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Commission declines immediate vote on renaming portion of Umatilla SE; committee recommends Mayor mark Gun Violence Prevention month recognition
Summary
A proposed commemorative renaming of a portion of Umatilla Street to Amelia Penn Way was removed from consent after committee discussion; commissioners and staff suggested alternatives including a mayoral proclamation for Gun Violence Prevention Month and further community engagement.
The City Commission removed a resolution from the consent agenda that would have designated part of Umatilla Street SE as Amelia Penn Way, after the Community Development Committee did not take a vote on the request. Commissioner Youssassy summarized the committee’s June 10 public hearing and explained the committee chose not to proceed with the street renaming at this time.
Youssassy told the commission the committee weighed the family’s request against residents’ concerns on the block and discussed broader ways to recognize victims of gun violence. The committee recommended exploring alternatives, such as a mayoral proclamation for Gun Violence Prevention Month in June and other public recognition measures, while leaving the street’s official name unchanged.
City Clerk staff noted that roughly 40 property owners had been notified of the public hearing. The commission did not move the item at the meeting; Commissioner Youssassy’s summary stood as the committee’s recommendation and the item was referred back as appropriate for next steps.
Public commenters and commissioners discussed how to honor victims of gun violence without creating unintended impacts for neighbors; the committee indicated it will continue to explore options for memorialization and community engagement.
Because no motion to rename the street was made at the commission meeting, the official street name remained unchanged pending further consideration and outreach.
