The theme of Franklin Mayor Ken Moore’s state of the city address Wednesday morning at the County Enrichment Center focused on the “magic” of running a successful municipality.
“This year we have a really fun theme, making municipal magic,” Moore said. “Our staff makes it seem like magic but we know a lot of hard work goes into making a municipality run.”
Highlights
Parks and Rec added three new canoe launches along the Harpeth River to make seven total.
Parks and Rec also completed the 3rd Avenue North trail project connecting Bicentennial Park to Point Park. A multi-use equestrian arena was completed at Harlinsdale park, as well as moving and enlarging the dog park.
Water and Sewage- an upgrade with a new building at the water treatment center. A $14 million upgrade is due to be finished at the end of next year.
Fire- Fire Station 8 opened in Westhaven last year. The $2.3 million, 11,369 square feet station is state of the art. The city is also opening another station soon in Ladd Park to ensure a continued high rating.
Police- The FPD was again honored with the highest municipal rating which has happened every year since 2001. They continue community outreach to better serve the community.
New Sidewalks- Through Invest Franklin an effort to make Franklin more walkable completed 5000 linear feet of connecting sidewalks that before never went anywhere. This goes to the new Columbia State Community College.
Building and Neighborhood Services- 78 percent of projects were approved within the 35-day review cycle. Three-quarters of a billion dollars, 250 million more than last year, of development went through this year.
Engineering Department – Completed a comprehensive transportation plan study, finished outlines of transport options for long range land use plan. This is a detailed transport plan that makes city-wide improvements to increase citywide connectivity.
Planning Department- the long range city plan Vision Franklin finished in 2016 continues to be put into use, providing long-term vision to direct future development in a way that strengthens the city and creates exceptional places for our future.
