Franklin to build amphitheater on flood-prone lane

FRANKLIN, Ind. (AP) — This Johnson County city is pushing ahead with plans to turn a stretch of flood-prone land into a greenspace that will include an amphitheater and room for festivals.

Franklin’s redevelopment commission has reached an agreement to spend $850,000 to buy a key piece of land and relocate two businesses for the project.

The planned 14-acre greenspace along Young’s Creek will host festivals and events and also absorb the floodwaters in the city about 20 miles south of Indianapolis, The Daily Journal reported. The news outlet is a newsgathering partner of WISH-TV. 

Franklin has made three other land purchases along the creek since flooding in 2017 again damaged businesses in the flood-prone area.

Mayor Steve Barnett says the greenspace and its amphitheater will change the look of downtown Franklin, spur investment and create a new public gathering space.