Description: On January 10, 2005, the Council received a report recommending a process for the Council’s consideration to implement the recommendations of the Special Committee to Rename Airport Road. Actions included: authorize the staff to effect the name change of Airport Road to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and assist those affected by the name change to the extent allowed by law and within the Town’s available resources; begin efforts through appointment of a committee to organize a celebration of the road name change; form a citizens’ committee to consider the additional recommendations of the Special Committee to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.; and begin a process to change the name of the existing Martin Luther King, Jr. Street.
February 28, 2005 Status: New Goal. All work is on schedule.
May 9, 2005 Status: The dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is scheduled to take place on May 8, 2005. New street signs were to be erected the week prior to this event. A citizens’ committee planned a community celebration to feature presentations at Town Hall, a people’s procession, and continuing festivities at Hargraves Center. Members are being sought for a Continuing Concerns Committee to consider the additional proposals of the Special Committee.
September 12, 2005 Status: Hundreds of residents turned out on May 8, 2005, for the dedication of the newly named Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Thirteen overhead signs measuring 18 inches by 8 feet were erected at eight signalized intersections. Smaller signs measuring 9 by 48 inches were installed at 19 non-signalized intersections. The cost of the signs and installation was $15,600. All signs were erected by May 6, 2005.
The celebration was held on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s visit to Chapel Hill. The festivities began at Town Hall with featured speakers and gospel choirs, and continued with a procession to Hargraves Center, where participants enjoyed a community barbecue and entertainment by Liquid Pleasure.
Early in 2005, the Town notified more than 800 residents and business owners that Airport Road would change to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. A public information meeting was held on March 22, 2005, for those affected by the address change. Because address numbers and zip codes would not change, automatic updating of records was conducted by the U.S. Postal Service, all utility companies, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Orange County and the Town of Chapel Hill.
Another change affected by the new street name was the required renaming of the existing Martin Luther King Jr. Street in the Colony Woods West neighborhood. On April 5, 2005, residents selected "Jackie Robinson Street" as their top choice.
Additional members are being sought for the Continuing Concerns Committee, and a special public information campaign is underway to attract more citizen interest.
November 21, 2005 Status: A final step in this process will be the appointment of a citizens committee to consider the additional recommendations of the Special Committee to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Council will consider two applicants for appointment to the Continuing Concerns Committee on November 21, 2005. Public advertisements seeking applicants to this committee have been placed in The Chapel Hill News, Cable Channel 18 and the Town’s web site. One applicant, Joe Herzenberg, has been appointed thus far to this committee.
February 13, 2006 Status: Two citizens, including the Committee convener, were appointed to the Continuing Concerns Committee on November 21, 2005. Additional applicants will be solicited.
May 8, 2006 Status: The Continuing Concerns Committee met for the first time April 25, 2006.
September 11, 2006 Status: The Town Council recharged the Continuing Concerns Committee at its June 12, 2006 Business Meeting. The Committee now meets regularly and is planning an event for the fall to attract attention and members.
November 6, 2006 Status: The Continuing Concerns Committee continues to meet regularly and attract new members.
February 12, 2007 Status: The Continuing Concerns Committee continues to meet regularly and attract new members. The committee has petitioned the Council at the February 12, 2007 meeting for a change of name.