What's in a name? Apparently a bad reputation for one Cobb County road.

The Marietta City Council unanimously approved the first step toward changing the name of Franklin Road to Gateway Boulevard.

Mayor Steve Tumlin tells the Marietta Daily Journal it would help give the road, known for its high crime rate and blight, a chance for a fresh start.

Tumlin says they're not running away from a problem, but creating for the future.

A planned $68 million dollar redevelopment bond, approved last year for the area, should help as well.

Last year, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson admitted he drives past Franklin Road as fast as he can because of the local crime.

The next step toward the name change is a series of town hall meetings, to get residents' opinions on the plan.

Tumlin says he still wants to honor the namesake of Franklin Road. He proposes naming the stretch of road between South Marietta Parkway and Delk Road the J.W. Franklin and Sons Pottery Commemorative Highway.