The Town of Essex won't be renaming Colchester Park, at least not yet.
In a 4-2 vote, councillors decided to keep the park's name the same instead of changing it to Elijah McCoy Park to recognize the town's rich black history.
McCoy was an inventor and innovator best known for his 57 U.S. patents, most having to do with the lubrication of steam engines, who was born and raised in Colchester.
Some councillors cited that there are many deserving people for the honour.
Councillor Ron Rogers made the failed motion and can't believe the pushback from his colleagues.
"I have had some push back by the public but very, very little. Most of the responses or comments I have gotten from the public have been very positive towards this. The greatest pushback has been right here," says Rogers.
The town will now wait two months to allow others to come forward with deserving names and if none come forth then the park will be named after McCoy. If there are other names, then the town will consider them and make a decision.
Councillor Randy Voakes made the approved motion and says McCoy fits the criteria and should be recognized.
"He's obviously an iconic gentleman in our history and I would encourage council to endorse the naming, and respectfully Colchester Park is about as generic as you can get," says Voakes.
Mayor Ron McDermott says he can't support a name change and wants the park to keep the current name.
"It's Colchester Park. I don't care if you name the thing after me, I wouldn't vote for it. We're going to get 20 names and what are we going to do. I can't support changing the name of that park," says the mayor.