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OmahaRiverFront.com - RIVER NEWS
Naming the convention center pedestrian bridge stirs controversy
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Nancy Neurohr
OmahaRiverFront.com

Update published: 8/13/2003
And the winner is - councilman Frank Brown.

T
he Omaha city council voted Tuesday to officially name the pedestrian bridge that will connect the convention center to the riverfront after civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr..

Frank Brown had announced his proposal to name the bridge after King last week. At the same time, councilman Franklin Thompson had suggested naming the bridge the Heisman Walk of Fame. Many residents throughout the city tied up phone lines trying to voice their opinion to the city council while around a dozen people showed up to testify at Tuesday's meeting.

Although city council members made the decision to name the bridge after King, they are also exploring the possibility of naming a hall in the convention center/arena after the Heisman winners.
 
Original article published 8/9/2003

With all the new developments coming to completion around Omaha's new riverfront, the problem of what to name them seems to always cause a controversy both in city office buildings and with the general public. Remember the havoc that was created when trying to name the riverfront park now known as Lewis & Clark Landing? A pedestrian bridge that will connect the new convention center to Lewis & Clark Landing is no exception.

Earlier this week, two Omaha city council members voiced their opinions and are trying to sell their idea to other members of the council who will ultimately make the final decision.

Frank Brown wants to name the bridge after slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.. He believes naming the bridge after King would serve as a symbol for bringing diverse groups together. He would also like to eventually see the words to King's "I have a dream" speech inscribed on the bridge.

Franklin Thompson has a completely different idea in mind. He would like to make the bridge a tribute to local Heisman trophy winners Eric Crouch, Johnny Rodgers & Nile Kinnick. His proposal includes four exhibits along the bridge, one for each of the Heisman winners with a fourth that would represent a future Omaha winner.

Thompson, who has been working with City Planning and Parks Departments to create plans for the exhibits, says they could include both audio and interactive materials. He feels this would be a big draw for tourists.

Frankly, I feel there are probably many other options out there that may better represent the city of Omaha and the people who live and work here. We would like to hear your ideas for naming the bridge.

If you have an idea and would like to offer it as an option, please submit your comment to us.
 

EDITOR'S NOTE: We previously identified the bridge in this story as the pedestrian bridge that will span the Missouri River from Omaha to Council Bluffs. We sincerely apologize for the error we made in reporting this story. I must be getting sun stroke from all the work we are doing in trying to resurrect the Nauti Nan-Sea!
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Comments from Readers

Why can't we name the bridge after all of our community leaders. Individuals whom have made Omaha Nebraska what it is. Why not recognize our own. A few for example (are) Jimmy Wilson Sr., Liz Karnes, Ernie Chambers, Rose Blumkin, Walter Scott, (and) Warren Buffet. This would be great to educate our children and visitors on leaders right here in Omaha. - Kristal Baker
 
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Last updated: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 01:17:54 AM