A phase of Bagby Avenue that runs previous Metropolis Corridor in downtown Houston might be renamed after the late Congressman and former mayor Sylvester Turner, if a proposal from Metropolis Controller Chris Hollins features traction.
“He left an unbelievable legacy,” Hollins instructed Houston Public Media. “He’s deserving of honor, and the renaming of this avenue downtown is simply one of many ways in which I believe we must be honoring his reminiscence.”
Earlier than serving two phrases as mayor, Turner labored for greater than 25 years within the Texas Legislature because the state consultant for Northwest Houston. Hollins stated Turner acted as a mentor previous to Hollins’ entry into the political area.
“Earlier than I used to be energetic politically, earlier than there was any cause for him to present me the time of day, he was accessible, and he made himself accessible,” Hollins stated. “He, over time, turned a mentor and an expensive buddy.”
Hollins first introduced the proposal to Houston Metropolis Council final week, when he turned emotional whereas recalling Turner’s influence.
“Thanks in your recommendations on honoring Mayor Turner,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated on the time.
Metropolis council member Tiffany Thomas instructed Houston Public Media she helps the initiative. She identified Turner already has a park named after him within the Acres Properties space, the place he grew up, and neighborhood members lately launched a petition to rename the Bethune Empowerment Heart within the space after him.
“I believe the urge for food is there as a result of we perceive his significance and his contribution,” Thomas stated. “I simply wished to publicly be part of my identify with the Controller’s statements in the opportunity of renaming the road. I might undoubtedly assist that measure.”
To ensure that the renaming to maneuver ahead, town’s planning division should obtain a petition representing 75% of the homeowners alongside the road. The town owns nearly all of the plots, so the petition would require just one non-public proprietor to affix, in keeping with Hollins. Different homeowners embody the Landry’s Group, which owns the Downtown Aquarium, Tennison Lofts, which owns an house advanced, and Brookfield Asset Administration, which owns the Heritage Plaza skyscraper and a close-by parking storage.
A spokesperson for Brookfield Asset Administration didn’t say whether or not the corporate would assist the renaming, writing “this proposal hasn’t made its technique to us but.” Landry’s and Tennison Lofts didn’t touch upon the proposal.
Thomas and Hollins additionally assist the naming of a terminal in Bush Intercontinental Airport after the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who preceded Turner because the consultant in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. The town council already unanimously accredited that decision. The public remark interval was slated to shut on Sunday.
