Council approves Cedar Park street name change

Cedar Park City Council agreed Aug. 22 to change the name of a city road, prompting some interest in incorporating historically significant names to future streets.

Cleo Bay Drive, a 225-foot-long commercial connection off Whitestone Boulevard that is adjacent to the former Suzuki dealership of the same name, was unanimously renamed Toro Grande Boulevard, making the roadway consistent with the street immediately north of the intersection.

Dr. Henry Higgins has purchased the former car dealership lot and plans to open a freestanding emergency center there in October, but because the building faces Whitestone Boulevard, there is no need to change any address to accommodate the street name change, Cedar Park Transportation Planner Tom Gdala said.

Mayor Matt Powell said the name change is logical while also cautioning the city about naming streets after businesses. Instead, Powell proposed using names with historical links to Cedar Park when future opportunities arise.

"If there was not already Toro Grande Boulevard, I would suggest a historical name, but this just makes too much sense," he said.

Former city officials, historical figures, founders and landmarks could all be recognized using street names, Powell said. For example, Bell Boulevard was named after Cedar Park's first mayor, Kenneth Bell, according to the city's website.

"We've got a nice, rich history, and generally roadways are a great way to memorialize that," Powell said.