“Discussion of a new request to rename a portion of Delaware Street to Amillier Penn Way.”
Grand Rapids’ Community Development Committee Chair, Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, spoke about a second request from Amillier’s father, Corey Penn, to rename a city street after his son. Amillier was killed in 2024 while playing football on Umatilla Street.
In July, the city denied Corey’s first request to rename a portion of Umatilla Street. This week, the city manager’s office again declined to rename a portion of Delaware Street after Amillier, where the Penn family resides.
The idea received mixed reactions from residents, while Corey says he has over 2,400 signatures supporting his efforts.
“Everybody’s life is important, but really, what could be a better way that we could identify those that are victims, who have been victims of gun violence in particular.”
Commissioner Ysasi said while the committee was sympathetic to Corey’s request, the city needs to find new ways of honoring victims and raising awareness of gun violence in Grand Rapids.
“How could we recognize, particularly in a city-led proclamation, that would speak to this being this being sparked by Amillier’s father, Corey, identifying in conjunction with different things we do like ArtPrize or other arts organizations, a reflection to recognize those that have died by gun violence.”
The city is considering recognizing June as gun violence awareness month.
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