Benton Harbor City Commissioners have voted to rename part of a street in honor of actor Ernie Hudson and have also heard back from him.

At a meeting last week, commissioners approved a resolution amending a previous resolution to rename part of Vineyard Avenue for Hudson, changing the selected street to South Fair Avenue from Buss Avenue to Hall Street. Mayor Marcus Muhammad explained.

“It is the will of the residents in the neighborhood, by collection of signatures in favor…It is changed to South Fair Avenue from Buss Avenue to Hall Street.”

Bishop James Atterberry of the Brotherhood Church said Hudson grew up on Buss Street, noting Hudson also graduated from Benton Harbor High School before entering the military, going to college, doing theater in Detroit, and then going to California to find his fortune as an actor. Atterberry then read from a letter from Hudson to the city expressing his gratitude.

“‘I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this decision and the process of making this a reality,’” Atterberry read. “‘Your belief in me and my contribution means the world to me, and I’m honored to be forever itched into the fabric of this community through this street name.’”

Atterberry said Hudson will be in town in a few weeks for the official street renaming. Signage will go up designating the name, and Hudson wrote he hopes people will see it and reflect on the impact someone can have on their community.