A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A REPORT AND RELATED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER RENAMING AIRPORT ROAD, THANKING THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE FOR ITS WORK, AND DIRECTING THE MANAGER TO TAKE CERTAIN ACTIONS (2004-12-06/R-11)

WHEREAS, on June 14, 2004, the Council created the Special Committee to Consider Renaming Airport Road, with a charge to develop options and recommendations for the Council’s consideration; and

WHEREAS, the Special Committee was charged with making recommendations to the Council by its December 6^th meeting;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council accepts the report of the Special Committee to Consider Renaming Airport Road, and thanks the Committee for its diligence and commitment in completing its charge.  The Council also extends its thanks to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Branch of the NAACP for introducing the issue and presenting the opportunity for discussion of this and other related issues.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That the Council accepts the following primary recommendation as contained in the Committee’s Report:

1. Change the name of Airport Road to “Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.” with a separate sign mounted underneath with the designation “Historic Airport Road.”  Implement the change six (6) months from the date of approval by the Town Council, or no later than July 4, 2005.

That the Council also directs the Manager to prepare a report to the Council on potential implementation of the following additional recommendations of the Committee:

1. The Town should support individuals impacted by the renaming, possibly including money, technical support, time to adjust, publicity campaign, and an information meeting with the U.S. Postal Service.  The Town should look for funds/resources to help Airport Road residents/owners with transition issues (addresses, labels, web pages).

2. In addition to renaming, create a room at the Library with a collection of materials honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights in Chapel Hill.

3. Support a museum exhibit about Airport Road that includes oral histories, publications, etc. that the Town Council oversees.

4. Further honor Martin Luther King, Jr. with information signs saying “Peace, Racial, and Economic Justice.”

5. Establish a branch of the library in the African American community.

6. Continue to address racial and power issues in Chapel Hill by creating a racial justice commission/task force to coordinate activities such as:

· An annual weekend meeting similar to this forum for a committee of unlimited size to address and discuss race issues in Chapel Hill.

· A Town proclamation of “Racial Justice Week.”

· An annual publication on the state of Black Chapel Hill that includes indicators of housing, jobs, education, political power, social issues, health status, etc.

· A seminar series.

· Public Arts.

· Oral history.

· Annual Brown vs. Board of Education forum.

7. Advocate and voice support for the mission and work of the Orange County Human Rights and Relations Commission.

This the 6^th day of December, 2004.