The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission voted to recommend changing the name from César E. Chávez Boulevard back to Durango Boulevard, citing allegations that Chávez sexually assaulted and abused women and girls.

Background

The push to rename the street follows a national trend of reevaluating the legacies of historical figures. Commissioner Gabriel Velasquez, who voted against the name change, suggested alternative names that reflect the contributions of Mexican Americans, such as Gus Garcia or Albert Beña.

Councilmember Teri Castillo’s office initiated the council consideration request to change the name, citing the lengthy history of Durango Boulevard in the City of San Antonio. The city’s Development Services Department estimates that the change would affect 295 addresses and require replacing street signs and highway signage, bringing the projected total cost to about $305,200.

Questions remain about how the city would fund the work, with Castillo suggesting that funding from last year’s adopted budget for César Chávez events could be used. The proposal is scheduled to be considered by the Planning Commission on June 24, with the City Council expected to make a final decision in August.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.