Hamilton County GIS officials said Tuesday that over 1,000 street names are on the list for possible changes, but several City Council members asked the group to consider finding another way.
Councilwoman Carol Berz said street name changes are traumatic for residents and amount to "messing up peoples' lives."
Councilwoman Sally Robinson recommended for streets with similar names to make sure there are no duplicate street numbers. For example, she said Glenwood Circle could have the 100s, Glenwood Drive the 200s and Glenwood Avenue the 300s.
Councilman Jack Benson said if the city followed its current street name ordinance there should be wholesale changes, including not having both a North Market Street and a South Market Street.
John Stuermer, who directs the 911 system, said getting rid of similar street names may be a difference of life and death.
He said the city has already been sued because of the problem.
Mr. Stuermer said the city has a 600 Georgia Avenue downtown and one on Signal Mountain.
He said there are sound-alike streets, including Ingle, Engel and Engle.
Mr. Stuermer said, "I tell you it's a serious problem for us."
Councilwoman Pam Ladd agreed, saying there are serious problems "when you are trying to respond and you don't have good information."
The council was told that when most people used land line phones that the numbers could be easily traced to a location. But that is not the case with cell phones, it was stated.