Many things are beginning to change in Farrell along the blighted stretch of road known to most as Idaho Street.

The senior center has moved, the new district justice office is practically done, and, thanks to state money recently awarded to the city, shabby buildings along Idaho are destined to be demolished for redevelopment.

Along with all those changes, the name Idaho Street may also be a thing of the past soon. Its name will change, if council members agree, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The Rev. Leon Avery of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Farrell followed up a letter that Deacon Donald Wright wrote to council to see if any further thought had been given to changing the name.

In June, Wright, a retired Farrell resident, wrote to mayors of both Farrell and Sharon, curious as to why a street or building in the Shenango Valley was never named in honor of the slain civil rights leader. Wright contended that, even though Pennsylvania State University's Shenango Campus in Sharon finds it important to mark King's legacy every year with a campus commemoration, there is nothing in the Shenango Valley -- or Mercer County -- honoring the life and work of King.

"It's fitting and obviously long overdue," Mayor Bill Morocco said of naming a street for King. "It's kind of embarrassing we haven't done anything."

Councilman Louis Falconi said when he received a copy of the letter he thought the request was a good idea. He said he brought up the idea to some African-American friends in Farrell, who thought King's name would be good for Idaho Street. Falconi said the last time King's name came up was years ago when there was talk of building an overhead pass for the Broadway corridor.

"It's a good idea for Idaho Street, especially now with the opening of the district justice office," Falconi said. The only concern, he said, would be business people and homeowners who might "grumble" about the hassle of an address change.

"There's not much on Idaho now, especially from Broadway to Spearman," Falconi said. "I think it's a good idea."

The Rev. Jeannette Hooks and Rudy Hammond, both of whom serve on council, heartily agreed. Rev. Hooks said she could already feel the excitement in the air.

"I think this is something that we need to do," she said. "It will bring honor and dignity not only from his name, but also what he stood for."

Morocco said the issue will be discussed Oct. 6.