A new parking lot is being built in downtown Franklin where homes and garages once stood.
The parking lot is on Jefferson Street, across from the Hurricane Street intersection. Fifteen new parking spots are being created that can be used by people visiting nearby downtown shops, Franklin Mayor Joe McGuinness said.
The property is part of the flood buyout, and eight homes, garages or outbuildings were demolished.
The city wasn’t allowed to construct any buildings and was required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to use a special surface for the parking lot that will absorb the water, McGuinness said. Permeable pavers are being used, and the parking lot will look similar to East and West Court streets, city engineer Travis Underhill said.
The cost of the project is $165,800.
