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Council committee tables proposal to dedicate Saratoga/Lawrence corner to Lt. Margaret Shaheen after debate over veterans recognition
Summary
A proposal to dedicate a square honoring Lieutenant Margaret Shaheen drew an extended discussion about how the city recognizes veterans — especially women veterans — and whether individual corner dedications set a precedent. Committee members agreed to table the item to gather more information and consider alternative ways to honor veterans.
A proposal to dedicate the intersection of Saratoga and Lawrence Streets to Lieutenant Margaret Shaheen was presented to the Ordinance Committee on Oct. 14 and resulted in a lengthy discussion about veterans recognition and selection criteria.
Proponents, including members of the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter, said Shaheen — a woman who served overseas and whose family included brothers who also served — is historically underrecognized and merits a public dedication. Supporters said the dedication would highlight women’s military service and immigrant family contributions.
Several councilors welcomed the intent but urged more research and a broader approach. Committee Chair Mark LaPlante and other members asked for additional background on Shaheen (service record, local ties) and cautioned that dedicating individual corners raises precedent questions because many families have multiple veterans and the city already maintains memorials. Suggestions included creating a grouped display of veterans on lampposts or a plaque that could tell multiple stories, and coordinating with veterans’ groups and city historians.
After extended discussion the committee voted unanimously to table the proposal and requested that proponents provide additional documentation, consider alternatives (family memorial plaques or a focused veterans display), and work with the council to identify an appropriate form of recognition. The committee said it would revisit the matter after receiving more information.
