AGENDA ITEM: 3
CASE NUMBER: SNC 19-01 L.U.C.B. MEETING: April 11, 2019
LOCATION: The westernmost point beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Ayers Street; thence southeastwardly to the easternmost point at its intersection with Berclair Road
APPLICANT: Shannon Dixon
REQUEST: Street name change from Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue
LENGTH: +/-15,000 feet (2.8 miles)
CONCLUSIONS
1. The request is to rename all the segments of Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. The westernmost point beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Ayers Street; thence southeastwardly to the easternmost point at its intersection with Berclair Road.
2. Approximately 350 parcels will be affected by this street name change and City Engineering has estimated +/-30 street signs will need to be changed. The vast majority of parcels which are municipally addressed to Forrest Avenue contain single-family homes.
3. Based on the historical evidence of subdivision plats it appears there was a consistent shift in 1912 to Forrest Avenue, before that time both “Forrest” and “Forest” Avenues had appeared on subdivision plats. With regard to the legislatively approved and recorded subdivision plats the prior to 1912 one was designated as Forest Avenue and one as Forrest Avenue and after 1912 all 7 meeting these criteria were designated as Forrest Avenue. Additionally, 2 segments came about not through a subdivision plat, but rather via the Sam Cooper Boulevard alignment/construction process circa 1971.
4. Based on historical Polk city directories, “Forest” was used on street signs solely in the 1903-1907 directories, both Forrest and Forest Avenues were used in the 1908-1912 directories, and starting in the 1913 directory Forrest was solely used.
5. There was no historical evidence located during this review that explicitly details why either spelling was used at any given time.
6. The City of Memphis Division of Engineering has offered to absorb the costs of implementing this street name change request.
CONSISTENCY WITH MEMPHIS 3.0
T his proposal is not applicable for review in regard to the Memphis 3.0 General Plan.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval with conditions
Staff Writer: Jeffrey Penzes E-mail: [email protected] Staff Report April 11, 2019 SNC 19-01 Page 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
Zoning Atlas Pages: 1930, 1935, 2035, and 2040
Subject Right-Of-Way: The westernmost point beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Ayers Street; thence eastward to the easternmost point at its intersection with Berclair Road
Subject Right-Of-Way Length: +/-15,000 feet (2.8 miles)
PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Sub-Section 9.3.4A of the Unified Development Code, a notice of public hearing is required to be mailed. A total of 342 notices were mailed on March 29, 2019, and an additional 7 notices were mailed on April 3, 2019.
The segment of Forrest Avenue between National Street and North Highland Avenue was discovered late in the processing of this application. There are eight parcels which are adjacent to this segment of Forrest Avenue and the lots are as follows: one parcel is owned by the City of Memphis (fire station), one parcel is for a billboard and an ice machine, one parcel is for a cell tower, and the remaining five parcels contain businesses two of which are owned by the same entity. Note that none of these lots are municipally addressed on Forrest Avenue and all seven property owners were mailed notice on April 3, 2019, which was nine days before the date of the public hearing. Staff is of the opinion that constructive notice has been achieved pursuant to Sub-Section 9.3.4F of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code.
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LOCATION MAP
SUBJECT RIGHT-OF-WAY
Subject right-of-way segments located within the pink line
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VICINITY MAPS
Ayers Street to Decatur Street to North Waldran Boulevard
West of North Bellevue Boulevard to North Montgomery Street to North Claybrook Street
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Stonewall Street to North Avalon Street to Dickinson Street to North Evergreen Street to Hawthorne Street to North McLean Boulevard
East Parkway North to west of North Hollywood Street
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West of Tillman Street to Tillman Street
National Street to North Highland Street *The east-west segment of “National” is misidentified on this map, it is a segment of Forrest Avenue
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East of North Highland Street to Sevier Street to Freeman Street
Meadowbrook Street to Isabelle Street to Lynncrest Street to east of Adrian Drive
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North Graham Street to Sharon Drive
Read Street to Sandridge Street to Berclair Road
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AERIALS 2018
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*The east-west segment of “National” is misidentified on this map, it is a segment of Forrest Avenue
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HISTORICAL SUBDIVISION PLATS
Segment A: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Ayers Street; thence eastwardly to its intersection with Decatur Street.
Date: September 9, 1912 – Register recorded on date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-1,016 feet)
Subdivision: Horn Brothers Galloway Park Subdivision – approved – City Engineer J.H. Weatherford and City Legislative Commissioner G.C. Love (Department of Streets, Bridges, and Sewers) signatures stating approved – Plat Book 6 Page 118
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Segment B: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Decatur Street; thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Waldran Boulevard; thence eastwardly to its intersection with U.S Interstate 40; thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Bellevue Boulevard (note this description matches modern existence and below is historical information of said segment e.g. U.S. Interstate 40 cuts through between North Waldran Boulevard and North Bellevue Boulevard).
Date: July 31 of 1912 – Register recorded on date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-1,585 feet)
Subdivision: Speedway Terrace Block Subdivision – unapproved – Plat Book 6 Page 111
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Segment C: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with North Bellevue Boulevard thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Montgomery Street.
Date: Circa 1911 – per historical deeds and maps
Designated As: Likely Forest Avenue, per historical deeds (+/-540 feet)
Subdivision: Chandler's Addition to Speedway Terrace – unrecorded – unapproved
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Segment D: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with North Montgomery Street; thence eastwardly to its termination at the intersection with North Claybrook Street.
Date: December 29, 1922 – Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-543 feet)
Subdivision: Chandler's Second Addition to Speedway Terrace (unrecorded) – approved, but expired i.e. because it was never recorded – City Engineer C.C. Pashby signature for City Planning Commission (approved on December 20, 1922) and City Clerk C.C. Pashby signature for the Board of Commissioners (approved on December 29, 1922)
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Segment E: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Stonewall Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Avalon Street.
Date: April 4, 1910 – date on unrecorded plat
Designated As: Forest Avenue (+/-720 feet)
Subdivision: Stonewall Place Subdivision (unrecorded) - unapproved
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Segment F: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with North Avalon Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Dickinson Street (note this description matches modern existence and below is historical information of said segment e.g. North Avalon Street is Lumpkin Avenue and Dickinson Street is Maxwell Avenue).
Date: December 4, 1902 – Legislative Council approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-599.9 feet)
Subdivision: W.P. Chapman’s Woodland Subdivision – approved – City Engineer J.A. Ormberg Jr. signature stating approved and City Secretary W.B. Armour signature for the Legislative Council (approved on December 4, 1902) – Plat Book 4 Page 23
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Segment G: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Dickinson Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Evergreen Street (note this description matches modern existence and below is historical information of said segment e.g. Dickinson Street is Maxwell Avenue).
Date: August 1902 – Register recorded on date
Designated As: Forest Avenue (+/-641 feet)
Subdivision: Lamb & Faxon Evergreen Subdivision – unapproved – survey performed by County Surveyor R.B. Richardson, however, there is no approval statement from any city official and this land was within city limits – Plat Book 4 Page 14
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Segment H: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with North Evergreen Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Hawthorne Street.
Date: May 1902 – date on unrecorded plat
Designated As: Forest Avenue (+/-720 feet)
Subdivision: Robert Galloway’s Evergreen Subdivision – unrecorded – unapproved – dated May 1902
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Segment I: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Hawthorne Street; thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Mclean Boulevard.
Date: November 7, 1901 – Legislative Council approval date
Designated As: Forest Avenue (+/-607.59 feet)
Subdivision: W.P. Chapmans Woodland Knoll Subdivision – approved – City Engineer A.T. Bell signature (approved on November 7, 1901) and City Secretary W.B. Armour signature for the Legislative Council (approved on November 7, 1901) – Plat Book 4 Page 2
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Segment J: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with East Parkway thence eastwardly to its intersection with an unnamed alley west of North Hollywood Street.
Date: September 13, 1927 – Memphis Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-1,062.7 feet)
Subdivision: Misses Hanson Subdivision – approved – signed by Cyrus Clark Pashby as the Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved on September 9, 1927) and Cyrus Clark Pashby as the City Clerk for the Memphis Board of Commissioners (approved on September 13, 1927) – Plat Book 9 Page 59
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Segment K: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s termination west of Tillman Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Tillman Street (note this description matches modern existance and below is historical information of said segment e.g. Forrest Avenue is Woods Avenue).
Date: December 8, 1908 – Register recorded on date
Designated As: Woods Avenue (+/-908 feet)
Subdivision: Lincoln Park Subdivision – unapproved – Plat Book 5 Page 95
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Segment L: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with National Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with North Highland Street.
Date: Circa 1971 – per historical aerial photography and maps
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-1,075 feet)
Subdivision: This segment of right-of-way was at least partially dedicated during construction of Sam Cooper Boulevard, prior to this there was an unnamed alley that traversed from National Street to North Highland Street in the approximate location of the southernmost extent of this segment.
*The east-west segment of “National” is misidentified on this map, it is a segment of Forrest Avenue
Left image: 1937 aerial image showing the extent of the unnamed alley Right image: 1948 Starks Subdivision (unrecorded) showing a segment of the unnamed alley
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Segment M: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s termination west of Sevier Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Sevier Street (note this description matches modern existence and below is historical information of said segment e.g. Forrest Avenue no longer extends to Highland Avenue and this section is partially realigned circa 1971 due to Sam Cooper Boulevard’s construction).
Date: August 31, 1910, and September 27, 1910 – Recorded on dates
Designated As: Forrest Avenue then Forest Avenue (+/-1,005 feet)
Subdivision: Highland Boulevard Land Company’s Subdivision at Summer and Highland Avenues – unapproved – Plat Book 6 Page 35 and Plat Book 6 Page 36
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Segment N: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s termination west of Freeman Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Freeman Street.
Date: October 16, 1951 – Memphis Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-266.7 feet)
Subdivision: Fisher Building Corporation Subdivision of part of Cleaves 30 Acres – approved – signed by W.M. Perkins Engineer and Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved on September 12, 1951) and signed by Frank Thrall Tobey Comptroller of the Memphis Board of Commissioners (approved on October 16, 1951)– Plat Book 16 Page 25
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Segment O: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Meadowbrook Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Isabelle Street; thence eastwardly to its intersection with Lynncrest Street; thence eastwardly to a point +/-135 feet southeast of Lynncrest Street.
Date: October 14, 1947 – Memphis Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-800 feet)
Subdivision: Summer Avenue Gardens Subdivision – approved – signed by Lawrence P. Cockrill Engineer and Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved on September 10, 1947) and Frank Thrall Tobey Comptroller of the Memphis Board of Commissioners (approved on October 14, 1947) – Plat Book 12 Page 51
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Segment P: Beginning at a point on Forrest Avenue +/-135 feet east of Lynncrest Street thence eastwardly to a point +/-120 feet west of Adrian Street.
Date: October 10, 1950 – Memphis Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-734.98 feet)
Subdivision: Forrest Avenue School Subdivision – approved – signed by W.M. Perkins Engineer and Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved in 1950) and Frank Thrall Tobey Comptroller of the Memphis Board of Commissioners (approved on October 10, 1950) – Plat Book 15 Page 25
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Segment Q: Beginning at a point on Forrest Avenue +/-120 feet west of Adrian Street thence eastwardly to its termination west of North Graham Street (note this description matches modern existence and below is historical information of said segment e.g. Adrian Street is Barnwell Street).
Date: June 20, 1950 – Memphis Board of Commissioners approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-781.97 feet)
Subdivision: Section C of the Graham Gardens Subdivision – approved – signed by W.M. Perkins Engineer and Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved on May 10, 1950) and Frank Thrall Tobey Comptroller of the Memphis Board of Commissioners (approved on June 20, 1950) – Plat Book 14 Page 59
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Segment R: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with North Graham Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Sharon drive.
Date: October 20, 1949 – Memphis City Planning Commission approval date
Designated As: Forrest Avenue (+/-590.55 feet)
Subdivision: Watkins Glen Incorporated Sharon Subdivision – approved – signed by W.M. Perkins Engineer and Secretary of the Memphis City Planning Commission (approved on October 20, 1949) and Rudolph Jones Commissioner of Roads of the Shelby County Commission (approved date illegible) – Plat Book 14 Page 59
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Segment S: Beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Read Street thence eastwardly to its intersection with Sandridge Street; thence eastwardly to its intersection with Berclair Road.
Date: Circa 1971 (+/-647 feet) – per historical aerial photography
Designated As: Forrest Avenue
Subdivision: This segment of right-of-way was dedicated during construction of Sam Cooper Boulevard
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HISTORICAL POLK CITY DIRECTORIES
1903 – Forest Avenue 1904 – Forest Avenue
Prior to 1903 neither Forrest or Forest Avenues appear in the city directories.
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1905 – Forest Avenue 1906 – Forest Avenue
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1907 – Forest Avenue 1908 – Forest and Forrest Avenues
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1909 – Forest and Forrest Avenues 1910 – Forest and Forrest Avenues
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1911 – unable to locate this year 1912 – Forest and Forrest Avenues
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1913 – Forrest Avenue
After 1913 Forest Avenue no longer appears in the city directories except in instances where the refereed to Forest Avenue is in an entirely different area of the city.
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE CITY OF MEMPHIS DIVISION OF ENGINEERING
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STAFF ANALYSIS The application and letter of intent have been added to this report.
The request is to rename all the segments of Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. The westernmost point beginning at Forrest Avenue’s intersection with Ayers Street; thence southeastwardly to the easternmost point at its intersection with Berclair Road.
Approximately 350 parcels will be affected by this street name change and City Engineering has estimated +/-30 street signs will need to be changed. The vast majority of parcels which are municipally addressed to Forrest Avenue contain single-family homes.
Historical Subdivision Plats Summary (arranged by date) Segment Location Date Recorded Approved Designated As Subdivision Subdivision I Hawthorne to N. Mclean 1901 – November Yes Yes Forest G Dickinson to N. Evergreen 1902 – August Yes No Forest F N. Avalon to Dickinson 1902 – December Yes Yes Forrest K West of Tillman to Tillman 1908 – December Yes No Woods E Stonewall to N. Avalon 1910 – May No No Forest M West of Sevier to Sevier 1910 – Aug./Sept. Yes No Forrest/Forest C N. Bellevue to N. Montgomery 1911 circa No No Forest B Decatur to N. Bellevue 1912 – July Yes No Forrest A Ayers to Decatur 1912 – September Yes Yes Forrest H N. Evergreen to Hawthorne 1912/13 circa No No Forrest D N. Montgomery to N. Claybrook 1922 – December No Yes Forrest J E. Parkway to N. Hollywood 1927 – September Yes Yes Forrest O Meadowbrook to east of Lynncrest 1947 – October Yes Yes Forrest R N. Graham to Sharon 1949 – October Yes Yes Forrest Q West of Adrian to west of N. Graham 1950 – June Yes Yes Forrest P East of Lynncrest to west of Adrian 1950 – October Yes Yes Forrest N West of Freeman to Freeman 1951 – October Yes Yes Forrest L National to N. Highland 1971 circa No No Forrest S Read to Berclair 1971 circa No No Forrest
Historical Polk City Directories Summary Year Forrest Forest Prior to 1903 N N 1903 N Y 1904 N Y 1905 N Y 1906 N Y 1907 N Y 1908 Y Y 1909 Y Y 1910 Y Y 1911 Unable to locate at this time 1912 Y Y 1913 to present Y N
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Based on the historical evidence of subdivision plats it appears there was a consistent shift in 1912 to Forrest Avenue, before that time both “Forrest” and “Forest” Avenues had appeared on subdivision plats. With regard to the legislatively approved and recorded subdivision plats the prior to 1912 one was designated as Forest Avenue and one as Forrest Avenue and after 1912 all 7 meeting these criteria were designated as Forrest Avenue. Additionally, 2 segments came about not through a subdivision plat, but rather via the Sam Cooper Boulevard alignment/construction process circa 1971.
Based on historical Polk city directories, “Forest” was used on street signs solely in the 1903-1907 directories, both Forrest and Forest Avenues were used in the 1908-1912 directories, and starting in the 1913 directory Forrest was solely used.
There was no historical evidence located during this review that explicitly details why either spelling was used at any given time.
The City of Memphis Division of Engineering has offered to absorb the costs of implementing this street name change request.
Consistency with Memphis 3.0 This proposal is not applicable for review in regard to the Memphis 3.0 General Plan.
RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval with conditions.
Conditions 1. The street name change shall take effect on the date determined by the Address Assignment Department of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW).
2. The Address Assignment Department of the MLGW shall notify the current property owners along the roadway segment of the street name change and its effective date.
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DEPARTMENTAL COMMENTS The following comments were provided by agencies to which this application was referred:
City/County Engineering: 1. Engineering has no comment regarding the street name change. If approved, approximately 30 street name signs will be changed.
City/County Fire Division: • MFD has no comments on SNC 19-01.
City Real Estate: No comments received. City/County Health Department: No comments received. Shelby County Schools: No comments received. Construction Code Enforcement: No comments received. Memphis Light, Gas and Water: No comments received. Office of Resilience: • No comments as related to resiliency/the environment.
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APPLICATION
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LETTER OF INTENT
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LETTERS RECEIVED Nineteen letters and one petition of support and four letters of opposition were received at the time of completion of this report and have subsequently been attached.
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From: Burton Bridges To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Comments in support of Forrest Ave Name Change Date: Thursday, April 04, 2019 7:54:55 PM
Hello Mr. Penzes,
I reside and own property in the Evergreen Historic District and support the Forrest Avenue name change to Forest Ave.
It is more fitting with some of the naming conventions of the neighborhood as we are in the proximity of Overton Park (e.g. Peach, Autumn, Evergreen, Hawthorne). Moreover, I don’t see the need to have this street name also exist as a veiled reference and homage to Nathan B Forrest. We must rise above honoring oppressors.
Many residents I’ve spoken with in the area also support this change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Burton Bridges 340 N McLean Blvd. #1 Memphis, TN 38112 From: Riggs, Chad To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forest v. Forrest Date: Monday, April 01, 2019 3:16:56 PM
I FULLY support Forrest Ave. being changed/made/restored to Forest Ave.
Chad Riggs St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Technology Licensing Marketing Associate P: 901-595-3866 C: 423-578-0149 F: 901-595-3148 [email protected] [email protected]
Please sign up for licensing bulletins: https://hospital.stjude.org/apps/forms/fb/sign-up-for-licensing-opportunity-bulletins/ or browse our technology: www.stjude.org/technology-licensing
Email Disclaimer: www.stjude.org/emaildisclaimer Consultation Disclaimer: www.stjude.org/consultationdisclaimer From: Wetzel_Christopher To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: changing the name Date: Thursday, March 14, 2019 10:08:18 PM
I am in favor of changing the name. But I have a better, but unconventional idea. I would be willing to simply put a red slash next to one of the “r”s so that we don’t whitewash our racist history by replacing street signs and forgetting how we honored a horrible man. Plus, it would start conversations about race when people ask, “what’s with the red slash through one of the Rs?” I am willing myself to do this work, and I bet I could get others to help. Plus, it would save the city some money. Chris From: Donna To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Support for Forrest name change Date: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 8:41:21 AM
Hello! Please accept this email as my input for support of changing Forrest Ave name back to Forest Ave.
I have lived here for 18 years at Forrest and Claybrook. We can get past the argument about whether Forest was changed to Forrest by accident. Of course it was renamed to "honor" General Forrest. I prefer to honor the old forest of Overton Park as it's original intention. Our park is well known nationally - I'd be honored to live on Forest Ave.!!
Thank you. Donna L. Palmer 1285 Forrest Ave. Memphis, Tn. 38104
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From: Doug Mallory To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest - Forest Ave. Date: Sunday, March 31, 2019 11:12:34 AM
Dear Mr. Penzes: I live at 1637 Forrest Ave., and I am writing to voice my support for changing my street name to FOREST. For too long, we Southerners have glorified Confederates who tried to divide our country. Tying our street name to the old forest in Overton Park shows our respect for nature, our pride in the city's commitment in keeping the forest intact, and allows us to be proud of the name that represents where we live.
Thank you, Douglas Mallory From: James Farris To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Change of name of Forrest Ave to Forest Ave. Date: Friday, March 08, 2019 9:21:13 PM
Dear Mr Penzes, I ‘m writing to let you know that I own 2 duplexes on Forrest Ave, just east of Highland, next to Sam Cooper, and I’m very much in favor of changing the spelling of Forrest back to the original spelling. I have 4 households, and 2 are African American. I’m certain they’d prefer not to list their address as being the last name of the founder of the KKK, and I’m certain my other tenants would agree. Thanks so much! James Farris 306 North Watkins St. Memphis, TN 38104
Sent from my iPhone From: Jana To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Change Forrest Avenue Back to Forest Avenue Date: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 1:43:04 PM
Dear Sir,
I am writing in support of changing the name of Forrest Avenue back to Forest Avenue. I live at 267 Angelus (and have lived in Evergreen Historic for most of the last 30 years).
I believe the name was changed to honor Nathan Bedford Forrest, and I think we can all understand the motive behind that. "Forest Avenue" makes much more sense, given our proximity to Overton Park and the Old Forest.
Thank you for your consideration, Jana Files From: JILL SAMUELS To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest to Forest Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019 7:47:41 PM
Dear Mr. Penzes,
It is time to change Forrest Ave. back to Forest Ave. I wholeheartedly support this change.
Sincerely, Jill Samuels From: John Gemmill To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forest Avenue Date: Thursday, April 04, 2019 11:14:07 PM
I live a couple blocks away from Forrest, on Overton Park Ave., and I find the change, in the early 20th Century, from "Forest" (so named, no doubt, because it led to, and, I think, ran through the "old Forest" at that time) to "Forrest" a particularly egregious example of racist revisionist. The decade of the 20's, when this change took place, was a racist period of reaction. The Post-WWI interregnum saw a frenzy of racism erupt that ranged from politicians, the likes of Hugo Black, joining in droves the KKK to the bombing of the Black business district in Tulsa, OK and the razing of Rosewood, FL. The Klan was at its peak. Politicians pandered to it, and, in Memphis, happily added that "r". Let's get on the true side of history and honor the Old Forest and not Tennessee's most reviled denizen.
John Gemmill 901-833-2315 [email protected] From: Jonathan Cole To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Changing Forrest to Forest Avenue Date: Tuesday, March 05, 2019 6:01:49 PM
Mr. Penzes,
I am writing to express my support for changing the name of Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue in Midtown.
Naming a street after a person should be an honor. I see no honor in naming a city street after a slave merchant/owner and a Confederate army officer. Nathan Bedford Forrest should be remembered in history books, not on street signs.
Please convey my message to the Land Use Control Board.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Cole 1889 Nelson Avenue MEMPHIS, TN 38114 901-301-3306 From: Lauren Taylor To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest Avenue Date: Friday, April 05, 2019 5:29:15 PM
Hello,
We realize we’ve missed the deadline for comments, but hope this can be included in the packet for next week’s LUCB meeting. We fully support the request to change Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. We have owned a home on this street for more than 15 years. We hope that the LUCB approves this request.
Sincerely, Lauren and Justin Taylor 1744 Forrest Avenue
Lauren Taylor Senior Program Director Hyde Family Foundation From: Lisa Hudson To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: For(r)est Avenue Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019 11:11:08 AM
I'm a Vollintine /Evergreen resident in favor of dropping the R in Forrest.
Lisa Hudson Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android From: [email protected] To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest Avenue Street Name Change Date: Monday, April 01, 2019 1:27:47 PM
Dear Mr. Penzes -
My name is Melinda Flurry and I am a homeowner on Forrest Avenue. I strongly support changing our street's name from Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. What a difference one letter will make.
My husband and I first bought our house on Forrest Avenue in 1995 after moving to Memphis from California. At the time I was a bit puzzled by the spelling of our street's name, not realizing that it was named to commemorate General Nathaniel Bedford Forrest. After learning this and more of the General's history, the name of our street always felt somehow wrong. I love our neighborhood and in an attempt to feel better about seeing those street signs, I would tell myself I was driving home "For Rest" instead of going home to Forrest.
I'm thankful to Shannon Dixon and others who have brought our street's history to light. Particularly since the street name was originally Forest Avenue, I am hopeful that we can reclaim that name. We are so fortunate to live near the Overton Park old growth forest and I feel that Forest Avenue will recognize our street in a positive manner instead of honoring a historical figure with a questionable past. As Memphians we need to acknowledge our city's history in an honest manner and move forward. Essential to this transformation is to bestow honor to whom honor is due, and to collectively make the decision to not publicly honor those whom many in our community do not feel are worthy of such respect.
Thank you for your consideration and I am hopeful that the Memphis and Shelby County Land Use Control Board will agree. From: mclamountain To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Rename Forrest to Forest Date: Thursday, March 07, 2019 7:28:23 AM
Nathan Befford Forrest does not represent the values of Midtown or Memphis. He was a racist, slaver, Klansman and fought to destroy the solidarity of the United States. He murdered Union soldiers who surrendered at Fort Pillow. He does not deserve recognition as a street name. We, the citizens of Midtown, do not want Forrest as a street name. We want it changed to Forest.
Thank you, Michael LaMountain 877 N B arksdale St Memphis, TN 38107 901-301-8828 From: Ragsdale, Naomi B. To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest Ave Date: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 8:31:52 AM
I support changing Forrest Avenue back to the original spelling of Forest Avenue.
Thanks,
Naomi Ragsdale, RN, BSN Infection Preventionist VAMC Memphis Phone: 901-523-8990 Ext 6562 Fax: 901-577-7431 Email: [email protected]
From: Nikii Richey To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject:Forrest name change Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019 11:11:50 AM
As a resident of Forrest Avenue, I wholeheartedly support the application to change the name back to FOREST. Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing to give out my address. Thank you, Nikii Richey Co-founder Sister Supply https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/? url=www.sistersupply.org&data=02%7C01%7Cjeffrey.penzes%40memphistn.gov%7Cce5f7b224e88443af61b08d6a256d14e% 7C416475616537442396a9859e89f8919f%7C0%7C1%7C636874891094606992&sdata=5wfbP7ZFreb8EIbU9phtr91AzyI0kscjX%2BYY0U%2BNvmY% 3D&reserved=0 From: Pamela Routh To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forest Ave name change Date: Friday, April 05, 2019 9:50:07 AM
Please support the name change to Forest Avenue reflecting the correct name of Overton Park Forest for which it was named.
Thank you
Pam
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facebook.com/PReventsmanage Steve Redding 1554 Harbert Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38104
March 12, 2019
Jeffrey Penzes, Office of Planning & Development & Members, Memphis & Shelby County Land Use Control Board City Hall, Suite 486 125 North Main Street Memphis, Tennessee 38103
RE: Forrest Avenue name change (SNC 19-01)
Dear Mr. Penzes & Board Members:
We are writing in support of the request to change the name of Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. Forrest Avenue residents have thoughtfully and carefully researched this matter and fully documented that Forest Avenue was indeed the original and intended name. In fact, the 1904 F.W. Faxon & Co. map clearly shows Forrest Avenue (with two Rs) south of Southern Avenue and a fair distance from the Evergreen neighborhood.
Additionally, the name Forest Avenue naturally fits well with nearby Autumn, Evergreen, and Overton Park Avenues, each referencing our famous and beloved forested park. When the city originally named it after the Overton Park forest they had no idea the old forest and the park would in the 1970s be the focus of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case affording legal protections to many forests and other places of significance throughout the nation. They did, however, know the old forest was worthy of having a street named for it - and now more than ever this beautiful and courageous old forest warrants having a street named in its honor.
For these reasons, along with others noted by the applicants, we believe the Land Use Control Board should return the original and intended name to this street.
Sincerely,
Steve & Marty Redding
From: Susan Penn To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: FORREST AVENUE Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019 8:37:50 AM
I think most midtown Memphians would be happy with a change back to Forest Avenue. I live not on but in the vicinity of Forrest Avenue and cross the street almost every day. I think it would be a welcome change, just like the welcome change of taking down the Nathan Bedford Forrest statue in Health Sciences Park.
I sat for an hour a day for three weeks by the statue prior to the meeting of the TN Historical Society which rejected Mayor Strickland’s request for a waiver in the case of the statues in Memphis. I only had one person yell at me for my point of view during those three weeks. I had civil conversations with a few who questioned taking down the statues. I had many people from Memphis and tourists from outside Memphis thank me and encourage me. I watched physical ed classes from Southwest community college (all students during that time were African American) run under the watch of the statue several times during those weeks. I thought it was awful that they had to look up at that statue over and over as they did laps.
Forrest Avenue is a daily reminder of an ugly history. I think we would beautify our environment by changing the street signs.
Thank you, Susan Penn 919 N. Idlewild Memphis, TN 38107 901 272-9850 From: Terron Perk To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Support of Forrest Ave name change Date: Wednesday, March 06, 2019 1:51:04 PM
Hello Mr. Penzes,
My name is Terron Perk and I live in the Evergreen neighborhood at 1625 N Parkway.
I support the street name change from Forrest Ave. to Forest Ave. It should be Forest since it runs across the old forest.
Best regards,
Terron Perk 901-497-1769 Change Forrest Ave. back to Forest Ave. https://www.thepetitionsite.com/231/288/866/change-forrest-ave.-back-to-forest-ave./
Author: Nicole R Recipient: Residents of Forrest Ave and the surrounding area
Petition:
In the early 1920s, Forest Ave. was renamed to Forrest Ave. While there's no formal documentation that the street was named in honor of Nathan Bedford Forrest, it's clear that many people in our city attach that assumption. Because this street runs into, and over, our famous Old Forest of Overton Park, we feel it's a more appropriate name for our street.
Signed,
Residents of Forrest Ave. Memphis, TN
Page 1 Name From Comments 1. Brian Dixon Memphis, TN 2. James Allman Memphis, TN 3. Shannon Dixon Memphis, TN 4. Lauren Taylor Memphis, TN 5. Jon Richey Memphis, TN The Old Forest at Overton Park is one of the best aspects of our neighborhood, its heritage and preservation should be honored. 6. Vivian Ekstrom Memphis, TN I grew up in Evergreen in the 80s and 90s - on Galloway Ave - and recently moved back to Memphis and bought a house on Forrest Ave. I wholeheartedly support this effort to change Forrest Ave back to its original name. It is an appropriate way to honor the area's connection to the Old Forest in Overton Park and better reflects the values and aspirations of our community. 7. Nikii Richey Memphis, TN 8. Susanna Memphis, TN Moldoveanu 9. Tudor Moldoveanu Memphis, TN 10. Abbey Allman Memphis, TN 11. Doug Walker Memphis, TN 12. Duane L. Memphis, TN We all know the terrible legacy of Nathan Bedford Forrest and his connection to Memphis. We can - and should - do better for future generations and connect our street to an aspect of Memphis that welcomes and includes all of us. 13. Donna Palmer Memphis, TN I have lived on Forrest Ave, west of Cleveland for almost 18 years. I always dreamed of the name returning to it's original spelling. Thank you for this initiative! I thought I was all alone! 14. Amy Michalak Memphis, TN We were so excited when someone changed the street sign at Forrest and Dickinson to Forest... but then it got changed back. :( 15. Corey Crowder Memphis, TN 16. Catherine Joyce Memphis, TN 17. Barbara Loevy Memphis, TN Forrest does not represent my values! 18. Annabel Conrad MEMPHIS, TN I grew up on Forrest Avenue & still have family there. It's a beautiful street, and returning it to its original name is the best possible (and long overdue) action to take now. Thank you! 19. Destiny Harris Memphis, TN 20. Naomi Ragsdale memphis, TN
Page 2 - Signatures 1 - 20 Name From Comments 21. Douglas Mallory Memphis, TN I do not like my street commemorating the founder of the Ku Klux Klan. 'Forest' better expresses the values of the residents. 22. Roger Ekstrom Memphis, TN 23. Laura Gettys Memphis, TN Because words and names matter. 24. Melinda Flurry Memphis, TN 25. Theo Wayt Memphis, TN The KKK has no place in our city. It's disgraceful the city hasn't changed this name already. 26. chris Shatley Memphis, TN 27. Meryl Klein Memphis, TN 28. Robert Mooney Memphis, TN 29. Miranda Bavier Memphis, TN 30. Daniel Aderson Memphis, TN 31. Carrye Holland Memphis, TN I live on the street that Forest dead ends into. 32. Genevieve Spears Memphis, TN 33. Mary Pellicciotti Memphis, TN This street is named after Nathan Bedford Forrest, founder of the Ku Klux Klan. This does not represent our values, inclusivity and diversity in our neighborhood. We cannot continue to honor racisism at its core and origin. Forest is a much more appropriate name. 34. Susan Tulino Memphis, TN 35. Matt White Memphis, TN 36. Kim Lloyd MEMPHIS, TN Because it's time. 37. Carrie Lebowitz Memphis, TN 38. Sara Mansfield Memphis, TN 39. Daniel Dixon Memphis, TN Because historically it was intended to be Forest Avenue, as far back as 1911, according to a map from that year. 40. Eric Gottlieb Memphis, TN To create a neighborhood that is welcoming to all 41. Elizabeth Memphis, TN Upchurch 42. Ashten Pellicciotti Memphis, TN 43. Carolyn Perry Memphis, TN 44. Deanna Walls Memphis, TN 45. Missy Williams Memphis, TN Forest (as it was originally named) represents growth and life. Forrest (as it currently stands) represents the perpetuation of hate. Hate has no place here. 46. Kristin Hinkson Memphis, TN 47. Angela Davidson Memphis, TN I’ve lived in this neighborhood since 1994. I’m two blocks from the street in question. I believe the name should reference the old forest and not the man of questionable history. Thanks!
Page 3 - Signatures 21 - 47 Name From Comments 48. Beth Newby Memphis, TN 49. Karen Roche Memphis, TN 50. Susan Pellicciotti Memphis, TN 51. Brandi Rinks Memphis, TN 52. Lee Forbes-Belue MEMPHIS, TN 53. Lily Anderson Memphis, TN Because I don't want to support the Forrest name or history. 54. Kelsey Sullivan Memphis, TN 55. Marti Murphy Memphis, TN Changing the spelling in the 1920s, a few years after the lynching of Ell Persons and founding of the Memphis NAACP sounds like intimidation and a common practice to invoke names of the confederacy to do so. Plus Overton Park and the Old Forest is. Treasure and much more relevant and a treasure. 56. Chris Morton Memphis, TN 57. Bryan Berretta Memphis, TN 58. MC Hazelton Memphis, TN I live a block away from the street in question and feel disappointed and ashamed each time I pass the street sign that is either a misspelling or celebrates a traitor to our nation. One of the main reasons I bought my house was its proximity to the Old Forest. I would love to see the street name corrected to its original spelling—correct in every sense if the word. 59. Emily Taylor Memphis, TN 60. Marjean Liggett Memphis, TN 61. Teresa Gallagher Memphis, TN 62. Kate Lareau Memphis, TN I live a block away. The change of the street name is another symbol of the failed confederate cause and needs to be changed back to Forest. 63. Amanda Boxman Memphis, TN 64. Carly Cowan Memphis, TN As a homeowner in Midtown, I want the community I live in to honor Memphis’ beauty instead of maintaining a reminder of the dark and sad past. Our history books are the appropriate place to learn what Forrest did in Memphis and in a lost war against the United States. Why not honor the beauty of all the city offers today? 65. Amanda Mauck Memphis, TN 66. Cora Pitt Memphis, TN This is important to me because it's ridiculous to have changed the name of the street in the first place. It should've never been renamed to "Forrest". 67. Samantha Crespo Memphis, TN 68. Audrey Calkins Memphis, TN 69. Lindsay Reed Memphis, TN
Page 4 - Signatures 48 - 69 Name From Comments 70. Gretchen Stroud Memphis, TN 71. Alicja Trout Memphis, TN 72. Hemant Gupta Memphis, TN 73. Alex Williams Memphis, TN 74. Andria Brown Memphis, TN As a resident of the Evergreen Historic District, I want to see this street returned to its original name, which honors the old forest, and remove its Jim Crow-era rebranding that salutes a slave trader and war criminal. 75. Lou Henslee Memphis, TN 76. Melissa Whitby Memphis, TN A person that stood for hatred of others shouldn’t be celebrated with a street named after them. 77. Heather Doty Memphis, TN Because it is in my neighborhood and it should be Forest, as it was originally. 78. April Holm Memphis, TN I live a block away and would love to see this changed back to the original name. 79. Bob Lloyd Memphis, TN 80. Linda Prewitt Memphis, TN 81. Denise Memphis, TN I do not want to call any attention to racist history. I think Richardson every vestige of racism should be eradicated. 82. Jennifer Gordon Memphis, TN 83. RICHARD MEMPHIS, TN We live in a house that was built in 1910 on Forest Ave, not MICHALAK Forrest Ave. It is historically more accurate and does not require us explain how to spell Forest, or to accept a strange look from those who associate our street with the KKK 84. Samantha Tate Memphis, TN Because I associate the double in Forrest with Nathanial Bedford Forrest. I'm assuming that's why it was changed from Forest in the first place. I think forest seems more picturesque for the neighborhood. 85. Jeremy Williams Memphis, TN As a resident of the neighborhood, I strongly support returning this street to its original name. 86. Alisha Wallheimer Memphis, TN 87. Julie Justice Memphis, TN 88. Robert Landrigan Memphis, TN As a Scout leader that meets with 70 youth on Sundays, and 20 youth on Mondays, every week at Trinity UMC, I can't think of a better name fore a street. Let's restore the street to its proper name, and give our kids a lesson that old wrongs may still be righted. 89. Joshua First Memphis, TN 90. Ken Briggs Memphis, TN 91. William Justice Memphis, TN If Memphis is to have future we cannot continue to live in the past. 92. Brian Stroud Memphis, TN
Page 5 - Signatures 70 - 92 Name From Comments 93. Robbyn Abedi Memphis, TN 94. Dale Childress Memphis, TN 95. Desi Franklin Memphis, TN 96. Amy Moses Memphis, TN 97. Brian Housman Cordova, TN 98. Charles Memphis, TN Rubenstein 99. Dan Baker Memphis, TN 100. Muchael Flanagan Memphis, TN As a fifth-generation Memphian, local journalist, and active historical professional, I have watched with pride in recent years as the City of Memphis has taken the courageous and steps of rectifying Memphis' Confederate monuments to historical facts and the social realities of a diverse and conscientious community. The mutiny of Southern states against the US government has been used for a century and a half as an excuse by extremists. With it, they have incited hatred and violence and resisted progress, all to protect the interests of the few. It has been used for destruction and harm more than it has ever been used to promote the general welfare of the American people. Since the Civil War ended in 1865, a minority of radical Southerners has used the symbols of the defeated Confederacy to revive and propagate the white supremacy and segregation the Southern rebellion was founded on. Unfortunately, this has once again become an idea that radicals are using to justify violence and cruelty. Chief among the heroes of this extremism is Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, whose controversial legacy Memphis is well aware of. However, Forrest i remembered as much by legend as by fact - if not more so. He was a controversial man in his own day: a slave-trader, a Confederate general investigated by the War Department for war crimes, the first Grand Wizard of the KKK, a failed businessman, a murderer. Not surprising, Forrest's defenders side-step all of these, and attempt to promote his reputation as a military leader, but fail to adequately defend the cause Forrest fought for. Altering Forest Ave. to take the Confederate icon's name is only one of a number of attempts by certain Memphians to advance white supremacy in the face of a vibrant black community in the early 20th century - a notion which does nothing today to unify and ennoble a city whose population is well over half black. The historical inaccuracies of early 20th-century Confederate monuments are well-documented, and should be taken into serious consideration while deliberating. If the residents of Forrest Ave. today believe that changing (continues on next page)
Page 6 - Signatures 93 - 100 Name From Comments 100. Muchael Flanagan Memphis, TN (continued from previous page) the street's name is important to the livelihood of their community, it should be remembered that the question of Forrest's own legacy has already been decided by the city, and Memphis' government should honor both the spirit of the proposed name change, as well as its obvious civic value. Because this decision not only reflects the will and intention of Forrest Ave. residents, but also those in the future, who should find "Forest" a much more peaceful, and less controversial alternative. The rightness of the decision is obvious, as well as the residents' desire that the street's original name be reinstated. The decision is not hard - only the courage and the will to make it. Please consider all of this in good conscience as you weigh your decision. Thank you. 101. Brent Diggs Memphis, TN 102. Benjamin Roberts Memphis, TN The Forest is a more important part of our past than Forrest. 103. Susan Childress Memphis, TN 104. Laura Fortgang Memphis, TN 105. Bill Williams Memphis, TN 107. Colin Bailey Memphis, TN 108. Bill Hazelton Memphis, TN 109. Erin Mack Memphis, TN Trapanese 110. Violet Trosper Memphis, TN Long, long past time to remove the reminders of our regrettable history. 111. Tiffany Ford Memphis, TN I am proud of our neighborhood for ensuring that the things that we use to represent our community are not oppressive and hateful. Thanks to the residents of Forest Avenue for initiating this! 112. Catherine Memphis, TN Hutchison 113. Jim Renfrow Memphis, TN It is vital to eliminate all vestiges of community support for confederate traitors. 114. Maureen Spain Memphis, TN I am the lorax and I speak for the trees. 115. Jennifer Dawson Memphis, TN 116. Sarahbeth Winn Memphis, TN 117. Mark Pomerantz Memphis, TN 118. Tracy Lauritzen Memphis, TN Wright 119. John Sauls Memphis, TN I think the original name reflects our historic roots. 120. Sarah Edwards Memphis, TN
Page 7 - Signatures 100 - 120 Name From Comments 121. Johnna Main Memphis, TN Bailey 122. Sam Goff Memphis, TN 123. Chris Carlson Memphis, TN Any association with the systemic terror and racism initiated, supported and spread by Nathan Bedford Forrest is an embarrassment to the United States and to the city of Memphis. Any reflection of support via an honor like a street name is completely inappropriate in a society that desires to be moral. 124. Sallie Sabbatini Memphis, TN 125. Molly Shea Vowell Memphis, TN More true to the neighborhood. 126. Jamie Allen Memphis, TN 127. Julie Sauls Memphis, TN Our architecture in this neighborhood is historic to the time it was built, let's keep the street names historic as well. Additionally, we all know the uptick in use of Confederate War figures, names, and language at the time of the change from Forest to Forrest was done to scare and intimidate people of color. We, the residents of Evergreen, prefer the more inclusive, more accurate street name "Forest" that associated this street with our old growth forest and the other nature and tree street names in this neighborhood. "Forest" is more in keeping with "Autumn," "Hawthorne," "Peach," "Lake," "Evergreen," Overton PARK," etc. Please allow us to return the name of our street to it's original natural meaning. 128. Hill Jonathan Memphis, TN Because I’m not a racist. Duh. 129. David Whitley MEMPHIS, TN 130. Colby Sturgis Memphis, TN Because its a better name on so many accounts. Forest Ave 131. Austin Harrison Memphis, TN Erasing hate in Memphis 132. Joel Parsons Memphis, TN 133. Griffin Heard Memphis, TN 134. Molly Morrow Memphis, TN Let's not be racist, yeah? 135. rebecca mercer memphis, TN 136. Kristi Estes Memphis, TN Forest was the original spelling and it matches the natural names used in the neighborhood. Forrest has racist connotations. 137. Antara J MEMPHIS, TN
Page 8 - Signatures 121 - 137
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) From: aaron street To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest Ave Date: Wednesday, April 03, 2019 3:32:16 PM
Good Day, I am writing you with concern to the application to change the name of Forrest Ave to Forest. I have lived on Forrest my entire life in two separate houses. When purchasing my new house we specifically wanted to be on Forrest due to my family's history of living on the street. I was brought home from the hospital to Forrest, my dad died in our house on Forrest and I have multiple family members who were wed on Forrest.
As the application states there is absolutely no connection between Forrest and Nathan Bedford Forrest. If there was I would present no argument but alas, there is none. We are trying to change peoples lives because of an assumption. To me this is unnecessary and ignores people who have a strong connection to Forrest Ave and those of us who this will negatively affect. .
I also have great concern about how this will have to be handled by residents. There will be dozens of forms and licenses to change per household at a great cost of time and money. New licenses, passports, updated information on every single thing an address is needed for. We have not voluntarily moved or acted in any way to be forced to go through those changes.
I would greatly appreciate you taking consideration of all residents not just those who submitted an application with no formal meetings of any kind with residents. At the least please know that there are at least two households in my family that are very against the switch. There has been no good reason presented to change the name of our street and I certainly hope you can see that and not change for the sake of it.
Thank you for your consideration, Forrest Lifer From: Lee, Candis To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: CASE NUMBER: SNC 19-01 (Street Name Change) Date: Friday, April 05, 2019 10:43:00 AM Importance: High
Good Morning Mr. Penzes,
This email is in response to a Notice of Public Hearing I received this week. I would like to voice my opposition to Ms. Dixon’s request to change the name of Forrest Avenue to Forest Avenue. I’m not a fan of Mr. Forrest but I feel in these times of tight budgets, this request is a waste of tax payers money. I would much rather see this money go to something that will impact the lives of Memphians like pay raises for fire, police, and sanitation personnel.
Respectfully,
Candis Lee 1630 Forrest Avenue Memphis, TN 38112
From: Philip Ashford To: Penzes, Jeffrey Cc: Morgan, Worth Subject: Forrest Avenue name change -- OPPOSED Date: Tuesday, April 02, 2019 9:23:53 PM
I am a resident of Forrest Avenue, and I’m opposed to the change.
In this view, I have no brief for Nathan Bedford Forrest and believe reverence for him is appropriately destined for the ash heap of history. But the street renaming serves little useful purpose in that cause, as the proponents acknowledge that there is no historical record supporting the assumption that the street was explicitly named for him. Moreover, nobody has ever gathered on the street for acts of Forrest admiration and it is not a rallying place for white supremacists and Confederate revanchists.
But changing the name is a headache for everyone who lives there.
All the usual reasons apply: Renaming streets is a dangerous source of confusion for emergency responders. It should be noted that there are also several other streets in Memphis and Shelby County that contain some variant of “Forest” in their names. It also causes confusion for the Postal Service and other delivery carriers It can also create problems for property records, potentially putting shade on land titles.
And then there is just the headache of correcting personal information and subscription information. Proponents argue that there should be little problem since the name change is so small, but in an age of electronic navigation and electronic records retrieval, all changes are the same in their impact. Indeed, because the change is so small, it will probably not be that easy to explain the “small” correction you need to harried clerks who at first glance don’t notice a difference between the old and the new address.
As an alternative, the city council could simply pass a resolution designating the street for some other person named Forrest – Wikipedia has a disambiguation page for the last name “Forrest” that lists about 40 people of some level of noteworthiness. Let the council pick one and then leave us all alone.
Philip Ashford
From: rebecca johnson To: Penzes, Jeffrey Subject: Forrest Ave Date: Saturday, March 23, 2019 6:00:55 PM
I understand that there is a group of people that would like to change the name of my street by removing an R. I am strongly opposed to this. I have to wonder how many people that are pushing for this actually live on Forrest Ave. I am not interested in changing my address with every single company that I do business with. Not to mention my home mortgage, deed, etc. please consider the residents that will be affected by this change. We vote NO. Sincerely Rebecca Johnson
Sent from my iPhone