First responders in Bethel won't be going to "Lousetown" any more. Last night, as it enacted a new street numbering system, the Bethel City Council also changed the name of the neighborhood to "East Avenue."
The house numbering system will go into effect city-wide in 90 days. It is intended to aid emergency service response after city officials cited concerns that new personnel might have trouble identifying some properties.
The council has decided that all homes in Bethel should be required to have reflective four-inch address numbers. Council members spent time making a number of revisions to the ordinance in an hour-and-a-half of debate after hearing from the Fire Department and the public. The council removed a requirement that property owners have green signs with white numbers. Instead each home will need to have four-inch reflective lettering, contrasting with the background coloring.
The ordinance passed with all council members in favor, except for Brian Henry, who was absent.
Ninety days from now, homes found in violation of the numbering requirement can be fined $30.