By Janet Pelletier / Staff

What's in a name? A lot, according to Roswell.

The city has put the wheels in motion to rename some 40 similarly-monikered streets in an effort to eliminate confusion on the part of police, fire and emergency services. But some residents who would be affected by the change say it would be more of an inconvenience to them than it would for first responders to go the extra mile to distinguish similar names such as Richfield Court and Ridgefield Court.

Police Chief Ed Williams said land acquisitions, annexations and the rise of new subdivisions has led to confusion and longer response times in some emergencies.

"It happens on almost a daily basis," Williams told an audience of roughly 50. "I'm not exaggerating."

The problem lies with 911 calls made from cell phones because the caller's location can only be tracked by what cell tower they're closest to. By contrast, a land line is more precise. Williams said the crisis is compounded because the caller is usually agitated or upset and has trouble communicating their location to a dispatcher. In that case, Williams said they often send an ambulance to one location and a police car to the other.

Williams acknowledged that the change affecting roughly 40 streets would be a nuisance to residents, but said that the city is trying to impact the fewest people. The police department has been working on suggestions for different versions of street names and hopes to keep half of the names unchanged.

"I don't see it costing you tons and tons of money," to change addresses on records and correspondence, he added. But some in the audience weren't convinced.

"It's not the same as moving, changing your address, because your old address doesn't even exist," one man said. "If a cousin two years later sent me a letter, it wouldn't reach me."

Some Willeo Road residents said the city needs to do more research to determine if the rechristening is absolutely necessary. One woman said both her business and home were on two streets up for renaming.

The ages of similar streets should be taken into account, suggested one resident, arguing that those with historic significance should take precedence.

Williams said the city is looking at resolving the issue over the next few months. A report summarizing the police department's research as well as the community's comments will be brought to the City Council in the near future. When that happens, the public will be able to speak to the council during public session.

If street name changes are approved, the council will set an effective date for the change to take effect. The changes would take place within 90 days following the approval, according to the city.

See www.roswellgov.com/streetnames or call Officer Lisa Holland at 770-640-4155 for a list of affected streets.