Mayor Signs Off On Sean Bell Street Renaming
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Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a measure Monday to rename dozens of city streets, including one in honor of Sean Bell, who was shot and killed by police three years ago.
A several block stretch of Liverpool Street in Jamaica will now be known as "Sean Bell Way."
The name change comes after a contentious debate between supporters and critics who felt Bell was undeserving of the honor.
Bell, 23, was killed by police outside a Jamaica strip club on the morning of his wedding.
He was later found to be unarmed.
On Monday, Bell's family said they simply want the street to stand as a living memorial for him.
"This is a small symbol of justice for my family and Sean and the best Christmas gift my daughters could have since they're unable to have their father here with them today," said Bell's fiancee, Nicole Paultre Bell.
Meanwhile, some community leaders say they will post their own sign in honor of Bell because they say the city has been too slow to rename the street.
Three police officers were acquitted of charges in the November 2006 shooting.