Chesapeake Planning Commission Public Hearing – May 13, 2026

The Chesapeake Planning Commission held a public hearing on May 13, 2026, beginning with a pre-meeting at 6:21 PM and the formal hearing at 7:00 PM. The commission considered seven applications, including a continuance request, four consent agenda items, and two regular agenda items. A special presentation on the city's CARE customer service standards was also delivered. The meeting concluded with the cancellation of the May 27, 2026 meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Mirrors Creek (PLN-REZ-2025-021): A continuance to the June 10, 2026 meeting was requested by the applicant and approved unanimously (9-0). The item was initially placed on the consent agenda but later moved to the regular agenda; however, it was continued without discussion.
• Greenbrier Costco (PLN-USC-2025-048): Conditional use permit to construct a motor vehicle fuel supply station and tire center in association with a proposed Costco at 1401 Greenbrier Parkway. Staff recommended approval. Approved on consent.
• Liberty Defense Armory LLC (PLN-USC-2026-003): Conditional use permit for firearm sales and transfers as a level two home occupation at 3416 Douglas Road. Staff recommended approval. Approved on consent.
• Capital Improvement Projects (PLN-2232-2026-001): Review of three projects for consistency with the Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan: Hickory Yard Facility, Deep Creek Multipurpose Community Center, and a Volvo Parkway project. Staff recommended approval. Approved on consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Greenbrier Costco (Consent Item): Three speakers expressed strong support. Sam Baraki (applicant representative) highlighted improved circulation, landscaping, and the project's role as a catalyst for Greenbrier Mall redevelopment. Helene Sharp (small business owner at the mall) and Vic Nichols (resident) cited economic benefits, increased foot traffic, and community excitement.
• Liberty Defense Armory (Consent Item): Vic Nichols spoke in support, but raised a concern that the stipulation limiting the store to one customer at a time could be impractical for groups or couples. Chair clarified that the permit allows family members together.
• Great Hope Baptist Church (Regular Item – Rezoning): Jack Claude (engineer) and Brian Wilson (church treasurer) spoke in support. They explained the rezoning is needed to clean up inconsistent zoning and allow future church improvements. They noted the proposed trail on Battlefield Boulevard may be on the wrong side of the road and requested not to proffer the trail now.
• Bedford Contractor Storage Yard (Regular Item): Eleven residents spoke in opposition (including Ronald Keffer, Judy Leader, Grayson Whirley, Morgan Delagrange, Dale Keffer, Keith Miller, Amber Snook, Linda Miller). Common concerns: narrow roads unsafe for heavy truck traffic, safety hazards for children and pedestrians, damage to roads, increased industrialization of a historic rural community, lack of honesty about the lease and number of trucks, and potential environmental impacts. One speaker (Alan Kiefer) indicated availability for questions only.
• Exterior Lighting Text Amendment (Regular Item): Robert Ross, representing Cape Henry Audubon Society and partners, spoke in opposition, requesting a continuance to allow further negotiation with staff. He warned that the proposed lighting (especially on the 660-foot Greenlink Tower) would be lethal to migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway, contradicting the comprehensive plan's goals to reduce light pollution.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Overview (Pre-Meeting): Staff (Mr. Boswick) presented seven applications. One continuance (Mirrors Creek) was granted. Items 4, 5, 6, 7 were initially placed on consent; after Chair's request, item 3 (Bedford Contractor Storage Yard) was moved to the regular agenda. Item 6 (Exterior Lighting) was later pulled from consent due to opposition from the Audubon Society.
• CARE Standards Presentation: Mr. McNamara delivered an overview of the city's CARE standards (Courteous, Attentive, Resourcefulness, Empowerment, Stewardship), explaining how they guide city employees and support the vision of making Chesapeake an exceptional place to live, learn, work, farm, and play. The presentation was informational.
• Great Hope Baptist Church Rezoning: Staff recommended denial due to inconsistency with the 2050 Trails Plan for a multi-use path along the church's frontage. Commissioners asked about the feasibility of affordable housing on the property and the trail alignment (confirmed to be on the church's side). Despite staff's denial recommendation, the commission approved the rezoning 9-0 with proffers, citing consistency with the comprehensive plan's low scale neighborhood designation.
• Bedford Contractor Storage Yard: Extensive discussion followed public comments. Commissioners Spruell, Howard, and Bearfield reported visiting the site and described narrow roads, high grass, missing signs, and safety concerns. Applicant representative Sam Baraki initially stated the owner had operated for 19 years without a permit and that there was no tenant, but later corrected that a tenant (with six trucks) currently leases the property. The owner was hospitalized and not present. Commissioners expressed frustration over conflicting information. The motion to deny (made by Vice Chair Squelia, seconded by Commissioner Spruell) cited insufficient road capacity for commercial vehicles. The motion carried 8-1.
• Exterior Lighting Text Amendment: Staff recommended approval, noting flexibility for landmark buildings. Commissioner Gilman moved to approve the amendment (version April 16, 2026) with an additional stipulation that lighting be turned off from 10 PM to dawn to mitigate impacts on migratory birds. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Mirrors Creek: Continued to June 10, 2026, by unanimous consent.
• Consent Agenda: Approved 9-0 (items 4, 5, 7; item 6 removed).
• Great Hope Baptist Church Rezoning (PLN-REZ-2025-015): Approved 9-0 with proffers, contrary to staff recommendation.
• Bedford Contractor Storage Yard (PLN-USC-2025-034): Denied 8-1 (Commissioner Williams dissented or opposed? The vote was 8-1; no indication of who voted against, but motion to deny carried).
• Exterior Lighting Text Amendment (PLN-TXT-2025-004): Approved with amendment requiring lights off from 10 PM to dawn.
• Cancellation: The May 27, 2026 meeting was canceled due to lack of business.
• Next Meeting: The July 22, 2026 meeting will be held in Greenbrier as a retreat.