Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland's 39th Avenue has been renamed in honor of civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. April Baer reports on Wednesday's  City Council vote.

All five city commissioners voted in favor of the renaming. Each spoke at length, acknowledging the depth of feeling on both sides of the issue. 

They said they knew some constituents would be disappointed, no matter which way the vote went.

Many also echoed the comments of Mayor Sam Adams, who noted the Latino population of Portland has grown to nearly fourteen percent.

Sam Adams: "The great diversity of that community is not recognized in a significant symbol in this city. The choice before me is to vote to continue that omission, or to address it."

The vote marks the end of a public discussion that's stretched out over several years.

Opponents say they're considering the possibility of a legal challenge, but haven't made a final decision.