During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong support for renaming the Urban Green Belt Trail after Albin Pearson, a pivotal figure in the development of Richland. Molly Peterson, representing the Alphabet House Preservation Advocates, highlighted Pearson's significant contributions, noting that he designed the city's infrastructure and the iconic Alphabet Houses during a crucial period in history.
David Harvey echoed Peterson's sentiments, emphasizing Pearson's role as a renowned architect whose work laid the foundation for Richland's suburban landscape. He argued that without Pearson's designs, the community would not resemble its current form. Harvey urged the city council to recognize Pearson's contributions by approving the trail's renaming, calling it a long-overdue acknowledgment.
Other residents, including Emeryne Costly, Doreen Buckey, and Richard Boogie, also expressed their support for the renaming, reinforcing the community's desire to honor Pearson's legacy. The public comments concluded with a consensus on the importance of recognizing Pearson's impact on Richland's development. The meeting then transitioned to scheduled presentations, leaving the future of the trail renaming in the hands of the city council.