The Great Renaming Debate: Should Salt Lake City's Harvey Milk Boulevard Revert to 900 South?

Salt Lake City is once again at the heart of a spirited civic discussion, as a new proposal aims to rename a significant stretch of road. Councilman Alejandro Puy has ignited a community conversation by suggesting that Harvey Milk Boulevard—a segment of 900 South dedicated to the iconic LGBTQ+ rights activist—should revert to its original numerical designation: 900 South.

Dedicated in 2017, the section of 900 South between 900 East and 1000 West proudly bears the name Harvey Milk Boulevard.

This tribute honors Harvey Milk, a groundbreaking politician and the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, whose legacy continues to inspire millions globally. The original renaming was a powerful statement of inclusivity and recognition within Salt Lake City.

However, Councilman Puy’s recent proposal challenges the current street name, not out of disrespect for Milk’s legacy, but from a desire for clarity and local distinction.

Puy points to what he sees as a confusing duplication of tributes within the city. Salt Lake City already features a Harvey Milk Street, a smaller thoroughfare in the Granary District, and a Harvey Milk Plaza. He argues that having multiple locations bearing the same name can cause navigational and historical confusion.

Puy's core argument rests on the idea that street names should ideally be unique to Utah and deeply rooted in local history.

While acknowledging Milk's profound national and international impact, Puy believes that a more consistent naming convention—where 900 South remains universally known as 900 South throughout its entire length—would better serve the community. He envisions a city where street names clearly reflect its unique heritage and geographical flow.

The process for street name changes in Salt Lake City typically involves citizens filing an application and gathering signatures to demonstrate community support.

However, as an elected council member, Puy holds the unique position to directly initiate such a proposal, streamlining the initial stages of what promises to be a robust debate. This direct approach ensures the proposal moves swiftly to public discussion, inviting diverse perspectives from residents and community groups.

This isn't merely a bureaucratic technicality; it’s a conversation about how a city chooses to honor its heroes, reflect its identity, and maintain its sense of place.

While proponents of the reversion emphasize local distinctiveness and navigational simplicity, those advocating for retaining Harvey Milk Boulevard will undoubtedly highlight the importance of visible symbols of inclusivity and the enduring significance of Milk's fight for equality. The ultimate decision will require careful consideration of history, community values, and the symbolic power of a street's name in the heart of Salt Lake City.