34 CITY OF FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE Greater attention to these historic resources is warranted. At a minimum: Preservation organizations could inventory historic cemeteries in the City and urban growth boundary. The City could add this information to its GIS system, and share the data with the Williamson County Planning Department. Additional actions could include: Enhance the physical setting of the recognized historic cemeteries, Toussaint and McGavock, with landscaping, fencing and interpretation. The historic setting of both of these cemeteries has been compromised by adjacent development. Local preservation organizations could assist the cemetery owners with raising awareness and funds, while the City could contribute by planting trees and shrubs to screen their maintenance yard located next to Toussaint. Organize a special event tour of the City’s historic cemeteries around Halloween to raise awareness and funds for preservation. Develop Corridor Management Plans for Historic Roads The City of Franklin has adopted a list of roads that have been identified as the Heritage Roads of Franklin. Although not formally designated as scenic byways, these roads have met criteria similar to those for the Tennessee Scenic Byway program. The Heritage Foundation selected the roads for their access to historic resources, outstanding natural features, and scenic views. Franklin should work with the Tennessee State Scenic Byway Coordinator to designate these roads as scenic byways. After designation as a state scenic byway, corridor management plans and policies should be developed to preserve historic resources along Franklin’s most significant and intact historic roads. Corridor management plans can be used to identify strategies to enhance key gateways to downtown Franklin as well as connections between historic districts and sites. Completion of a corridor management plan makes the byway eligible for grant funding under the National Scenic Byway Program. Unlike other transportation grant programs, byway grants require localities and organizations to pay only a 20% match in funds. Scenic byway’s inclusion on state and national maps and guides supports local efforts to strengthen local economies through heritage and eco-tourism. Improve Gateways and Linkages Roads leading into historic Franklin have gradually become corridors of spotty commercial development, for the most part indistinguishable from most of the rest of the country. In particular, sections of Columbia Road (which links several
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