EAST LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A proposal to rename a busy stretch of Grand River Avenue in East Lansing after NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson is running into opposition.
Republican State Senator Michael Webber (Rochester Hills) and Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (Jackson) have both introduced legislation, Senate Bill 534 and HB 4945, to rename nearly two miles of Grand River Avenue (M-43), from Harrison Road to Hagadorn Road, as “Magic Johnson Way.” The stretch runs through the heart of East Lansing, past Michigan State University, where Johnson became a household name.
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The legislation was introduced in September but still sits in the Senate’s Committee on Local Government (5 Democrats, 2 Republicans) and the House’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (7 Democrats, 10 Republicans)
So what’s the holdup? In short: Magic, 66, is still very much alive.
The unwritten rule: please be deceased.
According to Senate Local Government Committee Chair Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D–Eastpointe), the bill is unlikely to get a hearing – not because of Johnson’s credentials, but because of a long-standing preference that memorial highway names go to people who have passed away. Her spokesperson Em Lefko said, “It’s our intent that any highway renaming bill for an individual be for an individual that is deceased.”
But there’s no law mandating that. And in fact, there’s precedent on Johnson’s side. Former President Gerald R. Ford had part of I-196 named after him in 2001 – five years before his death.
A Spartan legend, on and off the court.
Johnson, a Lansing native and MSU icon, led the Spartans to a national championship in 1979 and went on to become one of the most celebrated players in NBA history with the Los Angeles Lakers. Few dispute his cultural or historical significance. Johnson also was a star player at Lansing’s Everett High School and has contributed to the Lansing region and in Michigan through decades of philanthropy, scholarships, and community outreach.
“This legislation will serve as a reminder of Magic Johnson’s contributions to the basketball program and the university as a whole,” Webber said.
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Because the bill has stalled in the Michigan Senate Committee on Local Government, Senator Webber formally asked them to hold a hearing on his bill in a letter sent on December 3 – but it’s not looking likely.
Moving the goal mid-drive.
Complicating matters further is the fact that Senate Democrats are currently advancing new rules to tighten memorial highway designations. However, under the proposed rules from State Senators
Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe) and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), Magic Johnson would still qualify because he is a historically and culturally significant figure.
The legislation advanced unanimously on Dec. 2, clearing the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a 9–0 vote. After clearing the committee, the bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration where lawmakers can debate the proposal and offer amendments before taking a final floor vote. If it passes the Senate, the legislation would then move to the House for committee review and further action.
Local leaders weigh in.
According to a report in the Lansing State Journal, East Lansing Mayor George Brookover has not responded with comment about the street renaming but Lansing Mayor Andy Schor says he’s “100% in favor of it.” Lansing business owner Mike Kruger of Crunchy’s and the Peanut Barrel, both on Grand River, calls it a “pretty cool” idea even though his business addresses would have to change.
Steve Japinga of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that naming the street in Johnson’s honor would “celebrate one of our region’s most iconic Spartans while inspiring future generations.”
Johnson has not publicly commented on the proposed honor on any of his social media platforms.
A name stuck in neutral.
So it remains unsettled whether Michigan lawmakers will get out of their own way to honor a living legend – or keep the name on ice until the résumé comes with an obituary.
