PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: September 9, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1, 2
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
PRIORITY: Transportation
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SUBJECT
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A public hearing to receive comments regarding a proposal to change the name of Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street to “Pettis Norman Bridge” and an ordinance granting the name change - STNAME-26-000005 - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
*In alignment with ForwardDallas.
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BACKGROUND
On March 23, 2026, the City Manager received a memorandum signed by three City Council members requesting consideration of a street name change application for Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street to “Pettis Norman Bridge”. The statement of reasons supporting the request is included in the attached memorandum.
On May 4, 2026, notification signs were posted along Houston Street, between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code.
On August 20, 2026, notices were mailed to the 14 property owners abutting the street, informing them of the City Council hearing regarding the street name change request, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code. Notice of the September 9, 2026, City Council hearing was also published in the newspaper on August 20, 2026.
Pettis Norman has made important contributions to Dallas through his work in sports, civil rights, business, and community leadership. As a former Dallas Cowboys tight end who played from 1962 to 1970, he was a wellknown figure in the city. He actively supported civil rights efforts in the 1960s, joining marches and pushing for desegregation in both professional football and the community. After retiring, he became a successful businessman in banking, rea...
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