By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

 

Columbus Town Council recently heard concerns about Hampton Court and Hampton Street getting confused in GIS when a beam fell on a woman on Hampton Street and emergency workers went to Hampton Court.

Columbus Town Council met Jan. 21 and heard from Don Kling, who lives on Hampton Street.

Kling said a beam fell and hit his wife on the head. He said she is recovering but she had to have 20 stitches for her injuries. Kling said his wife’s brother was there when the accident occurred and he called 911 saying to come to 108 Hampton Street. Emergency workers went to Hampton Court instead, he said and it was some time before they arrived at the correct Hampton Street address.

“It was just luck she didn’t bleed too much,” Kling told council. “We’ve got to look at doing something about that.”

Kling said residents on Hampton Street had a petition to change the name of the street at one time.

Hampton Street resident Ernie Kan also spoke to council about the issue. Kan first told council about the woman’s emergency that occurred the week prior to the meeting. Kan said they called 911 to come get her and emergency workers went up the mountain instead.

“Hampton Court and Hampton Street are still getting confused,” Kan said.

She added that it was up to council to change the name of the street and the majority of residents were very upset the town didn’t change the street name.

This issue was discussed in 2014 when residents on Hampton Street brought council a petition with all but one signature in favor of the town changing the name of Hampton Street, which is located downtown off East Mills Street (Hwy. 108).

The entire street was originally Hampton Street but the road was dissected for the construction of Hwy. 74 and the back section of the street was renamed Hampton Court.

In 2014, council decided not to rename Hampton Street because all the residents were not in favor of the change. Residents had recommended the name be changed to Morgan Drive, after a former doctor in the area.

During the January meeting, Columbus Mayor Eric McIntyre asked Kan who is getting it confused, EMS, police or fire departments. Kan said all of them have the same problem.

“Even when we say Hampton Street, it still pops up Hampton Court,” Kan said. “I just wanted you to know it’s still an issue.”

Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield said at the time (in 2014) the county 911 director was here. Beddingfield said there is currently an interim director and said he will make sure to make a phone call to readdress the situation.

Columbus Fire Chief Tony Priester said his staff is aware of the issue, but when the initial dispatch call comes in they will say Hampton Court instead.

When the issue arose in 2014, council advised the police department to go door to door to make sure residents know if they ever call 911 to specify whether they are on Hampton Street or Court. The town at the time had county manager Marche Pittman and later county emergency management director Bobby Arledge come and speak on how emergency calls are handled.