow access to this parcel to all people," he said, recounting a personal encounter with a disabled man who could not find adequate parking.
Aldermen and staff discussed multiple practical options: converting part of Straw Street to one-way traffic, making a segment emergency-only with bollards, adding a few ADA parking spaces near South Wall/Granbury, or realigning Granbury and Claiborne to improve crossings and parking. Vice Mayor Baggett raised the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act in connection with relocating historical features (the "cannonballs"), asking staff to check restrictions before altering historical elements.
Board members expressed competing priorities: several said closing Straw Street would better connect the battlefield and park experience, while others emphasized resident access, emergency vehicle routing and the risk of neighborhood cut-through traffic into senior-resident parking lots. Staff proposed returning with a revised resolution after more resident outreach and technical study; the presenter said a vote would likely be deferred until the end of June to allow further work with neighbors and safety staff.
The board heard public comment and engaged in a detailed discussion but did not adopt the resolution at the work session; staff will return with follow-up refinements and options for traffic, ADA access, parking and historic-preservation constraints.
