Critics want longtime street names left alone

30 residents protest decision by Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD – Some residents who don’t want Hollywood to rename three streets honoring Confederate commanders say they should have a say in the decision.

Commissioners agreed earlier this month to waive the rule that gives residents a vote in changing the name of a street they live on. A final commission vote is expected on Aug. 30.

On Tuesday, nearly 30 residents gathered outside an accounting office on Lee Street holding “Save our Streets” signs. They say the streets have had those names since 1926 and they don’t see why that has to change now.

“Some people think it’s a done deal, but minds can be changed,” said John Jacobs, who has lived on Lee Street for 30 years.

City officials say Forrest Street – named for Nathan Bedford Forrest, first grand wizard of the KKK — would become Savannah Street. Hood Street, named for John Bell Hood, would change to Macon. And Lee Street, named for Robert E. Lee, would become Louisville.

Jacobs’ sister, Pat Asman, has lived on Hood Street 54 years. Her son lives on Hood Street. And her recently deceased daughter had a home on Forrest Street.

Asman, 79, said she doesn’t want to go through the aggravation of changing her address.

“I’m so upset about this,” Asman said. “I’ll move before they change my street. I don’t want to live on Macon Street.”