Hampton Planning Commission Meeting - January 19, 2023

The Hampton Planning Commission met on January 19, 2023, to consider two major rezoning and use permit applications: the redevelopment of the former Lincoln Park Housing Development site and amendments for the Hampton Yacht Club. The meeting also included a briefing on the FY24 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and updates from the youth planner and community development department.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from December 15, 2022, with a correction. Commissioner noted an interpretation regarding license plate review by the Coliseum Central Business Improvement District vs. police department. Motion to approve with corrections passed unanimously (6 ayes, 1 abstention from Chair Killen).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public speakers signed up for either of the two major agenda items (Lincoln Park and Yacht Club). The public hearings were closed without testimony.

Discussion Items

• FY24 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) Briefing: Budget Division's Lori Green presented the CIP process. The city uses a five-year plan, with the first year included in the manager's recommended budget. Funding sources include bonds, general fund, dedicated fees, and state/federal funds. Challenges include unfunded mandates and maintaining existing infrastructure. Next steps include stakeholder meetings, city council budget retreat in February, manager's budget by April 15, and council adoption by May 10.
• Lincoln Park Redevelopment (Rezoning 22-00008 & Use Permit 22-00011): Staff presented a proposal by Old Hampton Village Developers LLC to rezone 16 parcels (approx. 22.78 acres) from RM to DT1 (Downtown Business) with proffered conditions. The plan includes 380–350 multifamily units, 118–110 townhomes, and 6,000 sq ft of commercial space (including a daycare). A use permit is required because the proposal deviates from by-right multifamily standards (e.g., 15% fenestration instead of 20%, 9-ft ceilings instead of 10-ft). Staff recommended approval. The applicant (Ross Fierra) emphasized the project's multi-generational housing, community amenities (pool, clubhouse, dog park), and 50 bicycle parking spaces. Commissioners questioned pricing (townhomes $325k–$350k, rents $1,200–$2,100), age-restricted housing (55+ active living, market rate), and integration with surrounding neighborhoods. Commissioner noted the lack of grocery stores in the area. No public comment. Motion to approve rezoning with 12 proffer conditions and use permit with 5 conditions passed unanimously (7 ayes).
• Hampton Yacht Club (Rezoning 22-00011 & Use Permit 22-00018): Staff presented a proposal to rezone three parcels (0.5 acres) from R13 and DT2 to DT2 with conditions, and a use permit for a marina. The yacht club has existed since 1926. The plan includes relocating a historic cannon to preserve viewsheds, a new entrance with brick pillars and see-through fencing, and potential improvements to parking and plaza areas. No new buildings are allowed. Staff recommended approval with 8 proffer conditions and 10 use permit conditions. The applicant (Larry Cumming) showed a conceptual rendering. Commissioners clarified the cannon's history and that access remains open. No public comment. Motion to approve both items passed unanimously (7 ayes).
• Youth Planner Report: Ayanna Hollis, a junior youth planner from Bethel High School, reported on December events: a collaborative New Year's event (Let It Glow) with Newport News' mayoral youth group, a grants committee meeting, and judging school door decorations. Upcoming events include a grants hearing on January 23 and various committee meetings.
• Living Shoreline Funding Opportunity: Allison Jacura, zoning administrator, announced a new program offering up to $30,000 (80% of project cost) for property owners to install living shorelines. Funds come from the wetlands board's mitigation fees. The city is the first in Hampton Roads to offer such a program. Soils and Water Conservation District manages funding; some up-front pre-payment available up to $15,000. Eligibility based on fetch (less than 1.5 miles of open water for wave action). Residents can contact Allison for site visits.
• Community Plan Update: Terry O'Neill announced a public meeting on February 15, 2023, at Mary Jackson Neighborhood Center for the strategic plan component of the 2040 Hampton Community Plan. Seven citizen steering groups will present draft work for comment.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Minutes of December 15, 2022, approved with correction.
• Lincoln Park Redevelopment Approved: Rezoning 22-00008 and Use Permit 22-00011 approved unanimously. The project will bring 380+ multifamily units, 118 townhomes, and 6,000 sq ft of commercial space to the former Lincoln Park site.
• Hampton Yacht Club Approvals: Rezoning 22-00011 and Use Permit 22-00018 approved unanimously. The club may proceed with site improvements including new entrance, parking reorganization, and cannon relocation, while maintaining views to the water.