Carbondale honors Kenneth Kent Mason with street naming resolution

The Carbondale City Council convened on July 8, 2025, to address several key community issues, including honorary street namings and resolutions honoring local figures. The meeting began with a public hearing, allowing citizens to express their views on various topics.

Sharonda Cawthon, the city's equity and engagement coordinator, presented a proposal for honorary street namings. She explained that the initiative originated from her suggestion to honor Mr. Simon and Mr. Mason, two individuals significant to the community. Cawthon noted that the original address associated with a historical incident involving the Black Panthers no longer exists, prompting the idea of an honorary street name instead. She clarified that while the city council has the authority to issue honorary names, any actual street renaming would require input from local business owners affected by the changes.

The discussion also touched on the challenges residents face when addresses change, particularly regarding updating personal information with various businesses. A council member shared their experience working at the post office, emphasizing that address changes are manageable and not as problematic as perceived.

Following the public comments, the council moved to the consent agenda, which was approved unanimously, except for one dissenting vote. The council then proceeded to present a resolution to honor Kenneth Kent Mason by naming East Oak Street after him. This resolution reflects the city's commitment to recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.

The meeting concluded with a roll call vote on the resolution, which passed, further solidifying the council's dedication to honoring local history and community leaders. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, ensuring community engagement remains a priority.