STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-September 16, 2020-A City of Steamboat Springs street that carried the name of a civil war general, Robert E. Lee, and associated with a prominent Mississippi riverboat of the same name, will now be known for the peak that climbs to over 10,000 feet to the east of it, Storm Peak Lane.
“The national dialogue around diversity, equality and inclusion has touched upon a board arena of topics for many across the county and Steamboat Springs has been no different,” commented Deputy City Manager Tom Leeson, who headed up the project. “While this aspect might be small in scope, it shows our continued commitment to change and taking action no matter the scale.”
Due to an increase in awareness about diversity, equity and inclusivity at the local, state and national level, City Council received numerous requests to change the name of Robert E. Lee Lane to something less divisive. After council direction during the June 16 meeting, staff reached out to property owners along the street and determined there was enough interest to proceed with a name change.
It’s believed the street was originally named as part of a contest to designate thoroughfares in a new subdivision in the early 1970s. The selected names played off the theme of steamboats that traveled the Mississippi River.
The city’s Addressing & Street Naming policy states that 51% of property owners must agree to the suggested change. Robert E Lee has 15 residences and requires at least eight of the property owners to agree. After two Zoom meetings, an online survey and correspondence with owners, the necessary number of residences agreed on the new name.
With the passing of the resolution by City Council last evening, the new Storm Peak Lane name will become effective with the New Year. The name will go into effect January 1, 2021 to accommodate the upcoming election as well as provide ample time for property owners and residents to modify legal documents.
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Contact
Tom Leeson, Deputy City Manager, 970.871.8249 or email
Mary Schuette, Enterprise Application/GIS Manager, 970.871-8261 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email