Northport Moves Forward On Renaming 28th Street

NORTHPORT, AL — The Northport City Council's Public Safety Committee on Monday approved a measure that, if passed by the full council next month, would see a specific stretch of 28th Street renamed to honor the city's generosity.

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The measure is the brainchild of Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon, who wants to see the street running in front of his surveying office renamed Benevolent Way.

Herndon requests the change as a way to pay tribute to the donations made by countless people during times of crisis — donations that are often collected at Herndon, Hicks & Associates and then distributed by the mayor.

During Monday's Public Safety Committee meeting, Herndon pushed to have the measure put on the agenda for a vote during the regular meeting later in the day. This proved unsuccessful, though, as the street renaming will require a public hearing before a full vote.

"It's just something I want to do to recognize those who give," Herndon said. "It's nothing to do with me or my business."

The primary concerns voiced in the past by some city officials relates to continuity, primarily centering on the basic concept of changing 28th Street from a street to a "way."

Despite these worries, both Northport Police Chief Gerald Burton and Fire Chief Bart Marshall said the proposed renaming would have only minimal impact on first responders.

What's more, those opposed or skeptical have expressed their concern that renaming a city street for something other a deceased individual could open the door to additional requests to rename city streets.

A public hearing will be held on the matter on Oct. 3 during the next regular City Council meeting.

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