| 6/10/2026 | 1 |
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
| RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION
Minutes note: Appered Ray Banks and Eva Roberson-provided emotional testimony regarding Ms. Smith, describing her as the "matriarch" of the Heritage subdivision and a dedicated community leader at St. Mark’s AME Church.
Appeared Ald. Westmorlad
Appeared Dessalegn Bekele (DPW)
Appeared John Brey (DPW) | Pass | 5:0 |
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| 6/1/2026 | 0 |
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE NAMING OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, FACILITIES AND STREETS
| RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION AND ASSIGNED
Minutes note: Appeared John Brey (DPW)
Appeared Dessalegn Bekele (DPW)
Appeared Greg Banks
Smith was described as the "matriarch" of her subdivision and a tireless neighborhood watch leader who looked out for suspicious vehicles and packages.
She was known for her care and compassion, bringing flowers to neighbors experiencing loss, celebrating their achievements, and openly communicating concerns when something was a miss.
Smith served for years as the president of her neighborhood association and the architectural review committee. Neighbors emphasized that the scope of her service was so broad that it would take ten people to replace her.
She was described as a model community member: tireless, fearless, relentless, and universally respected.
Shirley was a devoted member and secretary of St. Mark AME Church, where she also organized a satellite food pantry (via Interchange), feeding 400 families each month.
Her outreach extended to donating pantry surpluses to nearby schools, and she was recognized for her extensive involvement at church, serving elders, overseeing multiple congregational initiatives, and supporting several elected officials.
Her efforts led to the support and appreciation of both her neighborhood and her wider church family, with many people describing her as simply irreplaceable.
When she passed away in September of the previous year, the neighborhood and church community hosted large memorials, and her daughter’s letter of support was included in the file.
Chrislyn Frederick Stanley and Eva Roberson highlighted Smith’s work at St. Mark AME Church, where she organized a food pantry serving approximately 400 families per month.
Mr. Bekele noted that the "Boulevard" designation in the application would be removed to comply with ordinances regarding honorary names.
Committee members and attendees all agreed that Shirley Smith epitomized the spirit of community service and neighborhood leadership, and her application was supported by at least 13 letters attesting to her extensive impact.
Member O'Neil made a motion to approved, Chair Benson second the motion recommend approval.
The committee voted unanimously to approve the nomination.
| Pass | 5:0 |
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