CC Minutes - 05/27/03 Mtg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jim Hale, 1715 Linnea Street, recited a poem he had written in support of renaming Centennial Boulevard in honor of Dr. King. Paul Davis, 475 Lindel Street, Springfield, noted that he had seen Eugene listed as one of the ten best places to live in the country. He questioned why, if that was the case, it was so difficult to rename Centennial Boulevard after Dr. King. He applauded those who were in favor of the proposal and said that those who did not vote for the renaming would be remembered by the community. Marl Carter, 2100 Centennial Boulevard, spoke in opposition to renaming Centennial Boulevard in honor of Dr. King. He cited reasons such as the expense of redoing business cards and letterhead. He raised concern over the potential of lost revenue. He noted that no one who had spoken before him that evening would be financially impacted by the renaming. He suggested naming the new federal courthouse or one of the new schools being constructed in the community in honor of Dr. King. Mayor Torrey closed the public hearing. Councilor Taylor thanked those who spoke at the hearing. She said it was important to do something more than celebrate a holiday for one of the greatest people of the 20th century. She acknowledged that there was a park named in honor of Dr. King at 10th Avenue and Garfield Street and that his birthday was celebrated every year but stressed the importance of doing more. She said his concerns and his influence went far beyond his race. She said his name would be honored by working for a living wage, respect for all races and religions, international harmony. She said his name would be dishonored by being unjust to the residents and business owners most directly affected by the name change, by disregarding the wishes of citizens who remembered and respected the reason for naming Centennial Boulevard, by possibly offending the City of Springfield, and by name calling. She believed that renaming the Ferry Street Bridge with a statue of Dr. King nearby would be a wonderful monument. Councilor Kelly thanked those who testified. He said his remarks could not begin to do justice to the powerful testimony given at the hearing. He urged the council to do the right thing and proceed with the renaming as soon as possible. Councilor Pap~ thanked those who testified at the hearing as well as those who testified before the Planning Commission. He said the renaming should not have been limited to just a street but should have included options for alternative ideas. He acknowledged that a committee had been formed but noted that the committee had not solicited feedback from the City of Springfield. He said it would cut shod the renaming of Centennial Boulevard if it ended at the Springfield city limits. He said the direction to the Planning Commission was too narrow. He added his concern that the Eugene Human Rights Commission had not been consulted. Councilor Poling reiterated the comments of Councilor Taylor. He said the business community had not been contacted and noted that the City of Springfield had also not been consulted. He noted that Centennial Boulevard was named in honor of the hundreds of thousands of pioneers who founded Oregon. He reported that the Harlow Neighbors had voted against renaming Centennial Boulevard but were looking for other options. He said he would stand by the decisions of the people of his ward. He believed that there were better ways of honoring Dr. King than MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 27, 2003 Page 7 Regular Meeting