Hampton Planning Commission Meeting Summary for October 21, 2021

The Hampton Planning Commission met on October 21, 2021, at 20:30 UTC to consider a range of items including two use permit applications, zoning ordinance amendments, and routine administrative matters. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Callum, and all members were present, constituting a quorum. The commission voted on several items, with recommendations forwarded to the Hampton City Council for final decisions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously.
• Rules of Public Comment: The rules for public comment during public hearings were read into the record by Mr. Hayes, outlining procedures for speakers, time limits, and conduct.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Use Permit 21-12 (Animal Daycare): One letter of opposition was received, but no public speakers signed up to comment during the hearing.
• Use Permit 21-11 (Cell Tower): Multiple residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about health effects, visual impact, property devaluation, historic preservation, and safety for children. Speakers included Joe Griffith, Jeanette Jewel, Francis Saragusa, Marsha Jurawitz, Julia Saragusa, Joe Walsh, Joe Skelly, Nathaniel Miller, and Jeff Jorgensen (speaking for Sister Mary Cecilia). Paul Pablik, a sponsorship board member for the Phoebus Little League, spoke in favor, highlighting the financial benefits to the league.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments 21-16/21-17: No public speakers signed up for these items.

Discussion Items

• Use Permit 21-12 (Animal Daycare): Staff recommended approval with 16 conditions, including limiting hours to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The applicant, Red Letter Runners, requested a 24-hour operation but agreed to accept the staff recommendation. The commission discussed the hours, the potential precedent for future daycare applications, and the applicant's business model. The applicant's attorney, Frank Edgar, requested an extension to 1 a.m., but the commission ultimately approved the staff conditions.
• Use Permit 21-11 (Cell Tower): Staff recommended approval with 10 conditions, as amended to allow 24 months for construction to commence. The applicant, Celco Partnership (Verizon Wireless), proposed a 134-foot tower at the Phoebus Recreation Association ball fields. Commission members debated the appropriateness of the location, health concerns (which are preempted by federal law), and alternative sites. The vote was 5-2 in favor.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments 21-16 and 21-17: These amendments were presented together by staff. They would create new definitions for private and public parking lots/garages Secretary and allow private parking lots as a permitted use with a use permit in all districts, and public parking lots by right. Commissioner Garrison voted against both amendments due to concerns about removing public input for city parking projects. Both amendments passed 6-1.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-2: This amendment, which would have permitted storage facilities in the Phoebus districts, was withdrawn by the city after community and developer input.
• Youth Planner Presentation: Kira Reid presented updates on youth planning initiatives, including a youth voice committee survey, a grants program, and a STEAM job fair.

Key Outcomes

• Use Permit 21-12: Approved with 16 conditions (motion passed unanimously).
• Use Permit 21-11: Approved with 10 conditions as amended (5-2 vote, with Dr. Coleman and Commissioner Brown voting no). The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final decision.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-16: Approved (6-1, Commissioner Garrison opposed).
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-17: Approved (6-1, Commissioner Garrison opposed).
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-2: Withdrawn by the city; no action needed.
• All recommendations are advisory; final decisions rest with the Hampton City Council, with the cell tower item expected to appear on the council's agenda the second Wednesday of the following month.