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Portsmouth planning panel approves honorary renaming of portion of King Street for Dr. Milton R. Blunt
Summary
The Portsmouth Planning Commission approved an honorary designation to name a 480-foot public right-of-way on King Street "Dr. Milton R. Blunt Way" after staff recommendation and public testimony from community leaders and family members.
The Portsmouth Planning Commission on Aug. 5 approved an honorary street-name designation to call a 480-foot public right-of-way of King Street "Dr. Milton R. Blunt Way." Meghan Gribble, the city’s manager of transportation planning, told commissioners the requested segment runs between Chestnut Street and Elm Avenue and is a city-owned 10-foot right of way that provides access to nearby commercial properties and church facilities, including New Mount Olivet Baptist Church.
The designation is honorary only and will not change official addresses, Gribble said. Staff reported that an owner petition carrying signatures from a majority of adjacent property owners indicating no objection had been received and that no public comments had been submitted to staff before the public hearing.
Supporters and family members addressed the commission during the public hearing, describing Blunt as a long-serving pastor and community leader who founded youth-mentoring and GED programs. Marilyn Whitehill Lehi, speaking on behalf of New Mount Olivet Baptist Church, summarized the congregation’s request and said the designation would be a lasting tribute. School-board member Ernet De La McSwain, who said Blunt was his uncle and pastor, urged approval and described Blunt’s community work.
Planning Commissioner Kirk moved to approve the honorary designation; Commissioner Jiggets seconded. The commission approved the application by an electronic vote and recorded the item as approved 5-0.
Why it matters: The honorary designation recognizes a local faith leader’s decades of community work and creates a visible commemoration near the church and nearby housing under construction. The designation does not alter legal street names or property addresses and therefore does not require address changes for residents or businesses.
The commission’s approval will be forwarded to Portsmouth City Council for final action at its Sept. 9 public hearing unless otherwise noted.
