O’fallon, Missouri city officials are currently discussing changing the name of one of the city’s busiest roads, Highway K, to Krekel Boulevard.
The Krekels are one of O’Fallon’s founding families. In 1856, Nicholas Krekel, a German immigrant, bought land near North Main Street from his brother, Arnold, who mapped out a future city near Assumption Church.
The name change would not only honor the city’s founders, but Councilman John Haman Jr. says the name change could help the city shed an “antiquated” image as a rural town, and better connect the city with its history, distinguishing O’Fallon from other cities that might also have a Highway K.
“We need to get rid of our designations as a farm town. We are no longer a farm town. We can’t be afraid of change.” – Councilman Haman.
O’Fallon has grown to nearly 76,000 residents and is home to 475 acres of parks, distinctive new home communities and AAA rated schools. Just off Highway K you’ll find one of Payne Family Homes’ beautiful communities, Belleau Creek.
If the name of the highway changes, business and residences will continue to receive mail using either Highway K or Krekel Boulevard.
MODOT will be replacing highway signs in the next year; if the name change occurs before the signs are changed it will cost nothing to taxpayers.
*source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
What are your thoughts on the name change?
