San Antonio is taking steps to potentially rename Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard back to its original name, Durango Boulevard. This move comes after a citywide survey and community listening sessions revealed significant public support for the change. The boulevard, which stretches from Southwest 36th Street to South Hackberry Street, was originally named Durango before being renamed in honor of the late labor leader Cesar Chavez in 2011.
Public Opinion and Process
The decision to reconsider the street name follows recent allegations of sexual misconduct involving Chavez, which led the city to cancel the annual Cesar Chavez march. A survey conducted by the city between March 23 and April 2 gathered over 18,000 responses, with 64% of participants favoring a return to Durango Boulevard. Among residents living along the corridor, support for the original name was even higher at 79%.
The City Council Governance Committee has advanced a Council Consideration Request filed by Councilwoman Teri Castillo, directing city staff to initiate the formal renaming process. This process will involve technical reviews, coordination with city departments and outside agencies, and hearings before the Historic and Design Review Commission and Planning Commission. The final decision will be made by the City Council after these steps are completed, which could take two to three months.
Financial Implications
City officials have acknowledged the potential financial burden on residents and businesses required to update addresses and other documentation. The estimated cost of the renaming effort ranges from $200,000 to $300,000, primarily due to signage replacement and agency coordination. To alleviate some of these costs, Castillo’s proposal includes waiving application and notification fees and repurposing funds previously allocated for the Cesar Chavez March to assist residents and businesses with the transition.
Logan Sparrow, assistant director for Development Services, noted that replacing city street signs could take several weeks, while Texas Department of Transportation signage might take several months due to manufacturing timelines and shortages. The city plans to provide multiple rounds of public notice to ensure residents and businesses have ample opportunity to express their views before a final decision is made.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
