The Franklin City Planning Commission convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant resolution concerning the Eastworks District Planned Unit Development (PUD).

The primary focus of the meeting was Resolution 2025-37, which proposes to extend the vested rights for the Eastworks District PUD, located at 9009 Carothers Parkway, by 18 months. This extension would push the deadline from July 14, 2025, to January 14, 2027. The extension is intended to provide the applicant with additional time to secure necessary permits and begin site preparation for the development.

The Eastworks District PUD was initially approved on July 14, 2020, and encompasses a diverse mix of uses, including hotel, residential, retail, office, and multifamily spaces. The approved plan includes 1,600 residential units, 9 townhomes, and a million square feet of non-residential space, featuring 605 hotel rooms. The design emphasizes pedestrian-friendly elements and includes communal gathering spaces and green areas.

Staff members recommended approval of the resolution with conditions, noting that the project had previously received a vesting extension and that the current plan generally complies with existing city regulations. They highlighted that if the vesting period is not extended, the project entitlements would lapse, potentially leading to stop work orders and necessitating a new development plan review against current standards.

Additionally, the meeting addressed off-site roadway improvements on Carothers Parkway, which had been approved in earlier administrative agendas. Staff also pointed out that traffic volumes in the area have increased, impacting service levels on adjacent roadways, and that road impact fees have been raised to support necessary infrastructure improvements.

In conclusion, the Planning Commission is set to recommend to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen the approval of Resolution 2025-37, contingent upon the determination that extending the vested rights serves the community's best interests. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting by the Board.