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Resident presents 600-signature petition; council suggests honorary signage instead of formal street renaming
Summary
Johnny Nelson presented a petition with more than 600 signatures asking to rename Hazel Grove and Naylor streets to honor family names. Councilors explained that formal renaming would change 911 and mailing addresses and suggested an honorary sign alternative; Mr. Nelson said honorary signage would be acceptable.
Johnny Nelson, a Bolivar resident, brought a petition to the council asking that Hazel Grove Street and Naylor Street be renamed in honor of local families.
"We have over 600 signatures saying that they agree at Hazel Ghost Street should be chained to Crowder, and Naylor Street should be chained to Nelson," Nelson told the council, identifying that his family has owned property on Hazel Grove since 1914 and on Naylor Street since 1953.
Why it matters: Council members said a formal street-name change is complicated and affects 911 addressing, mailing addresses and official records. The mayor explained that changing an official street name can require residents to update driver's licenses and other records and could disrupt mail and emergency services.
Council discussion and outcome Members discussed whether to pursue an official renaming or a commemorative alternative. Multiple council members recommended an honorary sign that preserves the official street name while adding a sign recognizing the honoree. One council member said the town had used this approach before, pointing to a sign on Mitchell Street where an honorary name was placed next to the official street name.
Nelson said an honorary sign would be acceptable. The council discussed placement limitations for signs on state-controlled corners and suggested placing honorary signage on city streets or on the corner near the stop sign at the intersection of Hazel Grove and Naylor. The mayor and Councilmember Woods agreed to work with Nelson on the details; no formal ordinance or vote was recorded to change official street names.
Details from the record - Petitions: Nelson said the petition had "over 600 signatures." He cited family ownership of property on Hazel Grove since 1914 and on Naylor Street since 1953. - Constraints: Council members noted formal renaming could require changes to 911 and mailing addresses, tax records and driver's licenses. The council suggested an honorary sign instead to avoid those impacts. - Next steps: Council agreed informally to work with Nelson to install an honorary sign; a formal motion or vote to change official street names was not recorded in the meeting transcript.
