BOSTON (WHDH) - A vote to change the name of the iconic Yawkey Way outside Fenway Park has been postponed.
The City of Boston’s Public Improvement Commission held a public hearing Thursday to discuss a possible name change after the Red Sox filed a petition with the city to change the name of the famous Fenway street back to its original name, Jersey Street.
The team has said this is to reinforce that Fenway Park is inclusive and welcoming to all.
“We want to bring in a new generation of fans and make sure everyone feels welcome,” Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said.
Yawkey Way was named after former Red Sox owner Thomas Yawkey in 1977. His name has been criticized because of his resistance to integration.
“Every time I, or any black go into Fenway Park, is in an insult,” civic leader Walter Carrington said at the hearing.
Yawkey owned the Red Sox from 1933 to 1976 and presided over the last franchise in Major League Baseball to field a black player.
Philanthropic group Yawkey Foundations wants to keep the small street as Yawkey Way, arguing a change would dishonor and taint the charity.
“For the past 13 years, the Yawkey Scholars Program has provided scholarships and other support to talented, motivated, low-income students,” said Susan Burke, of the Yawkey Scholars Program.
A new vote will be held on April 12, according to the Public Improvement Commission.
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