The City of Rochester is looking into changing the names of some parks and public spaces that were named after historic slave holders, including Charles Carrol park and Nathaniel Square Park.
Both men were documented slave owners. City Council President Loretta Scott is asking for a survey of all parks and public spaces in the city to determine what others may be linked to past slavery, and to change those names.
Her letter encourages current and incoming council members to take up the survey.
Changing names would require some effort. It requires a public hearing before the City Planning Commission AND the City Council, plus a Planning Commission recommendation on each name change.
Council may consider Scott’s letter at its December 14th meeting.