WINTON – A proposal to change the name of a Hertford County highway hit a roadblock here Monday night.

Over the past two months, Hertford County’s Board of Commissioners have debated an issue of changing the name of Beer Garden Road (SR 1185) near Murfreesboro. Due to its unique name, Beer Garden Road signs are apparently the targets of souvenir hunters. It costs the county $100 to replace each sign.

In earlier meetings, Hertford County Rural Addressing Director Rose Stephenson informed the Commissioners that she had spoken with Beer Garden Road residents in regards to changing the name. She said there was no consensus among the residents to what to rename the road, prompting the Commissioners, during their November meeting, to opt for Tower Road (in reference to one of Murfreesboro’s water towers being located at the end of the road).

However, during Monday’s scheduled public hearing on the name change, one Beer Garden Road resident spoke out against the county’s proposal.

&uot;I’ve lived on Beer Garden Road since birth and I would like to see that name remain the same,&uot; said Lillian Pugh of Murfreesboro. &uot;I request you leave it just the way it is.&uot;

Board Chairman DuPont Davis said it was to his understanding that, according to Stephenson’s report, most of the Beer Garden Road residents did not have a problem with the proposed change.

&uot;I called Mrs. Stephenson on Oct. 14 to request leaving the road name as is, but she didn’t return my call,&uot; Pugh stated.

At the end of the public hearing, Commissioner Johnnie Ray Farmer suggested tabling the issue until Stephenson could clarify some information (she did not attend Monday’s meeting).

&uot;We have not seen any written documentation from Mrs. Stephenson concerning her discussions with the residents there on Beer Garden Road,&uot; said Farmer. &uot;The only report we’ve heard is one where Mrs. Stephenson said she had verbal discussions with those residents.&uot;

Board vice-chairman Curtis Freeman echoed Farmer’s sentiments by suggesting he needed to hear more from Stephenson before reaching a final decision.

The board voted to table the matter until its January meeting at which time they will request a presentation from Stephenson on the issue.