High Point's Planning and Zoning Commission has approved renaming Kivett Drive for Martin Luther King, Jr. This marks the end of a long and contentious chapter in the city's history.
The High Point Enterprise reports the commission voted 7-1 to rename the 5-mile road for the late civil rights leader.
For 25 years, various groups and individuals tried unsuccessfully to rename a High Point street for King.
Some commissioners argued that part of the city's history would be lost by removing the Kivett name. The City Council will consider keeping Kivett in small lettering on new signage.
Commission Chairman Andy Putnam told supporters they showed a lot of courage in voting for the name change. One commission member said she was impressed by the fact that 14 organizations passed resolutions supporting the MLK renaming.
The change will take place before January 1, 2016.
300x250 Ad
300x250 Ad