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Home My WebLink AboutPR 25030: SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR THE PERMANENT RENAMING OF AUSTIN AVENUE TO REV. DR. LUTHER B. WADE AVENUE __ 4 City bf ' w° (l l"1 !'l�l ll0 1 www.PortArthurTx.gov DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF PLANNING AND ZONING INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: June 26, 2026 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald "Ron" Burton, City Manager, CPM From: Pamela D. Langford, CPM, Assistant City Manager — Operations/ Director of Development Services fat RE: P.R. NO. 25030 — Proposed Resolution Scheduling a Public Hearing for the Permanent Renaming of Austin Avenue to Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue Introduction: The Port Arthur City Council is being asked to consider approving Proposed Resolution No. 25030, which requests that the City Council schedule a Public Hearing to consider the permanent renaming of Austin Avenue to Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue. The request has been submitted by the Wade Family in accordance with the City's Street Renaming Policy established by Resolution No. 87-220. Background: In December 2025, Ms. Tawanna Wade Clark, daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade, contacted the City of Port Arthur to inquire about the process for renaming Austin Avenue in honor of her father. The initial inquiry was received by the City's Law Department and subsequently forwarded to the City Manager's Office on January 13, 2026. On that same date, the City Manager's Office referred the request to the Division of Planning and Zoning for review and assistance. Planning staff contacted Ms. Clark immediately upon receipt of the request to discuss the City's street-renaming procedures. On January 22, 2026, Planning staff provided Ms. Clark with a detailed explanation of the City's adopted street naming policies, including copies of the applicable resolutions governing both Ceremonial Street Naming and Permanent Street Renaming. The correspondence outlined the procedural requirements for each option, explained the distinctions between the two "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur.Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 processes, and highlighted important considerations for requesting a permanent street name change, including impacts on adjacent property owners, businesses, emergency services, utility providers, and public records. After reviewing the available options, Ms. Clark and the Wade Family elected to pursue a permanent street name change in accordance with Resolution No. 87-220, which establishes the City's Permanent Street Renaming Policy. On February 11 , 2026, Planning staff transmitted the official application packet to Ms. Clark via email for completion. To assist the applicant with the petition process, Planning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) staff researched property ownership along the affected segment of Austin Avenue and identified the occupied structures adjoining the proposed renaming corridor. This information was provided to assist the applicant in obtaining signatures of support from affected property owners. Ms. Clark successfully obtained six (6) signatures from the property owners of the occupied properties along the subject portion of Austin Avenue. Following completion of the petition process, Ms. Clark submitted the permanent street renaming application to the Division of Planning and Zoning for processing. Staff reviewed the application for compliance with the requirements of Resolution No. 87- 220 and determined that the request was complete. The attached resolution schedules the required public hearing to receive comments from affected property owners, utility providers, governmental agencies, and interested citizens prior to the City Council's consideration of the proposed permanent street name change from Austin Avenue to Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue. Budget Impact: The adoption of this resolution has no significant fiscal impact beyond the administrative costs associated with providing public notice and conducting the required public hearing. Should the City Council ultimately approve the street renaming, future costs associated with replacing street name signs and updating municipal records will be identified and presented for consideration. Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council consider approving Proposed Resolution No. 25030, which schedules a Public Hearing to consider the permanent renaming of Austin Avenue, from 19th Street to 4th Street, to Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue, in accordance with the City's Street Renaming Policy established by Resolution No. 87- 220. The public hearing would be scheduled for Tuesday, August 11 , 2026, at 10:00 a.m. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O. Box 1089 X Port Arthur.Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R. NO. 25030 06/26/2026 PDL PAGE 1 OF 4 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS, SCHEDULING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR THE PERMANENT RENAMING OF AUSTIN AVENUE TO REV. DR. LUTHER B. WADE AVENUE; AND PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS. WHEREAS, Resolution No. 87-220 established the City of Port Arthur's policy and procedures for the permanent renaming of public streets; and WHEREAS, the City has received a request from the Wade Family to permanently rename Austin Avenue, from 19th Street to 4th Street, as Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue, in recognition of the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade to the Port Arthur community; and WHEREAS, Austin Avenue is classified as a Minor Arterial roadway within the City's Thoroughfare Plan, and Resolution No. 87-220 requires that a public hearing be conducted before the City Council may consider a permanent street name change for such roadway; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds it appropriate to schedule a public hearing to receive comments from affected property owners, residents, businesses, public agencies, and all other interested persons regarding the proposed street renaming before taking final action. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: THAT the facts in this preamble are true and correct. THAT the City Council hereby schedules a Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the P.R. NO. 25030 06/26/2026 PDL PAGE 2 OF 4 City Council Chamber, Fifth Floor, City Hall, 444 Fourth Street, Port Arthur, Texas, to receive public comment concerning the proposed permanent street name change of Austin Avenue, from 19th Street to 4th Street, to Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue. THAT the City Secretary is hereby directed to provide notice of the Public Hearing in accordance with Resolution No. 87-220 and all other applicable laws and policies, including notification of affected property owners (Exhibit "A") and utility providers, and to publish all required public notices. THAT following the Public Hearing, the City Council may consider adoption of an ordinance or other appropriate action regarding the proposed permanent street name change. THAT a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS day of July 2026, A.D., at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor: Councilmembers: Noes: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor ATTEST: Christe Whitley Ned, TRMC, City Secretary I P.R. NO. 25030 06/26/2026 PDL PAGE 3 OF 4 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPROVED DMINISTRATION: "Ron" rto , CPM, C. Manager Pamela D. Langford, CPM, Assistant City Manager/ Director of Development Services P.R. NO. 25030 06/26/2026 PDL PAGE 4 OF 4 EXHIBIT "A" NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS) i IMPORTANT NOTICE Energy tif— ' TO PROPERTY OWNERS - City of cry : ,�1 I �_ ` AUSTIN AVE ort rt--- REQUEST FOR _ Texas PERMANENT STREET RENAMING A request has been made for the Permanent Street Renaming of I PROPOSED STREET NAME: Austin Avenue 1 Rev. Dr. (from 19th Street to 4th Street) Luther B. Wade 4 0 Avenue 19TH STREET 4TH STREET I (_,Oj This request is being made by .., c P The Family of Rev. Dr. Luther E. Wace. - WHAT A STREET RENAMING a PUBLIC HEARING WOULD REQUIRE OF orob A public hearing will be conducted by the ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS AMMO City of Port Arthur City Council on: If the street is permanently renamed,property owners along Austin Avenue(from 19th Street to 4th Street) T U ES DAY, need to update their address with various y organizations and on official documents.This ma include: •■• RVICE • AUGUST 11, 2026 UNITEDChangeTESPOSTALSureyou File a Change of Address to ensure you continue receiving mail at your new street name. 41° 10.00 A M DRIVER'S LICENSE STATE ID Update your address with the the Texas Department of • • • E ® Public Safety. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS The meeting will be held at City Hall, Notify your bank,credit card companies,mortgage 444 4th Street,Port Arthur,TX 77640. lender,and other financial institutions. LEGAL&OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS All interested persons are encouraged Update your address on deeds.insurance policies, to attend and be heard. wills,and other legal documents. • UTILITIES&SERVICES Notify providers such as Entergy,water,gas,cable, There is no cost to the property owner for the0 internet,and trash collection street renaming itself;however,owners are OTHER ACCOUNTS&MEMBERSHIPS responsible for updating their addresses with Update your address with employers,schools, the various agencies and businesses listed. subscriptions,professional licenses,and more. 1 i I • � W Q Forthe mores informationOffi,pleaseceat(409)contact City' Planning 983-8133 or visit www.portarthurtx.gov CHARLOTTE NI.MOSES,MAYOR RONALD BURTON,CPM THOMAS KINLAW,III City of CITY MANAGER MAYOR PRO TEM CHRISTE WHITLEY NED,TRMC COUNCIL MEMBERS: C — CITY SECRETARY TAYLOR L.GETWOOD o r t r t h u r CAL J.JONES ROXANN PAIS COTRONEO WARREN PENA Texas CITY ATTORNEY KAALA JACOBS DONALD FRANK,SR. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR Notice is hereby given pursuant to the applicable laws of the State of Texas, the Charter of the City of Port Arthur, and Resolution No. 87-220, Street Renaming Policy, that the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas, will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., in the City Council Chamber, to receive public comment and consider the following request: REQUEST: To permanently rename Austin Avenue, from 19th Street to 4th Street, as Rev. Dr. Luther B. Wade Avenue. For additional information regarding the proposed street renaming, interested persons may contact the City of Port Arthur Planning Department at (409) 983-8133. The public may also observe the Public Hearing live through the City of Port Arthur's website at www.portarthurbc.gov. Christe Whitley Ned, TRMC, City Secretary DEADLINE DATE:FRIDAY,JULY 17, 2026, BY 10:00 A.M. PUBLICATION DATE: WEDNESDAY,JULY22, 2026