The petitioner is requesting approval to establish an Honorary Street Designation to recognize Clifton and Ernestine J. Jones.  A portion of Stuyvesant Street, from Liberty Parkway east to Harvest Avenue, would have the honorary designation of “Clifton & Ernestine J. Jones Street.”

City Council adopted provisions for honorary street naming designations in 2017 (Article E. Naming and Renaming of Public Property, Facilities and Streets). These provisions establish the criteria and process for the designation. Honorary street name designations are intended to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the city.  The designation will be a temporary assignment, no longer than five years, and will be in addition to the official name of an existing right-of-way.  In addition to the historic documentation, a supporting petition signed by not less than 51 percent of all property owners abutting the subject right-of-way is required.  An endorsement by the current mayor, an at-large alderman or the alderman representing the district in which the property is located is also required. Designations are limited to one approved designation per city council member per calendar year.  The proposed designation, endorsed by Alderwoman Estella Shabazz, commemorates Clifton and Ernestine J. Jones.

Mr. Jones, a native Savannahian has a lifetime of public service.  He was a US Postal Service employee for 34 years and has served on numerous boards, committees and authorities.  He was an original founder of the Liberty City-Richfield-Southover Improvement Association and served as the president for over 26 years.  He served as Alderman for Savannah’s Fifth District for 16 years.  Mrs. Jones, also a native Savannahian, has a similarly impressive record of public service. She worked for the Beaufort County School System for 31 years and served on numerous boards and authorities.  Mr. and Mrs. Jones were married for 62 years, prior to her death in 2018.

Based on the Unanimous Recommendation of the Metropolitan Planning Commission's Sites and Monuments Commission, Staff Recommends Approval