BERLIN – Town officials have approved a new policy to address the naming of public property.
Just months after a controversial request to rename Berlin Falls Park was dismissed by municipal officials, the Berlin Town Council approved a new policy for the naming of public property. The policy outlines the naming process, identifies what can be named and includes opportunities for public input.
“This is something that’ll be in use long after we’ve finished our public service,” Mayor Gee Williams said. “Personally, I think it’s a great piece, comprehensive but also flexible.”
The town formed the eight-member Berlin Naming Parks and Public Spaces Committee in January after a group of residents submitted a petition to rename Berlin Falls Park in honor of retired mailman James Tingle. Bill Todd, the resident behind the petition, told officials naming opportunities shouldn’t be dependent solely on financial donations as is common practice across the country.
In an effort to address the concerns of Todd and other residents who wanted to see public input in the naming process, officials formed the committee and tasked it with developing a naming policy to guide the town in the future.
Councilman Zack Tyndall, a member of the committee, said the committee reviewed existing naming policies from other jurisdictions and identified what Berlin needed to create a policy.
“We really worked to make it our own,” he said.
The policy itself, which is not retroactive, states that it applies to structures and real property.
“It’s all encompassing,” Tyndall said.
The policy states that individuals or organizations may request a name for an existing item by submitting a request to the town administration. When it comes to new items, the policy aims to encourage public input.
“To develop a broad array of ideas and to encourage community participation in the naming process, the mayor and council may direct the town administrator to publicly solicit ideas for naming new items as soon as practical in the development or purchase process,” it reads.
The policy also mandates a minimum of one public hearing on all naming or re-naming requests.
When officials consider name proposals, criteria to be considered include context and geographical location, natural features, historical significance and contributions.
“Items may be named for an individual or organization if that individual or organization has made a significant direct property or monetary contribution to the town for the construction or development of the item, especially if the naming is a stipulation of the donation,” the policy reads.
The document also states that items may be named for an individual in recognition of an “outstanding public service” contribution. It states that items shall not ordinarily be named for living individuals.
The policy includes a section on renaming existing properties but states that alternatives such as plaques, benches and sidewalk bricks should be considered.
“Organizations and individuals are encouraged to consider alternatives to re-naming an item in an effort to commemorate the lives of important community members or historical figures and events,” it reads.
Williams praised committee members for developing the policy so quickly.
“I’m very pleased to see it’s very comprehensive and it’s been done in such a timely manner,” he said.
