Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase Pictured is the Hickory Street Bridge that was renamed the Veterans’ Memorial Bridge in 2019.

The city Planning Commission is leaning toward requiring a “meaningful connection” to the area before renaming public infrastructure.

A significant portion of the Planning Commission meeting, held on Wednesday morning, focused on ongoing work to establish a formal process for naming public buildings, parks, bridges and other infrastructure.

Commissioners reviewed correspondence and draft ideas submitted by members of the board.

Among the topics discussed was whether individuals being honored must be deceased. While some commissioners supported waiting until a person’s legacy is fully established, others noted exceptions could be appropriate for individuals who provided extraordinary service to the city during their lifetime.

Commissioners also debated whether honorees must have a geographic connection to the city, county or state. The consensus leaned toward requiring a “meaningful connection” rather than a strict residency requirement, allowing flexibility while maintaining local relevance.

The commission discussed safeguards against controversial or polarizing naming proposals and emphasized the importance of public involvement. Several members supported requiring both letters of support and a petition, suggesting 100 signatures as a reasonable threshold to demonstrate community backing.

Other considerations included coordination with the Parks and Recreation Commission for park-related naming requests, avoiding repeated renaming of existing infrastructure and city responsibility for signage costs associated with approved dedications.

City staff were directed to draft an application and procedural guidelines incorporating the commission’s discussion. The draft is expected to return to the commission within a few months.

Under new business, commissioners unanimously approved a minor subdivision request involving properties at 406 and 408 Market Street. Property owners Paul and Vivian Boger requested a small strip of land currently associated with 408 Market St. be annexed to 406 Market St.

The request was intended to align property boundaries with an existing driveway and parking area. Commissioners confirmed that no changes to the parking lot itself were proposed and that the subdivision would simply “clean up” the property line to reflect existing use.

The Planning Commission’s next meeting will be held on Feb. 18.