By Ray King
When the Pine Bluff City Council meets Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., Council Member Glen Brown Sr., will try again to ger the council to approves changing the name of Hazel Street.
The meeting was moved to Tuesday because of the Labor Day Holiday.
Brown’s resolution, which has failed before, describes Hazel Street as “a major north-south street in the city and is of sufficient length and importance to serve as the city thoroughfare honoring Dr. King.”
It goes on to say that the street department will take steps to replace street signs as soon as possible and the Mayor’s Office will notify the U.S. Post Office, Arkansas Highway Department and other relevant agencies/authorities of the name change.
A section of an existing city ordinance provides that a change in street name which will impact several businesses or existing homes requires the written consent of two thirds of the affected property owners and approval by three-fourth’s vote of the city council.
“Existing names with significant historical significance will not be changed or revoked absent compelling REASONS FOR THE CHANG
The ordinance also provides that all costs associated with the replacement of street signs will be borne by the perso9n, group or entity requesting the name change, established by through study and approved by unanimous vote of the council.
A notice of the intent to change the name must also be posted on the city’s internet web site and on the entrances to city hall for a period of 60 days before any action is taken and public comments may be taken and provided to the council.
Also Tuesday, the third and final vote will be taken on an ordinance adding food trucks and short-term rental properties to the list of businesses that must collect what is commonly known as the hamburger tax or their sales.
