Speak Out: Would You Change Skin Alley's Name?

Skin Alley has gone through much transformation over the last few years. As a tiny paved road, the downtown alleyway adjacent to South Peachtree Street was originally intended to be a place just for delivery trucks.

Historians say it's been used for other things, too, but since downtown's revitalization, more and more businesses have been trying to beautify it instead of keeping its back alley look.

Awnings and landscaping have been added to improve Skin Alley, and stores such as have established its storefront there. Additionally, the city plans to by the end of July as part of its redevelopment.

At the end of the day, we're still stuck with the name Skin Alley, which many can agree does not have the most pleasant-sounding name.

Last week on Facebook, Norcross Patch asked followers if they would be in favor of changing the name.

Here are some of the responses:

"Nay! I love the name, [it's] my favorite in the whole city!" said Lindsey Monroe.

"Change it. Gives folks the wrong idea," wrote Bonnie Crannel Evans.

"Don't change it! It's part of our historical charm," piped Jeannette Osowski Shewbert.

Thing is, it doesn't seem like there's an exact answer as to what part of history the name is referring to. Norcross historian Gene Ramsay can't confirm the meaning behind the name, but many locals believe it's named after the act of skinning the back of hands when rolling dice.

Some also voiced that it shouldn't be changed just because it's held the Skin Alley name for as long as anyone can remember, and they want to preserve the history.

Since the topic generated some strong opinions on Facebook, we decided to move the discussion to Norcross Patch to get your ideas, too.

Do you think Skin Alley's name should change? Do you think it leaves visitors with a negative impression?

Or do you think the city should keep it just because it's had that name for so long?

Let us know in the comments.