New downtown JC parking plan hits speed bump

A downtown Johnson City project to turn two traffic lanes on West State of Franklin Road into additional parking has hit a speed bump. The project, first announced on April 15, must first be presented to the city planning commission before any next steps according to regulations. Since the proposed parking lot plan will turn West State of Franklin into a two-lane road, it will be read at the June 9 planning commission meeting before it moves on to the city commission for finalization. From there, the work on the project can get started. The new parking plan has some community members concerned, saying it may cause traffic on the roads surrounding the new lot. City officials say that the slowed traffic will make things safer. The new parking plan also includes the reopening of a parking garage with space for nearly 350 vehicles. City officials say that the projected completion of the project is October.