Thursday, April 25, 2024
The Gatesville City Council approved a street renaming policy and procedure during its Dec. 13 meeting, ending a months-long process.
Council member Claude Williams proposed renaming Mill Street in honor of Carver School, a historically Black school in Gatesville which served generations of local residents. City Manager Bill Parry said the city did not have a formal process for renaming streets, and he worked with the city attorney and got input from Council members on what the policy should include.
As part of the process, notification letters will be sent to property owners along a street suggested for a name change to get their input.
In order to qualify for renaming a street for a person, that individual must be recognized as being exceptional or a dedicated supporter of the community; the person must have made a "lasting and significantly substantial contribution to the betterment of the city"; and "must have had a positive impact on the lives of local residents and demonstrated an exceptional service record of volunteerism to the community."
A second category allows for the renaming of streets for historic events, places and persons "in recognition of local historical events or places: or city founders, pioneers, and other figures to commemorate the impact of those events or individuals; or helps identify local community history."
A third category is related to community significance that "fosters a stronger sense of community pride" and "is easily recognizable to members of the community, such as a school mascot."
Guiding principles for renaming a street are that the name "have historical, cultural, or social significance for current and future generations; or the name symbolize a major achievement or advancement for the community. The name must engender a positive image for the community. The name must be suitable based on the location. The name must not have or contain any unintentional meaning."
As part of the process to rename a street, an initiation letter must be filed providing a detailed explanation for the desired name change and must also include an application. The Council has the right to charge an application fee and a processing fee, but the amount of those charges was not specified as part of the initial policy directive.
The city manager and city staff will review the application, prepare a map of the specified area and notify property owners. A minimum of 51% of votes of property owners in the area must be in favor of the proposed name change for the proposal to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
A public hearing will then be held by the city before adopting a name change.
In some instances, a proposed name change may originate with the Council itself or through a Council member.
The Council can determine who will pay for the new street signs reflecting the name change.
After a motion to approve the policy by Council member Barbara Burrow, which was seconded by Claude Williams, the measure was unanimously approved.
