Controversy in Ithaca, NY Continues Over Renaming State Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Street

WENY-TV, Elmira, NY ^ | 10/04/06 | Erin Billups

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I know when I see certain things I think about what that means," said [Gino]] Bush.

Well, I certainly know what I think about when I see your name. I'm surprised Mr. Bush hasn't changed his name because of all the bad connotations it has.

[L98Fiero]

Such exercises are inane at best. "MLK Street" is synonymous with "the part of town you stay away from" in most cities. It actually tarnishes the man's reputation, IMO.

[D.P.Roberts]

AhaHAhaHA! State Street is the main drag. What a hoot!

[Republicus2001]

As a rule I tend to avoid any big US city street named after MLK - too dangerous

[BenLurkin]

"Changing the name of the street is ... a lot of bother for businesses and homeowners..."

Possible translation: "But we are a white liberals ... "

[Blue State Insurgent]

Nothing wrong with renaming a street after a good republican like MLK.

[Bonaparte]

Years ago, Berkeley re-named Grove Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. I still refer to it as Grove Street and always will. When somebody points out that it's got a new name, I ask them, "Which is easier to say? "Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Way" or "Grove Street"?

[pepsi_junkie]

Chris Rock had a great bit on this. Said you ever get a call from a friend for directions and he says "Right now I'm on MLK Blvd" the right directions are "RUUUUUNNNN!!!"

[MadeInAmerica]

Joe's - "Hello, this is Joe's Towing Service."

Caller "Hey, I'm broke down on MLK street, can you come tow my car?

Joe's "Uhhh, it's 10:30 at night and you want me to tow you from MLK street? You better call 911 instead"

[chit*chat]

"We need something to be proud of and especially young people, because they feel very, they feel a great sense of hopelessness,"

Then change it to Sex & Children After Marriage Street.

[Cicero]

How many of these youths live on State Street?

[NativeNewYorker]

They could probably get a street in the "diverse" South Side of town renamed if they wanted to choose a goal that was within reason. Renaming the heart of downtown is silly.

[Virginia Ridgerunner]

"We need something to be proud of and especially young people, because they feel very, they feel a great sense of hopelessness," said Gino Bush, Circle of Recovery facilitator.

Well, that's just too bad, ain't it?

[gcruse]

I had similar thoughts. I'd call it Enterprise or Education street though. You idea gives an acronym of SCAM! LOL

[rogue yam]

Chris Rock had a great bit on this. Said you ever get a call from a friend for directions and he says "Right now I'm on MLK Blvd" the right directions are "RUUUUUNNNN!!!"

Chris Rock also famously said that if you're from out of town and don't know where to score crack, you can always just go down to MLK Blvd.

[showme_the_Glory]

I'm shocked to discover that there is a town without a MLK street.

[Realism]

Despite the outcome many say the debate has opened the door for much needed conversations about race relations in the city.

LOL, opened the door or for much needed conversations accusations.

[Sterm26]

And renaming a street after a 38-year dead civil rights leader will improve their lot in life...how?

[wideminded]

I grew up in Ithaca. State St. is the main street in downtown Ithaca and also extends quite far in both directions away from downtown. This would be like naming Fifth Avenue in NYC after MLK. Downtown Ithaca does not have that many major streets and as far as I can recall, there is no close connection between MLK and Ithaca.