The City of Petersburg has announced the installation of the new University Boulevard street signs this week officially changing the name of Fleet and Canal Streets. The name change reflects the strong partnership between the city and Virginia State University (VSU) and helps visitors and residents identify this roadway as the main access into VSU. The name change impacts High Street to the City Limits/Appomattox River near Virginia State University.
“This is a great entryway to the university,” said Petersburg City Manager, William E. Johnson, III. “University Boulevard will connect the community to the university, but also it goes hand in hand with the gateway redevelopment plans we have for the area to make it a true gateway to the university and into Petersburg.”
Area residents presented the idea to the City last year, and in November 2014, all property owners along the section of the then Fleet and Canal Street were provided with a questionnaire to gauge the interest of changing the name. In January 2015, a second notification was sent to all property owners in this area advising them of the change and asked for them to make any concerns or objections to the city. City Council voted and approved the name change in June of this year.
“The City of Petersburg has long been the ‘front door’ of Virginia State University,” said VSU Interim President Pamela Hammond. “This action demonstrates Petersburg’s commitment to VSU and we look forward to working with city to develop a true southern gateway into the University.”