Gertrude’s Garden on West Alley in the Burglund Heights area of McComb may be the inspiration for a street name change.
Glenda Jordan, who has worked with Kevin Brown to establish the community garden at 113 West Alley, asked McComb selectmen Tuesday to rename West Alley to Gertrude’s Garden Alley.
“It’s a group of us that got together, cleaned off this old vacant lot,” she said. “It was trash everywhere and now we have got it to the point where we actually grow flowers and vegetables in this garden. That is to help the community.”
Jordan said Police Chief Garland Ward, Kingdom Restoration Ministries, YUNG Citizens and the Black History Gallery are some of the individuals and organizations that have helped with the garden. She noted there are two abandoned houses on the street. Both houses at 115 and 117 West Alley are on the list to potentially be demolished by the city.
A demolition hearing will be held for 24 properties, including the two on West Alley, at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28.
Jordan said changing the street name would not be a problem.
“It won’t be hard to do,” she said. “I don’t think it will be. There’s nothing there. There will be no change of address, so I hope that will be in play.”
Jordan played recorded testimonials from two individuals who live in that area supporting the change. One child said he enjoyed the activities and barbecues at the garden. A woman said she liked how gardening provides vegetables for people who otherwise could not afford them.
“What we’re trying to do is have a positive impact and change the community,” Jordan said.
Selectmen then asked questions.
“What other things do you all have going on in that area of the community?” said Selectman Shawn Williams.
Jordan said one goal is to show children what is in their community.
“Our attention is to the garden and the Black History Gallery,” she said. “We did a field trip from the garden to the Black History Gallery.
“Everything is coming through donations and out of our pockets.”
Selectman Devante Johnson praised Jordan’s efforts.
“I think what you guys are doing in the community is very good,” Johnson said. “I actually passed by a couple weeks ago. I saw the kids out there, so that’s leaving a positive impact in our community.”
Since West Alley is in Selectman Ronnie Brock’s ward, Johnson asked if Brock had any concerns.
“At this time, I don’t have any objections,” Brock said. “It shouldn’t be a problem at all.”
Zoning Director Henry Green said a public hearing might be necessary to change the name if people live on West Alley Lane.
“The only thing I would like to add is, of course, anytime you do a change of a street name, you’re supposed to hold a public hearing and all that. I know that the houses are vacant,” he said.
City Administrator David Myers suggested checking with the Housing Authority of McComb to see if anyone lives in the homes.
“My suggestion to the board is that we take it up under advisement,” he said. “Of course, there are some questions that have to be answered.”
City Attorney Marcus Williams said he would look into whether a public hearing needs to be scheduled or if the street name could be changed at next Tuesday’s meeting.
