In a gesture of thanks, Kent City Council voted Wednesday to rename a downtown alleyway in honor of Acorn Alley developer Ron Burbick.

Council voted unanimously to rename Alley 4, the recently repaved street, in honor of Burbick for his two major redevelopment projects — Acorn Alley I and Acorn Alley II — that are divided by the street.

The alley to be renamed runs east and west between South DePeyster and South Water streets and parallel to Main Street.

"I don’t think I have to remind everybody of the impact that Mr. Burbick’s investment in the city of Kent has been, and the catalyst that investment has created and the excitement that’s created for the citizens," Councilwoman Heidi Shaffer said. Shaffer's Ward 5 includes most of downtown.

Many credit Burbick with starting downtown Kent's renaissance by building his first project, Acorn Alley I, which opened in the fall of 2009. He built upon that work by starting Acorn Alley II, which started construction this past winter and will be finished in November.

In an interview this week with Kent Patch, Burbick hinted at the fact that he may not yet be done changing downtown's skyline. Burbick said the buildings under construction now that are nearly finished may not be the last built under the Phoenix Properties banner.

"I can say something, but no guarantees," Burbick said. "I don’t function well just sitting around doing nothing."

Look for a full update on Acorn Alley II later this week on Kent Patch.

As for the alley renaming, council approved the spur-of-the-moment idea Wednesday but will have to vote again in October to formally rename the alley.

Shaffer suggested the name "Burbick Way."

"He certainly has made us all proud of our city, and it’s a small way to honor him," she said. "And it’s long lasting. The buildings don’t bear his name. I think it would be a nice idea to have the … alley bear his name.”