SALEM – The Public Services committee considered a proposal to give an honorary designation to a section of East State Street Tuesday.

“This designation would be a powerful symbol, celebrating the collaborative spirit and rich heritage of our community. It would highlight the collective importance of these institutions and showcase Salem’s dedication to its people,” said Salem Preservation Society President David Schwartz.

Schwartz presented the committee with a proposal to rename the section of East State Street from Lincoln Avenue to Ohio Avenue with the honorary designation “civic way.” Schwartz stressed the designation would help to highlight the history and value to the community of major city landmarks in the area like the Salem Memorial Building and the Salem Public Library. The designation could be tied into the Salem Tourism Board’s efforts to promote the city, and the downtown area in particular.

“For generations, the stretch of East State Street just past our city’s heart has been a vibrant and essential part of daily life in Salem. This corridor, defined by its historic and beautiful buildings, is a testament to our community’s commitment to its residents,” said Schwartz. “From the spiritual solace of our churches to the intellectual growth fostered at the library, and the shared history preserved in our memorial buildings, these spaces serve our citizens in countless ways. Yet thousands of people pass through the area daily, unaware of its profound impact. The time has come to formally recognize this unique and vital stretch of our city.”

Schwartz emphasized the name change would be strictly honorary and marked with street signs –it would not affect postal addresses or property deeds.

“This is an opportunity for the city of Salem and its building owners to come together and create a lasting legacy, a new chapter for East State Street that honors its past while looking to the future,” said Schwartz.

Councilman and Committee Chairman Trent Tice asked if Schwartz had any ideas for where to have signs produced and how to pay for them. Schwartz said that a vandalism-resistant sign like those used for Sebo Stadium could be purchased for $1,000 and there were several ways the funding could be raised including soliciting individual donations or obtaining larger donations from businesses in the area. Councilwoman Sara Baer asked if the buildings in the area had been contacted and consented to participating in the plan, and Schwartz said they had all been contacted both by letter and in person and that he had obtained signatures for the petition “from 99% of them.” the oly location not signing off yet St. Paul Elementary — school leadership favors the project, but wants the proposal to come from the city directly. The committee voted unanimously to forward the question of approving the honorary designation to the city council for review.