Public hearing proposed for Maceo Parker street renaming

The Kinston City Council will consider scheduling a public hearing on a proposal to rename Springhill Street in honor of Kinston-born musician Maceo Parker.

Mayor Kareem Moore submitted the request to rename the street Maceo Parker Way.

Springhill Street runs from South Heritage Street to South Queen Street along the African American Music Park.

Council is not scheduled to approve the street renaming Tuesday. Members will instead consider scheduling a public hearing for Sept. 1, when affected property owners and other residents would have an opportunity to express support or opposition.

Three properties have Springhill Street addresses. They include a vacant lot owned by the city and two privately owned properties at 105 and 107 Springhill St.

Lenoir County has reviewed the proposed name and determined that Maceo Parker Way would be acceptable for addressing purposes and would not create confusion for emergency responders using the 911 system, according to the agenda packet.

Before a final decision, the city would notify affected property owners and advertise the public hearing. Council could approve or deny the request following the hearing.

If the change is approved, city staff recommends waiting at least 30 days before making it effective. That would provide time for affected residents to update driver’s licenses, utility accounts, mailing addresses and other records.

Parker was born in Kinston in 1943 and became known internationally for his work as a saxophonist with James Brown and other major funk performers. The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources credits Parker with helping bring funk into Brown’s soul music. N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The agenda packet does not indicate whether the proposed change would be a full legal renaming or an honorary designation in addition to the existing street name. It also does not identify who would pay expenses incurred by affected residents when changing their addresses.

The Kinston City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at City Hall, 207 E. King St. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel, @thecityofkinston.