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Portsmouth council unanimously approves honorary designation of portion of King Street for Dr. Milton R. Blunt
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple faith and community leaders in attendance, Portsmouth City Council voted 7-0 to designate a portion of King Street between Chestnut Street and Elm Avenue as Doctor Milton R. Blunt Way in recognition of his decades of community service.
Portsmouth City Council on Sept. 9 voted unanimously to designate a portion of King Street between Chestnut Street and Elm Avenue as Doctor Milton R. Blunt Way following a public hearing that drew relatives, church leaders and longtime congregants.
Marilyn Whitehill, speaking on behalf of New Mount Olivet Baptist Church, told council Dr. Blunt pastored the congregation for 35 years and founded and led programs including GED classes, after-school tutoring and youth mentorship efforts that served underserved neighborhoods. "The honorary designation will serve as a visible and lasting tribute to a man who gave selflessly to uplift and promote unity, service and education in our community," Whitehill said.
Several speakers echoed that view. Interim pastor Cardell Petillo said Blunt "provided a sanctuary for mourning" and opened church doors to families in grief; Claudette Blunt, the pastor's widow, said her husband "loved the city of Portsmouth" and would be honored by the recognition.
Council members praised the pastor's community work during brief council discussion. Councilwoman Thomas said she was "proud to vote yes for this honorary street renaming," and other members recounted personal memories of Dr. Blunt's service. The council moved, seconded and adopted the resolution electronically by a recorded 7-0 vote. The resolution follows a Planning Commission recommendation of approval and the clerk read the formal text into the record at the hearing.
The resolution directs staff to implement the honorary name designation; specifics on signage timing and installation were not provided during the hearing and will be handled by city staff as part of the normal implementation process.
