RES 2022-0470 - Christopher N. Geary Drive Commemorative Street City Clerk Office Use Only
2_c22 u - 1f DPublication Date(if a plic ble)RESOLUTION NO. '-� Agenda Date: )
Department: ' 4
Submitter J
CITY OF OMAHA
LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER
Omaha, Nebraska
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OMAHA:
WHEREAS, it has been determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Omaha to
provide for commemorative street names; and,
WHEREAS, a nomination has been submitted for the designation of "Christopher N.
Geary Drive" as a commemorative street name on Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street.; and,
WHEREAS, At age 23, Christopher N. Geary returned home to Omaha, Nebraska from
the U.S. Marine Corps with an Honorable Discharge and the rank of Corporal where he began
teaching martial arts and running his own business. He was the first professional to bring the art of
Kempo/Kenpo Karate to Omaha from California. Since 1994, he has exposed thousands of people
(men, women and children) in the Omaha Metro area to the art, including police officers, doctors and
three mayors.
On September 1, 2006, Geary was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt (the highest level
of Black Belt and Grand Master). The promotion made him the second youngest in the world and the
youngest person in the United States ever to achieve this rank. He also holds a 6th Degree Black Belt
(one Black Belt degree above master) in the arts of Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu (with a teaching
certificate) and Tenshi Goju Kai. He has been awarded a Bachelor of Martial Arts and the high titles of
Grand Master, Soke (head of family) and Professor.
Since Geary began teaching martial arts, he has appeared on local television shows
presenting self-defense tips for those who could not afford classes. In his presentations, Geary
stressed the importance of being aware of one's surroundings in order to react quickly and
effectively in life threatening situations. He has been actively involved in the community by
volunteering his time to teach self-defense to the disabled, providing free safety awareness classes
to young children to increase self-discipline, and raising money for children with cancer. He has also
taught college seminars to help participants gain self-confidence by learning simple, effective
techniques to protect themselves from date rape, mugging, and other types of assaults. Geary has
also mentored teenage boys who came from tough economic and social backgrounds.
Throughout Geary's martial arts career, he has been recognized and awarded rank or
promotions by ten Grand Masters/Organizations across the United States. He has been inducted into
four martial arts Hall of Fames for "Master Instructor of the Year," "School of the Year," "Founder and
Grand Master of the Year" and "Outstanding Contribution to The Martial Arts Grand Master" (board
certified category), with the additional honored recognition of Ambassador to the Martial Arts.
Governor Dave Heineman also presented Geary with a proclamation honoring a National Martial Arts
Day in Nebraska. This street sign would honor Geary on Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street,
which fronts his childhood residence.
RESOLUIION NO. 2D�� /l3
PAGE a1
WHEREAS, the Planning Director and the City Councilmember representing the district
in which the item proposed is located have recommended that said permit be granted pursuant to the
application, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and made a part hereof by this
reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
OMAHA:
THAT, that the nomination of "Christopher N. Geary Drive" as a commemorative street
name on Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street is hereby approved; and the Public Works
Department is authorized to erect the acceptable sign(s) therefore, in compliance with all applicable
local and state statutes, ordinances or regulations, and policies with all costs to be borne by the
applicant.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
V/i/Z4 L L
CIT T ORNEY' /5'
DATE
Adopted: MAY 1 0
Attest:
City
Approved:
Mayor
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
February 24, 2022
TO: President and Members of the City Council
FROM: David K. Fanslau, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Commemorative Street Designation of"Christopher N. Geary Drive"
Based on my review and on the criteria for Commemorative Designations in Chapter 27 of the
Omaha Municipal Code, it is my recommendation that the commemorative street name of
"Christopher N. Geary Drive" be applied to Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street.
At age 23, Christopher N. Geary returned home to Omaha, Nebraska from the U.S. Marine
Corps with an Honorable Discharge and the rank of Corporal where he began teaching martial
arts and running his own business. He was the first professional to bring the art of
Kempo/Kenpo Karate to Omaha from California. Since 1994, he has exposed thousands of
people (men, women and children) in the Omaha Metro area to the art, including police officers,
doctors and three mayors.
On September 1, 2006, Geary was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt (the highest level of
Black Belt and Grand Master). The promotion made him the second youngest in the world and
the youngest person in the United States ever to achieve this rank. He also holds a 6th Degree
Black Belt (one Black Belt degree above master) in the arts of Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu (with a
teaching certificate) and Tenshi Goju Kai. He has been awarded a Bachelor of Martial Arts and
the high titles of Grand Master, Soke (head of family) and Professor.
Since Geary began teaching martial arts, he has appeared on local television shows presenting
self-defense tips for those who could not afford classes. In his presentations, Geary stressed
the importance of being aware of one's surroundings in order to react quickly and effectively in
life threatening situations. He has been actively involved in the community by volunteering his
time to teach self-defense to the disabled, providing free safety awareness classes to young
children to increase self-discipline, and raising money for children with cancer. He has also
taught college seminars to help participants gain self-confidence by learning simple, effective
techniques to protect themselves from date rape, mugging, and other types of assaults. Geary
has also mentored teenage boys who came from tough economic and social backgrounds.
Throughout Geary's martial arts career, he has been recognized and awarded rank or
promotions by ten Grand Masters/Organizations across the United States. He has been
inducted into four martial arts Hall of Fames for"Master Instructor of the Year," "School of the
Year," "Founder and Grand Master of the Year" and "Outstanding Contribution to The Martial
Arts Grand Master" (board certified category), with the additional honored recognition of
Ambassador to the Martial Arts. Governor Dave Heineman also presented Geary with a
proclamation honoring a National Martial Arts Day in Nebraska. This street sign would honor
Geary on Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street, which fronts his childhood residence.
INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATION
February 24, 2022
TO: David K. Fanslau, Planning Director
FROM: Dan Begley, Councilmember ` � 4
SUBJECT: "Christopher N. Geary Drive" Commemorative Street Name Request
•
As the Councilmember representing Council District 3, I support the application for the
commemorative street name on Pine Street from 35th Street to 36th Street to be called
"Christopher N. Geary Drive."
cc: Councilmembers
Elizabeth Butler, City Clerk
Omaha City Planning Department For Office Use Only
Date Filed
APPLICATION Fee S
Receipt#
PUBLIC PROPERTY NAMING/RENAMING Case#
Feat to be Named:
Street ❑ Park ❑ Library ❑ Other
Check following box if application is a Commemorative Naming
Applicant C/>`RiSrTP/ f Al, Z,-EARY 905 5, /gild 51A a_ 68102 a2-�4��'ES
Name Address Zip Phone#
cj r t/AiG. cni9
Mail Address ( I /
Location/Property Address 1T , ✓1 P r c e C d E�1 2j C� LI ft ��, `1LcD Lt S4,
Proposed Name to be Assigned Cigi ST4///E, ' Alf, 4-tA/ Y / i(E
Description and Significance: Please provide as thorough a description as possible and explain why it
is appropriate to name this feature in this way. The proposed naming/renaming should address the
applicable criteria as defined in Section 27-150 through Section 27-154 — Naming of Public Property.
Additional pages or supplemental materials may be attached as necessary.
c< t`k c
FILING FEE: $1,050. —Public Property Naming/Renaming
$108.—Commemorative Naming/Renaming
(filing fee includes Technology and Training Fee)
If this application is for the renaming of a public street, a petition must be included that is signed by at
least 60 percent of the number of owners of properties abutting the portion of the street to be renamed.
Such petition forms can be picked up at the City of Omaha Planning Department.
If this application is for a commemorative designation and the request is approved by the City Council,
the applicant shall c act the appropriate City department to determine the number of signs needed
and the cost to the plicant to make and install them.
pplicant Signature Date
At age 23, Christopher N. Geary returned
home to Omaha, Nebraska from the U.S.
I Marine Corps with an Honorable Discharge
and the rank of Corporal. Geary began
-_. teaching martial arts and running a business
on June 29, 1994 in a school yard with
literally nothing but "the shirt on his back."
Geary was the first professional to bring the
art of Kempo/Kenpo Karate to Omaha from
California. Since 1994, he has exposed
thousands of people (men, women and
children) in the Omaha Metro area to the art,
including police officers, doctors and three
mayors.
On September 1, 2006, Geary was promoted to 10th Degree Black Belt(the highest level
of Black Belt and Grand Master). The promotion made him the second youngest in the
world and the youngest person in the United States ever to achieve this rank. He also
holds a 6th Degree Black Belt (one Black Belt degree above master) in the arts of
Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu (with a teaching certificate) and Tenshi Goju Kai. He has been
awarded a Bachelor of Martial Arts and the high titles of Grand Master, Soke (head of
family)and Professor.
Since Geary began teaching martial arts, he has appeared on local television shows
presenting self-defense tips for those who could not afford classes. In his presentations,
Geary stressed the importance of being aware of one's surroundings in order to react
quickly and effectively in life threatening situations. He has been actively involved in the
community by volunteering his time to teach self-defense to the disabled, providing free
safety awareness classes to young children to increase self-discipline, and raising money
for children with cancer. He has also taught college seminars to help participants gain
self-confidence by learning simple, effective techniques to protect themselves from date
rape, mugging, and other types of assaults. Geary has also mentored teenage boys who
came from tough economic and social backgrounds.
Throughout Geary's martial arts career, he has been recognized and awarded rank or
promotions by ten Grand Masters/Organizations across the United States. He has been
inducted into four martial arts Hall of Fames for"Master Instructor of the Year," "School
of the Year," "Founder and Grand Master of the Year" and"Outstanding Contribution to
The Martial Arts Grand Master" (board certified category), with the additional honored
recognition of Ambassador to the Martial Arts. Governor Dave Heineman also presented
Geaty with a proclamation honoring a National Martial Arts Day in Nebraska.
Fox42 News clip: "Geary's Kempo Karate - Youngest 10th Degree Black Belt):
https://www.Itoutube.com/watch?v=ivwmMUpW0s0&ab channel=ChristopherN.Gearr
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