Council approves street closure for clemency march; public commenter asked for wider support

Lexington City Council on Nov. 12 adopted ordinance 2024-051 requesting closure of state-maintained road segments to accommodate a planned march and protest supporting clemency for Charles McNair (the meeting transcript contains both spellings 'McNair' and 'McNear').

Public Services staff presented a map showing a route that starts at St. Stephen’s Church, proceeds north and finishes near the courthouse; staff said the event would run from 4 to 7 p.m. with street closures from 3 to 8 p.m. because the affected portion of the route is state-maintained. The ordinance certifies that the city will accept responsibility and liability associated with the event and that staff will submit the required documentation to NCDOT.

Earlier in the public comment period, Cheryl Lide asked the council for continued support of the clemency campaign for Charles McNair, requested a letter of resolution from the Human Relations Commission and asked the council to participate in the march. The council approved the ordinance for the street closure by voice vote; the record shows no formal council resolution on clemency itself during the meeting.

The transcript contains inconsistent spellings of the individual's name (public comment used 'McNair'; the street-closure agenda item used 'McNear'); staff and council did not resolve the discrepancy on the record at the meeting. Council members expressed support for the parade logistics and safety measures and the city will coordinate barricades and event protections for the route.