Hampton Planning Commission Meeting: March 17, 2022

The Hampton Planning Commission met on March 17, 2022, to consider several land use applications, including a rezoning for a restaurant, a use permit for heavy vehicle repair, a large apartment development, and a zoning ordinance amendment. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and a report from the youth planner.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the February 17, 2022 meeting were approved with a roll call vote. Ms. Garrison and Mr. Bond abstained as they were not in attendance. All other commissioners voted aye.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For rezoning 20-00014 (1545 Briarfield Road) and use permit 21-00024 (2201 Mingy Drive), no members of the public signed up to speak. Only the applicant’s representative addressed the commission.
• For rezoning 21-00012 and use permit 22-0001 (Westview Landing apartment development), 12 speakers signed up. All residents of the Nelson Farms and Battle Road neighborhoods spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic, noise, privacy, crime, property values, compatibility with Langley Air Force Base, and environmental impacts. The applicant’s attorney and a representative of the property seller (Sarah Bonwell Hudgens Foundation) spoke in support, emphasizing the financial need to sell the property to fund future services for individuals with disabilities.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning 20-00014 (1545 Briarfield Road): Staff presented a request to rezone 0.23 acres from R11 to C1 for a restaurant (takeout only, no alcohol, no drive-thru). The property had previously housed a restaurant but lost its legal non-conforming status. The site plan includes a concrete apron, landscaping, and screening. Staff recommended approval with seven proffered conditions. The applicant’s attorney (Raymond Suttle Jr.) spoke in favor. Commissioners questioned traffic and landscaping. The commission voted to recommend approval to City Council. (Unanimous 7-0)
• Use Permit 21-00024 (2201 Mingy Drive): Staff requested a use permit for heavy vehicle repair (specifically street sweepers and jet vacuum equipment) in an M3 industrial district. Staff recommended approval with seven conditions. The applicant was not present. Commissioners asked about storage, fencing, and vehicle types. The commission voted to approve. (Unanimous 7-0)
• Rezoning 21-00012 and Use Permit 22-0001 (Westview Landing Apartments): This was a major item to rezone 37.86 acres from R11 to MD3 for 484 apartments on the former Sarah Bonwell Hudgens campus. Staff recommended denial due to conflicts with the city’s community plan (which recommends low-density residential and public/semi-public use), Langley Air Force Base’s objections (crash and noise zones), potential Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act impacts, and neighborhood opposition. The applicant’s attorney (Larry Cumming) argued that the development is compatible with sound attenuation, that Langley’s objections are based on non-binding future plans, and that the project would generate $680,000 annual tax revenue and market-rate housing. Commissioners voiced concerns about Langley’s mission, environmental uncertainties, and overwhelming neighborhood opposition. The commission voted to deny the rezoning (7-0) and subsequently denied the use permit (7-0).
• Zoning Ordinance Amendment 22-00004: Staff proposed amending the definition of “improved surface” to allow porous paving systems for driveways, subject to manufacturer specifications and a visible border. The amendment aims to provide flexibility while ensuring enforceability. No public speakers. The commission voted to approve. (Unanimous 7-0)
• Youth Planner Report: Kira, a youth planner, presented updates: grants distributed, poetry slam (April 28), career fair with Hampton High School (April 28), human trafficking forum planning, mental health forum (May 20), mock interview process, and a school board meeting. Commissioners commended the presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Minutes from February 17, 2022.
• Recommended approval (to City Council): Rezoning 20-00014 (Briarfield Road restaurant) with 7 conditions.
• Approved: Use Permit 21-00024 (Atlantic Machinery) with 7 conditions.
• Denied: Rezoning 21-00012 (Westview Landing apartments) – unanimous.
• Denied: Use Permit 22-0001 (Westview Landing apartments) – unanimous.
• Approved: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 22-00004 (improved surface definition).
• The meeting adjourned after the youth planner report.