Chesapeake City Council Regular Meeting – July 15, 2025

The Chesapeake City Council met on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting covered ten public hearing items, including a controversial reconsideration of a compressor station rezoning, several residential and commercial rezonings, and multiple conditional use permits. Council suspended its normal rules to allow a one-hour time limit per agenda item. The meeting included a closed session from 5:15–5:50 p.m. and adjourned after 10:15 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rogard Ross (representing self) spoke in support of the Greenbrier Area Plan (Item J), highlighting tree loss statistics: 81 acres of trees lost in Greenbrier since 2018, canopy cover dropping from 29% to 28.4%, and over 360 additional acres of wooded lots at risk.
• Jeff Staples (representing self) opposed the Dwellings Farms banquet hall (Item F), citing safety concerns on narrow Ansell Road, blind turns, poor lighting, and speeding.
• Jennifer Knight (representing self) opposed the VNG Compressor Station (Item A), arguing the project benefits regional interests at the expense of Chesapeake residents and questioning council’s commitment to citizens.
• Cheryl Berry (representing self) opposed the VNG project, claiming it would cause a 30% decrease in home values in affected neighborhoods and warned of potential legal action.

Discussion Items

A. Reconsideration of VNG Compressor Station (PLN-REZ-2024-019)

• Applicant: Virginia Natural Gas; Agent: Kimley-Horn. Proposal to rezone 23.2 acres from multiple zonings to M-1 Light Industrial for a new electric compressor station.
• Supporters: Shannon Pierce (VNG President), Randy Royal (Kimley-Horn), Andre Wallace, Frank Monopoli, Michael Smith, Thomas Quattlebaum, Morgan Whayland, Reese Williamson (VNG employees), Rick Dwyer (Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance), Capt. Daniel Patrick (Naval Weapons Station Yorktown), David Ropp (Chesapeake Alliance), Bonnie Curling (W.E. Curling Underground Utilities). They argued the project is critical infrastructure for reliability, safety, and national security; noted the site has been industrial for 65 years; and stated the electric compressor would produce minimal emissions.
• Opponents: Daniel Roskinski, Dr. Charlotte Worley, John Quillin, Sarah Williams, Mike Howlett, Nancy Pettigrew, Cheryl Davis, Nicole Stickle, Joseph Davis (Eva Gardens Civic League), James Tyree, Alma White (Georgetown Civic League). They raised concerns about air pollution, environmental injustice, noise, property devaluation, and the project primarily benefiting Smurfit Westrock (80 miles away). Several cited health studies and the DEQ exemption from air permitting. Nicole Stickle argued the rezoning violates the 2035 Comprehensive Plan.
• Council Debate: Council Members King, Smith, and Ward opposed, citing air pollution and DEQ exemption concerns. Council Member Whitaker supported, calling it vital infrastructure. Vice Mayor de Triquet noted an additional public comment opportunity through the State Corporation Commission (SCC) until August 5, 2025.
• Vote: 6–3 in favor (Bunn, de Triquet, Newins, Ritter, West, Whitaker yes; King, Smith, Ward no).

B. Gum Road Hotel (PLN-REZ-2023-024)

• Rezone 2.5 acres from R-15s to B-2 for a 121-room national-brand hotel (Townplace Suites by Marriott). Projected $25 million investment, over 100 construction jobs, 20–25 permanent jobs, and estimated $600,000+ annual tax revenue.
• Supporters: Attorney Michael Sweeney (applicant) and Vic Nicholls (resident). No opposition speakers.
• Vote: 9–0 approved.

C. Woodland Willow (PLN-REZ-2024-009)

• Rezone 21.26 acres from A-1 to B-1 (7.95 acres) and R-MF-1 (13.31 acres) for 96 condo units and commercial space. Proffers include $390/unit cash contribution for emergency services, right-of-way dedication, multi-use trail, and park.
• Supporters: James Leftwich (attorney) and Aubrey Cross (landowner counsel). They emphasized high-quality design and compatibility.
• Opponents: Darren Joyce (adjacent property owner) and Vic Nicholls (resident). Joyce cited loss of farmland and inadequate setbacks; Nicholls questioned traffic and school capacity.
• Vote: 6–3 approved (Bunn, de Triquet, King, Newins, Smith, West yes; Ritter, Ward, Whitaker no).

D. Centerville Reserve (PLN-REZ-2024-010)

• Rezone 7.7 acres from A-1 to R-TH-1 for 29 fee-simple townhomes. Proffers include preserving two farm silos, a park, multi-use trail, and $390/unit emergency services contribution.
• Supporters: James Leftwich; Opponent: Jeffrey Holdsworth, who argued piecemeal approvals ignore aggregate traffic and infrastructure impacts.
• Vote: 9–0 approved.

E. Hugo Property (PLN-REZ-2024-018)

• Rezone 39.89 acres to R-MF-1 (20.69 acres) and C-2 (19.2 acres) for up to 137 residential units (carriage homes and garden flats) with recreational amenities. Includes 19.2 acres of conservation zoning.
• Supporters: Drew Vakos and Mac Weaver (Dragas Associates). Opponent: Vic Nicholls questioned cumulative traffic and affordability.
• Vote: 9–0 approved.

F. Dwellings Farms (Ansell) – Conditional Use Permit (PLN-USE-2024-045)

• Proposal for a meeting/banquet hall on 143 acres with alternative parking surface. Staff recommended denial due to substandard road access; Planning Commission recommended approval with stipulations.
• Supporters: Attorney Brian Plumlee, Nicole Pasho, Jessica and Michael Dieffenbach (applicants), David Ropp, Jennifer Economy, Linda Tindell, Scott Williams, Waylon Wakefield, Chris Kenney, Milton Stoudemine. They argued agritourism preserves farmland and is protected by state law.
• Opponents: Brad Moore (Historic Preservation Commission), Amanda Walker, Jennifer Knight, Stacey Taylor, Brian DeMeyere, Ernest and Connie Smith, Evan Smith, Johnnie Chappel, Jennifer Cobb. Safety concerns over narrow Ansell Road (14 ft wide), flooding, lack of school bus access, and prior permit violations.
• Council Debate: Council Member Bunn questioned Fire Department concerns; Fire Chief Gulisano stated adequate access if traffic attendants are present. Council Member Newins amended stipulation #11 from a 2-year sunset to a 2-year review by Council. Council Member Ritter abstained due to professional relationship.
• Vote: 5–3 approved (de Triquet, King, Newins, West, Whitaker yes; Bunn, Smith, Ward no; Ritter abstained).

G. Raeside Contractor Storage Yard (PLN-USE-2025-004)

• Conditional use permit for a contractor storage yard with a 6-foot privacy fence (maintenance-free material). No speakers.
• Vote: 8–0 approved.

H. Lifepoint Church Hampton Roads (PLN-USE-2025-011)

• Conditional use permit for a church in a former theater. Original stipulation had a 3-year sunset. Council amended to 5-year review and directed staff to develop a streamlined renewal process.
• Supporters: Pastor Eddie Cole and Vic Nicholls. Cole requested longer permit and grace period. City Manager Price committed to expediting future renewal if conditions unchanged.
• Vote: 8–0 approved with amended stipulation #2 (5-year review).

I. Woodlake Auto Sales (PLN-USE-2025-013)

• Conditional use permit for a used car dealership limited to 10 vehicles (revised from 8). No speaker opposition.
• Vote: 8–0 approved.

J. Greenbrier Area Plan (PLN-COMP-2025-002)

• Resolution to adopt the Greenbrier Area Plan and Design Guidelines. Due to late hour, Council continued the item to the August meeting without objection.

Key Outcomes

• VNG Compressor Station (Item A): Approved 6–3 with proffers.
• Gum Road Hotel (Item B): Approved 9–0.
• Woodland Willow (Item C): Approved 6–3.
• Centerville Reserve (Item D): Approved 9–0.
• Hugo Property (Item E): Approved 9–0.
• Dwellings Farms (Item F): Approved 5–3 with amended 2-year review stipulation.
• Raeside Contractor Storage Yard (Item G): Approved 8–0.
• Lifepoint Church (Item H): Approved 8–0 with amended 5-year review stipulation; staff to explore streamlined renewal process.
• Woodlake Auto Sales (Item I): Approved 8–0.
• Greenbrier Area Plan (Item J): Continued to August 2025 meeting.