Hampton Planning Commission Meeting Summary - November 18, 2021

The Hampton Planning Commission met on November 18, 2021, at 20:30 UTC to consider three use permit applications and receive a report from the Youth Planner. The meeting was chaired by Chairwoman Kellan with all seven commissioners present. Key actions included approval of a tutoring center, a tattoo parlor expansion, and a contentious recommendation for a restaurant with extended hours and live entertainment.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 2021 Planning Commission meeting (7-0 vote).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gloria Evans (resident of 13 Penno Court, Hampton Woods subdivision) spoke during the hearing on Use Permit 21-00010. She expressed concerns about potential noise and disruption from live entertainment at Meal One/Mo Cigar Bar, citing her negative experience with the previous business, Queensway Soul Cafe. She noted that the current operation has been quieter but remained worried about repeating past issues.
• Applicant Charlotte Tucker and her fiancé Jason Wolfolk addressed the commission, explaining confusion about operating hours due to conflicting permits and staff communications, and presenting financial losses (estimated $40,000-$45,000 per month) since being required to close at 10 p.m.
• Karen Jordan (applicant for tutoring center) spoke in support of her application, emphasizing her 35 years of experience and adherence to Virginia Department of Social Services guidelines.

Discussion Items

• Use Permit 21-00010 (Meal One/Mo Cigar Bar): Mike Hayes presented staff report recommending a deferral to March 2022 due to past violations of operating hours. The commission discussed the history of confusion over permits and violations in May and August 2021. Commissioner Bond expressed concern about setting a precedent for permit violations. Commissioner Garrison noted the newness of the ordinance and the confusion. The commission voted 6-1 to recommend approval with 12 conditions, forwarding to City Council on December 8, 2021. The applicant must continue operating under existing 10 p.m. closure until council action.
• Use Permit 21-00015 (Tutoring Center): Karen Jordan presented a plan for a tutoring center with up to 5 students per hour, operating morning and evening hours until 8:30 p.m., with no Sunday hours. Staff recommended approval with 5 conditions, including hours from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The commission voted 7-0 to approve.
• Use Permit 21-00016 (American Classic Tattoo): The applicant requested a use permit to legalize an existing non-conforming tattoo parlor and expand into an adjacent suite. Staff reported no complaints or violations. The commission voted 7-0 to approve with 7 conditions, including hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and screening from public view.
• Youth Planner Report: Jericho Nicely reported on Hampton Youth Commission activities, including resiliency discussions, a stakeholder meeting postponed to January 2022, and a grants public hearing scheduled for December 13, 2021.

Key Outcomes

• Use Permit 21-00010 (Meal One/Mo Cigar Bar): Recommended for approval by a 6-1 vote (Commissioner Bond dissenting) with 12 conditions. The application will be forwarded to Hampton City Council for final action on December 8, 2021. The applicant must adhere to 10 p.m. closure until council decision.
• Use Permit 21-00015 (Tutoring Center): Approved unanimously (7-0) with 5 conditions.
• Use Permit 21-00016 (Tattoo Parlor): Approved unanimously (7-0) with 7 conditions.
• Next Meeting: The December 2021 meeting will be chaired by Vice Chair Harper due to Chairwoman Kellan's absence.