Title
Naming Laurel Avenue, Honorary Strayhorn Drive
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to consider a community request to name Laurel Avenue, Honorary Strayhorn Drive.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Town Manager's Office
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X_ Race/Equity ___ Climate ____ Comprehensive Plan ___Other
Council Direction Statement
Carrboro is resilient and we continue to find ways to tell our story which advances the town's race and equity initiatives.
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Information
INFORMATION: On January 7, 2025, during Public Comment at the Town Council meeting, Lorie Clark spoke on behalf of her mother and shared a copy of a deed which indicated that South Laurel Avenue was formerly named Strayhorn Drive. Ms. Clark requested the Council consider a placard or acknowledgement to be placed on top of South Laurel Avenue, that says, formerly Strayhorn Drive or historic Strayhorn Drive. On February 11th, Ms. Clark sent an official request in writing on behalf of the Strayhorn/Barbee family. The request emphasized historic significance, descendants of Toney and Nellie Strayhorn, who are believed to be the first Black family to settle in Carrboro. The Strayhorn's arrived in 1879 and built a one-room log cabin before the town was incorporated.
The Town Attorney's office, Planning, Fire, Police and Public Works reviewed the request. This request was also discussed during the March 26th meeting of the Racial Equity Commission. The commission voted to recommend honoring the Strayhorn/Barbee request, naming Laurel Avenue, Honorary Strayhorn Drive and installing a sign with that acknowledgement.
If this request is approved, the honorary designation will not change or have an impact on the official street name or numbering of buildings and street addresses. The postal addresses for honorary streets remain the primary name of the street. A notification will be sent to every building and residence concerning the honorary designation. ...
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