Nov 30

Nov 30 Recent acts of vandalism led to a community meeting in Pearson Park

Destruction of Christmas decorations at Pearson Park.

Concerned citizens met on Saturday at Pearson Park to discuss recent vandalism and the overall safety of Kinston. Local businesses and decorations at Pearson Park have been damaged, reportedly by juveniles. After discussing the incidents of vandalism, the group cleaned up the damaged property in Pearson Park.

“I was there because, as a 20 year city resident of Kinston, as well as the person representing our police agency, I want to help be part of the solution,” said Interim Chief Keith Goyette. “I also wanted to disperse some complaints that the KPD won’t do their job because they are juveniles.”

Goyette explained the juvenile justice process and wanted to assure the citizens that the police department will always do everything in their power to investigate, identify and assist with the prosecution of those involved in crime in the community.

“We discussed that it will take more than the KPD to arrest away the issue,” said Goyette. “This is a community issue in the fact that parents need to be involved and guide their children in the right direction. If you want you voice heard, go to the council meetings, share your concerns.”

Other topics of discussion were cameras. Goyette stated there is an existing camera there, and more will be installed this week. Another possible solution discussed was mentoring and working with local judges to promote community service for the youth involved in vandalism.

Over a dozen people were in attendance including City Council member Chris Suggs, Kinston Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Director Corey Povar, Executive Director of Downtown Kinston Revitalization Leon Steele, business owners and community stakeholders.

“First of all, we want our youth to understand that there is another way,” said Stacy Heath, a concerned Kinstonian. “We want different opportunities taught that are not being taught or addressed in public schools. We want safety for our county and its seat.”

The discussion of the meeting centered on the vandalism, as well as creating a committee to research and find funding for youth organizations and activities for youths in Lenoir County.

“We have a great group of leaders in our public offices and citizens who are willing to help and it was good to see that starting to come together in a unified effort,” said Kevin Albritton, a resident of Kinston.

Travis Harper, owner of Stanley Saloon and Harp & Dills in Kinston posted on Facebook that twice in one week juveniles, aged nine through fourteen, have attempted to break into his bar.

“I’d like to see the community come together, not just point fingers and blame our local politicians for things happening, but actually suggest and implement ideas that actually create a positive change,” said Harper.

Door at Diffusion Vapor. Submitted by Aaron Shambeau.

Aaron Shambeau, owner of Diffusion Vapor on Vernon, was in the middle of Thanksgiving dinner when he received a call that the police were at his business. When he arrived, he saw that his front door had been smashed.

“My understanding is several other businesses in the area have been experiencing similar incidents of vandalism,” said Shambeau. “I spent Thanksgiving night repairing a broken door instead of spending time with my family.”

Participants of the meeting plan on attending the next city council meeting on December 6, 2022 at 5:30 pm at City Hall.

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