Before I go into this, let me say that I have not spoken with any of these businesses. I do not know their thoughts on this issue, and I am in no way stating that they all agree with my point of view.
Recently one of the big uproars in Arkadelphia has been over the Pine Street name change to Martin Luther King Jr. Street or Drive or whatever the name of it was set to be — frankly it's irrelevant at this point. Now, the person who proposed this idea, was he or she thinking of anyone but themselves? Were they thinking of the many businesses that would have been impacted by the change, or were they just thinking that one of the most inhabited streets in Arkadelphia needed a little revamp?
Honestly, regardless of where the idea originated and who supported it, it has got to be one of the least thought out ideas to come to vote in our town. I'm not saying this because I "hate" Martin Luther King Jr.; I am saying this because nobody thought about all of the businesses that would have been affected by this change. You may think this is irrelevant now that the vote is over and the name was not changed, but it is still relevant because there are still people complaining.
I have seen many people furious with the fact that the street will remain Pine Street. Honestly, these people need to grow up and think of someone besides themselves. Let me say, for the record, that I would not support them changing the name to anything different than it is, be that Dr. King or George Washington, or Taylor Swift for that matter (sorry T). Street name changes involve more than "honoring heritage" or anything else you want to call it. I think it's great that they gave the street its new honorary title, but I have seen so many people complaining that the change wasn't enough.
I have included a list of businesses on Pine Street to show that this effects so many more people in Arkadelphia than people realize. To change their address, a business must first fill out a change of address for the IRS. Then they must notify the Secretary of State. Then they might even have to possibly amend their articles of organization, depending on the type of business (which can include paying a fee). Not to mention, all of the businesses contacts will also have to be notified of the address change. Then finally they must notify the Department of Revenue. Sounds like a lot of trouble, right? Exactly.
The overpass is in honor of Dr. King, which is great. Stick with the overpass, and let's not get crazy unless it's a street with fewer necessary changes. Do I think anyone will actually read through this list? No. Which just proves my point — this list is so long that people will actually get bored reading. Hence, way too many businesses to go changing a street name. Be happy with "honorary," because that's as close as it's going to get. A man like Martin Luther King Jr. probably deserves more than a street name. Name a building or throw a festival, something that will be more memorable than the street name that caused tons of businesses to have to get a new mailing address. This list most likely does not include all businesses and as stated above, that's all it is — a list.
Churches
Fellowship Church
First Presbyterian Church
Christ Temple Holiness
Church of Christ
First Baptist
Shopping/gas stations
Exxon
Shepard's Quick Stop
Winner's Circle
Shell
Phillips 66
Exxon
Brookshires
Wholesale Beauty
Stage
Maurice's
Shoe Sensation
Aarons
Discount Tobacco
Waite's Gun and Pawn
Ivan Smith Furniture
AT&T
Lucky Liquor
Spa Scents 'N' Jazz
Sherwin Williams
Covenant Books and Gifts
Factory Connection
Sears
Redbox
Family Dollar
Auto-related
Autozone
Paul Shepard's Auto Sales
Nationwide Insurance
Arkadelphia Auto Glass
Mike's Tire and Auto
Rogers Auto and Equipment Repair
Gravett's Paint and Body
O'Reilly Auto
Restaurants
Arby's
McDonalds
Burger King
El Torerro's
Chicken Express
Hamburger Barn
Big Cheese Pizza
Andy's
Donut Palace
Subway
River Ridge
Medical and school-related
Arkadelphia Medical Clinic
Compass Healthcare
Urology Arkansas
AllCare Pharmacy
Arkadelphia Special Education
Peake Elementary School
Happyland Childcare Center
South Arkansas Pet Hospital
Banks
Bank of the Ozarks
Citizens Bank
Southern Bancorp
U.S. Bank
Miscellaneous businesses
Air Pro AC and Heating
Nelson Robert Barber Shop
U-Haul
UPS
Able Locksmith
Arkadelphia Laundry and Cleaning
Ozark Cleaners
Legacy Termite and Pest Control
Arkadelphia Health Club
Arkadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance
Ace Hardware
Jester Logging
Suddenlink Communications
College Inn Motel
Hardman Interiors
Glow Tanning
