Private businesses and churches in downtown Franklin have switched their parking lots to paid parking as demand for spots grows in the city.
According to City Administrator Eric Stuckey, parking has become an issue. The city started a study last year with expected findings by the end of 2017. Stuckey said the goal was to figure out which areas of downtown parking could be improved upon.
"Whether its to work or shop or have lunch and dinner with a friend, we want to make sure we have different kind of parking that fits those different needs," said Stuckey. "So, that's part of what our study will help us learn that."
The office building that houses Generations Church added paid parking in the Summer. Though closed off to the public before, a pastor there said they added parking for the public benefit.
Also, parking at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ is changing its parking to paid as well. The four lots owned by the church were previously open to the public, but after members were forced to walk blocks to get to church, they decided to change the parking structure. It's unclear how much parking there will cost, but for special events church staff the parking lot can be changed to free parking.
