Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - May 19, 2022

The Hampton Planning Commission met on May 19, 2022, to consider a rezoning application, a use permit application, a youth planner report, and public comments. The commission denied a rezoning request for a vehicle repair shop, approved a use permit for a used car sales lot, and heard community concerns about a proposed industrial development on the former Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind property.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously after a motion and second.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rezoning RZ 21-0014 (53 Witch Creek Road): The applicant, Frank Michelle (owner of Michelle Properties LLC), spoke in favor of his request to rezone his property from M1 (Limited Manufacturing) to M2 (Light Manufacturing) to allow light vehicle repair. He emphasized his 17-year history in the area, his business's low environmental impact, and his investment in cleaning up the property. He also stated that a community meeting on May 17 had drawn four attendees, all in support.
• Commissioner discussions on the rezoning: Commissioners raised concerns about piecemeal rezoning, consistency with the community plan, and the potential precedent it would set. Staff explained that the property is part of a comprehensive M1 zoning district established in 1986, and that vehicle-related uses are not compatible with the intended vision for high-tech and research uses.
• Public Comments on the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind property: Several residents spoke against a proposed rezoning of the property (from residential to industrial) for a warehouse/light industrial facility. Reverend John Kenny, Angela Holloway, Nancy Williams, Aaron Weaver, and Claude Van III expressed opposition, citing environmental justice concerns, lack of community involvement, traffic congestion, air pollution, and the historical significance of the site. They urged the commission to reject any future application. Staff clarified that no formal application has been submitted yet, and outlined the future process for public input.

Discussion Items

• Rezoning Application RZ 21-0014: Staff recommended denial, citing the property's location in the Witch Creek Commerce Park, the community plan's business industrial designation, and the intent of the M1 district. The applicant argued that the M1 zoning is outdated and that his light repair business would be a good fit. Commissioners debated the issue, with some expressing sympathy for the applicant but ultimately agreeing that the rezoning would be piecemeal and inconsistent with long-range planning. A motion to deny was made and seconded.
• Use Permit Application 22-00004 (2469 West Pembroke Avenue): Staff recommended approval with 10 conditions for a used vehicle sales lot. The conditions include no vehicle storage, no outdoor storage, no repair, paving of the sales area, fencing/landscaping/lighting requirements, and a prohibition on storing vehicles not for sale. Commissioners asked about fencing and paving, and staff clarified that the conditions are designed to improve the site's appearance. The applicant did not speak, but the use permit was recommended for approval.
• Youth Planner Report: Kira Reed, junior youth planner, reported on recruitment (10 applications for new commissioners, replacing 9), a successful Poetry Slam on April 28, a career fair, and an upcoming safe space event on May 20 at the Sandy Bottom Nature Conference Center.

Key Outcomes

• Rezoning RZ 21-0014: The commission voted to deny the rezoning application. The vote was 6-0-1 (Mr. Harper abstained). The denial was based on inconsistency with the community plan and the desire to avoid piecemeal rezoning. The commission noted that a comprehensive review of the area could be considered during the upcoming community plan update.
• Use Permit 22-00004: The commission approved the use permit unanimously (all ayes) with the 10 conditions recommended by staff.
• Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind property: No formal application has been submitted. The commission acknowledged the public's concerns and stated that the process would include public hearings and notices once an application is filed. The commission also discussed that the city owns 75 acres and a private entity owns 25 acres of the property.
• Next Steps: The commission will incorporate the concerns about the Witch Creek Commerce Park area into its analysis during the upcoming community plan update.