Plan commission continues Franklin High School hearing after residents raise conservation, traffic and noise concerns

The City of Franklin Plan Commission opened a public hearing on Aug. 7 on a conditional use permit for additions at Franklin High School but voted to continue the hearing to Aug. 21 so commissioners and the public could review revised plans and further testimony. The proposal would add a building addition, tennis courts, a soccer/practice field, parking, an access drive to Highview Drive and other site and stormwater work.

The hearing drew more than a dozen residents and school supporters who focused on two linked issues: removal of wooded land that several speakers said is protected by a conservation easement and a proposed new access that would make Highview Drive a through street. “This late stage addition appears to be an attempt to retroactively justify the removal of mature trees,” said Nicole Schlacks, who lives at 8213 S. 40th Street, referring to plans she said expand the scope beyond what voters approved in the referendum. Ethan Schlax, a nearby resident, said he was told the plan would clear the entire woods this month to stage the construction site.

Residents repeatedly cited the conservation easement and said they bought homes expecting the woodland to remain. “Land that residents believed would remain protected under the original conservation agreement made in perpetuity,” Schlacks said. Several neighbors raised safety and quality‑of‑life concerns tied to a potential new through route from S. 40th to S. 50th streets via Highview Drive, warning of increased traffic, racing and threats to children who already walk and bike in the area.

School supporters and coaches urged the commission to consider demand for on‑site courts. Todd Lehman, head boys tennis coach at Franklin High School, said the program this year had 32 boys and 50-plus girls and that the team has competed at the state level. “When you have more than 10, you got kids standing around,” Lehman said, explaining that the plan’s 10 courts are the bare minimum needed for productive practices and timely matches.

Speakers asked for more data. Several residents said they had not seen studies the school referenced; resident Ethan Schlax said a traffic study was declined by the district because it would cost $10,000, a figure he said is small compared with the district’s $145,000,000 referendum. Neighbors also asked about stormwater and basement flooding risks if trees and root systems are removed.

Assistant Superintendent Andy Cromie told the commission that the school district would submit updated site plans to the city the next morning. “We will have updated plans submitted, I think, believe tomorrow morning, to the city,” Cromie said.

Commissioners closed the public comment portion for the night but formally continued the public hearing; the commission voted to table further action on the conditional use permit until the Plan Commission meeting on Aug. 21 so staff, commissioners and the public could review revised plans and supplemental materials.

The continuation means no decision was made Aug. 7. The Aug. 21 meeting will include further presentations from the district, additional public testimony and a final vote on the school items. Residents who spoke indicated they plan to return for that meeting.