By Heather Grossmann
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT — A City Council vote on dozens of street renamings quickly became an emotional session on “Sean Bell Way” Monday afternoon as members of the slain groom's family watched from the audience.
The bill, which includes the renaming of nearly 70 other streets, was approved 42 to 6, with one abstention.
The new law will change the name of part of Liverpool Street, in Jamaica, Queens to “Sean Bell Way” in memory of Bell, who died there in a hail of 50 police bullets on his wedding day in 2006.
Speaker Christine Quinn was careful to note that Sean Bell met the City Council’s requirement that an individual for which a street is named be known for "exemplary acts or achievements which reflect positively on the city" — a point of contention among council members.
Quinn said that Bell’s death helped to change public procedure — in particular police procedure — and therefore Bell met the law’s prerequisites.
Council Member Peter Vallone voted against the bill, saying that “two wrongs do not make a right,” and that Sean Bell did not meet the legislation's stated requirements for street naming.
Council Member and incoming Public Advocate Bill de Blasio spoke in favor of the bill, saying to Bell's family, “I hope our actions will provide you some measure of comfort.”
Council Member Rosie Mendez of the Lower East Side said, “Nothing can bring Sean back, but I hope this helps ease the pain.”
Harlem will also get a new street name when the bill takes effect — a section of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, between 123rd and 124th Street, will now be named after Sugar Ray Robinson.
