Greensboro City Council held a public hearing on November 12 to discuss the proposed renaming of the east end of South Street, between Tuscaloosa and Centreville Streets, to Eugene Lyles Sr. Street in honor of the late community leader. The hearing, which drew comments from residents and property owners, concluded with a decision to readvertise the matter and hold another hearing and vote on December 10.
The renaming proposal, brought forward by Eugene Lyles Jr., aims to commemorate his father’s contributions to the city, including his pivotal role in registering voters in Hale County. Supporters of the name change spoke to Lyles Sr.’s lasting impact on the community. “This is about progression and honoring the legacy of a man who did so much for Greensboro,” Lyles Jr. said. “Changing the name adds to history, it doesn’t erase it.”
However, the proposal met with some opposition from residents and property owners, who cited historical, logistical, and practical concerns. Property owner Laird Cole argued that South Street, a boundary of Greensboro’s historic district dating back to the 1800s, is a part of the city’s identity. “Changing the name would devalue the history of Greensboro,” Cole said. Local attorney Nicholas Cobbs expressed concerns about the burden of notifying creditors, updating deeds, and altering maps, which could inconvenience both residents and businesses.
Resident Stephanie Stone, who lives on South Street, shared mixed feelings. “South Street is easy to write and familiar, but I also understand the desire to honor someone who did so much,” she said.
City Clerk Lorrie Cook noted that all property owners on the affected portion of South Street had been notified, though the petition itself drew mixed responses. Stone admitted she initially signed the petition to allow the issue to come before the council but later reconsidered after hearing the various arguments that night.
“As I explained earlier, I’m kind of wishy-washy on it,” Stone said. “But after listening to everybody tonight, I’m leaning toward not changing it. Living there, I can’t see how it would make that much difference, but I do like the name South Street and would prefer it to remain.”
Mickey Harrow pointed out that the public hearing notice incorrectly stated the renaming applied to the west side of South Street, while the actual proposal pertains to the east side, between Tuscaloosa and Centreville Streets. City Clerk Lorrie Cook confirmed the error and committed to revising and re-publishing the notice for a December 10 hearing.
Cobbs expressed his opposition to the renaming. “When you start renaming streets, you open a whole can of worms,” Cobbs said. “Once you rename one, every time someone passes away, there will be calls to rename another. It’s not about Eugene Lyles—it’s about the precedent this sets.” Cobbs also noted practical concerns, emphasizing the logistical challenges for residents and businesses on the street. “Everyone there will have to send dozens of changeof- address notices, update deeds, and deal with ongoing complications. There are better ways to honor Mr. Lyles without creating this burden.”
Cobbs proposed alternatives such as designating a day of remembrance or creating a public park in Lyles’ honor, an idea echoed by other residents at the hearing. “This is something that should be done cautiously, and I hope the council will carefully consider the longterm implications,” Cobbs said.
Rosie Lyles, widow of the late Eugene Lyles Sr., also addressed the council during the hearing, emphasizing the importance of preserving her husband’s legacy and the rationale for renaming South Street in his honor.
Lyles highlighted his lifelong efforts in voter registration and community service. “Between Tuscaloosa Street and Centreville Street on South Street, that is where the building [where Lyles operated his barbershop for many years] is located,” Lyles said. “That is where my husband walked to the courthouse and registered many people in Hale County to vote who otherwise would not have been registered. This isn’t just about a name—it’s about honoring those efforts.”
Lyles also responded to concerns about the burden of address changes and historical preservation raised by opponents of the proposal. “What is the memory of South Street? What is so historical about it?” she asked. “It’s just a location. But renaming part of it after my husband acknowledges what he did for the city and county. It adds to the history.” Councilmembers acknowledged the strong sentiments on both sides.
Councilmember Bobbie Curtis proposed renaming the street, but a motion to table the matter and revise the hearing notice was ultimately approved. Mayor J. B. Washington noted the need for clarity and proper procedure, stating, “We want to do this right.”
The corrected public notice specifies that the proposed name change applies to the east end of South Street. A new public hearing is scheduled for December 10, at 6:00 p.m. at Greensboro City Hall, where residents and stakeholders can share their opinions before a final vote.
In other city business, the Greensboro Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet on December 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. to consider a variance request for 2201 Main Street. The application, submitted by Laird Cole, seeks permission to operate a business in an R-1 residential zone. Cole, who owns the west Main Street home known as Greenwood, proposes to operate an office for his real estate business from the location. The meeting is open to the public, and community members are invited to attend and share their input.
