Change Durango To Cesar Chavez Boulevard?
SAN ANTONIO-I
t's been tried before over the years, but it never happened. Changing the name of Durango Boulevard to Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard. The change to honor the late civil rights leader would affect Durango from Interstate 37 here in downtown to 36th street to the west. It would cost the city roughly 100-thousand dollars to make the changes. The issue was put on the fast track by councilman Philip Cortez of district 4--one of four districts that would be affected. But the cost goes beyond just changing street signs.
It's been called Durango since the 1880s. But this street and all the people and businesses along it, may find themselves with a whole new address.
Jamie Martinez is with the Cesar Chavez Legacy and Educational Foundation. He knew the civil rights leader and supports the change. "Right now the city, we have support and it's going to happen. We have spent 100s of thousands of dollars for parks. I believe it's time he is recognized in our city."
The $100,000 price tag would go to make and install new street signs, but there's a cost to businesses like Mike's Downtown Garage, too. It could confuse would-be customers.
Aaron Warren of Mike's Downtown Garage told us, "Like if they wanted to come to our business and they look it up in the phone book. It'll still say Durango and all of a sudden they come by it's not there anymore."
We went to the west side where Durango runs through a neighborhood. Here people we talked with saw the change as a big headache.
Joe Martinez lives on Durango. "It's the burden of changing all this stuff. And every legal paper you own...your property...everything. Tax, vehicle registration."
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Conservation Society says there are other ways to honor Chavez than changing an historic street.
Rollette Schreckenghost-Smith with the S.A. Conservation Society told us, "It's changing history, we're rewriting history and that's what the conservation society is all about, not rewriting history. Keeping it intact."
In the end, the city has to decide, with a tight budget already, if it's a wise use of 100-thousand dollars.
Councilman Ray Lopez, who supports name change says, "Folks being affected are being given an opportunity to have their comment on it. We'll be listening over the course of the next day or so."
It's passed the Planning Commission vote and staff recommends the change. The proposal has the public support of five council members right now. We'll let you know what happens tomorrow at city council.
