FRANKLIN—The community is invited to ask questions of city officials during a forum slated for Thursday evening.

Sponsored by Hickory Grove A.M.E.Z., located on the corner of Banks and Mariner streets, the event is open to the public.

According to church member Thomas Councill, the purpose is to educate the community about the topics of road widening, land use, blight and redevelopment in the city.

He said that projects included in the 2020 transportation plan for the city include road-widening projects that may affect the area around the church.

&uot;(Hickory Grove) got involved because of the potential land loss due to the 2020 plan,&uot; Councill said.

&uot;Members of council, the planning commission, some ward representatives and members of the Franklin Redevelopment and Housing Authority board have been invited.

&uot;Hopefully, that will give us a good cross-section of views.&uot;

Mayoral candidates Ellis Crum and Greg McLemore have committed to attending, as well as Vice Chairman of the Franklin City Planning Commission Lawyer Artis.

The public can ask questions regarding those listed topics in order to keep the meeting within a reasonable time limit, Councill said.

&uot;If a lot of people come, I think they will take written questions,&uot; said Councill. &uot;But, if there aren’t that many, they’ll probably take questions from the floor.&uot;

Purlie Banks of Hickory Grove will serve as moderator of the 7 p.m. event.

The church is located at 1419 Mariner St. For more information, call Banks, 804-662-7567.