Hampton City Council Legislative Session - August 13, 2025

The Hampton City Council held its legislative session on August 13, 2025, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers, with all seven members present. Mayor Jimmy Gray presided. The meeting began with an invocation by Councilmember Randy Bowman and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Gray recognized Melanie Paul for donating two K-9 vests to the Hampton Police Division and congratulated Vice Mayor Steven L. Brown on receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humanitarianism. Mayor Gray also announced that the proposed homeless ordinance would not be voted on that evening, pending a 90-day community engagement process; speakers on the topic were still permitted. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.

Consent Calendar

• 25-0211: Resolution to affirm the City's use of the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act Plan Annual Contribution.
• 25-0219: Resolution to amend the FY2026 budget to accept and appropriate $80,472.74 for War Memorial Stadium operations.
• 25-0228: Resolution to appropriate $519,826 from assigned fund balance for Hampton Roads Transit.
• 25-0223: Resolution to appropriate $257,000 for infrastructure costs at Phenix Commerce Center.
• 25-0233: Resolution authorizing an advance of $8,843,508 from the General Fund unassigned fund balance to the FY26 Capital Budget.
• 25-0221: Resolution initiating amendments to the Hampton City Zoning Ordinance (accessory dwelling units, community meeting, Chesapeake Bay amendments).
• 25-0225: Resolution requesting VDOT program two new projects into the Six-Year Improvement Plan.
• 25-0230: Resolution approving the formation of NextGen HRHA by the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
• 25-0235: Resolution approving an encroachment agreement for a fence installation.
• 25-0236: Resolution approving the City's participation in the proposed direct settlement of opioid-related claims against the Sackler family.
• 25-0218: Resolution setting the emeritus term on the War Memorial Stadium Authority.
• 25-0207: Approval of minutes from several prior meetings.

All consent items were approved by a 7-0 vote.

Public Hearings

13. 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan Angela Shenk (Management Analyst) presented the plan required by HUD for CDBG and HOME funding. The City is an entitlement community; for program year 2025, the allocation is approximately $1.3 million, with an estimated $150,000 in program income (total $1,536,634). Priority areas include preserving housing affordability, public facility improvements, increasing economic opportunities, supportive services, and effective administration. The Housing Rehabilitation Program has served 51 households using approximately $900,000 of the $2 million allocated; work slowed due to staffing shortages. The public hearing had no speakers; the plan was adopted by a 7-0 vote.

14. Ordinance to Amend Zoning Ordinance – Expiration of Use Permits City Planner Quinn Heinrich presented an amendment to Chapter 14, Section 14-12 to allow flexibility in use permit expiration for larger projects (e.g., multifamily developments) that take longer than two years. The default two-year expiration remains, but modifications are permitted. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public speakers; adopted 7-0.

15. Use Permit by Trilogy Developers, LLC – Multifamily Dwellings at LaSalle Avenue, West Pembroke Avenue, West Queen Street, and Michigan Drive (Former Lincoln Park Site) Chief Planner Donald Whipple presented the request for 380 apartment units (284 market-rate, 96 age-restricted) in the DT-1 District. The previous use permit expired due to the two-year construction deadline. Recommended conditions include a five-year nullification period. Staff and Planning Commission recommended approval. No public speakers; approved with nine conditions by a 7-0 vote.

16. Use Permit by Fishers Landing Eats, Inc. – Restaurant with Outdoor Dining at 4330 Kecoughtan Road City Planner Han Vu presented the request for a Restaurant 3 in the M2 District (outdoor dining prohibited otherwise). Proposed hours 11 AM–9 PM; staff recommended 5 AM–12 AM for consistency. Positive feedback from neighbors was received. No public speakers; approved with nine conditions by a 7-0 vote.

17. Resolution to Authorize Acquisition by Negotiation or Condemnation – Old Buckroe Pedestrian Upgrades City Manager Mary Bunting explained that a partial fee take (approximately 38 square feet) is needed for sidewalk construction from Pembroke Avenue to Fox Hill Road. The owner, Nicholas Perigo, was nonresponsive after numerous attempts to negotiate; eminent domain is necessary. No public speakers; approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael Cheever opposed the proposed camping and storage ordinance, arguing it criminalizes homelessness. He cited rent increases from $980.66 (2019) to $1,582.35 (2024), a 61.36% rise, and noted that 36.68% of the homeless population has disabilities, the black community represents 75% of the homeless but only a third of the population, and transitional housing is at 111% capacity, rapid re-housing at 100%, and permanent supportive housing at 95%. He urged decommodification of housing.
• Amanda and Andy Ludwig praised the More Laughing in the Morning Cool Kids Summer Camp for giving their daughters skills in fashion design, editing, and performing. They requested continued support.
• Kathy Yevak (General Manager, WSKY-TV/SKY4 TV) spoke in favor of the camp, noting its role in introducing younger students to broadcast careers. She stated the camp's program will air on September 8 at 7:30 AM.
• Miriam Gourdine (Natasha House volunteer) reserved comments on the homeless ordinance for a future meeting.
• Eola Dance supported the Cool Kids Camp for providing arts and media opportunities for her sons.
• Sarai Vance (Norfolk State University student) shared how Allison Moore's program eight years ago inspired her performing arts career and urged continued investment.
• Shonda Dawson (educator) highlighted the camp's social-emotional learning and public speaking benefits.
• David Mongiello criticized CPS involvement with his family, stating over 60 statements in a CPS report were inaccurate. He requested accountability.
• Allison Moore (More Laughing Arts and Media) reported success: 18 Hampton youth (plus 7 from outside the city) trained over 100 hours; camp generated economic activity at local businesses. She thanked Council for a $15,000 grant and requested $25,000 to close a funding gap, plus inclusion in the 2026 budget.
• Joan Weaver advocated for the Greater Wythe neighborhood, requesting better housing resources and code enforcement sensitivity.
• Cassandra Alston Townsley thanked Council and pledged to work with them.
• Doris Eck requested improved street lighting on Ireland Street after her car was vandalized. She also noted a public meeting on August 21 at the Police Academy.
• Tawo Samson (retired Navy Chief) complained about a red light camera on South Mallory Street that incurred $200 in fines; he suggested installing physical barriers instead.
• Joshua Moran strongly opposed the homeless ordinance, calling it criminalization of poverty.
• Craig Knopp praised the 311 system and expressed interest in volunteering for arts programs.
• Chris Bowman commended the new fire station on Pembroke Avenue, urged saving the old Wythe fire station as a community building, and opposed mini-golf at Buckroe Beach (suggesting the old Buckroe Junior High site).
• Andrew Stith raised disability access issues at crosswalks and sought tutoring for English.
• Brenda Marks criticized crime statistics statements from police chiefs, referencing an August 6 shooting on Mercury Boulevard that endangered bystanders. She called for a reassessment of public safety claims.

City Manager Mary Bunting responded: the homeless ordinance is delayed 90 days for a stakeholder process; it was never about criminalizing homelessness but about addressing disruptions. The summer camp was praised; she committed to exploring budget options for FY2027 and partnerships with Hampton City Schools. CPS matters were noted for private follow-up. Street lighting issues will be addressed by Assistant City Manager Mitchell and Interim Public Works Director Bowery. Red-light cameras at Mallory Street were the only permitted tool to manage cut-through traffic; alternative routes exist. The old Wythe firehouse is expected to be preserved. Regarding crime, Bunting noted that the August 6 incident was rare and that prevention programs like Violence Interrupters are active; she urged context without overreaction.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved 7-0.
• 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan adopted 7-0.
• Zoning ordinance amendment (use permit expiration) approved 7-0.
• Use permit for Trilogy Developers (380 units at former Lincoln Park site) approved with 9 conditions 7-0.
• Use permit for Fishers Landing Eats (outdoor dining) approved with 9 conditions 7-0.
• Resolution authorizing eminent domain for sidewalk project approved 7-0.
• Appointments to the Hampton Youth Commission (7 one-year, 7 two-year terms), Towing Advisory Board (6 members, one vacancy), Wetlands Board (Foley reappointed, Docauer as alternate), and Grievance Board (Rodey, Samuels) all approved 7-0.
• Meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.