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Robert E. Lee Street Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Date/Type of Contact Postion on renaming Live on or adjacent (within Comments Alternate name requests/suggestions E-mail received Monday, July 13. Staff e-mail response same day. Not specified Yes Request for meeting registration details. No comments given E-mail received Monday, July 13. Staff e-mail response same day. In favor Yes Does not like Freedom or Justice Street, which she thinks are more appropriate for mid- Atlantic or Northeast. Prefers a desert-themed name such as Desert Vista, Desert Cactus. Resident joined July 28 community web forum to reiterate request for desert- Desert-themed name such as: Desert Cactus Desert Vista Second e-mail received July 22. Resident repeated request at July 28 Community Web forum In favor Yes This commenter repeated these suggestions in the July 28 community web forum: Since I do not like the names suggested, I figured I should try to think of something else. Here is what I've thought of so far, having no idea if they are usable. I did search the Maricopa County Assessor website to see if they were already used (I searched without the East figuring it would give me wider results). 1) E. Edge Hill Street - nothing found 2) E. Vista Hills - there is a drive but not a street 3) E. Desert Ridge Street - I know we are near Desert Ridge Marketplace, which is what made me think of this. There is one Desert Ridge Drive in Scottsdale but that is all. I don't know if this can be considered because of the marketplace. 4) E. North Hills Street - I only found a North Hills Church, no street names 5) E. Vista Edge - nothing found 6) E. Desert Cactus Street - I know Cactus Road is here, not sure if that is too close. There is also a Desert Cactus Investment Company. That is all I found. 7) E. Mountain Vista Street - there is already a Court, Drive, Avenue, but no Street. That said, this may be too common and not acceptable based on the current use.8) E Desert Hills Street - there is already an E Desert Hills Drive in Scottsdale and a W Desert Hills Drive in both Phoenix and Glendale. This may be too common and therefore not acceptable as well. E-mail received Monday, July 13. Staff e-mail response same day. Joined July 28 community web forum. Not specified Yes Request for meeting registration details. Resident joined July 28 community web forum to oppose renaming because he feared the cost of updating his address would be too high. E-mail received Monday, July 13. Staff e-mail response same day. Spoke at July 28 community web forum. Opposed Yes Spoke at the July 28 community web forum to express concern about covering the up- front costs of updating address. 7/15/2020 phone call. Call returned same day. Opposed Yes Called to request hard copies of all documents be mailed to his home. Also requested the history of Phoenix City Code Section 18-1 on which this section of the renaming policy is based. Explained that he's a 40-year resident of the street. He objects to the current policy as it takes away residents right to name their own street. He supports leaving the name as is as it honors a man that fought to secure the country's independence. He also said a process should begin to rename Washington and Jefferson streets and asked how he could begin that process. Staff explained they would send a copy of the renaming policy that lists all of the ways the renaming process can begin for a street. E-mail received Wednesday, July 15. Staff e-mail response same day. In favor Yes Asked for web meeting registration details. Also asked that any effective date of a new name be AFTER the November elections to to avoid any issues with voter registration. Does not oppose renaming but does not like currents suggestions. Does not like Freedom or Justice Street. Prefers something "uplifing" such as a flower. E-mail received Thursday, July 16. Staff e-mail response on July 17. Not specified Yes Request for meeting registration details. No comments given E-mail comment July 22. Participant in July 28 community web forum Yes Spoke at July 28 community web forum. Said renaming the street was a waste of tax dollars. E-mail comments submitted July 22 Opposed Yes Whether you like who Robert E. Lee is or was or find his name offensive or not, he is a part of our nation’s history. Revising history or choosing to ignore it or changing the name of our street will not change previous wrongs but ignoring it or trying to erase it will only ensure that we do not learn from it and surely badness will follow(Just watch the nightly news.) Just ask anyone who survived a tyrant who did it: Hitler, Stalin, etc. Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it. Not a good idea. E-mail comments and request tor register. Opposed Yes I am concerned that having to do all the address changes while also dealing with the pandemic is troublesome to me and no doubt many others. The city is also creating an added expense of time and dollars related to contacting dozens of businesses (such as social security and banks to name only a few key ones) as well as friends and family. (In a follow-up phone call, she explained that she was concerned about the efforts required to update her address. She doesn't understand why it has to occur now. She also questioned if Washington, Jefferson and Adams streets would be changed and if not, why. Reiterated her oppostion to renaming in spoken comments at July 28 community web forum. dd,D Ed Robert E. Lee Street Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) E-mail comments submitted July 25 In favor Yes E-mailed the following statement: My suggestion is John Lewis Way. You are going to get a lot of racists fighting any change. They bought their house on this street and wasn’t phased by it. Good luck. John Lewis Way Web comment submitted July 30 Opposed Yes As a resident on Robert E Lee I am disappointed that a city would cater to the whims of a small majority of political groups. As a senior citizen, in all the year's I've lived on Robert E Lee, a good 60% of people in the 20-35 age group never even heard of him. How much is this change going to cost the taxpayers of Phoenix? How many hundreds of cross streets will have to have the signage changed. How many miles is Robert E Lee across the Valley? Not to mention maps, mortgage deeds, and again as a senior all the paperwork I will have to change; drivers license, passports, medical information, insurance policies, etc., etc. I DO NOT WANT MY STREET NAME CHANGED TO " FREEDOM" OR " JUSTICE". THAT'S A POLITICAL/MOVEMENT STATEMENT. TO ME IT'S OFFENSIVE AND DEROGATORY. WE LIVE IN THE DESERT. Come up with a name that has no political connotation and no reference to a movement. Possibly, Foxtail, Desert Sage, Aloe Lane, Adobe Lane/Avenue, Azalea, Black Mesa, Broken Arrow . . . For goodness sake, get creative and stay away from political interest groups. Thank you, Melissa Wilson Foxtail Desert Sage Aloe Lane Adobe Lane/Avenue Azalea Black Mesa Broken Arrow E-mail comment submitted Aug. 5 Yes We would like to recommend names for consideration of our residential address for almost thirty (30) years. Our feeling is that the renaming should not be a direct result of political pandering. The new street name should hold content of an appropriate southwestern reflective of our deep heritage not in response to politically charged issues at the moment. Vista Al Valle (Valley View) Aves de Arizona (Birds of Arizona) Camino de Montaña (Mountain Road) Pico del Valle (Valley Peak) Bell's Vireo (Songbird of the Southwest_ Bonita Calypte (Native AZ bird) Calle de muchos (Street of Many) Calle de la Paz (Street of Peace) Calle de Esperanza (Street of Hope) Casas de Bienestar (Wellness Homes) Casas de Bien (Homes of good) Casas Pacificas (Peaceful houses) Calle de la Fortuna (STreet of Fortune) Calle de Belleza (Street of Beauty) E-mail comments submitted July 25. Also registered for July 28 meeting and sent addl. comment. In favor Yes Requested web meeting registration links. Also expressed concern that her elderly mother would have difficulty participating in the process. Left voicemail asking for meeting registration info. for her mother. Did respond back by phone that her mother supports changing the name of the street. Web comment submitted Aug. 5 In favor Yes I support the renaming, however, the proposed names, freedom or justice st, are uninspired. Can we investigate alternatives? Desert themed? Plants/wildlife Native people themed? Wild West themed Even naming it after John Lewis would be better (however it feels like a knee jerk reaction during a moment in time) Thank you John Lewis Web comment submitted Aug. 11 In favor Adjacent Hello all. As a family, we are requesting to re-name Robert E Lee Street to "Buffalo Soldier Way”. The Buffalo Soldiers were a collection of African American US Army Calvary Regiments formed in 1866 after the Civil War and based in Southern Arizona out of Ft Huachuca. The Buffalo Soldier name then carried on until the Korean War when the Army was fully integrated. Why are we suggesting this name? 1.) Family tie-in: My Wife's grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier during the two World Wars. 2.) Military tie-in: Along with many Phoenix families, we have both active duty and veterans in the family. This includes a recent Arizona National Guard veteran that is a Buffalo Soldier descendant. 3.) Arizona tie-in. The Civil War barely touched the Arizona territory whereas the Buffalo Soldiers, as mentioned, operated here. 4.) Horse tie-in: The entrance to my neighborhood (Triple Crown) has a statue of three horses. This is a reference to the three horse races that make up the Triple Crown Championship. Since the Buffalo Soldiers of the Civil War era were horse mounted cavalry, it provides something of a connection to a horse marquee theme. We wish this to be a positive, forward looking, non-judgmental, uplifting process supported by the neighbors along the street and residents of Phoenix. We appreciate the burden this change places on those directly impacted (We live next to but not on the actual street), but ask they consider the long-term goodwill that can come from this change. This re-naming makes no change to, nor does it erase the history of the Civil War. It is simply a street name and what we choose to commemorate with that name. In 1960 the choice was made to commemorate the Commanding General of the Southern Confederate Army. In 2020, my family and I ask that we choose to commemorate The U i d S A B ff l S ldi l b d f A i V Robert E. Lee Street Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Comments submitted via web form July 24 In favor Adjacent Hello, I live in the Triple Crown subdivision. This is at the intersection of Tatum & East Robert E Lee Street. I absolutely feel the street should be renamed. I am sure you are aware that Robert E Lee was a general in the Confederate Army, which fought to keep Black Americans suppressed through segregation and racial injustice. The name of this street is a vestige of America’s racist past. We cannot allow honors given to war criminals to remain when the people who bestowed those honors don't represent our values today. It is the acceptance of all races & ethnicities that truly make not only Phoenix great but the entire USA. I ask that you please consider my proposal to rename East Robert E Lee Street. E-mail comments submitted July 25. Comments submitted during July 28 community web forum. Adjacent Requested meeting registration details. Clarified that he actually lives in Phoenix adjacent to RE Lee but has a Scottsdale postal address; parcel backyard faces RE Lee Street. Spoke at July 28 community web forum. Advocated for changing the name of the street to Buffalo Soldiers Way. Buffalo Soldiers Way E-mail comment submitted Aug. 10 In favor Yes I am writing to you about the proposed renaming of Robert E Lee. I am a resident in the area and am concerned about the initial proposed names by the City Council. The proposed street names (Justice or Freedom) don't reflect the other names in the area. While I am not opposed to renaming the street I don't feel that these street names fit (arguably the Robert E Lee name didn't fit either so again I think it makes sense for many reasons to rename).While I don't have any suggestions for your reference some of the other names are Villa Maria, Michigan, Annette, Villa Theresa, Villa Rita, Michelle, Charleston.I urge you to consider alternatives that are more fitting to the neighborhood. Villa Maria Michigan Annette Villa Theresa Villa Rita Michelle Charleston End of Resident Comments E-mail received Wednesday, July 15. Staff e-mail response on July 16. In favor No Request for community forum registration information. Resident lives two streets away but drives on R.E. Lee daily. Web comment form. Submitted July 19 In favor supports Freedom Street as replacement No As a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) District 1 (Maricopa County, Arizona), I strongly recommend that the Robert E. Lee Street be renamed to: FREEDOM STREET - Maria Alvarado E-mail comments submitted July 23 Request for meeting registration details. Staff e-mailed registration links on July 23 Comments submitted via web form July 24 In favor No I agree with changing the street name Robert E Lee to a more appropriate name. I think museum’s and libraries are appropriate place’s to highlight these people from our history. I don’t think we should idolize them in our everyday lives. Thank you Comments submitted via web form July 24 In favor No E-mailed the following statement: I live off Robert E Lee street and would like to see the street name changed. We should not be honoring a traitor who fought against our union to uphold slavery. I think John Lewis or any other civil rights activist would be more appropriate to name a street after. E-mail comments submitted July 25 In favor Requested changing it to Liberty Street Liberty Street E-mail comments submitted July 25 In favor E-mailed the following statement: I am happy the city is taking action to initiate this process; it is a small but very visible step in the task of recognizing our country’s history and pattern of deeply rooted systemic racism. Please feel free to use these written comments at the community meeting. E-mail comment form received July 25 Opposed No Seriously, I cannot believe you are doing this or even considering it. Leave it alone and put the resources for this toward something better like getting the homeless out of my neighborhood. E-mail comments submitted July 27 No Request for meeting registration information Web comment form July 27 Opposed No E-mailed the following statement: Your knee-jerk reaction to this “Cause Of The Moment” to erase our American history is all but an insult to most of us, most of us that remain silent due to the backlash from hate groups that cannot accept a difference in opinion to theirs. I have lived in Phoenix in excess of 20 years now. Leaving the mid-Atlantic region I had called home most of my life I had the privilege of exploring the battlefields of Gettysburg, Antietam and Manassas and visiting the Washington DC monuments and museums countless times as a child on school trips or family visits to these sites to enjoy our history, never once being offended or damaged by our history. On July 9th a letter posted by Alan Stephenson and Kini Knudson with the statement “street names deemed derogatory or offensive” in this letter was used in describing Robert E. Lee next to our home. Additionally Mayor Kate Gallego and Councilwoman Thelda Williams compiled their wherewithal to satisfy the group(s), either external on internal to our citylimits, need for destruction of our history. Though this is street name is small in appearance the Political Correctness must be shoved into our face not caring who it insults or offends, your goal is just to get by this “Cause Of The Moment” and get reelected sometime later after this blows over. I want a moratorium on all street and highway renaming’s in our state but I understand you are not my resource f thi t Web comment submitted July 28 In favor No Supports renaming the street to honor our veterans - Maria Lopez (LULAC) Liberty Drive or Freedom Street Robert E. Lee Street Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) Web comment submitted July 28 Opposed No E-mailed the following statement: The impact of changing the street name does not outweigh the cost, time and effort being spent on this issue. Robert E. Lee - he’s part of history. We can’t change history. I doubt that few people know the character of the man or the history or would think about the history when they pass by or drive down that street. If the street name changes, where does it end? What next? Efforts should be focused on what can be done to build or enhance relationships, public outreach/education and communication to change the heart and minds around this issue. There are more important issues that we are facing today - pandemic, unemployment, economy, education, etc. The sooner we look forward, the better. We oppose changing the street name of Robert E. Lee. And we oppose and are offended that a few want to suppress American history. Web comment submitted July 31 In favor No I am in agreement with changing the name of Robert E Lee Street. If a street name is a reminder to Black Americans of revisionist history and a century and a half of systemic racism and oppression, changing the street name is a small step towards recognizing the struggles of Black Americans and understanding their perspective. I have heard the logical fallacy that this will lead to “erasing history and burning all the history books." Removing a street name, or even a statue, does not erase history. Street names and statues are simply selective reminders of history; as a country struggling to move towards a post-racist society, it is important that we be reminded of that which is unifying rather than that which is divisive. Thank you for taking my comments- E-mail received Aug. 4 In favor No : I asked to speak several times at the Robert E Lee renaming meeting this evening and signed up to speak in the chat box, yet was never asked to. I'm extremely disappointed. I FAVOR the name change and would have appreciated my voice be heard. I'm not sure why they didn't continue the conversation, but I am frustrated that I wasn't given the opportunity to express my opinion. CHANGE THE NAME! Due justice to our Country and ALL citizens. It's time to change NOW. Web comment submitted Aug. 4 Opposed Where will this statue smashing and street renaming era end? The loud voices of a tiny subculture of victimized groups blames their current plight on the past. To quote Victor Davis Hanson,a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute: "The pretense is that the Civil War can only be regarded as tragic in terms of the present oppression of the descendants of Southern slaves — 154 years after the extinction of the Confederate states." Is this a broadbased cultural shift, or a simple blip in time due to a small group of frenzied activists who have received an unfortunate education that America is bad and needs to be taught a lesson. America is not perfect, but it is good. That's the point. People don't flee America because of oppression and hunger ! People flee their countries to come here. They don't care about the civil war. They care about their FREEDOM. Is the fact that a Northern General named Robert E Lee moving to the confederacy the worst of the worst? It is well known that as a Northern General he could not seek to plunder his home state of Virginia which was part of the South. Where does this stop? Jackson Street in South Phx named after President Jackson honors a man who signed the INDIAN REMOVAL ACT, dispossessing Indians who then incurred disease and death. He also opposed the abolitionist movement. Broadway road, now ceremonially named MLK Blvd honors a man that assaulted women and also let that happen in his presence, was a philanderer and plagiarized his PhD thesis. Getting back to being perfect to be good. None of the above were perfect, but their life stood for many good things. WHERE DOES THIS STOP?? The good and the bad are part of the American Story. Government leaders such as yourself should be driven by the long game, ie what will this mean for decades to come. This effort at statue removal and monument or street renaming is playing the short game. Why not vote on it???? Web comment submitted Aug. 4 In favor No Confederate monuments and symbols emerged in an effort to intimidate black Americans and uphold a revisionist — and racist — version of history. It is time for this to change. A quote from Annette Gordon Reed, a history scholar at Harvard states it best: "The United States was far from perfect, but the values of the Confederacy, open and unrepentant white supremacy and total disregard for the humanity of black people, to the extent they still exist, have produced tragedy and discord. There is no path to a peaceful and prosperous country without challenging and rejecting that as a basis for our society." Web comment submitted Aug. 4 In favor No My family live on Michelle Drive, just south of Robert E Lee. I would like to submit the suggestion of ROBERTA as a replacement name. Most of the names in the neighborhood are female names (Angela, Libby, Muriel, Rita, Maria) so it would fit in. It would also be an easy mark of a pen to make the change from Robert E Lee for residents, softening the blow of such a change, totally apolitical, which is a good idea. It is benign enough not to cause upset. Roberta Web comment submitted Aug. 4 In favor No The street was renamed to Robert E Lee in 1961 as part of the racist backlash against the Civil Rights Movement. Its embarrassing that the name is still here and it must be renamed. Buffalo Soldier is a good name. I'm offended by the street names. I vote YES on renaming the street. Do we commemorate traitors and racists, or do we commemorate Buffalo Soldiers? Buffalo Soldiers E-mail comment submitted Aug. 5 Charles Keating IV Web comment submitted Aug. 5 In favor One can be named after the Peak. The other, how about Lincoln Ragsdale - after my old neighbor who was a Tuskegee Airman! Lincoln Ragsdale Robert E. Lee Street Submitted Comments - E-mail, Phone, Written, Web Comment Form (Comments from residents of street or adjacent streets shaded in yellow at top and shaded in yellow) E-mail submitted Aug. 6 In favor No Thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of the proposed name change for Robert E. Lee Street. The proposal to change the street name is not about hiding, revising or "cancelling" history. It is about truth and accurately portraying history.I am sure you are familiar with the saying “history is written by the winners.” Well, in the case of the American Civil War, it appears that the narrative regarding the South in the Civil War was written by the losers. The narrative talks about the romantic notion of fighting for a lost cause; of preserving states’ rights and freedom from the tyranny of the federal government. All led by a group of brave and brilliant generals. Let’s be clear. The Civil War was about rebellion, treason and preserving the moral outrage of slavery. And Americans are still paying the price for that legacy. Naming streets after leaders of rebellions is not appropriate. If it is, how about renaming the street Benedict Arnold Street? After all, he was the "hero of Saratoga'?There are more appropriate ways to remember this history than through monuments and street namings. Let us not forget that until the recent Supreme Court decision gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Arizona was subject to pre-clearing of its elections procedure, because of a history of discrimination against black people. Quote from March 24, 2019 National Review Article titled WAGING WAR AGAINST THE DEAD - Victor Davis Hansen "The 21st century is in danger of becoming an era of statue smashing and historical erasure. Not since the iconoclasts of the Byzantine Empire or the epidemic of statue destruction during the French Revolution has the world seen anything like the current war on the past. In 2001, the primeval Taliban blew up two ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan on grounds that their very existence was sacrilegious to Islam. In 2015, ISIS militants entered a museum in Mosul, Iraq, and destroyed ancient, preIslamic statues and idols. Their mute crime? These artifacts predated the prophet Mohammed. The west prides itself on the idea that liberal societies would never descend into such nihilism. Think again. In the last two years there has been a rash of statue toppling throughout the American South, aimed at wiping out memorialization of Confederate heroes. The pretense is that the Civel War can only be regarded as tragic in terms of the present oppression of the descendants of Southern Slaves-154 years after the extinction of the Confederate States. The subtext of most current name changing and icon toppling is that particular victimized groups blame their current plight on the past. They assume that by destroying long-dead supposed enemies, they will be liberated-or at least feel better in the present." Maybe the issue with this obscure street renaming should be the inflection point at which you don't just bow to a few loud voices who are offended by many things, maybe anything. As the saying goes, those who don't learn from the past are bound to repeat it. Our history teaches lessons about good and bad. The fact that history is taught only along lines that are "feel good" raises a generation of lopsided citizenry who are not equipped to go through life circumspectly. I am sure that the City of Phoenix has better things to do with our tax money than entertain the whims of the offended in a sliver of time where our society is going through a short term social spasm rather than a prolific and long term social change. E-mail comment submitted Aug. 10 Opposed No I oppose the renaming and the current process of the renaming of the street, it is unconstitutional process at this time with covid19 happening. Open forum should be allowed so everyone can Express their concerns in person. July 28 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live on or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) Are you in favor of street renaming Live on or adjacent to street Comments Name suggestions Opposed Adjacent Written comments submitted with registration: Changing the name is a waste of time. It's just a name. Opposed Yes Opposed Yes Candelabra Quisquous Pertinacious Fatuous In favor Yes Opposed Yes Written comments submitted with registration: Who is going to pay for my drivers license change, inform my creditors, pay for new checks? In favor Yes Spoken comments at community forum: I'm a resident of Robert E. Lee Street and have always found the name problematic. I believe that it should be changed and I want the City Council to know that as a resident there are some of us that believe it's problematic and doesn't have a place in Arizona. Opposed Yes Written comments with meeting registration: Neither name alternatives are acceptable. Spoken comments at community forum: Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Like other people have stated, I purchased a home and it happened to be on this street. I picked the house because I could afford it and now this happens. My wife is permanently disabled and I'm a single-income household and the amount of fees is going to be more than I can afford all at one time. The other concern is that the other people in my house...will everyone in every house be reimbursed for any expenses or only the homeowner. (staff answer). The two choices -- Freedom and Justice -- if those are our choices we should leave it as Robert E. Lee. I don't agree with changing names and I'm sure if we had a non-virtual meeting you would hear a lot more of that. There are a lot of elderly people on this street that would express the same concern. I'm appalled with everything that is going on and I'm saddened by it. Opposed Yes Written comments with meeting registration: Are there any other options for street names? What about all of the legal issues and paperwork for homeowners? Opposed Yes Spoken comments at community forum: I'm a resident of Robert E. Lee Street. I'm a homeowner and am very upset by the whole thing. I think it's a waste of tax dollars for all of you people to be working on this when we have so many other needs in Phoenix. Just like the gentleman before said, we're trying to erase history and it's just not a good thing. We're letting people take over what America has been. In favor Yes Spoken comments at community meeting: Already submitted. We do have a few questions. Unlike some of the people that spoke, we've been here 24 years and this is not the first time it has come up. David if you were there three years ago I may have spoken to you about it then. We're not for or against. When we moved in we almost didn't move in because of the street. Our feeling is that if we decide to rename make it easy and simple as possible. In 24 years you can't believe how this name has been mangled. If it's going to be done make it simple. I've submitted 7 or 8 names already. Do we get any say on the final candidates for a new name. I assume our number and zip code stay the same, correct? Do we get any say on the actual final name when it's narrowed down? (staff answer). I thought that Justice and Freedom -- we don't live in Massachusetts and the name should be relevant to Arizona if we do it. Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: I would like to see the name stay as it is. If that is not possible I don’t agree with the two names suggested at this time. They are politically motivated. It is not necessary to use the street renaming to express something political. Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: Renaming Robert E. Lee street is an ill-advised attempt to erase a portion of American history. As citizens of the United States, we are endowed with certain inalienable rights. The right to not be offended is not among them. Opposed Written comments with meeting registration: Seems the emphasis is on newer homes and ignoring the history of the older section. Surely the elderly especially in the older section will get paid for all of their address changes for insurances, hospitals, and notaries which many cannot drive to. July 28 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live on or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) Opposed Written comments with meeting registration: Ignoring, changing or denying history is dangerous. It leads to repetition thereof. We need to learn from it. Slavery and war are bad things but hiding our heads in the sand will only ensure that they continue to happen. We need to concentrate on substance. Spoken comments at community meeting: I guess my biggest concern doesn't really involve the name or any name in particular. My concern is the current desire to either ignore or change or discount the history of our country. No matter how we change the name, it seems to me that it's going to offend somebody and the idea that ignoring history is somehow going to be a good thing goes against the thought that those who ignore history are condemned to repeat it. The next logical step would be we burn all of the history books. We study history so we can learn how to behave. I don't live on Robert E. Lee. I live in Belmont and Triple Crown. While it's not my street, I go in and out of my complex on that street every day. I think it's just as easy to offend by changing it as it is to offend them by leaving it. We need to focus on thinking and not feelings. Burning history books is not the answer. Opposed Adjacent Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: This is unfair to the people who live on this street. What an unnecessary hassle. I am personally sick and tired of “cancel culture.” Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: As a 70-year old woman who was born and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, I think there should be a change. The street needs a an honorable and worthy name. Pat Tillman Rose Mofford John McCain Annie Dodge Wauneka Adjacent In favor Adjacent Written comments submitted with registration: As a family, we are suggesting the name ""Buffalo Soldier Way (or Boulevard or street). The Buffalo Soldiers were African-American horse mounted US Army Calvary Soldiers that operated in Southern Arizona. Spoken comments at community meeting: I live in the Triple Crown neighborhood and my house backs up to Robert E. Lee separated by a short green belt. I'm looking forward to this change that I think can be a positive forward thinking change. I have a suggestion for a particular name that resonates with my name and Arizona. My family's suggestion is to rename it Buffalo Soldier Way or Boulevard or Street. Buffalo Soldiers were an African- American horse mounted cavalry troop that operated out of southern Arizona near Fort Huachuca. This name maintained through the horse mounted days all the way to the Korean War when the army was integrated, when the name was consolidated. My wife's grandfather was in a Buffalo Soldier unit during the two world wars. We have a direct personal connection to that. We also have a military tie...one of my nephews is in the Army currently. He's a lieutenant colonel and I have another nephew who was in the Arizona National Guard when they were deployed to Afghanistan. He is a direct descendant of a Buffalo Soldier -- his great grandfather. Also there's an Arizona tie-in. The Civil War barely touched Arizona other than one small skirmish. The Buffalo Solders were based here and maintained a presence for many years. There also is a horse theme. I live in Triple Crown -- there are three horses at the entrance to the neighborhood. But I think the connection with the horses is neat and gives it a certain connection. I think this can be positive forward-thinking event and I've heard people talk about that this should've been done long ago. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is today. By doing this name change we're planting the tree now. Buffalo Soldier Way In favor Yes Madison Lane Daisy Avenue Lily Lane Adjacent Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: Who is offended with the current street name? Why weren’t the REL neighbors notified in advance so they could vote on this issue? What will the cost be to taxpayers? What career benefit does this provide to current city council members? In favor Adjacent Place or thing or object, not a person or any political associated name Opposed Adjacent Spoken comments at community meeting: Thank you for taking the time with us. I'm in the same boat as the last two speakers. I live just off the street and have to go on the street to get to my street. I take zero offense that that is the name. I just use it to drive on. He happens to be on the losing side. I feel like we're trying to ignore or erase history and history is what we learn from. Have we in America made mistakes? Absolutely. But that doesn't change the fact that we have moved forward, more forward than any nation in the world. I hope that we're not about to do the same thing and spend time and taxpayer dollars to rename Washington and Jefferson and Van Buren and up to a dozen president named streets that we have in our city because they were slave owners. It doesn't make slave ownership correct but those are people that propelled us into history and founded our country. I would hate to see us do this. I don't want to see us rename any street. If there's something to honor, but to take away from history I completely disagree with and I also would hope... I'd rather see $3,200 that was mentioned... I'd rather you take that money and repave 44th Street and Robert E. Lee and do something that is productive that people can enjoy every day versus having to learn a new street name because we wanted to get rid of part of our history. Opposed Revolutionary Way Opposed Adjacent Written comments submitted with registration: If the street is to be re-named use the name Robert Street. Robert Street July 28 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live on or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) End of Resident Comments No Opposed No In favor James Tiberius Kirk Blvd In favor In favor No Written comments submitted with registration: History often ignored the fact that Lee not only owned slaves but beat them. It’s time to bring our history to light. This is our chance to bring the voices of those marginalized in history to the forefront. Let’s rename the street one of their names. In favor No In favor No Written comments with meeting registration: I’m in favor of renaming the street after a civil rights leader such as John Lewis. Opposed No Written comments with meeting registration: What significance was there to naming Robert E. Lee street in the first place? No Opposed Written comments with meeting registration: This is an unnecessary expense to the city and will ultimately cost taxpayers. In favor Triple Crown Way Triple Crown Drive In favor Opposed Written comments submitted with registration: The street name Robert E. Lee has not been a problem until now because of the upcoming Presidential election. Renaming the street is being used to push a political agenda therefore it should not be changed. Opposed No Written comments submitted with registration: My initial thought is that I don’t wish to spend taxpayer funds on this process. However, I do feel that slavery is, was and always will be despicable. In the event that the final decision is to rename, then I recommend American Way as the new name. In favor No Road Street In favor No Obama Drive Hamilton Road Lafayette Way Mulligan Drive Laurens Road Marquis Street Schuyler Street Opposed In favor In favor Humble Way Triple Crown Way In favor No In favor Written comments submitted with registration: Robert E. Lee is not important to Arizona and has no tie to the state and is part of a racist past. Change the name. Spoken comments at community meeting: Thank you for listening. I have a slightly different perspective. I've lived here my entire life and pass this street every day and realize that is kind of strange to change things and it feels like we're changing history. Robert E. Lee is not an important figure in Arizona. We'll still know about him and know about him in history classes. The reason it's important to change the name is because naming a street after someone says that that person is admirable. We need to be respecting in our society. Robert E. Lee was fighting to continue to enslave an entire group of people that is not the kind of person you want to memorialize in our "post racial" society. I understand this will be inconvenient but it will help any Black person that walks by the street there's a feeling that I'm not cared for, I don't matter. So I think it's an important change that needs to happen and a first step toward reparations for people that have been harmed. Opposed No Opposed No Opposed Aug. 3 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live or or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) Are you in favor of street renaming Live on (Yes) or adjacent to street (Adjacent)? Comments Alternate name preferences In favor Adjacent In favor Yes Harriet Street Beale Street Stardust Street" Opposed Yes Written comments submitted with registration: If we have to choose from the given options, Freedom opposed to Justice. Opposed Adjacent Written comments submitted with registration: We are all united as one. Acquiescing to the demands of the few does not represent your duty that we elected you to represent us. Renaming the street to Liberty/Freedom does the opposite. Your vote to rename the street does not represent my voice. Spoken comments at community forum: Thanks staff for public service. I see bullying is a problem in schools, workplaces and homes. Is it ridiculous to stand up to bullies? Our country is being bullied into canceling our past. This only allows the past to be hidden and allow people to get away with atrocities. It's messy, but we must shine a light on the past. Let's unite and vote opposed to erasing history and the perpetrators getting away with. In favor Yes In favor Yes Spoken comments at community forum: I have off the cuff comments. Just interested in learning about the process and appreciate all of the information staff has provided. I'm eager for the name change. I've always been embarrassed to give out my address -- it's the name of the loser. We have history classes and lessons to remind us about our history. We don't have any streets named after Hitler, and I don't think anyone has any issues remembering the atrocities he's responsible for. I'm in favor and very much support renaming and am surprised it didn't happen sooner. I like both proposed alternatives and would prefer Freedom. Freedom Opposed Yes Opposed Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: My father is in his 70's and has lived on Robert E. Lee Street for almost 50 years. It is overwhelming for him to think about having to deal with changing his address in all the places it would need to be changed. Robert Street Lee Street E Street In favor Adjacent Opposed Yes Spoken comments at community forum: I participated in the first meeting. Don't want to repeat. But I do want to note I'm a 20-year resident. I never gave the street name a second thought and wouldn’t have bought a house here if the name were an issue. I think it's a terrible inconvenience. I'd like to be reimbursed for both costs and time to update addresses. Also Robert E. Lee in Scottsdale and Glendale...what will happen with those? I have to write this address on my correspondence. If the name must be changed. I don't like Buffalo Soldiers because it's too long. I prefer Falcon because there are a lot of falcons and hawks found in this area all the time. I'd vote no on renaming. Falcon or Hawk In favor Yes Written comments with meeting registration: It would help if the city would create a form that we could easily mail out for address changes. MVD and utility companies should be able to auto change our address. Big corporations should be notified by the city that the street has been renamed. Opposed Adjacent Spoken comments at community forum: Mentioned that he sent online comments separately. What was the history of the naming of this street? How many people have been offended? How many people have come forward to say they're offended? (Staff responds about history of the name). I vote no for the change. Temporary cultural upheaval, a spasm, and I don't see it as a long-term cultural shift. If we change that, we should change Jackson Street, who signed the Indian Removal Act....and opposed the abolitionist movement. How far will this go and how will this end and how many people are we going to try to placate. Aug. 3 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live or or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) Opposed Spoken comments at community forum: At the last meeting someone mentioned that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The time to be concerned about the street was when residents purchased their homes. If it was offensive then, we would've dealt with it. It's impossible to come up with a name that won't offend someone. There's no end to who can be offended. Government shouldn't placate hurt feelings, it's to build roads. Recommend 182nd Street northeast. We need to grow up and stop wasting city funds. There are costs to updating many things, GPS, and on and on. We have opiate and other problems. This is over the top. I vote no on renaming. Opposed Adjacent In favor Adjacent Written comments with meeting registration: I am in favor of renaming the street after a civil rights leader such as John Lewis. In favor Adjacent In favor In favor Adjacent Spoken comments at community forum (separately submitted comments via web comment form): Thank you for the meeting. I attended the first and had more comments. As I mentioned in the first meeting, I suggest Buffalo Soldier Way (description of Buffalo Soldiers). We have a family tie to this. We have a military tie- in as we have veterans and active duty armed services. It's horse themed...it's relevant to the Triple Crown theme on our street. Positive, forward thinking. It's a burden on residents but urge them to consider the good will this will bring. This doesn't change history...it's simply a street name. In 2020, I ask that we commemorate a group of army veterans. Buffalo Soldier Way Opposed Yes Opposed Adjacent Opposed Written comments with meeting registration: There are way too many pressing issues (health, housing, employment) to make a name change a priority. Even this name can spark discussion and lead to positive changes. You cant change or just erase history In favor Adjacent End of resident comments Opposed In favor Cesar Chavez Blvd. Jordin Sparks Ave. Kaitlyn Dever Blvd. Opposed Opposed Spoken comments at community forum: My name is Robert E. Lee. Air Force Veteran willing to die for my country. Robert E. Lee had positive aspects of his character: Christian, veteran, raised Washington's niece and was known as an honorable man. Lincoln asked him to run the country's military. We should remember the good not just the bad. When does renaming stop? We could find wrong that the Maricopa Indians did and we'd need to change the name of the county. There is no benefit in changing the name except to erase our history and fix past sins in this cultural war that we're in. I have been fired from my job because of my name and it's horrendous what I'm going through as a commercial pilot. Opposed In favor In favor In favor In favor In favor Opposed Opposed In favor Opposed In favor James T Kirk Blvd In favor In favor In favor Opposed Aug. 3 Robert E Lee Community Web Forum Participants with comments (Residents that live or or adjacent to street highlighted in yellow) In favor In favor Southwest Sun Avenue Aug. 10 Robert E Lee Meeting - PVCC Participants and Comments (All residentss present) Are you in favor of street renaming Comments Opposed Summary of spoken comments: The renaming effort is taking money away from the city's many other financial needs, such as addressing speeding on our street and funding the Police Department. This is not a priority in our city. Why is this a problem now? How long will be eligible for reiumbursement for costs as they arise? Can we have bills sent directly to the city? Summary of spoken comments: I am fundamentally against "virture signalling." Let the residents pick a new name. Opposed Summary of spoken comments: Speaker questioned the legality of conducting a process such as this using electronic communication, and he objects to the policy under which this renaming process was begun. He requested the documentation that established the legality of electronic meetings during a pandemic. Opposed Summary of spoken comments: Changing the street name will create unsolvable problems when title searches are conducted for homes on the street, driving costs to close to $1,000. It could take years to solve the title issues that would be created by renaming the street. This also will create challenges for people to receive prescription drugs and other important parcels through the mail. Opposed Summary of spoken comment: This effort is a big waste of taxpayer money.