Pontiac City Council considers renaming Park Street during Woodward Loop reconfiguration

During the Pontiac City Council meeting on March 18, 2025, members discussed a significant resolution regarding the naming of city assets. The council is responsible for determining whether a facility, property, roadway, or asset in Pontiac should be named or renamed.

A key focus of the meeting was the historical context of Park Street, a roadway in Downtown Pontiac that was absorbed into the Northbound Woodward Loop during the 1960s. The Michigan Department of Transportation is currently planning a major reconfiguration of the Woodward Loop. This project aims to eliminate the one-way traffic system and introduce a boulevard design, which will also result in the removal of the Woodward name from the northbound section of the loop. However, the Woodward name will still be retained for the southbound portion.

This resolution highlights the council's proactive approach to adapting city infrastructure to modern needs while honoring its historical roots. The discussions around this naming decision reflect the ongoing evolution of Pontiac's urban landscape and its commitment to community identity. As the reconfiguration progresses, the council's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pontiac's roadways and public spaces.