By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–In an effort to further market the city of Helena, the Helena City Council is discussing the possibility of renaming Shelby County 52 and 17 within the Helena city limits to Helena Parkway.

Helena Mayor Mark Hall is one of those pushing for the renaming because he believes it will further help the city and surrounding businesses.

“We’re looking at attracting new businesses and right now the section where the Walmart Market, the incoming Jack’s and all that section down through there is just called County Road 52 West or County Road 17 and there’s no identity,” said Hall. “Now, I’m not proposing that we change addresses and go through all that trouble but I’m proposing a new identity for that section of roadway in the city limits.”

The Helena Council Members discussed the possible name change during the Helena Pre-Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 5.

Helena Councilwoman Cris Nelson asked what was involved in getting the name change and Hall said that there is not much to the process.

“It’s very simple,” said Hall. “It’s an ordinance and resolution passed by the council and then we just need to throw it out there and when we get feedback, put it on the next agenda for anyone to come speak for or against it in renaming it.”

The renaming to Helena Parkway would be effective for the length of the Helena city limits on Shelby County 52 and 17.

“It’s really just to give us an identity and where we don’t have that identity through our main business section,” said Hall.

Hall said further discussion with the county manager and postal service will take place before the item is placed on an upcoming city council agenda for a vote.