GREENSBORO -- Ideas for renaming Aycock Street in Greensboro are moving forward.

A public petition suggested naming the street to honor Ms. Josephine Boyd -- the first black student to graduate from Greensboro High School, now Grimsley High.

City Council met yesterday to discuss public feedback from a survey and open house.

The majority of property owners and residents support renaming Aycock Street and part of Westover Terrace, with business owners more divided.       

"We were pleased with the percentage of responses, but then also the quality of the comments that we got. They were very thoughtful. Even the folks who opposed it, they were thoughtful responses. It wasn't just 'no'; it was, 'here are the reasons why," said Sue Schwartz, Greensboro planning director.

The planning board will hold a hearing on the proposal March 21 and council will hear final comments before it votes on the change at its April 17 meeting.

If approved, it would take effect six months later.