City council renames Durango Blvd. Cesar Chavez Blvd., Judge tells city to hold off (San Antonio: promotional, live)

[OzzyRules]

Today, the city council voted successfully to change the name of Durango Blvd downtown to Cesar Chavez (with an estimated cost of $100,000). This was done despite a lot of protest from people in the area, particularly those who lived in the area and would be affected by the name change.

This really saddens me. Why do these people act as if the people they are representing don't even matter? Are they in office just to take care of personal agendas like this one?

I've heard that it's because this council person wants to make his mark of having done something while in office. That's fine, but it's with no regard for the people of San Antonio, or the history of the street name. A statue downtown would have been cheaper, probably more reverent.

But the good thing is, I suppose renaming the street is a more impressive feat that his children and grandchildren will remember him by. More than a simple statue or memorial could have achieved.

[LookingatSA]

First off, I doubt it was 100% opposition. There were probably two sides. Well, three.

Those for it.

Those against it

Those who didn't/don't care.

Second, it's a street name change. It's not the end of the world people. Yes, it's a inconvenience to businesses who have to update promotional material with the new street name, but aside from that, it's not that big of an issue.

There are far more important issues in this world to deal with than a street name change.

[outafocus]

They could have named a NEW street after Cesar Chavez. This is a ridiculous wate of taxpayer money.

[OzzyRules]

Originally Posted by LookingatSA

First off, I doubt it was 100% opposition. There were probably two sides. Well, three.

Those for it.

Those against it

Those who didn't/don't care.

Second, it's a street name change. It's not the end of the world people. Yes, it's a inconvenience to businesses who have to update promotional material with the new street name, but aside from that, it's not that big of an issue.

There are far more important issues in this world to deal with than a street name change.

From what I read in today's news article (mysa), there was only one side (not two or three). Or, rather, one man. It stated that this council person had been involved in a previous name change from Commerce to Chavez. But he said that the experience had "left a bad taste" in his mouth, or something to that effect. I'm not making this up.

[LookingatSA]

Originally Posted by OzzyRules

From what I read in today's news article (mysa), there was only one side (not two or three). Or, rather, one man. It stated that this council person had been involved in a previous name change from Commerce to Chavez. But he said that the experience had "left a bad taste" in his mouth, or something to that effect. I'm not making this up.

I would think a council isn't going to vote yes to something that has 100% opposition.

[SATX56]

Originally Posted by outafocus

They could have named a NEW street after Cesar Chavez. This is a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money.

Well we can afford $120K bus stops no biggie! I'm ignoring all the renamed highways. Durango will always be Durango to me. I'd like to rename Flores street Abraham Lincoln Boulevard .... I think those that want these name changes should foot the bill!

[catriona]

I sent an email to my councilman, Reed Williams, voicing my opposition to the name change. It's a waste of money for one thing, and why Durango and not a new street as someone else mentioned?

Anyway, Williams voted against the name change, so I'm at least happy with that. Did anyone else voice their opinions to their councilmen? Did they vote the way you wanted?

I think I read Mayor Castro said that cities change names all the time, so it isn't that big of a deal. Or something along those lines. I also read the SA Conservation Society opposed the name change because of the history of the street - went back to the 1880's.

Durango name change is drawing opposition - San Antonio Express-News


I have no problem naming a street after Chavez, I just think it's ridiculous to spend $100K on it when the money could be better spent elsewhere. Makes me worry about what else this lame duck council will do........

[SATX56]

Yep naming a new street would have been no problem! We should maybe start numbering streets instead of naming them. Cut down on the temptation.

[rd2007]

Asinine waste of funds that are obviously needed in much more important areas. Typical government waste, though, and yet another reason to punish all current "leaders" during the next election cycle. Although SA obviously wasted an excellent opportunity for that last week..

[scuba steve]

Nice to see that the city council has cleaned up more important problems like people tagging and littering everywhere. I'm looking forward to seeing the new and improved city on my trip back next month.