A Houston plan to rename Dowling Street to remove honoring a Confederate soldier and replace it with a reference to a park dedicated to honor freedom from bondage drew dozens of supporters Thursday, who urged city officials to change the name to reflect changing times.

The city's planning commission listened to about an hour of public comment on the plan to rename Dowling as Emancipation Avenue, a reference to the park along Dowling that's got deep roots in the Third Ward, and as one of the first places freed slaves were able to celebrate their freedom.

“Houston has lost so much African American history,” said Keith Downey, citing the effect that has on young people in Houston who can feel cut off from the city’s heritage. “I think it is important they know the word emancipation than the name Dowling.”

On HoustonChronicle.com: Planned name change is not without controversy

Because of an error not properly posting the item on Thursday’s planning commission agenda, officials could only hear from residents. A decision and formal public hearing on the plan will be Oct. 27.