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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPages from Council Packet 2010 07 08 r�K �Cti y�N S I �G Chris Swope Lansing City Clerk I�, HIG � .July 6, 2010 City Council President Robinson and Members of the Lansing City Council 10th Floor, City Nall Lansing, MI 48933 Dear Council Members: The attached Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing was not acted upon by the Memorial Review Board within the 90 day timeframe pursuant to Ordinance #1147 which allows applications for the renaming of streets to be reviewed by City Council, and is being forwarded for your consideration and appropriate action: Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials in the City of Lansing filed by Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez to Rename part of Grand River Avenue as Cesar E. Chavez Avenue Also pursuant to the changes to the ordinance, City Council must hold a public hearing on the above referenced application within sixty (60) days of receipt of the application. The public hearing notice must be published 30 days prior to the public hearing. City Council shall, within ninety(90)days of its receipt of the application, approve or deny the naming or renaming sought in the application. Sincerely, dk� Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk Lansing City Clerk's Office Ninth Floor,City Hall,124 W.Michigan Ave.,Lansing,MI 48933-1695 517-483-4131 ❑517-377-0068 FAX clerk.cityoflansingmi.com oclerk@lansingmi.gov Application for Laming and Renaming Memorials In the City of Lansing, Michigan ilQ Proposed name: -tom C� G - Basis and significance of proposed name: Object, site, or street to be named or renamed: � Current name (if applicable); /,� Impact on residents:_ t 414r Impact on businesses: Projected implementation cost if application is approved: Proposed funding: l Anticipated support and/or opposition to the proposal: If the Proposed Memorial involves changing a street name, this application must be accompanied by payment for the estimated cost of mailing notice to owners of all properties with mailing addres es on the subject street. Applicant's Name' SDate: Applicant' Address: r City State: / Vl. Zip: 7 / Main Contact Number: ( )1qY:::�1J191 Secondary Contact Number: (__) If you have questions please call:517-483-4131 When you are done with this form, please return it to: Chris Swope, City Clerk Lansing City Clerk's Office Ninth Floor, City Nall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933-1695 clerk@lansingmi.gov ,Z P.O. Eoz 97079 Z"J'e y' L% 4,7909 March 29, 2010 Mr. Chris Swope, City Clerk 124 W. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor Lansing, MI 48933 ®ear Mr. Swope; The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee is making application for a street renaming from East Grand River Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. The local street section being considered is East Grand River Avenue commencing at Oakland Avenue and ending at Fine Street and West Grand River Avenue. The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee members have committed themselves not just to this initial effort of renaming a street in honor of Cesar E. Chavez; but to continue his humanitarian efforts throughout our community. Please find attached the necessary documents needed for review to consider the application and a check for the cost of the mailing for notification to those affected by the change. If there is more information or documentation needed to complete the process please contact me at (517) 749-0181. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The committee leaves you with our words of encouragement. Si se puede! Sincerely, va Reyes, Chair The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee attachments Z"442 y eieda-Z 5 &i"IV9 PA fax 27079 zaa,m y, wm 4w909 "[rile cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget progress and prosperity for our community......Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." "Cesar E. Chavez„ The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee; opt�0 I Application for Naming and Renaming Memorials In the City of Lansing, Michigan ADDENDUM LANSING FOR CESAR E. CHAVEZ AVENUE (1) The proposed street name change from Grand River Avenue is, to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, "commencing at Oakland and East Grand River Avenue and ending at Pine Street and West Grand River Avenue. The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee is requesting the name of an American hero whose struggle for justice and equality for all Americans is well recognized and documented. He, like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther Icing Jr., Mother Teresa and others understood the meaning of non violent social change and used it to elevate the human condition. Cesar E. Chavez was a social activist who founded the first.successful Farm Workers union in American history whose mission was to reclaim dignity, fair wages, medical coverage, benefits and humane living conditions for millions of Americans. Cesar E. Chavez inspired millions of Americans was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize and also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom America's highest civilian honor: His philosophy, "Si se Puede" or"Yes we Can," influenced millions of Americans to seek economic and social equality since the 1060's and that philosophy is still alive and well today. Cesar E. Chavez a United States veteran served in the Navy and served in World War II. His life was dedicated to advancing the cause of and improving the life of all farm workers and of all oppressed people in the United States and the world. (2) The subject of the application is Grand River Avenue. (3) The current name of the street is Grand River Avenue. (4) The effect of the proposed name change upon residents and businesses is being received favorably. Many of the businesses currently on what is now Grand River Avenue have expressed a positive response to the street name change. The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee have met with business owner's and with the Old Town Commercial Association representing many of the businesses on Grand River Avenue who are supportive of the change. Another significant effect is the attracting of business and commerce in that area. Two businesses have been identified and have made it known that the changing of Grand River to Cesar E. Chavez has encouraged them to open new business within the area resulting from the proposed street name change. In terms of a social effect, it will illustrate that Lansing, Michigan is a city that believes in diversity and understands the importance of tolerance and inclusion of honoring Americans who have made a difference for all. 1 (5) The projected cost should be minimal to the city and to the business owners currently on Grand River. Thirty street signs have been identified that would require changing from Grand River Ave. to Cesar E. Chavez Ave. According to Chad A. Gamble, P. E., Director of Public Service, it cost about $110.00 per sign to be replaced and installed. Mr. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, has quoted the anticipated cost of$117.00 for mailing notification to the area businesses and residents. In terms of the cost of the business owner's changing their stationery, it is being recommended that a gradual name change process be considered so that the current stationery can be utilized until the street name is officially changed. The businesses would incur a one time only cost as part of the normal procedure for reordering of stationery with the new street name. Another option is the Committee has negotiated with a local print shop that will offer a group rate for printing of new stationery to help absorb some of the cost for the business owners on Grand River Avenue. (6) In terms of anticipated support, each day citizens of Lansing and organizations continue to express great support of the street name change. A variety of local organizations have clearly stated their support and letters demonstrating that support are attached. The street name change has received a positive response from citizens of Lansing representing all walks of life and ethnic and economic backgrounds. It has united many of the citizens of Lansing to work together for the betterment of the City of Lansing using the street name change as a vehicle to unify and better understand each other. There has been nominal opposition to the street name change. The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee representatives continue to meet with individuals, organizations, business association and business owner's doing business on the affected street name change to garner their support. On going meetings have been scheduled with agreed upon discussion guidelines of civility, to dialogue with anyone or any organization that may oppose such a street name change. 2 Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Avenue Honoring the Life and Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez, a social activist founded the first successful Farm Workers Union (UFWOC).in the United States, whose mission was to obtain dignity, fair wages, medical coverage, benefits and humane living conditions for the millions of farm laborers that toil in agricultural industry; and Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez, a farm worker, an advocate of civil rights, a spiritual inspiration, an environmentalist, and a crusader for nonviolent civil disobedience, manifested through fasts, strikes and boycotts focused on safe working conditions, fair wages, housing, and the banning of child labor, and Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez' philosophy, "Si se Puede" or"Yes we Can" influenced millions of Americans to seek economic and social equality in the agricultural fields and industry; and Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez has inspired millions of people, was a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize, and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor for his outstanding contributions to our country; and Whereas, Cesar E. Chavez visited Lansing, Michigan, the Capital City of the State of Michigan, a major agricultural state, several times as a result of his concern for the thousands of farm workers in Michigan; and Whereas, it is fitting and proper to honor Cesar E. Chavez, an exemplary role model, for all United States citizens, whose name is synonymous with justice, equality and freedom. Such that Lansing the Capitol City would be proud to pay homage to this man by naming a street Cesar E. Chavez in his honor. Whereas, the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee proposes to rename a portion of Grand River Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue commencing at Oakland Street & East Grand River Avenue and ending at Pine Street and West Grand River Avenue. 1 Whereas, it is fitting to rename that portion of Grand River Avenue commencing at Oakland Street and East Grand River Avenue and ending at Pine Street and West Grand River Avenue, to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue because of its, visibility and proximity to the Capital, and its location in the heart of Lansing's well established Latino Community and Old Town which has been recognized as a cultural and business attraction. Moreover, the name change will enhance the business and cultural environment of the area, promote economic investment, and will alleviate the confusion caused by the use of North, East, and West Grand River. Therefore, be it resolved that the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee recommends that a portion of Grand River Avenue be renamed Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, as described above, in honor of and in recognition of this great American hero. i 2 I 69TH DISTRICT MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEES STATE CAPITOL CHAIR, JUDICIARY P.O. BOX 30014 �/� � MEADOWS GREAT LAKES AND ENVIRONMENT LANSING, MI 48909-7514 j�� MICHIGAN LAW REVISION PHONE: (517) 373-1786 T1 COMMISSION FAX: (517) 373-5717 STATE REPRESENTATIVE E URBAN POLICY E-MAIL: markmeadows@house.mi.gov ASSISTANT LEADER 12 February 2009 95TH LEGISLATURE Elva Reyes, Chairperson Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee P.O. Box 27072 Lansing,MI 48924 Dear Ms. Reyes: I am writing today to express my heartfelt support for your campaign to honor Cesar E. Chavez. Mr. Chavez was a diligent, dedicated champion of worker's rights. He established an activist legacy that is to be greatly admired. His sacrifice and determination serve as an inspiration to each of us. i Renaming a section of E. Grand River Avenue in Chavez'honor would serve as fitting reminder of his ceaseless efforts to bring about positive change. Such an action would reflect the respect and admiration felt by so many in our community who value Mr. Chavez'tireless crusade for social justice. Because of this, I stand with you in your effort to recognize the memory of Cesar Chavez and his important work. incerely �eprcs�cntativ�eMark�:tows 69th District Lansing City Council 124 W. Michigan Ave. 9t" Floor Lansing, M148933 ®ear City Council Members, I am signing this letter to let you know I support the name change of Grand River Ave. to Cesar E. Chavez Ave. It is important to honor a man who has done so much for so many. If the name is changed I feel it would help the neighborhood become stronger and more unified. "hank you, February 18, 2010 Lansing City Council Lansing City Hall 124 W. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 Dear City Council Members; The Lansing Area Hispanic Business Association is proud to endorse the renaming of part of Grand River Avenue, in Old Town, to Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. Why Should the Lansing City Council honor Cesar E. Chavez? This man was an: 1. American activist and Labor organizer 2. He leaves a legacy of fairness and justice for all 3. He was respected and honored by Presidents and the American people 4. He left us with core values of stewardship, relevancy, service to others, sacrifice, non-violence and respect for life and the environment. On August 8, 1994, President Clinton awarded the Medal of Freedom to Cesar E. Chavez. In the citation accompanying America's highest civilian honor, which was awarded posthumously, the President lauded Chavez for having "faced formidable, often violent opposition with dignity and nonviolence and he was victorious." Cesar E. Chavez left our world better than he found it, and his legacy inspired us still. He was for his own people a "Moses figure"the President declared. "The farm workers who labored in the fields and yearned for respect and self-sufficiency pinned their hopes on this remarkable man who, with faith and discipline, soft spoken humility and amazing inner strength, led a very courageous life." The time has come for the city of Lansing to stand tall and honor this great American hero. ncerely, C J. John Ja tillco, President .L Laansingg Area Hispanic Business Association Lansing City Council 124 W. Michigan Ave. Mtn Floor Lansing, loll 48933 Dear City Council Members, l am signing this letter to let you know l support the name change of Grand River Ave. to Cesar E. Chavez Ave. It is important to honor a man who has done so much for so many. If the name is changed l feel it would help the neighborhood become stronger and more unified. Thank you, -' Iff �ti Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Y S •v �+�i L}• `•fury. �}�� . Greater L,ansino, Area L,CLAA Chapter Maria G.Starr,President,4629 Stillwell Ave.,Lansing,Atl 48911,PII.•517-712-7056 Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez C/o Elva Reyes, Chairperson P.O.. Box 27072 Lansing, MI 48924 Dear Ms. Elva Reyes, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement of Greater Lansing Area Chapter, supports the safety of migrant and seasonal workers. Ensuring their protection as well as the enforcement of contractual obligations by the Code of Regulations set forth by the Department of Labor. Cesar E. Chavez organized the migrant worker for better conditions. For their health, safety, not working in pesticides fields, and better wages. Today many migrant workers still struggle to make abetter living. But with Cesar Chavez determination in educating the legislature and their community to be strong. We need to continue this education within our community. And this will be the first question as to why we should have a street named after Cesar E. Chavez. For his hard work to educate the community that migrant workers need safe working conditions and better pay. We are in support in the street name change. In Solidarity, aria . Starr, Ph esident�. Greater Lansing Area LCLAA Chapter ACU Mui no= Coalition of Labor Union Women Michigan Capitol Area Chapter Veronica Johnson, President 2617 Winsford St. Lansing, MI 48911 PH: 517-393-8695 Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez P.O Box 27072 Lansing, MI 48924 Dear es Chairperson Elva Reyes, Y The Coalition of Labor Union Women is America's only national organization for union women formed in 1974. The primary mission of CLUW is to unify all union women in a viable organization to determine our common problems and goals. We have four goals: to promote affirmative action in the workplace, to strengthen the role of women in unions, to organize the unorganized women, and to increase the involvement of women in the political and legislative process. As we know, Delores Huerta worked closely with Cesar E. Chavez. Her concern for the working conditions of farm workers, Cesar E. Chavez made a difference in Delores Huerta's life. By organizing the migrant workers, helping them get a better life. And educating the legislators about the bad working conditions in the fields. We are in support of the street being named "Cesar E. Chavez". Our community need to be educated and remember Cesar E. Chavez for his hard work. reronic' rhood, a Johnson, P psi�dent Michigan Capitol Area CLUW Chapter President Roberta Cannon Lansing Chapter a n r Vice President • Kim Wilson A. .I. • Secretary easurer A. PhilipRandolph Instituto 1964 ED Lansing Glender Anderson Recording Secretary P.O.BOX 12041. • LANSING,MI 48901-2041 ®� Chapter Anita R.Dawson Corresponding Secretary, Temea Robertson Parliamentarian March 2, 2010 John Fedewa Sergeant-at-Arms To: Community Leaders Maria Starr Trustees RE: Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Melvin Coleman Marilyn Coulter On behalf of the A. Philip Randolph Institute-Lansing Chapter, I would like to Veronica Johnson express our support of the Lansing for Cesar E.Chavez Committee.As an organization named for another labor leader,A. Philip Randolph,we understand the importance of the sacrifice and courage that these men endured in their lives.They strongly fought for equality of all people.We as a nation have reaped the benefits of their hard work and commitment. "Fighting for social justice, it seems to me, is one of the profounder ways in which man can say yes to man's dignity, and that really means sacrifices.There is no way on this earth in which you can say yes to man's dignity and know that you're going to be spared some sacrifice."Chavez, 1975 it is based on this principle that we are asking you to strongly consider the request of the Committee to rename Grand River Avenue (commencing at Oakland Street and ending at Pine Street and West Grand River Avenue)to Cesar E.Chavez Avenue. Chavez sacrificed much, and we feel that it is time that his dignity is honored. In Solidarity, r � Roberta Cannon, President A.Philip Randolph Institute Lansing Chapter "Freedom is never granted, it is won. Justice is never given, it is exacted... " MICHICAN STATE U N [ `J E R S E T Y February 24,2010 Cesar E. Chavez Committee Lansing,MI Dear Committee Members: It is my pleasure to support your efforts to have the City of Lansing adopt a measure that will honor Cesar E.Chavez in a manner that pays tribute to him and reminds us of his extraordinary life and how much he contributed to Lansing,to Michigan, and the nation. Cesar E. Chavez was one of those extraordinary individuals who reminded the entire nation about its core values, and through his actions,raised our humanity and that of the people on whose behalf he advocated—farmworkers and their families. Cesar Chavez focused the nation on the basic principles that we are all human and that the poor and powerless must not be treated in subhuman ways just because those with power and resources wish to do so as they pursue profits and wealth. Farmworkers and their families tend to and harvest the crops that feed the nation and the world. These are hardworking honest people who, during his time, lived and labored, and, in many cases still today, continue to live and labor in deplorable conditions on our nation's farms. They experienced long hours in the fields without basic necessities, such as shade from the hot sun, drinking water and toilets, often under the spray of pesticides, and for exceptionally low wages. JSRICesar argued that these conditions robbed workers out of several years of life,with the average life span of a farmworker during his day being as low as 49 years. JULIAN SAMORA Cesar forced the nation to recognize the humanity of farmworkers and in the process RESEARCH forced us to confront our own humanity and the level of civilization which our nation INSTITUTE had achieved or failed to achieve. Michigan State to Hamso, hnportantly,he did this using non-violent methods. He,like others before him, Suite 301 Nisbet envisioned a better society—one that affirms the humanity of us all;that provides decent East4ansing, II working conditions and wages for farmworkers, and provides real opportunity for everyone to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Phone; 517 432.1317 Fax: 517.432.2221 E-Mail:jsamorai@msu.edu Cesar Chavez is a symbol of our humanity; a reminder that all of us should work for a www.jsri.msu.edu better society—that conspicuous consumption is not a virtue, and that our own lives should not be based on the dehumanization of others. This message is one that needs to be taught to our children and one that we must be constantly reminded of if we are to stay the course in realizing a better,more just and more humane society and world. The near collapse of our financial sector reminds us that human nature has not changed much over the centuries, and that greed must be overcome with values and principles that guide our behaviors_ Cesar Chavez could have led a vastly different life given his talents, but instead he dedicated himself to improving the lives of one of the most vulnerable populations in our society. In doing so he became the most recognized Latino leader.of the 20th Century. For his achievements and contributions Cesar Chavez was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize by the American Friends Service Committee. In 1994,he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President William Clinton, and in 2006, he was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by(governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has been recognized by organizations, cities,towns,and states across the country. Sadly, Lansing,the capital city of Michigan, a state which has hosted millions of farmworkers over the decades,and maintains a$4 billion industry with the support of farmworkers,has not been willing nor found a way to pay tribute to this great man. Cesar Chavez' courage was extraordinary,his commitment was extraordinary, and his deeds and life were extraordinary. Lansing must fmd a way to celebrate both his life and his contributions to Michigan and show the state and the nation that it,too, stands for justice and equality for all. Sincerely, Ruben Martinez,Ph.D. Director 2 Lansing Branch ��tE Rpuq rational Association for the Advancement of Colored People NAACP log March 22, 2010 Elva Reyes Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee 1984 S. Steward Road Charlotte, Mi. 48813 Winston Williams,Jr. President Glender Anderson Dear Mrs. Reyes, I"Vice President Dorothy Wilson The LansingBranch NAACP is honored to support the Lansing for Secretary p p g Cesar E. Chavez Committee, in their efforts to request that the City of Cathy Milett Lansing rename the city street Grand River Avenue (commencing at Assistant secretary Oakland Street and ending at Pine Street and West Grand River Ave.) to Marquis Hudson Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. Treasurer Executive Committee: Cesar E. Chavez stood on the principles of ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to Sarah Anthony eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. These are also the same Jeanne Baugh principles that the NAACP has embraced for over 100 years. Jerusha Bonham Lester Bryant Thus the LansingBranch NAACP understands that it is vita Roberta Canon vitally Melvin Coleman important that the memory of Cesar E. Chavez is actively engaged in the Marilyn Coulter minds and hearts of the citizens of Lansing on a daily basis. This is a great AivtaDawson opportunity for Lansing to advance Cesar legacy of working together for the Patricia Fitzpatrick betterment of mankind. James Gill Betty Gilmore Carolyn Logan The renaming of Grand River Ave. is long overdue. I am confident Lillian McFadden,EdD. that no matter what struggles we have to overcome, we will be victorious. Melvin McWilliams,Esq. Tynnetta Qawwee Derrell Slaughter Danielle Stubbs Sincere y You s, Penny Warner s Rudolf Wilson Winston Williams, Jr. President N13TOMOBILE AEROSPACE ® AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS of AMERICA (UAW) LOCAL NO. 652 UAW , 426 GLARE STREET e LANSING, MICHIGAN 48917 TELEPHONE: (517) 372-7581 MIKE GREEN,PRESIDENT BOB SMITH,FINANCIAL SECT='fREAS. RANDY FREEMAN,VICE PRESIDENT FREA CHA,RLES,RECORDING SECRETARY December 18,2009 Alfonso Salas Cesar Chavez Committee 3705 W. Jolly Rd. Lansing, MI 48911 Dear Mr. Salas, We stand in support of the Cesar Chavez Commissions quest to name a street in his honor. Cesar stood for and about labor unions,the disenfranchised,working people and people of color. Therefore the membership of UAW Local 652 stands in support of this mission to honor a great American. In Solidarity& Si Se Puede Mike Green,President -UAW Local 652 - MG:j amegopeiu42afl-cio I Am4amatedLocaf No. 724, UAW 450 CLARE ST. ® LANSING, MI 48917 ® PHONE (517) 482-7377 ® FAX (517) 482-0586 UAW INTERNATIONAL UNION,UNITED AUTOMOBILE,AEROSPACE&AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA-UAW DEAN L. PGGGIALI - President DEBRA S. MILLS- Financial Sec.lTreas, January 15, 2010 Alfonso.Salas Lli� v PICY C utc;11 6121 Rosedale Lansing, Mi 48911 Al. On behalf of the membership of Amalgamated UAW Local 724, we stand in support of the efforts to rename a street in honor of Cesar E. Chavez: 1n order for Lansing to proclaim itself as a"world class city",we must go forward ii) honoring a"world class American." In nosing, we believe honoring this great American labor leader is important. tV:aetlier a:stre_et, a.plaza, ar a building,the true testament is to live our-lives following the principles of such American heroes as Cesar E. Chavez; Walter Reuther and Martin Lather Ding. Si Se Puede In Solidarity Dean L..PoC, ', esident Amalgamated UAW Local 725 _ REPRESENTING THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS ALLIANCE DNCC LEAR BHARAT FORGE DR. PEPPER 7-UP ROBINSON SOLUTIONS BRIDGEWATER HUNTSMAN RSDC { DAKKOTA IMPCO WOODBRIDGE DELTA DENTAL LOCAL 724 RETIREES