Several years ago, many may have driven past 7th Avenue and 62nd Street after the bulldozing of buildings that were synonymous with the Liberty City commercial surroundings. While there are sentiments for those who held on up until the last moment before giving in to the purchase of their space for the development, the new construction has been seen as a revitalization of a declining commercial community. It was surprising, however, when recently driving by this construction area to notice the signage on one of the buildings as the Audrey Edmonson Transit Village. Further research shows that a housing complex will also be named after Commissioner Audrey Edmonson once it is completed. Ms. Edmonson has been a local commissioner since 2005 and during that time has received various awards which is common for local politicians who represent especially minority communities. However, what does not seem to be common is the assignment of a local politician's name to newly constructed buildings within 10 years of his/her public service. Certainly Ms. Edmonson's work in that short space of time has been beneficial to the community. However, in considering the long standing contributions until death of community activist icons such as Georgia Ayers, Athalie Range, Theodore Gibson, John & Marie Brown and others, one has to wonder why the names of any of these Miami greats were not considered for such a lasting privilege. But, anything goes in this Banana Republic.
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