In a recent city council meeting, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins put forth a proposal to rename a downtown stretch of Bagby Street after the late congressman and former mayor, Sylvester Turner. Hollins paid tribute to Mayor Turner's enduring legacy, stating, "He was more than a congressman or a mayor, more than any political title could capture," in a statement obtained by Click2Houston.

Hollins highlighted Turner's pivotal role during Hurricane Harvey and his continued dedication to public service, right up until the end. "He fought for what mattered most, especially the importance of preserving health care access," as reported by Click2Houston. According to the Houston Public Media interview, Hollins expressed his deep personal connection to Turner who "became a mentor and a dear friend" even before Hollins began his political career.

The proposed renaming of the street, which traverses the city's civic heart and passes by City Hall, requires substantial support from property owners along the route. As the city already owns the majority of these properties, outlined by Hollins, only one additional signatory on a petition to the Planning Department is necessary to move forward with the change. Houston Mayor John Whitmire, upon hearing the suggestions to honor Turner, thanked Hollins for the proposition.

Furthermore, City Council member Tiffany Thomas expressed her support for the initiative to Houston Public Media, stating, "I think the appetite is there because we understand his significance and his contribution." Additionally, Thomas and Hollins are also backing the naming of a terminal at Bush Intercontinental Airport after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, an initiative that has already received unanimous city council approval, with the public comment period closing soon.

Not all property owners have publicly taken a position on the Bagby Street renaming proposal. A spokesperson from Brookfield Asset Management commented, "This proposal hasn't made its way to us yet," when asked about the company's stance on the street's renaming, as noted by Houston Public Media. Owners along Bagby Street, which includes Landry's Group and Tennison Lofts, have yet to release statements concerning their position on the matter. As the conversation progresses, Houstonians will observe whether the name Sylvester Turner Avenue will become a permanent fixture of the cityscape, reflecting one man's service and dedication to his city.