Leander residents help influence potential new roadway names

Residential feedback ultimately prevailed in the renaming of two county roadways in Leander.

Leander City Council unanimously agreed Sept. 19 to potentially rename CR 273 between Crystal Falls Parkway and FM 2243 to Horizon Park Boulevard, making the roadway consistent with the street immediately south. City staff initially proposed renaming the road Mel Mathis Boulevard after a northern section of new road in Leander's transit-oriented development district, but pleas from one Horizon Park subdivision resident during a previous council meeting proved effective.

"I'm not sure why the subdivision is named horizon, but I can say from my back porch that I get the perfect sunset," said Jennifer Austin, Leander resident for the past 20 years and property owner along CR 273 in the Horizon Park subdivision, during the Sept. 5 council meeting. "I think that would be a more appropriate name for that portion of the street."

The council also agreed to rename CR 179 to Journey Parkway after past pleas from Journey Bible Fellowship Worship Paster Danny Allen, who suggested the church could one day establish a community park next to its building.

"I'm very thankful of the residents that came and gave us their opinion," Councilwoman Andrea Navarrette said during the Sept. 19 meeting. "It's going to give a lot more character to these streets."

Staff originally suggested renaming the roadway Republic Trails Boulevard after the adjoined street across Ronald Reagan Boulevard in the Hazlewood subdivision. That roadway will remain Republic Trails Boulevard after a written request from D.R. Horton, the subdivision's developer.

Before the roadways can officially be renamed, Director of Development Services Tom Yantis said the city must first notify all properties affected by the change. Approximately 30 days later, he said an ordinance will come back to City Council for final approval of the street name changes.