Fire hydrants in Huntington are painted green and white, in support of Marshall Universitiy's Thundering Herd. Now a Huntington businessman wants to paint a portion of Third Avenue green, as well as the area's street lamp poles.
John Deitz made the proposal to the Huntington City Council Friday. The owner of Woodbine Properties and a real estate consultant also wants to re-name 3rd Avenue between Hal Greer Boulevard and 23rd Street "Herd Avenue."
But at Monday's City Council meeting, Deitz couldn't gain enough support to get a portion of Third Avenue re-named. The Council voted 9-1 against renaming the stretch of road. Only Councilman Larry Patterson supported Deitz' proposal. The rest of the Council was concerned that re-naming just a portion of the street would cause confusion.
Deitz said he hoped the rest of the project can be done at no cost to the financially strapped city and state."We are not asking the city for any money, nor are we asking the state for any money," said Deitz. However, when asked by council member Mary Neely if the city would be responsible for the street Deitz replied "we hope it will be fully private."
Deitz feels painting the block green would tie in the university's classroom and athletic buildings to the area and further unify the city and the university, which has become Huntington's most famous feature.
One business owner has said renaming just a part of Third Avenue could cause confusion and initially cost businesses, such as his, money. Norman Glaser, owner of Glaser Furniture, said "Calling it 3rd Avenue, then 'Herd Avenue' for seven blocks, then 3rd Avenue again would create a lot of unnecessary confusion. Huntington has always been praised for the simplicity of the layout of its streets, and it should remain that way."
Councilman JimInsco agreed that renaming streets can be problematic, but sees merit to the proposal. "This would be a great way to show the city's appreciation for everything the school has done," said Insco. "Whenever we talk about renaming a street, it becomes a touchy subject. Marshall University rode on the city's coattails for a long time. Now, it seems as if Marshall has surpassed the city."
Council Chair Cal Kent asked Deitz last week if businesses could accomplish the same things by designating an area instead of officially changing the name of Third Avenue.
"If I had a choice, I would go with a name change, but it's your call," Deitz responded.
While the chance of re-naming Third Avenue appears to be dead, the rest of Deitz' idea remains alive. The Council will have a second reading of the ordinance September 9.
Along Third Avenue, there was plenty of support for Deitz' ideas.
"It would unify the community," said Shayla Johnston, a Marshall alumn, "And it would be more colorful than asphalt. I like the proposed look."
"Marshall has become Huntington," added Gene Jackson, of Gallipolis Ferry. "This will give the city more school spirit."
"It's great that the businesses are coming forward to support the school, said Ben Rockman of Salt Rock. "Marshall has brought so much to the River City."