Posted on 10/05/2006 1:04:40 PM PDT by trane250
Ithaca Street Re-Naming Aims To Honor Dr. King
Erin Billups
A group of Ithaca residents want to rename a well-known street to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but some residents say it's too much of burden.
Since 2004, members of Ithaca’s Circle of Recovery, a group of young minority men, has been working with other supporters to change State Street, to Dr. King Street.
They say it's a way for the city to recognize its minority population and Dr. King 's message of hope.
"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.
Although most agree Dr. King should be honored in the city, some residents feel changing the street name is not the way to go about it.
"Changing the name of the street is a big expense and a lot of bother for businesses and homeowners and in some cases very, very expensive and we don't see what it accomplishes," said State Street resident, Margaret Hobbie.
Wednesday night the city's board of public works held one of the last forums on the issue before they decide whether the project, that could cost the city upwards of $20,000, is worth it.
Residents for the renaming say it's not about the money but the effect it could have on the community, because it runs through the heart of the city.
"Visual things give us pause, pause to think. I know when I see certain things I think about what that means," said Bush.
One of the proposals suggests dual naming which would also recognize it as the historic state street.
An Ithaca chamber of commerce representative says if a dual street name is adopted property owners may not have to change their addresses at all.
"If there's such a thing as a dual naming is there some kid of miraculous consensus that can be achieved here, that would be something of great interest to me," said Ithaca Mayor, Carolyn Peterson.
Despite the outcome many say the debate has opened the door for much needed conversations about race relations in the city.
The Mayor says the board will discuss today's findings next Wednesday and decide whether to vote then or table it to the following week.
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.
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.
AhaHAhaHA! State Street is the main drag. What a hoot!
As a rule I tend to avoid any big US city street named after MLK - too dangerous
Possible translation: "But we are a white liberals ... "
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"?
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!!!"
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"
Then change it to Sex & Children After Marriage Street.
How many of these youths live on State Street?
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.
Well, that's just too bad, ain't it?
I had similar thoughts. I'd call it Enterprise or Education street though. You idea gives an acronym of SCAM! LOL
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.
I'm shocked to discover that there is a town without a MLK street.
LOL, opened the door or for much needed conversations accusations.
And renaming a street after a 38-year dead civil rights leader will improve their lot in life...how?
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.
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