WARREN Committee rejects plan for Korey Stringer Blvd.

The all-pro football player died last summer of heatstroke.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Southwest Boulevard won't be changed to Korey Stringer Boulevard, but the neighborhood of the late Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle may bear his name.
The city's planning committee rejected a proposal to change the name of Southwest Boulevard Southwest, from Palmyra Road to Deerfield Avenue, to Korey Stringer Boulevard Southwest after residents complained of anticipated difficulties in receiving their mail.
Stringer, a Warren native, died of heatstroke during practice drills this past preseason.
"I can't understand why anyone would want a loved one's name on that beer bottle, wine bottle, fast-food wrapper ... road," said Martha Pealer, a resident of Southwest Boulevard. "I don't know why anyone would want to name a loved one after that mess."
Concern expressed
She also expressed concerns about the need for street residents to change their addresses.
Laura Mason, a supporter of the plan, suggested changing the name of Palmyra Heights, the subdivision where Stringer lived and that includes Southwest Boulevard, to Korey Stringer Heights. That would eliminate the concerns about mail delivery and the inconvenience of people having to have their addresses changed.
Stringer's brother Kevin, who attended the hearing, said he supports the subdivision name-change idea.
"The thing is, he [Korey Stringer] was never ashamed of that bottle-littered road," Mason said.
Mayor Hank Angelo, a planning committee member, said changing the name of the subdivision would be considered.
"The city wants to do what we can to ensure it's a fitting tribute to Korey Stringer, whatever it is," he said.
Stringer gave his time and money to local causes, including the Rebecca Williams Community Center.
"We'll ask for more input from the residents," Angelo said. "We want the public involved."