HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the city’s planning director is taking the first steps in the process of renaming Cesar Chavez Boulevard in the wake of the sexual abuse allegations against the late civil rights leader.

During Wednesday’s city council meeting, Councilmember Joaquin Martinez, who represents the Magnolia Park neighborhood in east Houston, where the road is located, told Whitmire that he’s ready to support the renaming.

Martinez said he was disheartened to hear about the accusations against someone who’s been considered an icon in much of the Hispanic community.

“There’s a process that’s lengthy, that’s cumbersome,” Martinez said. “But I’d like to make sure we work with you and your team, continue to work with you and your team to see something change sooner than later.”

Whitmire thanked Martinez for bringing the issue to attention and said the city’s planning director has already started the process to rename the road.

“[Director of Planning & Development Vonn Tran] is expediting it and you’ll see some results quickly,” Whitmire said.

The Houston Independent School District has not said whether it will rename Cesar Chavez High School, but it did rename Chavez-Huerta Day to Farmworkers Day, which will take place on March 30.

SEE ALSO: HISD announces name change for Cesar Chavez holiday amid allegations of sexual assault

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