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Residents urge council to pursue community-driven process for 3rd Street Bridge renaming
Summary
Residents asked Warren City Council to consider naming the 3rd Street Bridge for the Blue Star Mothers or to run an open nomination process; proponents said the effort would be privately funded and sought council guidance on procedural steps to reach a vote.
Multiple residents urged the city to consider renaming the 3rd Street Bridge during the Nov. 17 public comment period, with several speakers recommending a public, community-driven process before deciding a permanent name.
Judy Melton introduced a proposal to name the structure the "Blue Star Bridge" to honor the Blue Star Mothers of Kinzua, said volunteers would cover costs and would petition the community, and introduced other members of the group. Joe Perrin, who said he submitted the original renaming request, described outreach to more than 150 community members, offered to lead petition and fundraising efforts at no cost to taxpayers and asked council for guidance on the steps needed to get the proposal to a vote.
Other commenters suggested broadening the process. David Oberg recommended an open call for name suggestions and public voting on top finalists to ensure the chosen name reflects Warren’s history and values. Alyssa Ribeiro, a professional historian and Warren resident, cautioned against rushing to attach permanent infrastructure to a recently deceased individual and urged a deliberative, community-involved process.
Council members said the topic is not on tonight’s agenda but that staff would look into the process and return with options; no formal action on naming was taken at the meeting.
