HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes for G-25-232April 11, 2024
ITEM NO.: 5 FILE NO.: G-25-232
NAME: Maryland Avenue/South Taylor Street Name Change to “Darius Nelson Way”
LOCATION: Between Fair Park Blvd. & W. 12th Street
APPLICANT:
Dr. Michelle Nelson
106 Dijon Court
Maumelle, AR 72113
A. NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATIONS:
All owners of property which abuts the subject portion of Maryland Avenue & S.
Taylor Street were notified of the public hearing.
B. ANALYSIS:
The applicant requests to rename Maryland Street/S. Taylor Street, between Fair
Park Blvd. and W. 12th Street, adjacent to St. Mark Baptist Church, to “Darius
Nelson Way”. The applicant requests the street name change to honor longtime
member Darius Nelson.
Darius Nelson, a Little Rock native, served as the Minister/Pastor of Worship and
Arts at St. Mark Baptist Church Little Rock for 23 years before his passing on
October 6, 2023. He was a trailblazer and trendsetter in the gospel music ministry
who brought national recognition and funding to Arkansas through his musical
gifting and leadership. Darius demonstrated integrity, unwavering commitment,
and a spirit of excellence in his personal and professional life. Although he wanted
his music to be enjoyable, Darius’ primary goal was impacting people, not simply
entertaining them.
While attending the award-winning Philander Smith Collegiate Choir on a full
choral scholarship, Darius performed for the National Democratic Convention and
at the Inauguration of President William “Bill” Jefferson Clinton. Darius graduated
with a degree in Social Work and worked for 10 years for Children and Family
Services.
In 2000, Darius was hired as full-time Worship Leader at St. Mark Baptist Church.
He served at the Little Rock and Jacksonville locations as leader of the Praise
Team, a group which became a model for many area worship teams. Darius led
the entire Music & Arts Department at St. Mark and in 2005 was promoted to
Minister of Music.
April 11, 2024
ITEM NO.: 5 (Cont.) FILE NO.: G-25-232
2
The applicant submitted a petition signed by residential and business owners along
the length of the proposed street name change which includes Mr. Gary Iverson,
President of the Oak Forest Neighborhood Association.
C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the requested Street Name Change.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (APRIL 11, 2024)
The applicant was present. There were no persons registered in opposition. Staff
presented the item and a recommendation of approval as outlined in the “staff analysis”
above. The item remained on the Consent Agenda for Approval. The vote was 11 ayes,
and 0 nays. The application was approved.