During the City of Falls Church City Council Work Session on November 4, 2024, significant discussions centered around the honorary renaming of Wilson Boulevard to Saigon Boulevard, reflecting the community's desire to honor its Vietnamese heritage. This initiative is part of the East End Small Area Plan, which was unanimously adopted by the council in June 2023. Community engagement revealed strong support for this honorary designation, particularly in relation to Eden Center, a hub for the local Vietnamese community.

The council reviewed the process for implementing the honorary name change, which includes placing new signage that complies with state and federal regulations. The proposed signs will feature Vietnamese language elements and designs that honor the cultural significance of the area. The signage will be installed in two key locations: in front of Eden Center and at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Roosevelt Boulevard. The design concepts for the signs have been developed in response to community feedback, incorporating symbols such as the South Vietnamese flag and the clock tower reminiscent of Saigon.

City staff emphasized that the honorary designation will not alter the official name of the street or affect property addresses. The initiative aims to enhance community identity and visibility while ensuring that the new signs do not confuse motorists or pedestrians. The estimated cost for each sign ranges from $600 to $1,200, with funding sourced from the city's 75th anniversary fund.

In addition to the renaming discussion, the council also addressed the naming of new parklets in the South Washington Street corridor. Three parklets are being developed, with two nearing completion. The naming process will involve public input and recommendations from various community organizations, ensuring that the names reflect the historical and cultural significance of the locations.

The council plans to revisit the honorary naming resolution on November 12, 2024, with hopes of finalizing the design and installation of the new signage in time for a community celebration, potentially coinciding with the Lunar New Year or the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. This initiative not only aims to honor the past but also to foster a sense of belonging and recognition for the Vietnamese community in Falls Church.