City council approves policy for honorary street names

Gatesville residents can now honor renowned community members by adding a special sign to city streets.

The new policy was approved by the Gatesville City Council on March 26. The purpose of the program is to provide residents with an opportunity to commemorate individuals or groups who have made a notable impact on the community. The honorary street signs will not alter current addresses or street names but allow the placement of a special street sign above existing street signs.

City Secretary Wendy Cole said the honorary street name is a separate program from the street renaming policy that was approved by the city council in December 2022. The renaming policy allows streets to be renamed based on the new name’s historical, cultural, or social significance, according to a previous article by The Messenger.

“This will just put a sign on top of a sign,” Cole said. “It’s not going to change (the) address, street, anything.”

Applicants must pay $250 to cover the design, installation, and maintenance of the signs. According to the new policy, the honorary sign will be on display for two years, and then will be donated to the applicant or honoree’s family. 

To receive a designation, applicants must explain what the honoree’s contributions are to the city. This includes their cultural and historical impact, humanitarian efforts, distinguished career, and geographic relationship to the street.

The policy pertains to public streets within the city limits of Gatesville. The designation is limited to a one-block section of the street, and each intersection will be limited to one honorary sign.

For those requesting placements adjacent to a U.S. highway or Main Street, applicants will need to adhere to the Texas Department of Transportation regarding traffic safety and space availability, the policy states. 

Each honorary street sign must be approved by the Gatesville City Council. The city will review the street designations case-by-case with a maximum of two honorary signs available per calendar year.

To view the full policy and application, visit www.gatesvilletx.com/documents