How could the Old Town Commercial Association's advocacy affect the city council?
City council may decide on street name change and business aid The Old Town Commercial Association, through its Executive Director James Lenon, is advocating for businesses affected by the potential renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. The association seeks assistance because the name change could cause logistical issues, such as businesses not being found on Google Maps, and require them to cover costs like reprinting materials. The city council, as the governing body, must consider the proposed $25,000 reimbursement plan, which was approved by the Committee on City Operations and sent to the mayor’s office for inclusion in the upcoming budget.
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- Mixed
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- When
- Within weeks
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How it reaches city council
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The Committee on City Operations in Lansing approved a proposed $25,000 reimbursement plan intended to assist businesses if Cesar E. Chavez Avenue changes its name. This proposal has been forwarded to the mayor’s office for consideration in the upcoming budget. The committee is scheduled to discuss Chavez Avenue again on October 22.
The full event1independent outlet -
James Lenon, Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association, is advocating for businesses affected by the potential name change of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. The association is seeking assistance, as up to 30 businesses could receive reimbursements averaging about $1,600, with some receiving as much as $5,000, to cover costs like reprinting materials and notifying vendors. This proposal has been sent to the mayor’s office and is expected to be discussed by the committee on October 22.
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Why it matters
For the Old Town businesses, the potential name change presents significant operational risks and costs. Businesses like Bradly’s HG on Chavez Avenue have faced logistical issues, such as not being found on Google Maps, following previous name changes. The reimbursement plan aims to mitigate these costs, such as covering business cards and letterhead, but the process is described as still being a 'mess.'
The decision involves a difficult balance between honoring the neighborhood’s Latino heritage, which the avenue’s current name recognizes, and addressing the growing calls to remove the late labor leader’s name following sexual abuse allegations against him. The city council must navigate this complex political and cultural decision while also managing the associated financial impact on local commerce.
What we don't know yet
- Will the city council approve the $25,000 reimbursement plan?
- Will the city council approve the street name change, and if so, what alternative name will be chosen?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- wilx.comOct 8
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