COUNCIL SPLITS ON RENAMING CRENSHAW.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

Faced with a divided community, the Los Angeles City Council deadlocked Wednesday over changing the name of Crenshaw Boulevard to honor the city's record five-term mayor, the late Tom Bradley.

In a series of actions, the council voted 6-6 on the proposal from Councilman Nate Holden but could consider it again Friday, Holden's last day in office.

``A man like Tom Bradley comes along only once in a lifetime,'' Holden argued. ``It is important we not forget the person who did so much for this city.''

But Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, who tried to force a delay in the proposal by sending it off for further study, argued Bradley already has been honored with the naming of the international terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, another street in the city, the tower at City Hall and other buildings.

``It is not fair to say we have not remembered Tom Bradley,'' Galanter said, also citing opposition from residents and businesses in the area.

Council members Janice Hahn, Tom LaBonge and Ed Reyes were absent but are expected at Friday's meeting.

Councilman Bernard C. Parks joined Holden in supporting the plan, saying it would represent a permanent honor for Bradley.

``We hear these objections that businesses are concerned because they would have to change their stationery,'' Parks said. ``I think honoring Tom Bradley is worth it.''

Opponents said renaming the street, considered a center of African- American culture in the city, would detract from the history of the community.

``It's not that we don't appreciate Tom Bradley and what he did for the city,'' said Najee Ali of Project Islamic Hope. ``We just don't believe the culture of the city should be changed.''

Rick Orlov, 213-978-0390

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com