Chesapeake City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Chesapeake City Council met on September 15, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chamber, 306 Cedar Road. The meeting included an invocation by Council Member King, the Pledge of Allegiance led by St. Thomas Episcopal Church Boy Scout Troop 71, roll call (all members present), and approval of the proposed agenda without objection. A special recognition was held for the Planning Department, which received two statewide honors from the American Planning Association: the Jamestown Locality of the Year Award (Virginia’s top award) and the Moser Award for Distinguished New Professional for Planning Administrator Kevin Finn. The department invested over $3 million in community‑driven planning, adopted eight major planning documents, engaged with thousands of residents through more than 100 community meetings, and collected over 10,000 survey responses.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Townes at Rivercrest (PLN‑REZ‑2026‑001): Five speakers addressed the item. Thomas Ty, Russell Ty, and Melissa Venable (representing the applicant) spoke in favor, highlighting the project’s 26 townhouse units, local builder involvement, community outreach, and compliance with the comprehensive plan. Ozanne Duran and Marquis Lamore spoke in opposition. Duran raised concerns about tree canopy loss, lack of public transportation integration, and increased traffic. Lamore noted that the property is within the Transportation Corridor Overlay District (TCOD) but does not meet TCOD requirements, though an exception could be justified by the limited buildable area; he requested the planning department formally include the TCOD question on future applications.
• Kings Tobacco & Hookah Lounge (PLN‑SPEX‑2025‑001 & PLN‑USE‑2024‑001): Four speakers testified in opposition. Dale Bennett (resident of 917 Willis St.) described safety fears, parking overflow, and stress from the lounge’s operations. George Reich (Willis St. resident) asked the council not to expand late‑night operations, citing multiple shooting‑related incidents, a fatal shooting, and a pattern of disturbances (arguments, urination, sexual activity, blocked emergency access). Desiree Chanel (928 Willis St.) recounted gunshots, a homicide, her children’s fear, and that nine days after the Planning Commission hearing, the owner’s attorney had not contacted residents. Ozanne Duran urged a decisive denial, noting the business’s ongoing violations.

Discussion Items

• PLN‑TXT‑2025‑010 – Civil Enforcement: The council considered an ordinance changing criminal zoning enforcement to civil enforcement. Council Member Newens explained it would expedite citizen complaints and move away from unsuccessful criminal prosecutions. The manager noted the change aligns with the city’s CARES philosophy and that a written policy would be codified later. Approved 9‑0.
• PLN‑REZ‑2026‑001 – Townes at Rivercrest: The conditional rezoning for a 26‑unit townhome project on 5.49 acres was debated. Vice Mayor Ritter asked about access (off Great Bridge Blvd. via existing road), right‑of‑way dedication (at no cost to the city), and sidewalk placement. Planning staff confirmed the development provides an appropriate transition between commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods and meets Smart Growth principles. The project will include a walking trail and amenity space; existing trees will be cleared and replaced. Approved 8‑1 (Council Member Whitaker voted no).
• PLN‑SPEX‑2025‑001 & PLN‑USE‑2024‑001 – Kings Tobacco & Hookah Lounge: The agent requested a continuance from November 17, 2026. Police Captain Noel reported a 1,242% increase in calls for service (10 calls in 2023 to 255 in 2025, and already 358 year‑to‑date in 2026). He described violent crimes, a homicide, blocked streets, and that the business continued serving alcohol after midnight despite violations. Council Member Jeffries recused himself due to prior familiarity with the property, stating he would abstain. Council Member Newens made a substitute motion to deny both items based on the staff report. After extensive debate, the original continuance motion failed on a tie (4‑4). A substitute motion to continue with immediate cessation of after‑midnight alcohol sales also failed on a tie. Finally, the primary motion to deny was adopted 6‑2 (Council Members Smith and Whitaker voted no; Council Member Jeffries abstained). The council directed the city attorney and staff to enforce the denial, noting that a 60‑day appeal period follows but that enforcement actions (notices of violation, potential injunctions) can begin immediately.

Key Outcomes

• PLN‑TXT‑2025‑010 (Civil Enforcement): Approved 9‑0 (motion by Ritter, second by Ward).
• PLN‑REZ‑2026‑001 (Townes at Rivercrest): Approved with proffers 8‑1 (motion by Bunn, second by Newens; Whitaker opposed).
• PLN‑SPEX‑2025‑001 & PLN‑USE‑2024‑001 (Kings Tobacco & Hookah Lounge): Denied 6‑2 (motion by King, second by Newens; Smith and Whitaker voted no; Jeffries abstained). The business must immediately stop selling or permitting alcohol consumption after midnight pending any appeal.
• Closed Meeting: Approved 9‑0 for September 22, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss appointments to city boards and commissions.
• Other: Council Member Bunn requested staff to develop a policy capping continuances on land‑use applications and requiring continuance requests at least two weeks prior to public hearings. Council Member Jeffries asked for an update on the Portsmouth Boulevard gateway streetscape project.