Although it is only one block long, “Catfish Alley,” the stretch of Fourth Street between Main Street and College Street, has played a big role in shaping the city.

Mayor Robert Smith and Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem want to preserve the legacy of Catfish Alley and they are forming an exploratory committee to plan ways of beautifying the street and paying homage to the many black entrepreneurs who together made Catfish Alley a name synonymous with racial harmony and black business success.

Smith said Friday that he hopes to have the committee in place by the end of the week.

“We’re in the process of forming this committee to look at the contributions people made on Catfish Alley,” Smith said. “We’re looking at the history of Catfish Alley from the 1930s and 40s through today. I hope to have a diverse group on the committee — local historians, stake-holders and African Americans who know the history of Catfish Alley.”

The committee will be composed of 10-to-12 people.

“We’re looking for people who will think outside the box and be progressive,” he said.

The committee’s formation comes after members of the Jones family petitioned the city to rename the street Sallie Mae Jones Catfish Alley. Karriem, Jones’ grandson, withdrew the request at the Aug. 21 city council meeting.

“As soon as I decided to pull it off the agenda, I met with Mayor Smith and discussed forming a committee to look at Catfish Alley,” Karriem said. “Hopefully, it will shed some light on the area and pay homage to the folks who paved the way for us to be here in Columbus. It’s also to push for resources in a blighted area.”

Karriem said some short-term goals for the area could soon be implemented.

‘Some of the things we could do in the interim are re-doing the sidewalks, planting flowers, placing trash receptacles, improving the lighting — these are things that could be done immediately,” Karriem said.

The Jones family’s request to rename the section of Fourth Street drew criticism from members of the community and some council members, but Karriem said the family was moving forward.

“We wouldn’t have pursued this if we didn’t feel we had the council’s support.” said Karriem. “I feel the Jones family was handed lemons over the situation. But at the end of the day, we can make a good pitcher of lemonade.”

Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.