Jackson City Council: Great Wolf Lodge update, Chick-fil-A road improvements, street renaming

March 3, 2026

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson City Council met Tuesday for its regular monthly meeting, addressing road improvements near a new Chick-fil-A, an amended contract tied to the Great Wolf Lodge project, a street renaming and salary votes.

Chick-fil-A to contribute $350,000 for road improvements

The new Chick-fil-A location will contribute $350,000 toward road improvements in the surrounding area. Mayor Scott Conger said the city reached an agreement with the restaurant rather than requiring the business to independently address congestion.

“We can only do some improvements on it to do mitigation as best as possible. So we came to an agreement with Chick-fil-A. Instead of requiring them to try and fix it, we can go in and add some lanes,” Conger said.

Great Wolf Lodge contract amended for archeological survey

The city council approved a design contract for the Great Wolf Lodge project in 2021. At Tuesday’s meeting, the council voted to amend that contract to add an archeological survey, a requirement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Conger said the amendment will not delay the project.

“It doesn’t extend the dollar amount of the contract. It’s a requirement from the Corps of Engineers. It doesn’t delay any proceedings that are going on. That can be done in between design and construction. There’s no delay that goes on,” Conger said.

Street renamed to honor Dr. Melvin Wright Sr.

The council voted to rename a stretch of North Hayes Avenue — from East College Street to Lexington Avenue — to Dr. Melvin Wright Sr. Boulevard. Councilman Russ McKelvey spoke in support of the renaming.

“He just always had a heart for his community and a heart for service in Jackson, Tennessee. I can’t think of many people better to dedicate a street to. I’m glad that we were able to pass that and will be able to honor Dr. Wright moving forward,” McKelvey said.