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Council renames West Cesar Chavez Lane to Paul Shirk Avenue after public petition
Summary
After public comment and staff outreach, the council voted to change West Cesar Chavez Lane to Paul Shirk Avenue; staff said the change affects about 554 feet of right‑of‑way and followed SNAP notification and canvassing of nearby properties.
The Maricopa City Council voted May 19 to rename West Cesar Chavez Lane to Paul Shirk Avenue following a staff presentation and a public hearing.
Assistant planner James presented the city‑initiated proposal (case ADD26‑01; resolution 26‑09), saying the change applies to approximately 554 feet of right‑of‑way within the heritage mixed‑use district between North Plainview Street and North Main Street. Staff outlined required notification steps under the city’s street‑naming and addressing procedure (SNAP): signs posted, mailed notices to property owners, a newspaper advertisement and a neighborhood canvass of about 28 properties.
At the public hearing, Chad Chatterton, a local realty owner and Maricopa Historical Society board member, delivered a petition (conservatively about 100 signatures at the time he spoke) asking the city to honor local preservationist Paul Shirk by naming the roadway adjacent to the museum and heritage center for him. Council members asked about outreach results and whether residents preferred the change; staff said responses were mixed: some opposed, some had no preference, and some suggested alternate names. Council member Marsh said reverting to the historical name (West Arizona Avenue) was an option, but the motion to adopt Paul Shirk Avenue carried.
Council clarified the formal new name in chamber as 'Paul Shirk Avenue' before voting; the motion passed by voice vote.
Next steps include administrative actions by city staff to update signage and notify relevant agencies; staff said the timeline established at the April meeting anticipated formal notification following council action and a June 19 effective date for signage and records updates where applicable.
