Paul Shirk posthumously made another mark on Maricopa. 

Maricopa City Council last night unanimously voted to rename Cesar Chavez Lane in the city’s Heritage District to Paul Shirk Avenue in honor of the former city historian and president of the Maricopa Historical Society. The renaming follows multiple sexual abuse allegations made against the late labor leader. 

Local realtor Chad Chatterton said he spent about one month gathering signatures for a petition to rename the street for Shirk after learning the street would be renamed.  

“It just clicked because it’s right across the museum. Paul [had] just passed away and it just clicked,” he told InMaricopa.  

Shirk was instrumental in developing the city’s museum and transferring ownership of the silver California Zephyr from Pinal County to the historical society. 

Chatterton said he spent around one month collecting nearly 100 petition signatures from residents so council members could consider it among several other options.  

Former councilmember Julia Gusse previously suggested renaming the street to Veterans Way or Herencia Lane. “Herencia” is Spanish for “heritage” to honor the predominantly Latino community living in the district. 

Other suggestions included Paradise Lane or reverting to its original name, Arizona Avenue. 

The name change becomes official on June 19. 

“I think he’s helped leave a legacy for future generations and I’m glad to see a street named after him,” Chatterton said.