City Controller Chris Hollins proposed renaming Bagby Street in downtown Houston to ‘Sylvester Turner Avenue’ during the March 18 City Council meeting, suggesting the change as a way to honor the late mayor’s impact on the city.
“I would like to take a moment to honor the memory of Sylvester Turner, who was laid to rest on Saturday,” Hollins said in his remarks. “He was more than a congressman or a mayor, more than any political title could capture. He was a dear friend, a mentor, and a relentless champion for the people. He served selflessly for over three decades.”
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Hollins emphasized that Turner’s leadership during critical times, such as after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, making him as a key figure in Houston’s history.
“When Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and the surrounding region in 2017, Mayor Turner rose to the occasion, leading with unwavering strength and compassion,” he said. “He worked tirelessly to rebuild our city, ensuring it was better prepared for these challenges. Sylvester Turner’s dedication to serving the people of the 18th Congressional District with unmatched enthusiasm, even in his final hours, will not be forgotten,” Hollins continued. “He fought for what mattered most, especially the importance of preserving health care access.”
As part of his proposal, Hollins suggested the renaming of the downtown stretch of Bagby Street, a route that spans through the heart of Houston, in honor of the late mayor.
“This is a simple, yet meaningful gesture to ensure that his contributions are permanently etched in the city’s landscape,” Hollins said. “We can and should honor Mayor Turner in many ways, and renaming this street would be one of those.”
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Hollins explained that in order to move forward with the name change, property owners along the stretch of Bagby Street must submit a written petition to the Planning Department, representing 75% of the owners. However, since the city already owns the majority of the properties on this portion of the street, only one additional signature is required to proceed with the renaming process.
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