On the agenda at the December Town of Franklin Council meeting was a presentation of the completed Crawford Branch feasibility study, which evaluates a proposed project originally included in the 2017 BikeWalk Franklin Plan. Town Manager Amie Owens noted that another greenway path that connects the Little Tennessee River Greenway near Big Bear Park to Memorial Park on West Main Street was considered in 2017 as an option to be discussed when considering a comprehensive plan for bicyclists and pedestrians in Franklin.
“A grant was awarded for the Crawford Branch Feasibility Study via NCDOT,” Owens explained, regarding payment for the study. She added, “No grant funds have been sought for the actual project execution.”
To inform council members about the ins and outs of such a project, Kristy Carter, senior project manager with TPD (Traffic Planning Design) in Asheville, provided an in-depth study via slides. She explained to council members at the December meeting that prior to the study’s completion, “Justin [Setser] sent mailers to all people along the [proposed greenway] corridor because we wanted to talk to people who live along there who will be most impacted.”
She described the new proposed greenway design as both a transportation and recreation experience, which would differ from Little Tennessee River Greenway – primarily a recreation experience.
Besides the cost, which Carter approximates at around $2.2 million, other potential obstacles exist to establishing an additional greenway through Franklin, including possible pushback from homeowners whose properties would be impacted.
“There are lots of unknowns with these property owners; if a land owner says ‘absolutely not’ there other options so one ‘no’ doesn’t kill the project,” said Carter.
Those options include subsequent altering of the greenway path route.
“The goal is to help people understand what this is and how it will benefit the community,” added Carter.
Another consideration is impact to the environment. The feasibility study provided many maps, including one that “… highlights the flood risks associated with the Crawford Branch waterway and the Little Tennessee River within the study area.”
Other natural environmental factors featured in the study are topography and endangered species. Regarding the latter, the feasibility study addressed: “Based on analysis from recent Crawford Branch restoration work at Memorial Park, no aquatic threatened or endangered species were identified in the study area. However, the Smoky Dace (clinostomus sp.), a species of state concern, is present in Crawford Branch. This fish seems to thrive in the area, possibly due to the cooler water temperatures maintained by culverts and pipes, though its exact habitat preferences are not entirely clear. Additionally, existing populations of Virginia spiraea (spriraea virginiana), an endangered species of flowering shrub, are known to be present along the Little Tennessee River, likely within a mile of the confluence with Crawford Branch.”
In order to move the project forward, “The Town Council would have to adopt the plan prior to additional grant funding being sought,” said Owens.
During the December meeting, just after the feasibility study was presented, Council Member Joe Collins asked, “Is this project needed for people to get from one part of town to the other?”
“In communities that are thriving and growing,” responded Carter, “people say they want more places to bike and walk. People walk from point A to point B now … it’s not safe and it’s not fun.”
“In order for people to understand what it is, they will need to look at it and learn the benefits,” said Mayor Jack Horton. “Sometimes people are afraid of what they don’t understand. A few things that come up when we’re talking about trails – is it safe and what does it take to maintain it.”
The extensive, 158-page feasibility study encompassed many more details, including implementation recommendations. To read the study in its entirety, individuals can view the printed copy at the Town of Franklin offices, or email Owens at [email protected] to request a link to the study.
No action was taken regarding the presentation. The next meeting of the Town of Franklin Council is January 6.