Goodbye to W.1st street

[Debbie Thompson]

tufsu1, as we understand it, this is not an "alternate name" but an actual name change.  While some people may always call it 1st Street, it would not actually BE 1st Street any longer.   I know people who still call MLK the 20th Street Expressway, but that is no longer its name.

From reading the church's website, Pastor Rhim sounds like a worthy man, but is he more worthy than others?  There are so many churches in Jacksonville with worthy pastors, men and women, most known mainly to their congregations.  Should we rename part of Beaver Street for Mac Brunson of First Baptist Church?  He's a good man. How about renaming part of University Boulevard North for my pastor?  Also a good man.  St. Josephs could name a building, room or chapel on their church campus after Pastor Rhim to honor him.  The whole congregation would always remember and honor him, and it would not affect others with no relation to St. Josephs.

[Cheshire Cat]

Changing a street to give it the name of a pastor connected so closely to the mayor, even if he seems "worthy" is a bad idea.  Messing with mailing addresses and the associated costs, meeting legal burdens etc so Mayor Brown can high five his friend is a waste of time and money. Not only is it costly, the "citizens" and "businesses" would have to change all of their personal information connected to anything requiring a legal address.  I don't think any of them want to deal with that mess. 

Jacksonville has had many a heroic person in our history, most of whom have received nothing in the way of real recognition for how they changed Jacksonville for the betterment of everyone here.  This type of recognition should mean something beyond immortalizing the name of a single pastor in a town full of pastors because he "knows" the mayor.  Lord have mercy, just imagine how many more will feel snubbed and want a street or building named after them. 

[peestandingup]

So I guess the mayor is part of that GOB network we keep hearing about? Because this sounds exactly like something they'd try to do.

I think we should collect funds to build them a small new town in some Florida swampland & let all these guys run it. Let them stick to that small town mentality where they all appoint one another, give each other high fives for jobs well done, name stuff after their buddies & let all the developers have a field day with their shiny new town, instead of running a major city into the ground.

[tufsu1]

tufsu1, as we understand it, this is not an "alternate name" but an actual name change. 

well in that case, I would be opposed

[mbwright]

Can't they just build a monument, like they did on A. Phillip Randolph for Pat Lockett-Felder.  I'm sure a church congregation would be happy to waste $9K or more.  Or maybe Alvin can personally pay for it, if they're such good friends.  Officially changing the name is stupid.

[fsujax]

I am still waiting for someone to crash into that stupid PLF monument.

[Springfield Chicken]

Dear Mayor Brown,
No matter what an individual has accomplished, there has to be a better way to acknowledge that accomplishment than changing street names.  Street names provide a cohesiveness and continuity to a community.  Carving out pieces of them makes it difficult for visitors to find their way, deliveries to be made, map searches to be accurate, etc.  There is a financial cost involved (and we are supposed to be in a frugal, not frivolous budget mode) as well as a historic one.  The history of street names is even more important in our national historic districts.  We want to retain our history.  All of it.  Name a small bridge for this person.  Put up a statue.  Declare it “whatever name” day each year.  But leave our street names alone, please.

[Jimmy]

Did anything interesting happen on this at the HPC today?

[Bill Hoff]

HPC recommended denial.

We rallied the community in a short amount of time, and over 40 emails were sent in opposition. Myself and another neighborhood representive spoke/opposed in-person, while the Mayor's office had a representative speak in favor.

Not sure if the Mayor's office will pursue this further...they could take it before City Council.

Thanks to all who took a moment to send in their thoughts.

[Cheshire Cat]

Good deal.  I don't think the mayor will go to council with it after the HPC recommendation of denial.  Thanks for the update Bill.

[Jimmy]

That's great, Bill.  Good hustle; please keep us updated if this issue slips onto the City Council agenda... 

[thelakelander]

What's going on with the section of Klutho Park on West 1st Street, just SW of Hogans Creek?  It looks pretty nice!

[sheclown]

Good job Bill!

Good job Springfield!

[Debbie Thompson]

Can't place that piece in my mind exactly, but Project New Ground has been working in Klutho Park near the creek replacing contaminated soil.  And some trees have been planted in Klutho Park recently too.

[PeeJayEss]

I don't understand why you would name something after someone who is still alive. Their story is not over yet and you don't know how they might screw up their legacy after the dedication. Not speaking to this guy, just to the possibility. And I realize this is not a new practice, just wanted to convey a sentiment.