Residents press city to retain Strahl Street as park concept draws mixed reactions

City staff and the Battle of Franklin Trust presented a concept plan to expand Carter Hill Park that would close a portion of Strahl Street and unify reclaimed battlefield acreage; residents and some aldermen urged caution and further study.

During public comment, neighborhood residents said closing Strahl Street would disrupt long-standing access to the Reddick Senior Apartments, remove parking they rely on and limit access for visitors, caregivers and emergency services. Mary Rucker told the board, “I want to know is, are you planning on closing Straw Street, period?” and asked that the street remain open for the community’s daily needs.

Miss Clayton, a planning staff member, and other staff said the master plan was developed with public meetings and that options such as right-in/right-out access, improved signage and coordination with the Franklin Housing Authority could reduce negative impacts. The staff presentation stressed the proposal is conceptual and that further engineering, parking analysis and community outreach would be required before any permanent closure.

Eric Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust, said the neighborhood could become quieter and safer if the small segment was removed, arguing that removal would reduce through-traffic and make the park “more whole.” He also noted staff has met with the State Historic Commission and that moving or realigning nearby streets would be an engineering issue requiring further study.

Several aldermen said parking for visitors and controlled access to the Reddick lot must be addressed before a closure moves forward; one staff member suggested deferring the item from the evening vote to give staff time to refine responses and assurances to residents. The work session did not include a final decision; staff advised additional outreach, engineering analysis and coordination with the housing authority before proceeding to a voting agenda.