Letter: Otero preserves Spanish history

Letter: Otero preserves Spanish history



B.J. Kalaidi
Publication Date: 02/03/08


Editor: When one works and wishes to participate in quality of life issues in the city of St. Augustine, it's made difficult when general public comments are moved and the time is changed at will by our elected officials. However, the mayor did allow me to speak at 5:35 p.m. after closing the comment time.

Unfortunately, it was too late to speak to the renaming of a street. Please be aware that Avenida Del Otero should not have been changed (Big Joe Lane). The city manager, who reigned when the dumping of hazardous waste at the Old City Reservoir on Holmes Boulevard began, already has a recreation park named after him. That name is also on a street in Lincolnville, where the present city officials wanted to return the toxic waste from the Old City Reservoir on Holmes Boulevard.

If one wants to preserve Spanish history, the name Otero should be preserved. It is associated with a prominent Hispanic politician who came to the New World from Spain.

When one begins to research names, interesting facts are revealed. For instance, George Clooney's father Jose Ferrer was born Jose Vincente Ferrer de Otero y Cintron in Puerto Rico.

To rename a street after a living ex-government employee does not preserve history. It rewrites history, which becomes a fairy tale. There was an historical reason to name many streets in the oldest city. To rename streets to stroke egos doesn't have anything to do with preservation.

What would Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles think of this outrage as the ancient city celebrates his 489th birthday at the 16th-century ball to celebrate the city's Spanish heritage? Avenida Del Otero should remain the name of the road leading to Joe Pomar Park off Masters Drive.

B.J. Kalaidi


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