FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — Neighbors in Williamson County will have to wait a little longer to find out the fate of an historic scenic drive. After hearing several comments from the community, the board deferred their vote on a development slated for Hillview Lane.

The property, also known as the "tunnel of trees," is a couple hundred acres of land that sits at the end of Hillview Lane. A new proposed development would transform the land into a multi-use path.

The tree-wrapped road connects to Columbia Pike near Mack Hatcher Parkway. But neighbors wanted to see solutions to certain problems, like destroying the scenic beauty of the road and potential traffic congestion with the new alternative road system that will be added. This week, neighbors and organizations stood one by one, expressing concerns over protecting the land.

President & CEO of the Heritage Foundation, Bari Beasley, said Franklin residents are directly and indirectly impacted by this development and the historic history character of the city needs to stay intact. 

"Generations of families call this home because we have proactively protected these resources. For more than 57 years, our historic Main Street didn't just materialize. It was intentionally and painstakingly preserved, protected and created by so many people in this community. Just like historic buildings. Once heritage roads are gone, they can never return."

The board told the developer to make sure they're presenting all the facts to neighbors. The Franklin BOMA deferred the next vote to Aug. 12, 2025.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/franklin-boma-defers-hillview-lane-development/