DEPARTMENT: Development Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance authorizing the street name change of North and South Rio Grande Street to N and S Mel Waiters Way, between Larry Street and Ranger Street.
SUMMARY:
District 2 Councilman William Shaw requested Development Services Department (DSD) to rename North and South Rio Grande Streets to N and S Mel Waiters Way.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As the site of many of the earliest African-American neighborhoods in San Antonio, the Eastside exhibits both tradition and history to include appreciation for the musical arts. Generations of Eastside natives are bound together by the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Soul, and Hip-hop. With the changing demographics of the Eastside, the community has expressed that native artists, such as Mel Waiters, be recognized for his musical contributions known around the world. In addition to recording albums with multiple record labels, he also launched San Antonio based record label, Brittney Records, signing multiple local acts and independently releasing music. Mr. Waiters was also able to achieve a personal dream of performing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Mr. Waiters was raised by his grandparents, Samuel and Vivian Waiters, in the East Terrace Courts off Rio Grande Street. He developed his love for music in the Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church, singing in the youth choir, and was a proud graduate of Highlands High School. From his time at KAPE radio to his 7 year residency at the NCO club at Fort Sam Houston, Mr. Waiters was a continual presence on San Antonio's music scene.
The following summarizes the notification and outreach process facilitated by DSD upon receiving this request.
Community Meeting held on March 15, 2018 at Claude Black Community Center.
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the street name change
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