Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - May 16, 2019
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Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - May 16, 2019
The Hampton Planning Commission met on May 16, 2019, to consider two public hearing items: a rezoning application for a neighborhood center and a use permit for a microbrewery. The meeting also included a director's report on an upcoming planning conference and a youth planner presentation. The commission approved the rezoning after hearing public testimony and deferred the use permit due to a public notice error.
Consent Calendar
- The minutes from the April 18, 2019, Planning Commission meeting were approved by a vote of 6 ayes, 1 abstention (Vice Chair Garrison, who was absent).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Rezoning Application 19-0002 (65 Hall Road): Two nearby residents spoke in opposition. Mark Craig (70 Hall Road) expressed concerns about increased traffic, flooding from a proposed gymnasium addition, and noise from potential outdoor basketball courts. He stated the neighborhood had not been adequately involved. Brenda Bowling (72 Hall Road) echoed flooding fears, worried about property values, parking overflow, and lack of mailed notification about the project. She questioned the selection of the site and the governance model.
- Catherine Glass (80 Bells Island Drive), representing the Fox Hill Athletic Association and other community groups, spoke in support. She clarified that the facility is a "neighborhood center" (not a regional community center), that no outdoor basketball courts are planned, and that a working group with monthly meetings is actively shaping programming and governance. She invited neighbors to participate.
Discussion Items
- Rezoning Application 19-0002 (65 Hall Road): Staff planner Alison Eubank presented the request to rezone 4.9 acres from R-33 (one-family residential) to PO-1 (parks and open space) to allow a neighborhood center (former church acquired by the city in 2018). The site includes wetlands and is in a flood zone. Staff recommended approval with no proffered conditions. Commissioner questions focused on wetlands delineation, the difference between the two wetland types (upland forested vs. tidally influenced), and the community governance model. Commissioners encouraged public involvement in ongoing working group meetings. The vote was unanimous in favor (all ayes).
- Use Permit Application 19-00003 (207 East Mellon Street): Staff recommended deferral due to an error in the public notice requirement, which prevented legal action. No public speakers signed up. The commission voted unanimously to defer to the June meeting.
- Director's Report: Donald Whipple, chief planner, provided an overview of the American Planning Association Virginia Chapter annual conference to be held in Hampton from July 21-24, 2019, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The theme is resilience. The conference includes keynote speakers, mobile tours, and networking events. Planning commissioners may attend for free.
- Youth Planner Report: Simone presented the monthly report from the Hampton Youth Commission, covering activities in April (finalizing work plans, survey efforts, neighborhood commission meeting, simulated economy committee training). She noted that the Youth Commission completed all listed work plan items. Simone's presentation was her last as she is graduating; she did not disclose her college choice.
Key Outcomes
- Approved: Rezoning Application 19-0002 (65 Hall Road) from R-33 to PO-1 for a neighborhood center (all ayes).
- Deferred: Use Permit Application 19-0003 (207 East Mellon Street) to the June Planning Commission meeting (all ayes).
- Noted: Upcoming APA Virginia conference (July 21-24, 2019) and recognition of the youth planner's service.
Meeting Transcript
I thought it was on. We need to call the planning commission for the May 16th to order. Can we have the roll call, please? Dr. Coleman. Here. Ms. Callum? Here. Mr. South Hall. Here. Miss Garrison? Here. Mr. Brown. Present. Ms. Buncing. Chairman Carter. Do we have any comments or corrections on the minutes from the April 18th Planning Commission meeting? If not, can I get a motion? I move approval. The minutes. Second. Okay. Call for the roll. Dr. Coleman. Aye. Miss Kellum. Aye. Mrs. South Hall. Aye. Mr. Brown. Aye. Miss Bunsey. Chairman Carter. Vice Chair Garrison. I abstain as I was sick and not here. Mr. Neal, would you like to open with the comments for the public hearing? Yes, thank you. To ensure that the affairs of the Commission may be conducted in an orderly manner and to ensure that all persons desiring to address the commission on matters pertinent to it are afforded an opportunity to do so and to permit persons in attendance to observe and hear the proceedings of the commission without distraction and to permit the commission to conduct city business with minimal disruption. The following rules for public hearings and comments are established as follows. Please turn off your cell phone while in the chamber. If you are attending the hearing and desire to speak on an item, please enter your name, address, and item number at the desk in the back of the chambers prior to the call to order of the item. The commission secretary will announce the item number and item title being considered.
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