HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-381 - Street Renaming (N. Plantation Ave to N. Garden Ave & W. Chattel St to W. Reflection St) (4)
CityClerk
From:Kyle Smith <kyle.smith@kyle4fay.org>
Sent:Tuesday, April 15, 2025 3:35 PM
To:Agenda Item Comment
Subject:Street Names in Heritage Village
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Dear Council,
I am excited to see the renaming of two unfortunately named streets in west Fayetteville tonight!
I was 39 years old when I first learned what the word "chattel" meant. I only googled it when, as a City Council Member,
someone who had been shopping for a house found one they really liked in Heritage Village. They walked away without
making an offer when they saw the name of the street and wrote to me and ask how such a thing got on a sign.
I had to plead ignorance. But once I looked it up, and called the POA president to see if they had ever had anyone
complain. She let me know that they did, indeed have some folks on the street and around it who wished they could
change it. They even had a campaign around the neighborhood, complete with several dozen "Change The Name" yard
signs all throughout the neighborhood.
They started a petition. I went to find out how we change a street name... It took months to find out that it is actually
very easy. By that time, we were in a pandemic... an election year... and then they had a new City Council Member.
Still, for the last 6 years, these folks have not let *me* forget that they want their street to not reference the ownership
of other human beings. They have definitely gotten quieter over the years - mostly, I feel, out of frustration. I'm thrilled
that this is finally happening for them, even if they may have given up hope. Changing the street names is a promise I
never had the opportunity to keep for these neighbors, so I sincerely appreciate you delivering on their request.
Thank you,
Kyle Smith
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