Ted Turner might lose a stadium bearing his name, but the billionaire philanthropist could soon gain a street.
The Atlanta City Council is weighing a proposal to rename a section of Spring Street in downtown Atlanta for the founder of Turner Broadcasting Systems and CNN.
According to the ordinance proposed by Councilman C.T. Martin, Ted Turner Drive would run from Whitehall Street to West Peachtree Street — near the tycoon’s downtown home and chain restaurant, Ted’s Montana Grill.
Turner, a former owner of the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves, already has a baseball stadium named in his honor. It’s unclear what will happen to The Ted, however, once the Braves leave for Cobb County by 2017.
Martin said the time is right to honor Turner for his “contributions to the world, and to mankind.”
In addition to founding the world’s first 24-hour cable news channel, Turner is a noted philanthropist who gives to environmental causes through the Turner Foundation and Captain Planet Foundation.
Turner is also known for his work with the United Nations, having given $1 billion of his funds to U.N. efforts.
A spokesman for Turner could not be immediately reached for comment.
The city utilities committee will take up the proposal at its Tuesday meeting. If successful, it heads to the full council for final approval.
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