The committee met on March 17, 2026, starting at approximately 10:00 AM. The meeting included a public hearing on an honorary street designation, a continuation vote, and a preview of the next meeting's agenda. The meeting was brief and orderly.
No, no, no, no. I think that's your best. You provide the chamber emergency evacuation plan. Upon activation of the Merlin C alarm signal, all persons should immediately exit the building. Please use the exit to the left, right, or front of the council chamber, or either west there, outside of the rear doors of the chamber. Do not use elevators or escalators. Persons wishing to speak during the public comment period and or public hearings are generally allowed three minutes to speak. Persons appearing before the committee are now allowed to campaign for public office, promote private business ventures. The committee is voting on the motion to continue item one resolution 2026 R003 to the April 21st, 2026, land use housing and transportation and standing committee meeting. Mr. Breton. Aye. Chair Jones. Aye. That motion has been approved. Thank you. Paper number two. Item two, ordinance 2026 056 to designate the 2300 block of Barton Avenue in honor of Sister Rosetta Thart. That paper is before the committee. Is there anyone that would like to provide a comment? Please approach the podium and state your name for the record. My name is Martin Gary. She is known as the godmother of rock and roll. Her unique gospel, jazz and blues influences combined to what we now know as rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Her explosive stage presence and pioneering electric guitar influence Chuck Berry, who stole a lot of her stage moves and some of her music. The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and countless others. She lived in Richmond during the height of her career. She purchased 2306 Barton Avenue in 1948 for $7500, and it served as her base of operations and a place where she could relax between the touring and get her arrangements and uh music sorted out. It provided easy access to her recordings in Ashville as well as touring throughout the country. She was a celebrity celebrity to her neighbors, and uh for good reason. She had a lavishly uh expanded interior, and she had a three-car garage that served as a temporary shed for her horse. She also had a cedar lined outbuilding that uh housed all of her costumes, dresses, and accessories. This is a rich story that more people would like knowing. If you know of her connection to Richmond, and an honorary street sign would bring attention to Richmond's rich musical history. Uh encourage you to support this measure. Thanks for your uh consideration. Thank you. Do we have anyone online or signed up? No, ma'am. Is there any um one that would like to speak in opposition of item two? Seeing none, the public hearing is not closed, bring it back to the committee, and there was no one that signed up prior to the 10 a.m. deadline. Well, I move that we um recommend this paper for approval. Second. The committee is voting on the motion to forward item two ordinance 2026 056. Do council with the recommendation to approve Mr. Britton. Aye. Chair Jones, that motion has been approved. Thank you.