Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

FRANKLIN, TN - An important meeting is coming up on Tuesday, April 10th, in downtown Franklin, Tennessee. On that date at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin City Hall there will be a chance for public comment on the proposed Westhaven development to be located just west of the current city of Franklin.

Part of the proposed Westhaven development encompasses ancient burial grounds that lie in one of the sections slated for the heaviest development. According to my sources, no mention of these burial mounds has been made in the previous "informational" meetings held between the developers - Southern Land Company, and the citizens of Williamson County. In fact, it has been said that of the 80 or so people at the last town meeting, all but three or four of those in attendance were employees of the developer.

We need to have a Native American presence at the April 10th meeting to let the developer, the City of Franklin, and the general public know that we know there are Ancestors buried at the site, and that we do not want their remains disturbed. Since we aren't sure if Southern Land Company knows of the burial sites, we should go in with the spirit of cooperation & enlightenment, but with a resolve that shows we will protect the Ancestors.

If they demonstrate a willingness to build their community without disturbing the burials, then we can have an amicable relationship; but if they prove to be as short-sighted as past opponents (such as the City of Brentwood, TDOT, and Wal-Mart and JDN Associates) then we can show them we are ready to do battle.

If you live in Franklin/Williamson County, you need to be at this meeting. Anyone with an interest in preserving these burial sites is encouraged to attend, no matter where you are from. Please make every effort to attend.

For more information contact the TNAIM. send e-mail to: tnaim@usa.net