PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: May 27, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 4
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
PRIORITY: Transportation
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SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing to receive comments regarding a proposal to change the name of Fairshop Drive between S. R. L. Thornton Freeway and Village Fair Drive to “John Beckwith Sr. Drive” and an ordinance granting the name change - STNAME-26-000001 - Financing: New Street blades to be prepared and paid for by the City of Dallas (see Fiscal Information for potential future costs)
*In alignment with ForwardDallas.
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BACKGROUND
On February 25, 2026, the City Manager received a memorandum signed by five Council members requesting consideration of an application for a street name change of Fairshop Drive, between S. R. L. Thornton Freeway and Village Fair Drive, to “John Beckwith Sr. Drive.” The justification for this application is provided in the attached City Council memorandum.
On March 7, 2026, notification signs were posted along Fairshop Drive, between S. R. L. Thornton Freeway and Village Fair Drive, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code.
On May 8, 2026, notices were sent to four property owners abutting the street, notifying them of the City Council hearing for the street name change request, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code. The newspaper notice for the May 27, 2026, City Council hearing was published on May 9, 2026.
John Beckwith Sr. had a long history of community service. He was a founder of Golden Gate Funeral Home, a long-standing and respected African American-owned institution that has served Dallas families with dignity, compassion, and professionalism for generations. Established during a time of limited access and inequity, Golden Gate Funeral Home became a trusted cornerstone for the Southern Dallas community and beyond. In addition to his business leadership, Mr. Beckwith was a committed servant whose work supported families, churches, and civic organizations during some of their most difficult moments. His legacy reflects service, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to community uplift.
Section 51A-9.504(a)(1) is complied, as no other street within the city has been named or renamed “John Beckwith Sr. Drive.” The proposed street name, “John Beckwith Sr. Drive,” contains 23 characters. Although the street-type designation “Drive” may be abbreviated to “Dr.,” the name would still contain 19 characters. Therefore, approval of this request will require a waiver of Section 51A-9.304(a)(5).
The following provision requires three-quarters of the City Council to waive the requirement.
Section 51A-9.304(a)(5) “A street name may not contain more than 14 characters providing, however, that the street-type designation may be abbreviated to comply with this requirement.”
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
A street name approved by the city council takes effect 60 days after the date of its approval unless the city council sets a later effective date.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 26, 2026, in accordance with Section 51A-9.30(b) of the Dallas Development Code, a request initiation of the process to consider renaming Fairshop Drive to John Beckwith Sr. Drive was received via memorandum Councilmembers Johnson, Gracey, Blair, Bazaldua, and Resendez.
On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Subdivision Review Committee, by a vote of 3 to 1, recommended approval of the street name change for Fairshop Drive, between S. R. L. Thornton Freeway and Village Fair Drive, to “John Beckwith Sr. Drive”.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the City Plan Commission, by a vote of 11 to 2, recommended denial of the street name change for Fairshop Drive, between S. R. L. Thornton Freeway and Village Fair Drive, to “John Beckwith Sr. Drive.”
FISCAL INFORMATION
New street blades to be prepared and paid for by the City of Dallas; potential future costs to the City are estimated at $452.00.
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