Planning commission approves 'Datilio Drive' after student-led naming project at Rick Marcotte Central School

The South Burlington Planning Commission voted unanimously to name the driveway that provides access to Rick Marcotte Central School as Datilio Drive after a proposal led by students at the school. The student committee presented its process and vote results to the commission, and commissioners approved the recommendation after staff confirmed the name met addressing rules.

The proposal came from a yearlong classroom project at Rick Marcotte Central School. Students said they learned how streets are named, followed naming rules requiring uniqueness and noncommercial names, tested ballots schoolwide and chose Datilio Drive by majority vote. A student explained: “Miss Datilio has been here for 44 years, and we love her.” The committee told the commission the choice reflects longtime service by the honoree and her family, including multiple family members with long service in the city’s public safety departments.

A commissioner moved to adopt Datilio Drive for the road accessing the school from the north side of Market Street. Staff said they had checked addressing lists and 9‑1‑1 records and confirmed there was no nearby duplicate name and that the finalists met the addressing criteria. Staff explained that once the name is official, the city will notify the U.S. Postal Service and the state 9‑1‑1 board and that the name will be added later to online mapping services. The commission also said staff will fabricate and install a sign and that the city manager will coordinate a sign‑installation event.

City Council Chair Tim Barrett, attending in the audience, asked whether student committee meetings had run late; students and staff said meetings were held during the school day. The commission encouraged the school community and the honoree’s family to attend the planned sign event. The motion to adopt Datilio Drive passed by voice vote with no opposition.