HOLDEN PLAN TO RENAME ROAD CURVED COUNCIL AGREES TO CHOOSE ANOTHER STREET FOR BRADLEY.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

An effort to rename Crenshaw Boulevard after former Mayor Tom Bradley failed to win Los Angeles City Council approval Friday in the face of community opposition, but there was unanimous agreement to designate another street in his honor.

In joining with the 12-0 vote to rename another street after Bradley - possibly one of those passing in front of City Hall - Councilwoman Jan Perry said the proposal needed more input from homeowners and businesses.

``This is not a matter of whether we should name a street after Tom Bradley,'' Perry said. ``This is about a process to make sure its done with full public input and support.''

But departing Councilman Nate Holden, who proposed the name change, said he believed the council majority feared making a decision.

``What we are doing is trying to find a way not to do what we really ought to do,'' said Holden, who ended up voting for the study. ``At this point, no excuse is accepted. Any delay is not accepted.

``You are listening to a minority of voices. People who knew and loved Tom Bradley will make their voices known. You are sending out the wrong message.''

Holden also noted the council did not seek public input when it named a street near Staples Center after the late Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn or renamed the Central Library in honor of former Mayor Richard Riordan.

``To delay is to deny,'' Holden said.

However, other council members said they believed the delay was appropriate.

``We might still come up with the same recommendation,'' Councilwoman Janice Hahn said. ``But we should never have a decision made where we say we didn't listen to the public.''

The council deadlocked 6-6 Wednesday on renaming the stretch of Crenshaw, from Wilshire Boulevard to 79th Street, as a tribute to the city's first African-American mayor. Community leaders, business owners and residents of the Crenshaw District have voiced opposition to the name change for historic, as well as logistic reasons.

Councilman Bernard C. Parks said Friday he still supports renaming Crenshaw Boulevard after Bradley but that he did not believe a delay would hurt.

``His career will be no less stellar, the costs will not be any less in a month from now or six months from now,'' Parks said. ``But we should be clear in the process we follow.''

Rick Orlov, 213-978-0390

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com