Resident asks to rename private drive; council asks solicitor to research authority

Antoinette Stiano asked the Richmond Town Council to consider renaming the portion of roadway that crosses her property at 24 Pinehurst Drive—she said callers and walkers repeatedly trespass on what she describes as private property and proposed a personal name for the segment (for example, "Antoinette's Way"). Stiano said she has paid property taxes and insurance for the road frontage and that she is not a member of the nearby homeowners association.

A representative of the adjoining homeowners association spoke in opposition, saying five of seven association members have undivided ownership interests in the private road and that changing the name for a single resident would have neighborhood impacts; he emphasized the association maintains the road and that the proposal would affect that group’s interests.

Councilors expressed concern about jurisdiction, the difference between an easement and ownership, and the precedent such a name change could create. Several councilors noted that a request to rename a road normally involves community notice, property-owner consent and potential costs for signs and mapping updates.

The council voted to ask the town solicitor to research whether the council has authority to change the name of a private road or a road subject to easement, and—to the extent possible with minimal effort—determine the status of the portion of Pinecrest Road that crosses 24 Pinehurst Drive. The council asked the applicant to provide title, easement documents, a survey and other proof to staff for follow-up.