The City of Fort Worth has officially renamed a one-mile stretch of White Settlement Road to Westside Drive.
City Council members voted 9-2 in favor of the change, with some emphasizing that the decision was not politically motivated despite years of controversy surrounding both the road’s name and it’s namesake town.
The road’s name dates back to the 1840s and the formation of the city of White Settlement. The name comes from an early European American settlement established in the area among Native American villages and was actually named by Native Americans describing white settlers. It has been exploited by far-left activists implying the name had racist implications.
“This name change has absolutely nothing to do with politics and should not be used to sow dissension in our community,” Councilmember Macy Hill told the Fort Worth Report.
Councilmembers Alan Blaylock and Charles Lauersdorf cast the two opposing votes. Lauersdorf said he could not support the change because it would create “a lot of hoops” for business owners to accommodate the new name, according to the Fort Worth Report.
Business owners along the corridor are expected to face costs to update signage, business cards, and other materials — an expense some residents say is unfair.
However, Larkspur Capital, a Dallas-based developer behind nearby projects, said it is working to help offset those costs.
“This is something we just started working on today in response to concerns from the businesses along the corridor,” developer Carl Anderson said. “So it’s not something we figured out yet, but … something we’re working on immediately.”
Many residents expressed opposition to the change during public comment.
“White Settlement Road has historical significance just like our beloved Fort Worth,” one resident said, according to Fox 4 News.
“Are the developers that are behind that agreeing to cover the cost of each and every merchant and resident along that mile-long stretch that would be impacted and inconvenienced by changing all business cards, letterhead, envelopes, building signage, street signage, billboards, vehicle signage, etc., just to accommodate a few?” resident Luelle McKenzie asked.
Developers backing the name change said the project will revitalize the area.
“We are excited to replace aging car dealerships and warehouses with a vibrant hub of shops, restaurants, hotels, and offices,” Anderson said, according to Fox 4 News.