In a pivotal decision this afternoon, the City Council of Kinston voted to approve the ordinance establishing a Downtown Kinston Social District. The special meeting convened at 3:00 p.m. to deliberate on this long-anticipated move.
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Barbara Seaforth takes oath of office in Kinston City Council meeting
At the most recent city council meeting, Barbara Seaforth was sworn in as a Kinston City Council member. Presiding over the swearing-in was the Honorable Keith Gregory, Wake County Resident Judge Superior Court.
BJ Murphy: Out of the Park, Not Out of Hope
The disappointment felt by our community this past week as a result of the Down East Wood Ducks (DEWD’s) team being sold and eventually moving to South Carolina, is less a result of business and market forces out of our contol and more a sense of losing hope our community can sustain minor league baseball indefinitely.
City of Kinston announces new Planning Director; tables inspection discussion
At a recent City Council meeting, the topic of an agreement between Lenoir County and the City where the county would manage all inspections services including building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing for the city of Kinston, was tabled until the new Director of Planning assumed their new role.
Third time's a charm - Mayor and Council get the raise they "deserve"
The Kinston City Council passed the proposed Fiscal Year 2022-2023 budget Tuesday evening. The budget included increased salaries for the mayor and the city council and funding to increase the hourly rate of part-time city employees. This was the third year in a row the council attempted to give themselves increased salaries. Council member Robbie Swinson voted against the increased mayor and council salaries both times it came for a vote Tuesday.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews council candidate Les Lipford
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with candidate Les Lipford to discuss his City Council bid and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
Election 2021: BJ Murphy interviews council candidate Chris Suggs
Neuse News publisher BJ Murphy sat down with candidate Chris Suggs to discuss his City Council bid and issues facing the City of Kinston. They discussed the two requests for mayor and council pay increases, department head vacancies, how to help small businesses struggling to find employees, and more.
BJ Murphy: If not you, who?
I am more concerned about the next four years for Kinston today than I was four years ago.
The impasses we face with the City of Kinston pose significant challenges for our community’s future, and we need leaders to step up at a time such as this. The mayor’s seat and two councilmembers’ seats are up for grabs, and the $10 filing fee period ends on Friday, July 16th at 12:00 pm.
Now is not the time to complain. Now is not the time to critique. Instead, if you feel led to run or compelled to serve your community greater than your role today, here is your opportunity to influence or shape the change you desire.
The Herritage granted permit after request contested by citizens
A conditional use permit was requested to allow The Herritage, a bar currently located on Herritage Street, to move from its current location to 128 W. North Street at Kinston’s City Council meeting on Tuesday. When the council opened up the request to a public hearing, the owner of The Herritage Laurie Anderson spoke in favor of the permit. In response to recent social media comments, she stated, “We are not a gay bar, but we do not discriminate.” The comment came because residents have taken to social media to protest the permit as The Herritage has leased their space to organizations like ENC Pride, which has hosted drag shows at the establishment.