Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - July 19, 2018

On July 19, 2018, the Hampton Planning Commission convened to consider a rezoning application for a major apartment development on Mercury Boulevard. The commission approved the rezoning with conditions, and received updates on youth planning, coastal resiliency efforts, and media coverage of the city's sea level rise adaptation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 21, 2018: Approved unanimously by roll call vote (all commissioners present voting aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak or offered testimony during the public hearing.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning Application 18-0002 (Peninsula Plaza Partners LLC):
  • The applicant sought to rezone a 9.53-acre portion of 1815 West Mercury Boulevard from Limited Commercial (C2) to Multiple Dwelling (MD4) with proffered conditions. The site is the former Holiday Inn property.
  • Staff (Donald Whipple) presented the proposal, noting that the current C2 zoning would allow 190 units by right, while the MD4 zone would permit up to 283 units (minimum 260). The development would consist of five buildings (three four-story, two three-story) with 428 parking spaces (1.5 per unit), a central quad, pool, fitness center, and other amenities. The project is consistent with the Coliseum Central Master Plan, which calls for higher-density mixed-use development.
  • Access to the site will be via a new Commerce Drive extension (right-in, right-out from Mercury Boulevard) with secondary connections to Convention Drive and Coliseum Drive. The extension is a city project scheduled to begin construction imminently.
  • Commissioners raised questions about parking (met minimum requirements), safety for pedestrians crossing Mercury Boulevard to nearby retail, and the need for modern amenities (keyless entry, bike storage, secure entrances). The applicant emphasized that the target market (millennials, military, empty nesters) expects high-quality design, and that the project would include advanced technology and security.
  • The applicant (Akil Jan) explained that the development is financially viable only with the higher density allowed by MD4, and that the project aligns with the city's community plan goals for diverse housing and walkable communities.
• Community Development Director's Report:
  • Youth Planner Report: The Hampton Youth Commission held its final meeting on June 4 and conducted interviews for new members on June 18. The report highlighted alignment with the 2020 Youth Master Plan goal of engaging youth.
  • Coastal Resiliency: Staff participated in a knowledge exchange in Charleston, SC (June 28-29), sharing Hampton's Phase I adaptation plan. The presentation was well-received by other communities.
  • Media Coverage: A Washington Post reporter visited Hampton to write an article on the region's sea level rise efforts, expected to be a weekend feature.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning Approval: The commission voted to approve rezoning application 18-0002 with the 10 proffered conditions. The motion carried with all commissioners present voting aye (Dr. Coleman, Ms. Garrison, Ms. Kellum, Mr. South Hall, Mr. Brown, Ms. Bunting, Chairman Carter). The decision is a recommendation to Hampton City Council, which will make the final determination.
• Next Steps: The applicant will proceed with site plan development, with an estimated two-year construction timeline before units are delivered. The city will continue to implement pedestrian improvements in the Coliseum Central area.