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Roanoke council renames 2nd Street NE to Bethel Davis Street to honor local preservation leaders
Summary
Roanoke City Council unanimously adopted a resolution to rename two blocks of 2nd Street Northeast as Bethel Davis Street Northeast to honor Evelyn Bethel and Helen Davis for their historic-preservation work in Gainsborough.
Roanoke City Council voted unanimously July 20 to rename 2nd Street Northeast — between Madison Avenue Northeast and Gilmer Avenue Northeast — as Bethel Davis Street Northeast in honor of Evelyn Bethel and Helen ("Pete") Davis.
Catherine Gray, the city’s principal planner, told council staff received support at two neighborhood meetings and three letters and recommended altering the proposed suffix from "Way" to "Street" to match city naming conventions. "These sisters formed the historic Gainsborough Preservation District. They were present at many Roanoke City Council meetings," Gray said, noting the two-block rename sits beside the Gainsborough neighborhood.
Jordan Bale, president of the Gainsborough Neighborhood Organization, said the sisters were "giants in spirit and courage" whose work preserved the Gainsborough Library and helped safeguard the neighborhood’s historic character. Multiple councilmembers who spoke during the hearing recalled knowing the women and supported the measure as a recognition of local preservation.
The resolution was read by title and adopted on a voice vote; Mayor Cobb and councilmembers recorded "aye" and the resolution passed. The council took no additional action tied to the renaming at the meeting.
