Minneapolis planners reject Vikings bid to rename Chicago Avenue

The Minnesota Vikings’ attempt to rename a portion of Chicago Avenue “Vikings Way” fell flat at City Hall on Monday night, when the city’s planning commission unanimously rejected the proposal.

The plan to rename the street in front of the future Vikings stadium has drawn significant attention in recent weeks, particularly from critics of the team. An application submitted to the city said that in addition to making the stadium their permanent business address, the team “strongly object[s] to having the street running in front of the stadium named after one of its opponents and neighboring rival” — a reference to the Chicago Bears.

The City Council is likely to have the final say. City Council Member Jacob Frey said he would like to see the team make more concessions on public access to the nearby Commons park before agreeing to a change.

http://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-planners-reject-vikings-bid-to-rename-chicago-avenue/372038931/