Council adds first reading to ceremonially rename part of Simpson Avenue for Isaac Moore amid procedural questions

North College Hill — On Oct. 20 the council placed Ordinance 7-20-25 on the agenda for first reading to ceremonially rename a portion of Simpson Avenue as Isaac Moore Way (southwest quadrant). The placement on the agenda followed a motion by Councilmember Davis and second by Councilmember Wilson; the motion to add the ordinance as a first reading passed 4–3 to place the matter on the council floor.

Council discussion on the floor focused on whether the item reflected prior committee agreement and whether the measure would replace the existing Simpson Avenue signage or be an honorary sign displayed beneath the street name. Councilmember Underwood and others clarified the plan described in the meeting was a ceremonial renaming: Simpson Avenue signs would remain and an additional sign beneath would indicate "Isaac Moore Way." Several councilmembers urged returning the measure to committee for additional vetting or clarity on an attached map before further readings.

Multiple members of the public spoke in favor of the honorary sign. Embrye ("Umbrella") Starr, who identified herself as speaking on behalf of Isaac Moore, said the sign would honor a 17‑year‑old who died on Aug. 17, 2019, and asked the council to locate the sign at the Simpson site where the incident occurred. Resident Linda Stagman cautioned about setting naming precedent for streets and suggested alternatives such as a day or proclamation.

Council voted only to place the ordinance on the agenda as a first reading and conducted the first reading; no final renaming action occurred tonight. Several councilmembers and residents asked staff to provide maps and to return the item to committee for further refinement if needed.

What happens next: The ordinance remains at first reading; councilmembers asked for an opportunity for committee review and attachments (map) to be provided before the next reading.