🌱 Planning Comm. Recommends Middle 8 + Former Mayor Passes

Hello all. It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Thursday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 84 Low: 53.
• Friday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 82 Low: 52.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Franklin Patch newsletter is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club. BJ’s Wholesale Club is opening this summer in La Vergne! Founding members get a $40 welcome reward when they join. Click here to learn more!

Here are the top three stories in Franklin today:

1. The Franklin Municipal Planning Commission voted last week to recommend to the Board of Mayor and Alderman the approval of a resolution to rezone the proposed Middle Eight development from a residential district to a planned one. The Middle Eight development is expected to include over 250 housing units including single-family homes, townhomes, duplexes, and apartments. Some are concerned that the development will disrupt the historic character of Franklin — including Lisa Alexander, a member of the "Stop the Middle Eight" movement, who said, "We care about what Franklin stands for, southern history and small-town charm. We care that we live in unique neighborhoods that are distinctive both in appearance and character." (williamsonherald.com)
2. Former Mayor of Franklin Dr. Alva Jefferson Bethurum passed on Sunday, Jun. 4, at 79. Bethurum was mayor from 1977 to 1987 and served as a vascular and general surgeon at the Williamson Medical Center for 47 years. "Jeff was a longtime friend, medical school classmate, and colleague," said current mayor Ken Moore. "His contributions to our community are numerous in addition to his practice of medicine. He set the course for Franklin's growth for many years to come ..."(thenewstn.com)
3. Inspired by a YouTube video of a Japanese street vendor, Franklin locals and husband and wife duo Brendon and Holland Curtis have begun making artisanal cotton candy in the style of cartoon characters. Beginning in November of last year, Puffy Cotton Candy opened under the pair's direction at the CoolSprings Galleria. Puffy Cotton Candy is one of the only brick-and-mortar cotton candy stores in America, and the business has hit the ground running without advertisements or promotions, instead getting started only on word-of-mouth. (tennesseean.com)

Calling Franklin business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Today and tomorrow in Franklin:

Thursday, June 8

• Excel Basics, Part 3 (Formulas) At Williamson County Public Library (2:00 PM)
• Budget & Finance Committee - City of Franklin At The City Hall Board Room (3:00 PM)
• Crafter's Night Out At Leiper's Fork Public Library (4:30 PM)

Friday, June 9

• Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group At Main Library Franklin (10:00 AM)
• Open Tasting At Saint Goose Wine + Whiskey Shop (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Visit Franklin, TN invites you to Carnton, a historic home built in 1826 and used as a Civil War field hospital in the 1864 Battle of Franklin. The home has been restored and is currently preserved by the Battle of Franklin Trust, which hosts tours of the property on a daily basis. (Visit Franklin, TN via Facebook)
• The Franklin Police Department offers free self-defense training to women who live or work in Williamson County, with a four-day series of events held on Jun. 13, 15, 20, and 22. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• The Franklin Farmers Market's hours have changed from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning on Saturday, Jun. 10! (Franklin Farmers Market via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

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• Elizabeth Leanza, Synergy Realty - Realtor — (Visit website)
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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (Jun. 13)
• Social Security Seminar at Williamson County Public Library (Jun. 13)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll see you soon!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.