FRANKLIN—Local folks and visitors to Franklin may soon be able to tout that they, too, stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night— and right here in the city.

Mike and Harsha Desai, current owners of the Comfort Inn and the Courtland Inn, are scheduled to have an initial site plan for the prospective business reviewed by the city planning commission Thursday.

The proposed location is on a 1.85-acre lot to the south of the Arby’s/Exxon location. The grass lot in front of Wal-Mart has been divided for the hotel and an outparcel that will be developed at a later date.

The proposed hotel is about 18,760 square feet with 70 rooms and a 1,276-square-foot conference room.

If the plans go through, a driveway will be created off Armory Drive that will allow access to both the outparcel and the hotel.

Although City Planner Amanda Crocker was not aware of any plans for the outparcel at this time, she said it is zoned B-3 general business, as is much of Armory Drive.

She was also not aware of a timeline for the project either, but said the applicants were &uot;ready to move forward as soon as possible.&uot;

&uot;This is the first time (the issue) has come before the commission.&uot;

If the site plan is approved, the next step will be the submission of building plans.

Mr. Desai declined to comment about the hotel at this time, saying it was &uot;too early.&uot; He said he preferred to wait for the outcome of the site plan consideration on Thursday.

City staff members will recommend granting preliminary approval for the site plan based on all staff comments being addressed.

The Franklin Planning Commission will meet at City Hall in City Council Chambers beginning at 6 p.m.