The Portage County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on July 31, 2025, to rename a portion of Richardson Street in Ravenna Township to Beatrice Mitchell Boulevard after a public hearing and several community speakers.
The change was requested by Ravenna Township trustees and filed on the board's own motion under Ohio Revised Code 5541.04, which the board read into the record. The hearing notice was posted on the county website on July 17, 2025, and the board took public testimony at the commissioners' meeting before making a formal resolution.
Frank Hairston, who filed the request with township trustees, told commissioners he has worked with local leaders on the renaming and civic projects and said the community plans an August dedication if the change is approved; he testified, "we plan on if approved, we're hoping to have, at the August, have a big ceremony." Jim DiPolo, a Ravenna Township trustee, and community member Jean Brown also spoke in support, describing Mitchell's long-term neighborhood cleanup and civic efforts. Brown said, "She didn't ask for this. I think that she deserves it, though."
Commission President Mike Tinland read the statutory standard the board followed, citing Ohio Revised Code 5541.04 and described the administrative steps required after a name change. Following public comment, a commissioner moved to approve the change; the board then passed the resolution by roll call vote with Commissioners Sabrina, Jill and Mike recorded as "yes." The resolution directs the county engineer, county recorder and county auditor to update records while preserving the old name in the records as required.
The portion of Richardson Street to be renamed includes no residences, according to testimony, and the only building on the stretch cited by speakers is the McArthur's Improvement Corporation building near the ball field where community recreation activities take place. Supporters described past cleanup efforts led by Mitchell and said local organizations and volunteers plan ongoing recreation and tutoring programs tied to the area.
The board's action is a formal renaming by resolution; the county will certify the resolution to the county engineer, recorder and auditor for record changes. Community organizers said they will provide details on a dedication ceremony if scheduling is finalized in August.