Second Street will be named after Garrett

Published 1:15 pm Thursday, December 11, 2008

By Kevin Hanson

The Courier-Herald

Despite some initial misgivings, members of the Enumclaw City Council recently agreed to rename Second Street in honor of longtime Enumclaw businessman Dwight Garrett.

The issue had come up more than a month ago but council members hesitated at that time, responding to complaints from impacted business owners. Those who do business along Second Street had complained about the cost of changing everything from stationery to phone book ads and the confusion that could result from the name change.

Taking a second look at the issue, the council agreed to change the entire length of Second Street - from Battersby Avenue to state Route 410 - to Garrett Parkway. Appearing to help council members make their decision was an agreement to wait one year before instituting the change.

The proposal passed 4-2, with councilmen Kevin Mahelona and Glen Jensen voting against the plan. Prior to the vote, Mahelona noted, "We hear all the time about government making things difficult on small business. This is the kind of thing that drives small business nuts."

Jensen noted he had spoken personally with 11 Second Street business owners and all were opposed to the name change.

City staff had recommended the name change and, during an earlier council meeting, citizens had reminded the council of Garrett's impact upon the city's business climate and his many financial contributions to community projects.

Kevin Hanson can be reached at khanson@cmg-northwest2.go-vip.net/courierherald