The city wants to establish clearer criteria for dedicating streets to accomplished people or organizations.
At issue is honorary street naming, which adds signage for recognition. It doesn't rename a route or change anyone’s address.
There have been more requests lately. The city approved four last year, after authorizing only one since Virginia Beach Boulevard was dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2017.
Last year’s honorees include Andrew Fine, the businessperson and philanthropist who co-founded the ViBe Creative District, and Grammy-winning producer and recording artist Timothy Mosley, better known as Timbaland.
The latter earned the city national publicity and Mayor Bobby Dyer called it “neighborhood enhancing and neighborhood uniting.”
Councilmember Michael Berlucchi raised the matter of street naming during the council retreat last week. He’s worried about inconsistent criteria and the potential politicization of the process. He also wants community participation in the conversation.
Berlucchi made it clear he wasn’t saying anyone who has been honored isn’t deserving.
“Without the criteria, we can’t have that conversation without making it personal to the person who’s being recognized,” he told WHRO. “I just think criteria is good so we can represent the vast diversity of contributions that individuals have made toward the quality of life in Virginia Beach fairly.”
Discussion at the retreat included whether time should pass before an honor is bestowed, perhaps five years after their retirement from public life or service. Or maybe even after their passing.
“I agree there should be some time lapse,” Councilmember Stacy Cummings said. “I mean, if five years is good enough for the Hall of Fame, it should be good enough for the city of Virginia Beach.”
Cummings said the distance might be a time after someone's service. He and others did not want to see it based upon someone's death, though.
Councilmember Cash Jackson-Green said, “I very much am in favor of giving people their flowers while they are still alive.”
On Jan. 9, City Manager Patrick Duhaney sent council a memo that said staff didn’t find many consistencies in policies elsewhere but some practices provided options.
Suggested standards for an individual or group could be based on years of service or their significance. To “provide clarity and prevent controversy,” there should be buy-in from the individual’s family or estate. The city could limit how often honors are given and resolutions could specify whether recognition is for a limited time or in perpetuity.
During the retreat, Duhaney said the city could have a way to rescind the honor if something emerges that changes an honoree's image.
The council may consider staff recommendations for criteria.
“These are unique things,” Dyer said. “We just don’t want to give them away like candy.”
