Hampton Planning Commission Meeting Summary – September 22, 2022

The Hampton Planning Commission convened on September 22, 2022, for a regular meeting. The commission elected officers, approved minutes, received a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, conducted three public hearings, heard public comments on a future rezoning case, and received a report from the youth planner. All votes were recorded with roll call.

Consent Calendar

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair: Commissioner Kellum was nominated and unanimously elected Chair for a one-year term. Commissioner Harper was nominated and unanimously elected Vice Chair. Both elections passed by voice vote with all commissioners voting in favor.
• Approval of Minutes:
  • Minutes from the August 18, 2022 Planning Commission meeting were approved. Commissioner Garrison abstained; all other commissioners voted in favor.
  • Minutes from the August 10, 2022 special joint meeting (Planning Commission, City Council, Economic Development Authority, and Redevelopment and Housing Authority) were approved. Commissioner Garrison abstained; all others voted in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comments on Future Rezoning (750 Shell Road): Multiple residents spoke during the public comment period regarding the proposed rezoning of the former Virginia State School for the Deaf and Blind property for industrial/warehouse uses. Speakers expressed strong opposition and called for community-serving development such as housing, a youth center, green space, and preservation of the site's historical legacy.
  • Reverend John Kenny: Argued the proposal lacks equity in planning, perpetuates environmental injustice against a predominantly Black, low-income community, and should be rejected. He stated the community wants educational, cultural, or skill-building uses, not warehouses.
  • Ursula Barker, a 37-year resident of Green Briar Avenue: Protested the plan, citing traffic, drainage, and property value concerns. She requested new homes, a youth development center, a pharmacy, and a grocery store instead.
  • Aaron Weaver, a lifelong Hampton resident: Noted the community has consistently asked for mixed-use development since 2013, criticized the city's process, and asserted that job promises from the developer are unsubstantiated.
  • Karen Weaver, a 60-year resident: Emphasized the historical significance of the Virginia State School for the Deaf and Blind, stating it provided opportunities for disabled and minority citizens. She urged the commission to honor the site's legacy and reject industrial use.
  • Another resident (name not provided) spoke about environmental justice and the need for transparency in the property disposition process.

Discussion Items

• Parks and Recreation Master Plan Presentation: Alison Eubank, Parks Planner, presented an update on the draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The plan is a comprehensive update to the 1997 plan and includes community engagement, facility inventory, and a survey with 3,800 responses. Key findings include:

  • Most-used parks: Buckroe Beach, Sandy Bottom, Gosnold's Hope, and Bluebird Gap Farm.
  • Top priorities from residents: enhanced maintenance, improved communications, more lighting, and more programs.
  • Students expressed interest in adventure activities (rope courses, zip lines, dog parks) and Wi-Fi.
  • The plan proposes five draft goals: reinvest in infrastructure, improve programs and outreach, improve organizational operations, increase financial resources, and promote environmental stewardship.
  • Commissioners raised questions about equity across neighborhoods, non-family-friendly spaces, and public access to the presentation. The plan is expected to be brought before the commission for adoption in November 2022.

• Public Hearing: Use Permit 22-00007 (Restaurant at 2272/2274 Executive Drive): Staff recommended approval with 12 conditions, including extended hours (Sunday–Thursday 5 a.m.–12 a.m.; Friday–Saturday 5 a.m.–2 a.m.) and security required after 10 p.m. The applicant was not present. No public speakers. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

• Public Hearing: Use Permit 22-00008 (Private Preschool at 2845 North Armistead Ave, Suite C): Staff recommended approval with 7 conditions. Applicant Pastor Sheila Clark spoke in support, explaining the school serves 10 students and two staff, with no outdoor space but transportation provided for field trips. No opposition. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

• Public Hearing: Zoning Ordinance Amendment 22-00006 (Shelter Separation Requirements): Staff proposed reducing the separation requirement for orphanages and shelters from two miles to half a mile, and allowing legally established shelters to relocate once without meeting the separation requirement. Commissioner Garrison expressed concerns that the half-mile standard is arbitrary and that exempting relocations from a use permit could be problematic; she voted against. All other commissioners voted in favor, and the motion passed 4-1.

• Youth Planner Report: Kira, Senior Youth Planner, introduced Ayana Hollis as the new Junior Youth Planner. Ayana is a third-year student at Bethel High School. The report covered the youth commission's recent retreat, committee structure, and upcoming meetings, including a boat tour with the James River Association on September 24 and commission meetings on September 26 and October 3.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous election of Commissioner Kellum as Chair and Commissioner Harper as Vice Chair.
• Approved August 18 and August 10 minutes (with Commissioner Garrison abstaining on both).
• Approved Use Permit 22-00007 (unanimous) and Use Permit 22-00008 (unanimous).
• Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment 22-00006 (4-1, with Commissioner Garrison dissenting).
• The commission acknowledged public comments regarding the 750 Shell Road rezoning and noted that the application will be presented at a future meeting (anticipated October 2022).

Meeting adjourned after the youth report.