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Essex supervisors debate process for renaming a bridge and ask staff to draft criteria
Summary
Supervisor Smith requested a bridge renaming; staff and supervisors discussed whether to submit a resolution to VDOT or to craft local criteria first. The board directed staff to research policies used by other localities and return with recommended parameters.
The Essex County Board of Supervisors discussed a request by Supervisor Smith to rename a local bridge and whether the board should adopt a resolution or establish criteria before forwarding a recommendation to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
April, a county staff member, said the request had been received and reminded the board of a 2021 policy that discouraged adopting nonbinding resolutions. "So far, it's only been a directive from Supervisor Smith, but it's really up for discussion of all the board members of how you'd like to proceed," April said, and asked whether the board wanted to vote on a recommendation to VDOT or set parameters for future requests.
Board members raised questions about existing processes for naming roads and markers, the role of VDOT, and potential precedent. One member warned against opening a "Pandora box" of naming requests and urged clear guardrails to avoid frivolous or unworthy proposals. Board members also asked whether a VDOT naming is permanent and whether the county must submit requests rather than applicants going directly to the state; April said VDOT considers recommendations that come from the board.
After discussion, the board directed staff to research what other localities do and draft criteria to guide future naming requests. April agreed to return with a proposed process for the board to consider. No formal resolution or vote to rename a specific bridge was taken at the meeting.
