Hampton City Council Legislative Session

The Hampton City Council held its legislative session on January 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approvals of consent agenda items, two public hearings (a rezoning and a use permit), public comments, and several appointments to city boards and commissions. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Budget Amendment (Item 26-0026): Approved a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, appropriating $610,000 from the Coliseum Fund's Net Position to the Coliseum Fund Capital Improvement and Maintenance Accounts. (Vote: 7-0)
• Encroachment Agreement (Item 26-0021): Approved an encroachment agreement between the City and Lumos Networks Inc. (d/b/a Segra) to install fiber optic cable, conduit, and a handhole in the city's right-of-way on E. Queen Street and Wine Street. (Vote: 7-0)
• Tax Refund Ordinance (Item 26-0025): Approved an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 37 (Taxation) to authorize the treasurer to issue refunds not exceeding $2,500 without Council approval. (Vote: 7-0)
• Minutes Approval (Item 26-0018): Approved minutes from the legislative session of December 10, 2025, and the work and legislative sessions of January 14, 2026. (Vote: 7-0)
• Emergency Declaration (Item 26-0040): Adopted a resolution confirming the declaration and termination of a local emergency for the winter storm of January 2026 (declared January 24, terminated January 26). (Vote: 7-0)

Public Hearings

• Rezoning Application 25-0322: A public hearing was held on the application by Gloria Higuera Lopez to rezone approximately 0.15 acres at 1700 E. Pembroke Avenue from Limited Commercial (C-2) to One-family Residential (R-9) with seven proffered conditions, to construct a single-family dwelling. No members of the public signed up to speak. Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval. The council approved the rezoning unanimously (vote: 7-0).

• Use Permit Application 25-0266: A public hearing was held on the application by Margaret Lefranc Art Foundation, Inc. to develop a private museum at 1609 and 1611 Aberdeen Road. The applicant stated that the museum would operate Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM (with possible evening events until 8 PM), and that traffic generation would be minimal (six peak hour trips). Councilmember Bowman expressed opposition, citing neighborhood concerns, high existing traffic, and parking issues. Vice Mayor Brown abstained, citing discomfort due to a potential new traffic study. The council approved the use permit with 15 conditions, modified to require "substantial conformance" rather than "compliance" with the conceptual plan (vote: 5-1-1; Bowman nay, Brown abstain).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Johnnie Carroll encouraged the council to look beyond the ordinary and achieve greatness, referencing the City's strategic master plan update.
• Jason Leighton (Buckroe resident) expressed strong opposition to a proposed luxury development in Buckroe, arguing that high prices ($500,000 homes, rent over $200,000) would replace the existing community rather than preserve it. He urged development that strengthens current residents and protects the waterfront.
• Teresa Roundy provided a legal analysis concerning inactive cemeteries, referencing an article by a lawyer/mayor. She stated that ownership does not permit removal of remains and that an inactive cemetery still contains bodies.
• Robert Smith asked how to prevent chaos from other cities (referencing ICE and Minneapolis) from affecting Hampton, and how citizens can help.
• Craig Knopp questioned whether the City plans to decrease property taxes with additional state revenue; objected to a proposed 300% salary increase for state delegates/senators; and raised a concern about a pothole on Markham Drive and Fleming Drive.
• Alekzander Cheremeteff (Hampton resident, Marine Corps veteran, cybersecurity professional) raised concerns about Flock cameras, citing security flaws, data collection beyond license plates, and a pending federal lawsuit in Norfolk. He demanded the City cancel its contract with Flock Safety until an independent audit is conducted.
• Travis Adams provided an update on state legislation (HB10 and HB282) regarding the ability of certain localities to tax land and improvements at separate rates. He urged Hampton to seek inclusion in future legislation, and argued that rising residential property taxes (his bill increased ~$1,300 since 2021) while commercial properties like Willow Oaks Shopping Center saw tax decreases, is counterproductive.
• Jeannie Belgrave reported a large pothole at the entrance of Denny’s parking lot on Mercury Boulevard, and asked about warranties/insurance for road repairs. City Manager Bunting clarified that the pothole is on private property and that the City’s road repairs are typically the responsibility of the utility company if work is redone (e.g., Virginia Natural Gas on Fox Hill Road). The City self-insures for general services.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning 25-0322 Approved: The rezoning at 1700 E. Pembroke Avenue was approved 7-0.
• Use Permit 25-0266 Approved: The private museum at 1609/1611 Aberdeen Road was approved 5-1-1 (Bowman nay, Brown abstain). Conditions include 15 conditions modified to require "substantial conformance" with the conceptual plan.
• Appointments and Deferrals: Appointments to the Citizens Police Advisory Group, Citizens' Unity Commission, Peninsula Alcohol Safety Action Program Advisory Board, and Golf Course Advisory Committee were deferred to the February 11, 2026 legislative session. Dr. Marian Clifton, Shelton Tucker, and Clarissa Wright were appointed/reappointed to the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority. Edwin "Chip" A. McErlean was reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Tonya Grant, Lewis Dawley, James Goodbody, and Laverne Campbell were appointed/reappointed to the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. (All votes 7-0).
• City Manager Response: Regarding the strategic plan, the City Manager noted that efforts are underway to expand input, particularly from younger audiences (under 40), and that a survey is available online. She also reiterated that no active development proposal for Buckroe is before the council; an updated Buckroe Master Plan is pending an RFP for a consultant.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.