Currently, one of the primary accesses to Victorian Square is C Street off Pyramid Way.  The north bound left turn at Victorian Avenue is prohibited due to the proximity to the Interstate 80 interchange.  As Victorian Plaza continues to grow with additional businesses, access to the Plaza is becoming a concern of business owners and visitors.  Having a small section of the primary access named differently than a themed street name, such as Avenue of the Oaks, is confusing for residents and visitors trying to find Victorian Plaza. To reduce the street name confusion, staff is recommending changing a small portion of C Street to Avenue of the Oaks.     

The process and procedures for the naming of streets are defined and prescribed by an interlocal agreement (A-0843, July 20, 1982) between the City of Sparks, the City of Reno, Washoe County, and the Regional Planning Commission of Washoe County (attached).  Per Section III of the Interlocal Agreement, the Regional Street Naming Committee is granted the power to review existing and proposed street names and make recommendations regarding street names to the governmental entity wherein the street is located.  Per Section V (A) of the agreement, the governing body of each entity retains the right to accept or reject a recommendation of the Committee regarding any proposed street name. 

The C Street segment in question is approximately 1050’ in length.  Washoe County GIS has performed its due diligence by checking the street name for any existing street name duplicates or similar phonetically sounding street names for the purposes of emergency management.  Property owners adjacent to C Street were mailed notices on July 1, 2019, and pursuant to the notification letter, it is the owner’s responsibility to notify any tenants of the street name change. The Regional Street Naming Committee held a public meeting on July 18, 2019 to discuss the request.  Two adjacent property owners were opposed to the street name change and provided written testimony both of which were read into the meeting record.  Refer to the attached meeting minutes. The Regional Street Naming Committee recommended the name change by simple majority with two dissenting votes on July 18, 2019 and approved the minutes of that meeting on November 6, 2019.

There will be a need to replace the illuminated street name signs at the signalized intersection at Pyramid Way as well as street name signs at 9th Street, 10th Street, and Victorian Plaza Circle. The cost associated to the procurement and installation of the signage is $8,770. 

1. Council can approve the recommendation from the Regional Street Naming Committee.
2. Council can reject the recommendation from the Regional Street Naming Committee and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve the recommendation from the Regional Street Naming Committee to rename a portion of 'C' Street, between Pyramid Way and Victorian Plaza Circle, to 'Avenue of the Oaks'.