Name Trenton’s Next Community Destination
Leave Your Mark on Trenton
A new community destination is taking shape around the sites of Mayor Donnelly Homes and the former Trenton Junior High School No. 1. This destination will bring together new housing, public spaces, community amenities, and new opportunities for gathering, culture, and connection.
For generations, people have lived, learned, gathered, worshipped, and built memories in and around this community. And, we want your help in carrying those stories forward into its next chapter.
The neighbor who submits the winning name will receive a $5,000 cash award and help define a destination that future generations will know, visit, and call their own.
This Place will be Named by you
The new community destination sits on sites along the MLK Boulevard corridor, down the street from the Battle Monument.
How It Works
Share your proposed name, the meaning behind it, and your connection to the neighborhood.
A review committee of local partners and stakeholders will select several finalist names to move to a community vote.
Finalists will campaign and make their case to the community as residents vote to select their favorite name.
The person behind the winning name will receive a $5,000 cash award and public recognition.
Key Dates
Now Until August 26
August 30
September 1 - 30
Early October
Why The Third Battle?
The Battle Monument stands as a reminder of two historic victories that helped shape the future of our nation. Today, our community still faces a battle not yet won.
It's the battle of opportunity, belonging, ownership, and community pride. It's the battle of revitalizing our community while honoring the people, memories, and identity that already make it special. It's the battle that ensures community growth strengthens community connections rather than replacing them.
That's why this naming challenge matters. Before we can build a destination, we first need to define what it stands for. And that work begins with the ones who know this place best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Third Battle Community Naming Challenge?
The Third Battle Community Naming Challenge is a citywide opportunity for Trenton residents and community members to help name Trenton’s next community destination.
The destination is emerging around the Mayor Donnelly Homes and former Trenton Junior High School No. 1 sites as part of the North Trenton/Battle Monument Choice Neighborhood Plan.What are we naming?
You are helping name a new public-facing community destination that will include housing, public spaces, community amenities, and new opportunities for gathering, culture, and connection.
This is about naming the future destination — not renaming an existing neighborhood.Is this renaming the North Trenton neighborhood?
No.
The Challenge is not renaming North Trenton, changing neighborhood boundaries, changing street names, changing addresses, or creating a new official municipal designation.
This is focused on naming a new community destination connected to the Mayor Donnelly Homes and former Trenton Junior High School No. 1 sites.Who can submit a name?
Anyone ages eighteen (18) and over with a meaningful connection to North Trenton can participate.
This includes residents, former residents, students, workers, business owners, faith community members, community organization members, and others with a connection to the area.How many names can I submit?
Each person may submit one name idea.
If the same or substantially similar name is submitted by multiple people, the earliest complete and eligible submission may be recognized for finalist or prize purposes.What makes a strong name?
A strong name should feel connected to Trenton and reflect the spirit, history, culture, future, and community pride of the destination.
The strongest submissions will usually be clear, memorable, meaningful, original, and connected to the stories or values of the community.What happens after I submit a name?
After submissions close, eligible names will be reviewed and a group of finalists will be selected.
Finalist names will be shared publicly for community voting. Finalists may also be encouraged to share the story behind their name and invite others to vote.Will the community get to vote?
Yes.
The community will have an opportunity to vote on the finalist names. Public voting will help identify the community’s preferred name.
The Trenton Housing Authority will retain final approval and ratification authority before the selected name is finalized.What does the winner receive?
The person who submits the winning name will receive a $5,000 cash award.
The winner may be required to complete eligibility, release, and tax-related paperwork before the prize is issued. If the winner is under 18, the prize may be issued to their parent or legal guardian on their behalf.Where can I learn more about the North Trenton/Battle Monument Choice Neighborhood Plan?
You can learn more about the broader North Trenton/Battle Monument Choice Neighborhood Plan through the Trenton Housing Authority website:
Learn more about the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Initiative
Join the Third Battle.
Stay informed about our initiatives, community events, and upcoming opportunities.
Follow the journey as we build this destination together.
