Putting Fahey on the map

Turn left on Mike Fahey Street?

That could soon become a part of Omaha's lexicon if a proposal succeeds to name a key downtown street after the former mayor.

Supporters of Fahey, who left office nearly five months ago, are mobilizing to rename seven blocks of Webster Street alongside the new baseball stadium after him. The idea is to honor Fahey's work on securing the ballpark, which is under construction.

The proposal, which requires City Council approval, is sure to have opponents, most notably supporters of former Mayor Hal Daub.

Daub, who lost to Fahey in 2001, has yet to have a street or a park named in his honor.

“It's premature. ... I didn't see that happening with Hal, and I don't think it's appropriate,” said Pat McPherson, a longtime Daub supporter and a fellow Republican.

Fahey, a Democrat, served two terms. He left office in June, after choosing not to seek a third term. One of his biggest accomplishments was getting a commitment that the College World Series would remain in Omaha for 25 years.

“I'm extremely honored,” said Fahey. “We worked so hard on keeping the College World Series here in Omaha. (Now) we'll see what the City Council does.”

Two prominent Omahans are spearheading the effort to honor Fahey: the Rev. John Schlegel, president of Creighton University, and Jim Young, chairman of Union Pacific Railroad.

The two want Webster Street between 10th and 17th Streets named after Fahey.

Schlegel said Fahey deserved to be honored for his work in revitalizing downtown and supporting Creighton's growth.

The redevelopment of north downtown, between Creighton and the Qwest Center Omaha, began under the Fahey administration.

“His extraordinary efforts have helped make Omaha what it is today and will be in the future, a vibrant community with much to offer,” said Schlegel.

The seven blocks in question have the potential to be a landmark in Omaha.

It is the area where city planners and others expect restaurants and retail stores to locate once the stadium is up and running, said Jim Vokal, a Republican and former city councilman.

“It could quite possibly be one of the most frequented streets we'll have in the city,” said Vokal, who supports the idea.

The ordinance has the support of three council members: Democrats Pete Festersen, Chris Jerram and Garry Gernandt.

“I don't have a problem with it,” said Gernandt.

“It's an appropriate recognition for his contribution,” said Festersen, who served for a time as Fahey's deputy chief of staff.

Jerram disputed the idea that it was too early to be honoring Fahey with a street name. “It's not like we're naming a federal building after him,” said Jerram, a Fahey supporter.

Jean Stothert, a Republican, and Ben Gray, a Democrat, said they wanted to learn more about the ordinance before committing themselves.

Stothert said she did question whether the city was naming too many streets after individuals.

“I think, taking Fahey out of it, we're kind of getting carried away naming these streets after people,” she said.

Council members Franklin Thompson and Chuck Sigerson could not be reached for comment. (Sigerson is recovering from a stroke.)

The city frequently gets requests to honor someone with a street name.

However, in most cases, the city doesn't actually rename the street. Instead, the city places a commemorative sign with the person's name near the street.

The Fahey ordinance would actually change the street's name. The council is scheduled to vote on the matter Nov. 10.

Contact the writer:

444-1309, robynn.tysver@owh.com

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