Franklin DNA

Announces 2010-11 Objectives

A standing room only annual meeting of the The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) July 11 voted overwhelmingly to continue pursuing the same top three objectives as 2009. 

Meeting at Our Father’s House, the DNA voted to advocate for completion of the Gateway Corridors and Economic Development Project (Streetscape) on schedule as its top priority.   “Our members recognize that the City needs to maintain the momentum of this project, which will stimulate economic development in all of Franklin,” said DNA president David Morris. 

“The Gateway project was our top priority last year also, and we like to think that our advocacy has helped encourage the city to maintain the momentum of this revitalization effort,” said Morris.  “In tough economic times, it’s even more important than in prosperity to keep working to make our city the best place to live and do business in the Southeast.”

DNA voted to make a related project, planning for redevelopment of the City Hall block, its second priority for 2010-11.  The redevelopment will include recruiting a boutique hotel to anchor the project.  Mayor John Schroer, a DNA member, told the membership at the annual DNA meeting that discussions with developers and hotel owners are on-going.

The City Hall project was last year’s second priority also, and the third priority for 2010-11, “rediscover the river,” also echoed last year’s goals.  “We vowed to participate in clean-up efforts, encourage recreational access and uses, and participate with the City and other property owners in a joint effort to make the Harpeth central to downtown Franklin’s quality of life,” said Morris.  “The Harpeth reminded all of us of its presence during this spring’s flooding.  Let’s not forget how important it could be to our quality of life.”

The fourth and fifth DNA goals for 2010-11 are to monitor key downtown redevelopment projects, including the Franklin Road/ First Avenue / Harpeth River gateway, and to attend Historic Zoning Commission meetings and monitor historic zoning standards to encourage continued protection of downtown property values.

“It’s gratifying to have such a committed group of neighbors determined to maintain downtown Franklin as what the American Planning Association says is one of the top ten neighborhoods in the country,” said Morris.  “Last year, we did everything from participate in the Pinkerton Park clean-up following the flood to helping a neighbor of limited means with some major yard and home maintenance issues.  We urge anyone who lives in and/or loves historic downtown Franklin to join us.”

“With three ice cream or frozen dessert shops downtown, we must be doing something right,” said Morris.

To learn more about the DNA visit ww.franklindna.com.