Hampton City Planning Commission Meeting - February 21, 2019

The Hampton City Planning Commission met on February 21, 2019, at 8:30 PM. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, adoption of regular meeting dates for 2019, a public hearing for a use permit application for a private lodge, a youth planner report, and informational updates on community programs.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting in December 2018 were approved by roll call vote (6 ayes, 1 abstention from Commissioner Garrison who was not present).
• Resolution Adopting Regular Meeting Dates for 2019: A motion was made and seconded to adopt a resolution setting regular meeting dates for 2019, which would allow flexibility in case of hazardous weather. The vote on the resolution was not recorded in the transcript; however, it appeared to be approved without objection.

Public Hearing

• Use Permit 18-00014 – Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26: The commission held a public hearing on a request to permit a private club or lodge on the first floor at 36 Wine Street in downtown Hampton. Staff recommended approval with eight conditions, including limitations on live entertainment hours and prohibition of third-party rentals. The applicant, represented by Will Andrews and lodge officers, stated the lodge would use only the first floor and the second floor would be leased as commercial space. No opposition was raised; the applicant submitted one letter of support. The commission closed the public hearing and voted unanimously to approve the use permit with conditions.

Youth Planner Report

• Tolu presented the February Youth Planner report on behalf of William Clotz. Key activities included:
  • The youth commission continued work on the youth component update for the Hampton Community Plan, including brainstormed engagement ideas and hosting Dream Studios at local schools.
  • A simulated economy proposal was submitted to the Parks and Recreation Department, focusing on financial literacy for youth.
  • The grants committee practiced a presentation to ask City Council to reinstate a youth grant program.
  • A survey on youth priorities was published on the city website.
  • A joint meeting with City Council is scheduled for March 11, 2019.

Informational Updates

• Citizens Codes Academy: The first class of the reestablished Codes Academy is graduating on February 28, 2019. Approximately 32 citizens participated. Some graduates may continue training to become certified citizen code inspectors.
• Community Plan Update: Staff reported that the first phase of community engagement (25–30 outreach sessions) is concluding. The next phase will involve focus groups on key strategic issues beginning in April or May 2019. Commissioner Kellum asked about overarching themes; staff noted that the feedback reaffirmed existing council priorities (education, flooding, job creation, crime, transportation, vacant retail) and emphasized the need to demonstrate how planning leads to tangible projects.
• Resilient Hampton – New Market Creek: A public meeting attracted about 120 citizens. Early design ideas from consultants were presented; staff will process feedback and provide a formal update at a future meeting.

Discussion

• Commissioners and staff discussed the importance of citizen engagement in planning processes, with Chairman Carter encouraging the public to attend meetings proactively. Staff highlighted the challenge of connecting community input to realized projects and noted several successful projects (e.g., Buckrow Beach, Air and Space Center) that resulted from past planning efforts.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved (6-0-1).
• Resolution on 2019 Meeting Dates: Motion and second made; adoption presumed.
• Use Permit 18-00014: Approved unanimously with eight conditions.
• Next Steps: Community focus groups to begin spring 2019; youth commission to present to City Council on March 11; Codes Academy graduation on February 28.