Public Meetings - Hampton, Virginia

The Hampton City Council held a work session on September 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM to discuss two primary topics: the draft 2027 General Assembly legislative priorities and recommendations from the Towing Advisory Board on fee adjustments. After the presentations, Council entered closed session to discuss appointments and later certified the closed session before adjourning. 2027 General Assembly Legislative Priorities - Deputy City Manager Brian DeProfio introduced the annual review of the city's draft legislative priorities, which will be finalized at the October 28 legislative meeting. Ed Reed of Two Capitals Consulting presented the draft, covering legislative bill requests, budget amendments, and policy positions. - Proposed Legislative Bill Requests: - Amend state code to allow localities to create "pop-up zones" regulating unpermitted events. Working with multiple cities; Delegate Thornton and Senator Ayrt have submitted drafts. Mayor noted past concerns about free speech zones; Reed confirmed the issue is being addressed. - Expand lis pendens statute to building code violation enforcement (first introduction). - Expand speed camera use in neighborhoods for deterrence. - Amend trespass laws to prohibit nighttime entry to abandoned cemeteries and allow localities to set operating hours. - Develop a framework to offset local revenue losses from the disabled veterans tax exemption program; a state workgroup will meet next week. - Proposed Budget Amendments: - $800,000 annually to re-establish the Hampton Health District (third year seeking). - $6.6 million for preservation work at Fort Wool; positive discussions with the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources. - Policy Positions: Eight buckets presented, including resiliency (support for flood funds, tree canopy, African American cemeteries), community development (local zoning control, blight reduction), public education (teacher pay, pre-K, school infrastructure), fiscal responsibility (oppose unfunded mandates, support vape tax), public safety (support for speed cameras, license plate readers, addressing dirt bikes/ATVs, ECO/TDO resources), economic development (venue funding), FOIA (oppose new burdens), and transportation (sunken boats, HRT funding, regional aviation). - Councilmember Mugler requested adding support for prohibiting industrial fishing of menhaden, citing Chesapeake Bay Foundation concerns. Vice Mayor Brown expressed support, noting the fish's role in the ecosystem. The item was agreed to be added under the resiliency and environment section. - Vice Mayor Brown asked about the vape tax; Reed noted general resistance to new taxes in the General Assembly. Briefing on Towing Advisory Board Recommendations - Corporal Nick Kennedy presented recommended ordinance amendments (last updated 2008) based on increased operational costs. The Towing Advisory Board proposed the following adjustments for police-requested tows (crashes, not abandonments): - Standard light-duty tow: increase from $125 to $250. - Daily storage: $55 per day. - After-hours surcharge (7 PM–7 AM): $25 per tow. - Labor and recovery: $125 per half hour for extraordinary services, with mandatory documentation. - Administrative fee: $175 (per board's counter to the chief's query). - Chief of Police Jimmy Wyman proposed alternatives: a flat $275 rate (no after-hours surcharge) and fixed suspension periods (90, 180, and 365 days/removal) rather than ranges. - Councilmember Bowman strongly opposed the rates, calling them "highway robbery" and recounting a constituent who paid $162 for a one-mile tow in eight hours. He estimated several days' storage could reach $1,500–$1,800, causing citizens to lose their vehicles. He also questioned the lack of an appeals process for suspensions. - Vice Mayor Brown requested regional rate comparisons and expressed concern for citizens' ability to pay. - Corporal Kennedy will provide additional data, including a spreadsheet of other localities' rates, and revisit the proposal with Council. Closed Session and Appointments - Council voted unanimously to convene closed session to discuss appointments listed on the agenda. After the closed session, Council certified it and adjourned the meeting. Key Outcomes - The draft legislative priorities will incorporate the menhaden policy position and be finalized for adoption at the October 28 legislative meeting. - The towing fee proposal will be brought back to Council after staff provides a regional rate comparison and addresses concerns about the appeals process.

The Hampton City Council held its legislative session on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers. All seven council members were present. The meeting included consent agenda approvals, proclamations, public hearings on housing and development use permits, a subdivision code amendment, public comment, and numerous board appointments. The meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved a formal Municipal Naming Policy (26-0252). - Amended the FY2027 budget to accept $10,242 in additional state aid from the Library of Virginia for library materials (26-0268). - Approved the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board FY2026 and FY2027 performance contract and supplemental documents with the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (26-0272). - Authorized an advance of $6,287,500 from the city’s General Fund unassigned fund balance to the FY27 Capital Budget for Hampton City Schools maintenance and technology investments, to be reimbursed from bond proceeds (26-0287). - Amended Chapter 2 of the City Code regarding special event permit requirements (26-0280). - Approved the minutes from the June 10, 2026 work session (26-0290). All consent items were approved unanimously (7-0). Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Gray read and presented a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Suicide Prevention Month in Hampton. The proclamation was presented to Daphne Cunningham (Executive Director, Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board) and staff, as well as representatives from the Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation. - A proclamation was also presented recognizing September 21–26, 2026 as International Week of the Deaf in Hampton. It was presented to members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities and the Virginia State School of Hampton Alumni Association. Public Hearings 1. CDBG & HOME 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Review (Item 26-0271) Travis Rash, Chief Neighborhood Development Specialist, presented the CAPER covering July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The city received $1,386,643 in federal funds ($897,498 CDBG, $489,145 HOME). All performance goals were met or exceeded: 43 households served for housing services (goal 21), 13 housing program units (goal 9), 1,621 code enforcement inspections (goal 1,200), 7 homeowner rehabs (goal 4), 11 home buyer assistance (goal 6). No public speakers. Council voted unanimously to direct staff to incorporate any public comments and finalize the CAPER for HUD submission. 2. Bonaventure Development Purchase & Development Agreement (Item 26-0279) Leonard Sledge, Chief Officer for Community and Economic Development, presented a resolution to sell four acres of city-owned property near the H2O development in Coliseum Central to Bonaventure Development LLC for $1.7 million. The developer will build 100–132 multifamily residential units (Phase 2 of Pinnacle) with a minimum capital investment of $20.3 million. The property’s current assessed value is $296,700. One public speaker (Andrew Bolton, Bonaventure representative) spoke in support. Council voted unanimously to approve the agreement. 3. Use Permit for Faith Baptist Church Private School (Item 26-0234) Quinn Henrich, City Planner, presented the application for a private preschool and after-school program at 100 Blackburn Lane. Up to 90 children (ages 3–12) would be served in five classrooms within the existing church building, plus a new 91'x54' playground. No traffic study was required. A community meeting was held on May 19, 2026 with 20 attendees. No public speakers. Council voted unanimously to approve the use permit subject to 13 conditions. 4. Use Permit for Pawn Shop at 1531 E Pembroke Avenue (Item 26-0249) James Randolph, Senior City Planner, presented the application by Shevan Sindy for a pawn shop in a 1,500 sq ft retail unit. The business would operate Monday–Saturday 10 AM–6 PM, creating two jobs. A condition prohibits the buying, selling, or trading of firearms. A community meeting on August 6, 2026 had no attendees despite 200 invitations. Applicant Shevan Sindy spoke in support. Council voted unanimously to approve the permit subject to 7 conditions. 5. Subdivision Ordinance Amendment (Item 26-0238) Suheir Diyab, Chief Site Plan Agent, presented amendments to Chapter 35 (Subdivisions) to align the city code with state requirements. Key changes include formalizing parcel legality determinations, requiring digital submissions, shortening review timelines (staff review from 60 to 40 days, planning manager decision within 14 days, final subdivision review from 45 to 30 days), and clarifying that burial sites must be identified by a qualified archaeologist. Public speaker Teresa Roundy requested stronger language on documented historical cemetery boundaries and raised concerns about past cemetery management. Council discussed the issue; a motion to defer to October 28, 2026 failed for lack of a second. Council then voted unanimously to approve the ordinance as presented. Public Comments Six citizens spoke during the public comment period: - Teresa Roundy discussed ongoing cemetery preservation efforts and provided updated documents on abandoned cemeteries. - Rayvoughn Piarson described difficulties his wife faced organizing a pop-up shop event at Buckroe Beach, including unexpected insurance and promotion license fees and poor communication from the city. He requested a clearer and more upfront process. - Kaelon Johnson requested sidewalks on Greenbrier Avenue, noting safety concerns for children walking to the bus stop. He presented a petition with 25 signatures and said previous attempts had failed. - Joan Weaver supported Mr. Johnson and criticized the city for lack of responsiveness, stating she had sent emails with no reply. - Kenya Delvalle (founder of Love Association Inc.) offered to partner with the city to create multi-generational programs and volunteer opportunities. Deputy City Manager Brian DeProfio responded, acknowledging the issues raised and noting that the special event permitting process is being reviewed, a Shell Road Corridor infrastructure study is underway that may address sidewalks on Greenbrier, and staff will follow up with Ms. Weaver and Ms. Delvalle. Appointments Council approved the following appointments unanimously (except where noted): - Planning Commission: Linwood Williams to a first term until September 30, 2030. - Hampton Animal Response Team Advisory Committee: Dr. Irina Gorbunova-Ford (until Dec 31, 2028) and Pamela Withrow (until Feb 28, 2027). - Neighborhood Commission: Myss Stephens for District 6 (Buckroe) until Feb 28, 2028; Alesia Miller for District 9 (Greater Wythe) until Sep 30, 2029. - Hampton Clean City Commission: Michelle D'Antonio until June 30, 2027. - Board of Zoning Appeals: Jonathan Oliveras until Dec 31, 2029; two alternate term appointments deferred to Oct 28, 2026. - Citizens Unity Commission: Reappointed Stephanie Donati, Walter Dickerson, and Kathreen Tadrous to second terms until Aug 31, 2030; two unexpired terms deferred to Oct 28. - Peninsula Agency on Aging: Kathryn Weismann to a first term until Sep 30, 2029. - Hampton Redevelopment & Housing Authority: Jeffrey Sandford reappointed to a second term until Sep 30, 2030. - Citizens Police Advisory Group: Action deferred to October 28, 2026. Key Outcomes - All votes on agenda items were unanimous (7-0) except the motion to defer the subdivision ordinance, which failed for lack of a second. - The city approved the sale of four acres for $1.7 million to Bonaventure Development for a $20.3 million multifamily project (100–132 units). - The subdivision ordinance was updated to align with state code, including a new requirement for qualified archaeological identification of burial sites. - Council deferred action on several appointments (BZA alternates, CUC unexpired terms, CPAG) to the October 28, 2026 legislative session. - The public comment period raised ongoing concerns about special event permitting clarity, sidewalk infrastructure on Greenbrier Avenue, and cemetery preservation.

The Hampton Planning Commission convened on August 20, 2026, at 8:30 PM to approve minutes, hold three public hearings, and receive a youth planner report. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 16, 2026 work session and regular meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Pawn Shop Public Hearing (26-0249): One member of the public, Jeffrey Stevenson (manager of a local pawn shop), spoke in support of the application. He stated that his current business is overwhelmed with customers and that another pawn shop is needed in the area to help meet demand, particularly for customers needing short-term cash for bills. Discussion Items - Use Permit 26-0234 – Faith Baptist Church Private School (100 Blackburn Lane): City Planner Quinn Heinrich presented the request to permit a private school for up to 90 children within an existing church facility. The site is zoned R-11, and the proposal includes 13 conditions, including construction of a playground within one year, no loading/unloading on Blackburn Lane, and hour/capacity limits. A community meeting on May 19, 2026, drew 20 attendees who asked about curriculum, teacher qualifications, and impact on utilities. Staff recommended approval. The applicant spoke briefly but did not add new details. No public speakers signed up. - Use Permit 26-0249 – Pawn Shop (1531 East Pembroke Avenue): Senior Planner James Randolph presented the application for a pawn shop in a C-2 district. The operation would be 1,500 square feet, with 1,000 square feet for display, and would operate Monday–Saturday 10 AM–6 PM. Seven conditions include a prohibition on buying/selling/trading firearms, no outside display, and compliance with pawn broker regulations. A community meeting on August 6, 2026, had no attendees. Staff recommended approval. The applicant, Siobhan Cindy, a first-time business owner and former fisherman, spoke in support of his proposal. Commissioner Griffith inquired about police involvement in conditions; staff noted that conditions were based on past pawn shop permits and that the applicant voluntarily excluded firearms. - Ordinance Amendment 26-0238 – Subdivision Ordinance Updates: Suher Deab, Chief Site Plan Subdivision Agent, presented amendments to Chapter 35 of the City Code to align with state requirements. Key changes include: formalizing parcel legality determinations, requiring identification of burial sites by a qualified professional, moving to digital submissions (with hard copies for final approval), and shortening review timelines (e.g., staff review from 60 to 40 days, planning manager decision from 30 to 14 days). Staff recommended approval without additional amendments. No public speakers signed up. - Youth Planner Report: Zariah Meyer, Senior Youth Planner, reported on the Hampton Youth Commission’s (HYC) activities in July 2026. Highlights included attendance at Hatch Youth Fest, Commonwealth Youth Cares, a DEQ town hall on environmental justice, and National Night Out. The HYC held its annual retreat, restructuring committees into Youth Voice (policy) and Community Participation Committee (programming). Two summer youth employees (Naomi Page and Amina Fetlawi) supported the retreat. The Youth Master Plan update continues with surveys and focus groups (now scheduled for 2027). The Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) – a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies – will award up to $5,000 per youth-led project in water, land, or climate culture categories. The open call launches August 31, 2026, and the summit date changed from September 25 to September 23, 2026. Commissioner Griffith complimented Jeffrey Stevenson for supporting his colleague at the hearing. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approvals: All three public hearing items were approved unanimously (7-0 votes): - Use Permit 26-0234 (Faith Baptist Church private school) subject to 13 conditions. - Use Permit 26-0249 (Pawn shop at 1531 East Pembroke Avenue) subject to 7 conditions. - Ordinance Amendment 26-0238 (Subdivision code updates) as presented. - Next Steps: The use permit recommendations will be forwarded to Hampton City Council for final decision. The subdivision ordinance amendment will go to Council for adoption. The Youth Commission will continue its surveys, focus groups, and YCAF grant cycle.

The Hampton City Council held a work session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at 22 Lincoln Street, Hampton, Virginia. All seven council members were present (Councilmember Michelle Ferebee arrived shortly after roll call). The session featured four staff presentations: the Fort Monroe Authority Annual Report, a briefing on the Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, the Office of Youth & Young Adult Opportunities Annual Report, and the Safer Communities Application and Appropriation proposal. The council then held a closed session and reconvened to certify it. Fort Monroe Authority Annual Report - Jay Joseph, Chair of the Fort Monroe Authority Board, and Scott Martin, CEO, presented the annual report. Fort Monroe currently receives about 1.3 million visits per year. - The authority is pursuing adaptive reuse of historic buildings for housing, bringing 300–350 new residents to Hampton. The first building is fully leased; Building 100 (designed by the same architect as the Library of Congress) became occupied in mid-August 2026; redevelopment of the medical arts building and arsenal is planned next, representing about $45 million in private housing investment. - The state budget includes $12 million to bring utilities to the inner fort and $1.5 million for a beach restroom and café facility. The first sculpture of the African Landing Memorial will arrive on August 29, 2026. - The Landscape Action Plan, led by Hargreaves Jones, has engaged nearly 1,500 community members. Key themes include improving pedestrian connectivity, reducing pavement (about one-fifth of the 565-acre site is paved), restoring approximately 100 acres of marsh, and reusing existing buildings before constructing new ones. Public workshops will be held September 16 (Peninsula) and September 17 (Norfolk). Sixty-percent drawings are due in September, with delivery to the governor in December. - Vice Mayor Brown praised the plan's economic potential and asked about water metering; Scott Martin confirmed that all future users will be metered, noting the Army's single meter currently results in paying to treat roughly 400,000 gallons per month while only about 50,000 gallons are used. Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study - Olivia Askew, Resilience Officer, and Scott Smith, Coastal Resilience Engineer, briefed the council on the draft report. The study is 100% federally funded at $3 million, but the Army Corps capped the effort, limiting it to non-structural measures (e.g., home elevations, floodproofing) and excluding structural solutions like levees or floodwalls. - City Manager Mary Bunting emphasized that the city continues to advocate for structural solutions and that caveats were added to the report. She noted that the draft assumes no structural improvements and that implementing the non-structural plan would require elevating about 300 homes per year for 10 years at a cost of roughly $100 million annually—not realistic given contractor capacity and financial constraints. - The draft report, released in July 2026, is open for public comment until September 6, 2026. An in-person public meeting is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at Fox Hill Neighborhood Center. - Key findings: more than 45,000 Hampton assets are at risk, including critical infrastructure; the focus-area inventory contains nearly 27,000 structures, 94% of them single-family homes. Future flood damages are estimated at more than $10 billion, with approximately $7.6 billion in Hampton alone. - The early actionable plan would address up to 21 critical infrastructure facilities and almost 4,000 residential/non-residential buildings across Hampton and Poquoson. The non-federal share for Hampton is estimated at nearly $1.5 billion over 10 years, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.11. Focus areas in Hampton are Aberdeen, Buckrow, and Fox Hill; other areas, such as Mercury Central and Downtown, were excluded because structural measures are considered more appropriate there. - Council members asked about selection criteria, outreach methods, and the meaning of map colors. The study team clarified that colors only differentiate areas and that outreach includes social media, e-news, and a Resilient Hampton newsletter, but no postal mailings for this effort. Office of Youth & Young Adult Opportunities Annual Report - Hugo Morrison, Interim Director, presented the annual report for FY2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), highlighting progress under the Hopeful Hampton initiative. - Summer youth employment: 332 applications received, 330 young people interviewed, and 146 youth placed across 52 host sites. The program spans multiple sectors, including a new partnership with Joint Base Langley-Eustis, which required real ID/passport compliance. - The Hopeful Hampton Divergent Program served 13 young people in two 12-week cohorts; 12 completed the program. The city invested $72,581.99, with approximately 87.5% going directly to program services. Cost per participant was about $5,583; per completer about $6,049. Since the program's inception, 40 participants have been served, 35 with successful outcomes, 13 currently working, and 14 high school graduations. - Opportunity Connect invested $10,157.30 in housing and family stabilization, assisting four families with emergency housing, one with emergency food, and addressing five stabilization cases overall. - The city invested $108,345.08 in outside agency partnerships and mini-grants (e.g., Catch More Kids, Milan's Project, Love, Let Our Voices Empower, Give Back to the Bloc), supporting mentoring, crisis response, and violence prevention. - Violence statistics for individuals age 25 and under (through July 30, 2026): gunshot injuries decreased 60% from the five-year average of 52 to 21; fatal shootings decreased 69% (from 13 to 4); non-fatal shootings decreased 58% (from 39.8 to 17). - Youth Violence Prevention Week surveys showed 80% of respondents increased their understanding of youth violence prevention, and 64% reported an improved perception of neighborhood safety. - The new Urgency of Now Center at Rip Rap Road will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. - Council members praised the program, asked about case management (the office uses the Casebook system), noted the difficulty of finding violence interrupters, and requested continued expansion of successful models. Safer Communities Application and Appropriation - Hugo Morrison and Mary Bunting presented the proposed use of $3.12 million from the Virginia Safer Communities program. The application is due August 31, 2026. - The proposal is organized around six investment areas aligned with state pillars: prevention and youth opportunities ($612,000); safe neighborhoods and stabilization ($927,200); violence interruption and community safety ($178,000 as transcribed, though described as the largest category—a potential transcription discrepancy); healing and recovery ($225,000); community partnerships ($215,000); and strategy, innovation, and sustainability ($158,513). - About $1 million of the award was already pre-allocated in the FY27 budget to continue existing programs (e.g., Riverside Hand-in-Hand housing support, Hopeful Hampton Divergent Program, and re-entry services). - The plan includes new ideas such as a portable skating rink, portable basketball court, inclusive recreation improvements, expanded credible messenger capacity, trauma-informed services, and a full-time grant coordinator. - Council members expressed general support, with Councilmember Martha Mugler noting the challenge of hiring additional violence interrupters. Staff will finalize the application and submit it by the August 31 deadline. Closed Session and Certification - At 2:56 p.m., the council voted 7-0 to enter closed session to discuss the investment of public funds in the LaSalle Corridor, a potential mixed-use project in Coliseum Central, disposition of publicly held real property in Downtown Hampton, acquisition of real property in Hampton Roads Center North, and appointments to various boards and commissions. - The council reconvened in open session at 6:10 p.m., unanimously certified the closed session (7-0), and adjourned at 6:10 p.m. Key Outcomes - All four presentations were informational; no formal action was taken on them. - The council directed staff to proceed with the Safer Communities application based on the proposed framework. - The closed session motion and the closed session certification both passed unanimously (7-0). - No public comments were heard during the work session itself, but the Army Corps study has an open public comment period through September 6, 2026, and an in-person meeting on August 13, 2026. - Upcoming dates: Fort Monroe public workshops (September 16–17), African Landing Memorial sculpture arrival (August 29), Urgency of Now Center ribbon cutting (August 26), and Safer Communities application submission (August 31).

The City Council of Hampton, Virginia, held its legislative session on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 22 Lincoln Street, with Mayor Jimmy Gray presiding and all seven council members present. The meeting included consent approvals, public hearings on five development applications, a lengthy public comment period, adoption of the 2026 Strategic Plan, and deferral of all scheduled appointments. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) a consent agenda including: FY 2026 third quarter budget adjustments; acceptance of $5,600,000 in additional state funds for the FY 2027 school operating budget; authorization of a $9,388,971 advance from the General Fund unassigned fund balance to the FY27 capital projects fund; issuance of up to $22,000,000 in multifamily housing revenue bonds (Century Plaza Apartments Series 2026) by the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority; the Eighth Amended Charter Agreement of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council; a code amendment allowing residential parking permit fees to be waived for public safety concerns; vacation of the city’s interest in a portion of Lawrence Avenue (14,197+/- sq ft) with a vacation agreement among the city, HRHA, and North Mallory Quay, LLC; initiation of zoning ordinance amendments on revocation of zoning administrator permits; extension of the City Manager’s employment agreement; corrections to July 8, 2026 minutes; and approval of minutes from six prior meetings. - Item 26-0252 (formal Municipal Naming Policy) was removed from the consent agenda and deferred to September 9, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Gray read a proclamation designating August 26, 2026, as Women’s Equality Day in Hampton. - The Mayor welcomed the SportsPlug Elite 6U Flag Football Team, the first flag football team from Virginia to win a Gold Medal at the AAU Junior Olympic Games, and announced the 100th anniversary Hampton Cup Regatta and Bash on the Bridge, September 4–6, 2026. Public Hearings - 13. 26-0095 North Mallory Quay, LLC rezoning – Approximately 14 acres on Sargeant Street and Lawrence Avenue from R-11 to R-4 and MD-4 with conditions, to redevelop vacant land (former College Court property) into 41 single-family detached homes and approximately 35 townhomes. No public speakers. Approved 7-0 subject to 11 proffered conditions. - 14. 26-0176 Prillaman’s Property Management, LLC rezoning – Approximately 5.19 acres at 618–638 Aberdeen Road and 2303 60th Street from M-2, C-2, and R-11 to M-2 with conditions to expand an existing crane and rigging business. No public speakers. Approved 7-0 subject to 14 proffered conditions. - 15 & 16. 26-0218 / 26-0219 Old Town Development, LLC – Rezoning of 1534, 1538, and 1540 W Queen Street (approx. 5.5 acres) to MD-4 with conditions and a use permit for 68 multifamily dwelling units. Considered jointly. No public speakers. Approved 7-0; rezoning with 18 conditions and use permit with 8 conditions. - 17. 26-0221 Canopy Development use permit – Use permit for 255 multifamily dwellings at 1044 Von Schilling Drive (former Cinema Cafe site). Applicant Hal Yuill presented. Public speaker Brenda Marks raised concerns that “affordable” rents remain unaffordable for entry-level teachers and police, and questioned impacts on police, fire, schools, and citywide insurance (ISO) ratings. Approved 7-0 subject to 21 conditions. - 18. 26-0226 Car Farmer & Sales use permit – Use permit for used car sales at 690 Bell Street in the C-3 district. No public speakers. Councilmember Bowman and Vice Mayor Brown expressed concerns about blight, safety near a school, and absence of a traffic study. Approved 5-2 (Aye: Brown, Campbell, Ferebee, Harper, Gray; Nay: Bowman Sr., Mugler). Staff and motion referenced 11 conditions, while the official minutes record 21 conditions; the discrepancy is noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Caroline Peabody, Neighborhood Commission appointee, recommended streamlining event permit processes and costs for private-property events, aligning Hampton with sister cities, and forming a joint business/citizen review committee. - Aleksander Cheremeteff demanded removal of Flock surveillance cameras, citing national incidents of misuse by police officers and calling them an unconstitutional privacy breach. - Linda Seely and Tonya Marafka (Freed Veterinary Hospital) and Melanie Paul described unsanitary conditions at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter and animals being turned away; Paul cited Hampton’s FY2026 payment of $1,155,673 and a 68% save rate. - Iisha Garcia, a veteran, proposed converting the former Fire Station 3 at 1430 Kecoughtan Road into a transitional housing and services hub for homeless veterans at little or no city cost. - Jadin Smith, Versability Resources intern, invited Council to its October 22 gala; praised the nonprofit’s workforce programs for people with disabilities. - Johnnie Carroll proposed building a horse racing track in Hampton (“Tidewater Downs”), arguing it would generate revenue for schools. - Teresa Roundy discussed Elmerton Cemetery historical marker obstacles, claiming no owner of record exists and asking the city attorney to review old deeds. - Chris Bowman questioned the need for two layers of pedestrian fencing on Mercury Boulevard and suggested adding end caps near Sellendale. - Brenda Marks requested that Hampton Social Services adopt a policy to have a sister agency investigate CPS complaints involving Hampton City Schools to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. - Aaron Weaver raised concerns about the city blocking repair permits for residents on tax repayment plans, 311 complaints being “weaponized,” and his mother’s code enforcement prosecution; he demanded amendments and reviews. - Joan Weaver criticized code enforcement and city attorneys, alleged selective enforcement and use of white-out on court documents, and said she would not be silenced. - Jeannie Belgrave thanked Vice Mayor Brown for prayers for Venezuela, praised city landscaping, and sang an original song about Hampton. - John Rodenburg and Scott Sewell did not appear when called. City Manager Mary Bunting responded to many comments, including: the city is investigating an electronic permit process; Flock cameras are constitutional and data is purged after 21 days with no unauthorized access; the regional animal shelter is run by Newport News, not Hampton, but she contacted its manager and confirmed a March 18 state inspection found no violations; regional sheltering is cost-effective and the city remains responsible for building debt; a racetrack would require state approval, while Rosie’s is expected to generate about $6 million for the city this year; Mercury Boulevard fencing was a state-funded VDOT safety project with two fences to prevent mid-block crossings; and she is researching the Weavers’ code enforcement and 311 concerns and plans to follow up. Discussion Items - Strategic Plan (26-0260) – Deputy City Manager Brian DeProfio presented the 2026 Strategic Plan update. The only amendment since the July presentation strengthened strategy 4.6 to “build a culture of data informed decision making.” Approved 7-0. - Appointments – All five scheduled appointments (Hampton Animal Response Team Advisory Committee, Neighborhood Commission, Citizens Police Advisory Group, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Citizens Unity Commission) were deferred to September 9, 2026, by a 7-0 vote. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved unanimously, with the Municipal Naming Policy deferred to September 9, 2026. - All four rezoning/use permit applications (items 13–16) and the Canopy Development use permit approved unanimously; the Bell Street used car use permit approved 5-2. - 2026 Strategic Plan adopted 7-0. - All appointments deferred; next legislative session scheduled September 9, 2026. - Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.

The Hampton Planning Commission convened on July 16, 2026, to consider several land use applications. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, a deferral of a rezoning application for a duplex development in the Buckrow community, approval of a rezoning and use permit for a multifamily development on West Queen Street, approval of a use permit for a large multifamily project on Von Schilling Drive in the Coliseum Central area, and approval of a use permit for a used car sales lot on Bell Street. The transcript also includes a full fitness workout recording, which is not part of the official meeting proceedings. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the June 18, 2026 Planning Commission work session and regular meeting were approved as amended. Commissioners Brooks and DeProfio abstained due to absence. The motion carried with four ayes. Public Comments & Testimony - Ryan Mueller (Owner of adjacent property at 1774 Buckrow): Expressed concerns about flooding, privacy, tree removal, and the addition of a public street and sidewalk directly adjacent to his property. He worried that stormwater runoff from new impervious surfaces would flood his property and that a public sidewalk would eliminate his privacy and allow easy access to his property by non-residents. - Joy Borehill (Resident of Colonial Acres): Stated she learned of the meeting via the Nextdoor app and had not known about earlier community meetings. She expressed opposition to the density of the McDowell Point project (nine units on less than two acres), questioned where children would play, criticized the architectural design as "cookie cutter," and requested a vegetative berm and preservation of tree canopy. She also expressed skepticism about developer promises. Discussion Items - Item 26-0222 - Rezoning for McDowell Point Subdivision (1772 Old Buckrow Road): Senior City Planner Jay Randolph presented a proposal to rezone 1.94 acres from R-11 (one-family residential) to R-8 (two-family residential) to develop one single-family home and four duplexes (totaling 9 units). The proposal included new public street, sidewalk, and stormwater management. Commissioner questions focused on stormwater mitigation, tree canopy loss, traffic impact (estimated at 90 trips/day), and impact on adjacent neighborhoods. Commissioner Coleman asked about unit sale vs. rental (units are for sale), building setbacks, and the adequacy of the traffic analysis. Commissioner Griffith raised concerns about an HRT bus shelter on the property. Public testimony from adjacent property owner Mr. Mueller and resident Ms. Borehill raised significant concerns about privacy, flooding, and density. The applicant, Curtis Cole, and his engineer, Jack Claude, argued that the design was preliminary and that detailed engineering (landscaping, buffering, stormwater) would be finalized during the site plan process, which would require city approval. Commissioner DeProfio noted that a standard 10-foot buffer existed. The commission expressed a desire for more information on privacy buffers, tree preservation, stormwater mitigation specifics, and traffic studies before a final decision. - Items 26-0218 & 26-0219 - Rezoning and Use Permit for West Queen Street Multifamily: Chief Planner Donald Whipple presented a combined proposal from Old Town Development LLC to rezone three parcels (1534, 1538, 1540 West Queen Street) totaling approximately 5.5 acres to MD-4 multifamily residential with conditions. The plan is for a 68-unit multifamily building with 36 one-bedroom units, enhanced landscaping, underground parking, EV charging stations, and a mulched walking path to New Market Creek. The property is across from Hampton High School. Staff confirmed the project does not include low-income housing. Commissioner Coleman asked about a traffic impact analysis, which was previously done and found satisfactory with an existing left-turn lane. Commissioner Griffith inquired about Chesapeake Bay Protection Area buffers and bicycle amenities. Staff noted that a kayak launch is proposed but is conditional on environmental approval. The public hearing had no speakers. - Item 26-0221 - Use Permit for Von Schilling Drive Multifamily (255 units): Planner Quinn Heinrich presented a use permit application by Canopy Development to permit 255 multifamily dwellings on the former Cinema Cafe site at 1044 Von Schilling Drive. The project proposes three four-story buildings, a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, dog park, and 375 parking spaces. The site is in the C-2 district within the Coliseum Central Overlay. Staff noted the proposal aligns with the Coliseum Central Master Plan and will generate less traffic than the former cinema. Commissioner Brooks asked about a crosswalk to Riverdale Plaza; the applicant noted it would likely be used via existing crosswalks on Enfield Drive. Commissioner Coleman asked if any units would be short-term rentals; the applicant stated no. Commissioner Coleman also asked about the development's status as an opportunity zone (requiring 10-year ownership). The public hearing had no speakers. - Item 26-0226 - Use Permit for Used Car Sales (690 Bell Street): City Planner Valerie Taylor presented a use permit application for used vehicle sales at an existing light vehicle repair business. The proposal would occupy 3,500 sq ft of a 5,500 sq ft building, with a display area for up to 15 vehicles. Hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The applicant stated he currently lives in Chesapeake and wants to move the business closer to his home in Hampton. The public hearing had no speakers. - Unrelated Content: Approximately 30 minutes of the transcript is a workout session (Fusion Fitness with Alexis Perkins) which is not a city meeting item. Key Outcomes - Item 26-0222 (McDowell Point Rezoning): Deferred. The motion to defer to a future meeting carried unanimously (7 ayes). Commission direction to staff included exploring fencing or vegetative buffers for adjacent properties, tree canopy preservation, addressing privacy concerns with new street, flood mitigation details, and further traffic study. - Item 26-0218 (Rezoning) & 26-0219 (Use Permit) - West Queen Street: Approved. Motion to recommend approval of the rezoning (with 18 conditions) and the use permit (with 8 conditions) passed unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). - Item 26-0221 (Use Permit) - Von Schilling Drive: Approved. Motion to recommend approval with 21 conditions passed unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent). - Item 26-0226 (Use Permit) - 690 Bell Street: Approved. Motion to recommend approval with 11 conditions passed unanimously (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent).

The City Council met on July 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. All seven members were present. The meeting included proclamations, public hearings on four zoning amendments, public comment, and a code amendment. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Approved four encroachment agreements for fence installations. - Appropriated $7,000 from interest revenue to fund custodial fees. - Appropriated $1,149,731 from General Fund committed fund balance to fund a 2% one-time bonus. - Approved minutes from previous meetings. Presentations & Proclamations - Mayor Gray read a proclamation celebrating Hampton's 416th birthday. - Mayor Gray read a proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of the Charles H. Taylor Public Library, presented to Library Director Neva White. Public Hearings - 26-0193 (R-4 Minimum Lot Area): Reduced minimum lot area to 3,000 sq ft and frontage to 30 ft to comply with state law. No public speakers. Unanimously approved. - 26-0188 (Parking Requirements): Reduced parking minimums near transit and added administrative reduction process. No public speakers. Unanimously approved. - 26-0194 (Use Permit Revocation): Allowed council to revoke use permits without waiting for Planning Commission recommendation; added one-year reapplication bar after revocation. No public speakers. Unanimously approved. - 26-0195 (Restaurant 2 Standards): Imposed security requirements (certified personnel, cameras, ID scanners) for late-night operations with alcohol, intensive live entertainment, occupancy over 100, and hours beyond 11 PM; prohibited third-party promotions; required window transparency. No public speakers. Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Janice Johnson: Promoted the 4th Hampton Storytelling Festival (July 10-11, 2026), highlighting 134 performances and monthly storytelling sessions. - Jeannie Belgrave: Expressed support for data center development if planned responsibly, emphasizing opportunity for digital infrastructure. - Joe Skelly: Opposed data centers, citing water consumption (300,000-5M gallons/day), power costs, and strain on infrastructure; suggested organic farms instead. - Denise Wells: Complained about Faro's hookah bar on East Pembroke Avenue: noise, parking overflow, fighting, weapons brandishing, and fire code concerns. - Joan Weaver: Criticized city codes and compliance department, alleged harassment, demanded accountability from City Manager. - Aaron Weaver: Raised concerns about data center zoning (framing as "digital infrastructure"), police technology (privacy guardrails, data retention), and council pay; asked for public transparency. - Lara Cullipher: Supported Denise Wells, described Faro's parking issues, urination, drug deals, and requested permit revocation or stricter conditions. - Teresa Craig: Described being followed by a vehicle from Faro's, feeling unsafe; reported late-night noise and inappropriate behavior. City Manager Mary Bunting responded: addressed Joan Weaver's concerns (sent code violation info), noted parking permit program for Shirazi Drive, shared letter from property owner to Faro's, reported police and fire inspections found no violations, explained data center study with SIR (joint with Newport News), and provided preliminary info on police technology guardrails. Key Outcomes - All four zoning amendments (26-0193, 26-0188, 26-0194, 26-0195) and the code amendment (26-0231) were approved by unanimous 7-0 votes. - No action taken on citizen complaints regarding Faro's; City Manager outlined ongoing enforcement and parking permit efforts. - Data center study and public engagement process to continue. - Meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.

The Hampton City Council held a work session on July 8, 2026, starting at 6:15 PM. The meeting covered three major presentations: a proactive analysis of data center and digital infrastructure policy, an update on the city's strategic plan incorporating youth and young adult input, and the annual mid-year crime statistics report from the police chief. No public comments were heard. Council discussed each item and provided direction for next steps. Discussion Items - Data Center & Digital Infrastructure Policy Analysis: City Manager Bunting introduced the topic, emphasizing the council's proactive approach to developing a clear zoning framework before any specific proposal arises. The city contracted with SIR, a Richmond-based consulting firm, to analyze policy and development considerations. Consultant Reed Watkins presented a detailed overview of digital infrastructure, explaining that data centers range from small edge facilities to hyperscale centers. He noted that hyperscale facilities have outsized impacts on power (100+ megawatts), but water use is modest (less than an 18-hole golf course), and noise is typically quieter than a busy street except during monthly generator tests. Watkins emphasized that data centers return $13 to $26 per dollar of public services used, but create few direct jobs. He stated that hyperscale facilities are unlikely for the Hampton peninsula due to power constraints, but smaller facilities could be a general fund contributor. The presentation highlighted the need for a tiered zoning ordinance and regional coordination with Newport News. Councilman Bowman requested town hall meetings for public input, and the city manager confirmed plans for multiple town halls or roundtables. - Strategic Plan Update with Youth Engagement: Deputy City Manager Brian DePopio presented updates to the city's five- to seven-year strategic plan. After a previous community meeting, the council requested additional input from youth and young adults. The city engaged Hampton City Schools senior classes, college students (Hampton University, Virginia Peninsula Community College, Bryant & Stratton), military families, and job fair attendees. Feedback largely validated the existing plan, but led to several changes: a new goal for expanding SWaM business support, emphasis on business retention, additional entertainment districts, inclusion of apprenticeships and libraries under educated citizenry, more inclusive language, a strategy for addressing homelessness, and a shift from reducing youth violence to preventing it. The living with water priority area remained unchanged. The plan is scheduled for final council approval on August 12, 2026, followed by development of an implementation plan using community-based stakeholder groups. Councilwoman Mugler asked about the plan's duration (five to seven years). Mayor Gray suggested strengthening the data-driven approach across all strategies, and the city manager agreed to refine the language. - Police Mid-Year Crime Statistics Report: Chief Widman presented a thorough crime report, using data from the city's Intel, Data, and Analysis team. Key statistics for 2026 compared to the same period in 2025: violent crime down 12.6%, property crime down 8.9%, total crime down 9.1%. Homicides down 50% (from 10 to 5), robberies down 32%, burglaries down 3.2%, motor vehicle thefts down 33.3%. Rape/sexual assault reports increased 11%, which the chief attributed to more historical cases being reported due to increased awareness. Aggravated assaults down 4.5%. Larceny increased slightly, driven by shoplifting at target locations (Peninsula Town Center, Food Lion, Walmart, Walgreens, and Virginia ABC stores). The chief highlighted the Firearm Violence Suppression Detail, which has made 74 felony arrests, recovered 23 firearms, and conducted 128 targeted traffic stops. New technology includes a drone-as-first-responder program (four launch stations) and the Flock Raven gunshot detection system, which integrates with existing cameras. The park ranger program has been expanded: rangers now attend the police academy and have full law enforcement authority. Recruiting and retention improved, with the lowest separation rate in five years. Council members commended the report. Vice Mayor Brown asked about mobile camera units and received an explanation of intelligence-led policing. Councilwoman Mugler expressed concern about sexual assault numbers, and the chief clarified that most offenders are known to victims. Councilman Bowman asked about shoplifting enforcement and corporate policies. Key Outcomes - Data Centers: Council and staff will proceed with developing a zoning ordinance for data centers, differentiated by size. Multiple town halls will be scheduled to gather public input before a proposal is brought to council. - Strategic Plan: The updated draft will be presented for final adoption at the August 12, 2026 council meeting. The city manager will incorporate a stronger data-usage statement to apply across all priority areas. Implementation teams will be convened after adoption. - Police Report: Council received the report and expressed support for the crime reduction trends, new technology investments, and community engagement efforts. No formal vote was taken. The chief will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies and collaborate with state police and regional partners. - Closed Session: The council voted unanimously to convene a closed session at 3:15 PM to consult with legal counsel regarding special assessments, service districts, grant funding, and zoning ordinance amendments. The meeting reconvened afterward to certify the closed session and adjourn.

The Hampton Planning Commission convened on June 18, 2026, at 20:30 UTC. The meeting covered routine approvals, a youth planner report, deferral of a bylaws discussion, and five public hearing items, all of which were recommended for approval. The commission voted on each item after staff presentations and public testimony. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The commission approved the minutes from the May 21, 2026, work session and meeting. Commissioner Coleman abstained; all others voted aye. Public Comments & Testimony - Youth Planner Report: Henry Godfrey, a graduating senior, presented the Hampton Youth Commission's annual activities (August 2025-June 2026). He highlighted events such as the stakeholder jamboree, Compassion Night, grants hearing, Teen Town Hall, and the senior dinner. Commissioners commended his service and wished him well. - Public Hearing 26-0176 (Rezoning for Crane Business): No public speakers besides the applicant's attorney, Tim Trant. The community meeting had attendees from the adjacent apartment complex who raised concerns about visual impact and noise; the applicant responded by increasing buffering and adding an hours-of-operation proffer. - Public Hearings 26-0188, 26-0193, 26-0194, 26-0195: No public speakers signed up for these items. Discussion Items - Community Development Director's Report: Included the Youth Planner Report (presented by Henry Godfrey). - Planning Commission Bylaws: Item deferred to the July meeting on the suggestion of the city attorney; the commission agreed. - Public Hearing 26-0176 – Rezoning (Prileman's Property Management): Application to rezone approximately 5.19 acres at 618–638 Aberdeen Road and 2303 60th Street from R11, C2, and M2 to M2 with conditions to expand a crane and rigging business. Staff (Chief Planner Donald Whipple) and applicant (attorney Tim Trant) presented. The business has operated since 2014; expansion includes four acquired residential parcels. Proffered conditions include a landscape buffer, opaque fencing, hours of operation (4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. M-F, plus emergency responses), and adherence to Copeland Industrial Park Design Guidelines. Staff recommended approval. - Public Hearing 26-0188 – Parking Reduction Ordinance: Amendment to comply with House Bill 888 (effective July 1, 2026). Reduces minimum parking to 0.5 spaces per multifamily unit and 1 space per single-family/townhouse unit within a half-mile of a public transportation facility (currently only Hampton Transit Center). Also adds administrative process to reduce parking by at least 20% outside those areas, based on a parking study and criteria. Commissioner Coleman asked about short-term rentals; staff clarified that short-term rentals are classified as commercial, not residential, and the administrative reduction does not apply to uses with 5 or fewer spaces. Staff recommended approval. - Public Hearing 26-0193 – Lot Size Amendment: Amendment to comply with House Bill 1212, reducing minimum lot area to 3,000 sq ft and frontage to 30 ft in the R4 district. For developments under 24,000 sq ft, a minimum of 3,000 sq ft and 30 ft frontage allowed; for larger developments, alley access required. Staff explained intent to increase density and affordable housing. Commissioner Griffith noted existing 25-ft frontage challenges. Staff recommended approval. - Public Hearing 26-0194 – Use Permit Revocation Procedures: Amendment allowing City Council to consider use permit revocations directly without Planning Commission recommendation, and applying a one-year refiling restriction to revoked permits. Staff noted the one-year bar applies to substantially similar uses; businesses may continue by-right uses. Staff recommended approval. - Public Hearing 26-0195 – Restaurant Two Regulations: Amendment to tighten security, third-party promotions, and visibility standards for restaurant-two establishments. Triggers security requirements (DCJS-certified officers, ID scanners, exterior cameras connected to police) when all four conditions are present: alcohol service, intensive live entertainment, operation past 11 p.m., and occupancy 100. Defines incidental vs. intensive live entertainment; prohibits third-party promotions; requires window transparency. Also adds a one-year bar on a new use permit after a restaurant-three permit revocation. Commissioner Muggler asked to include "dancing" in the live entertainment definition; staff agreed. A motion to approve with amendments (striking "unarmed" from security language and adding dancing) carried. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Minutes: Passed (Commissioner Coleman abstained). - Bylaws: Deferred to July 2026 meeting. - Rezoning 26-0176: Recommended approval (14 proffered conditions). Vote: all aye. - Parking Reduction Ordinance 26-0188: Recommended approval. Vote: all aye. - Lot Size Amendment 26-0193: Recommended approval. Vote: all aye. - Use Permit Revocation 26-0194: Recommended approval. Vote: all aye. - Restaurant Two Regulations 26-0195: Recommended approval with amendments (strike "unarmed" from security, add "dancing" to live entertainment definition, and include language from staff presentation slides). Vote: all aye.