The Hampton Planning Commission held its regular meeting on September 16, 2021, beginning at approximately 6:30 PM ET. The meeting included the annual election of officers, approval of previous minutes, and three public hearing items: a rezoning request, a deferral for a use permit, and a citywide zoning ordinance amendment concerning multifamily dwellings. All actions were by roll call votes. No members of the public spoke during the public hearings.
Rezoning Application 21-00005 (HRCN LLC): A request to rezone approximately 3.26 acres at the northeast corner of Commander Shepherd Boulevard and North Campus Parkway from Hampton Road Center 2 (HRC2) to Limited Commercial (C2) district, with 11 proffer conditions, to allow a commercial retail center with up to five buildings totaling over 30,000 square feet. Staff noted the change would allow more flexible development standards appropriate for an urban character, including reduced setbacks and enhanced pedestrian connectivity, consistent with the Hampton Road Center North Master Plan. The applicant's attorney presented the proposal. Commissioner Garrison expressed support, noting the difficulty of developing the parcel under current standards and potential demand from nearby NASA employees. The Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval.
Use Permit 21-00012 (Christopher W. Wilgus): A request to operate an animal daycare at 2409 and 2411 Kikatan Road. The applicant requested a deferral to allow additional time to work with city staff. The Commission unanimously (7-0) approved deferral to the October 21, 2021 meeting.
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-0003 (City of Hampton): A city-initiated amendment to Section 3-2 (Table of Uses) and Section 3-3 (Additional Standards) to modify where and how multifamily dwellings and upper-floor dwelling units are permitted. Key changes: require a use permit for multifamily in previously by-right districts (MD2-MD4, RT1, and limited commercial C2) except downtown, Phoebus, and Buckrow special districts where by-right continues with new design standards; allow upper-floor dwelling units by right in Buckrow and Fort Monroe with standards; and include a technical cleanup for restaurant/microbrewery uses. Staff noted the amendment had been deferred by City Council to allow work with Coliseum Central Business Improvement District, but that parallel effort continues. After presentation, the Commission unanimously (7-0) voted to recommend approval.
Miss Brooks here. Mr. Harper here. Dr. Coleman. Miss Kellum here. Mr. Brown. Present. Mr. Bond here. Chairman Garrison. Present. At this time, I'm going to turn the meeting over to Mr. O'Neill. Thank you, Madam Chair. This September meeting is traditionally the annual election for the Planning Commission. So as the Secretary to the Commission, I will run the meeting while we elect, select and elect the new Commission chair. Once the Commission chair is elected, then I will turn the proceedings over to the new chair to then elect the vice chair for the coming term of the Planning Commission. So with that, um, I will open the floor for nominations to serve as chairman of the Hampton Planning Commission. So Commissioner Ruth Ann Kellum's name has been placed in nomination for the position of chair. Are there any other nominations for the position of chair? Hearing none, I will close the floor for nominations for chairman of the Hampton Planning Commission and ask Ms. Graves to call the role on the name of Ruth Ann Kellum to serve as chair. Miss Brooks. Aye. Mr. Harper? Aye. Dr. Coleman. Ms. Kellum. Aye. Mr. Brown. Aye. Mr. Bond. Aye. Chairman Garrison. Aye. Congratulations, Ms. Kellan. Thank you. I've been elected to be chair of the Hampton Planning Commission. I will now turn the proceedings over to you to follow the same proceedings for nomination and election of the vice chair. Thank you. Thank you for the confidence and electing me chair. And I know that I have been able to sit on this planning commission and seen other chairs who have done an excellent job in carrying forward on our business, and I hope that you all will help me to be able to seat in that same manner.