Title
Renaming the Section of Holeclaw Street Between the Intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue - For the purpose of declaring that the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, shall be renamed “Norwood Brown Lane” to honor the contributions of Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown to the City of Annapolis.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 36-16
Introduced by: Alderwoman Pindell Charles
Referred to
A RESOLUTION concerning
Renaming the Section of Holeclaw Street
Between the Intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue
FOR the purpose of declaring that the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, shall be renamed “Norwood Brown Lane” to honor the contributions of Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown to the City of Annapolis.
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2016 the Heritage Commission of Annapolis voted unanimously to rename the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, to “Norwood Brown Lane” to honor the contributions of Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown to the City of Annapolis; and
WHEREAS, the Heritage Commission of Annapolis has forwarded its recommendation to the Annapolis City Council for a vote of approval to rename the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, to “Norwood Brown Lane” to honor the contributions of Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown to the City of Annapolis; and
WHEREAS, the renaming of the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, is part of an ongoing 100 year celebration of the Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School - 1916-2016; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown served as the first Alderman to represent Parole when Parole was annexed into the City of Annapolis in 1951, Alderman Brown served admirably from 1951 to 1967, he chaired the Ordinance and Bylaws Committee, he sponsored the Open Occupancy Housing Ordinance, he advocated for the first Black members to all City Commissions, he sponsored the first Black policemen and staff members in his capacity as a member of the Police Committee; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Brown was a true "Renaissance Man" - he worked tirelessly and contributed mightily to the fabric and to the growth of the community, he was a leader in many community and church organizations, including: the Parole Improvement Association (Charter Member); the Community Health Center at Parole, Inc., serving on the Committee to develop this facility; the Annapolis City Commission to develop the Stanton Community Center; the Anne Arundel County Community Chest (Vice-President); the Regional Board of the Red Cross, representing the Disaster Committee, Anne Arundel County Red Cross Chapter; the Annapolis Urban Renewal Authority; the Housing and Community Development Committee; the Frontiers Club International; the Anne Arundel County YMCA; the Banneker-Douglass Museum, Inc.; the NAACP (Life Member); Bowie State College Foundation, Inc.; the Salvation Army Advisory Board; the Providence Center, Inc.; St. Philip's Episcopal Church (Vestry and Finance Committees); Delegate to the Diocese Commission for the Aged; the Fairhaven Life Care Community (Board of Directors), Sykesville; the Search Committee, New Bishop Coadjutor, Maryland; and the Community Organizer's Association, HUD Area 2 (which included Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia); and
WHEREAS, Alderman Brown was a very astute and successful businessman, he owned and operated a Taxi business as well as a Restaurant, obtained a license as an Insurance Salesman and worked as an Independent Agent, he was awarded a federal contract to operate the Parole Post Office, and obtained a real estate license when he sold property and managed a private housing project; and
WHEREAS, Alderman Brown was a life-long resident of Parole who attended the Stanton Elementary and High Schools; and
WHEREAS, many of Alderman Brown's family members continue to reside in Anne Arundel County, and his family members attended our Annapolis area schools, including the Parole Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, there are no residences on that section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the renaming of this street does not conflict with any other City street names nor Anne Arundel County street names in the Annapolis area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that the section of Holeclaw Street, between the intersections of Bunche Street and Hicks Avenue, shall be renamed “Norwood Brown Lane” to honor the contributions of Mr. Thomas Norwood Brown to the City of Annapolis.
AND BT IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that all “Norwood Brown Lane” street signage shall bear the former designation of “Holeclaw Street” as is the custom on other street signs in the City of Annapolis.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect from the date of its passage.
EXPLANATION
CAPITAL LETTERS indicate matter added to existing law.
Strikethrough indicates matter stricken from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments.