Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – April 20, 2023
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Hampton Planning Commission Meeting – April 20, 2023
The Hampton Planning Commission convened on April 20, 2023, at 2:30 PM. The meeting opened with a tribute to Commissioner Michael Harper, who recently passed away, followed by the approval of a resolution honoring his service. Commissioners approved the minutes of the February 16, 2023, meeting and conducted a public hearing on a use permit application for a restaurant and live entertainment venue. The meeting also included a youth planner report and farewell remarks to the retiring Planning Director, Terry O'Neill.
Consent Calendar
- Resolution Honoring Commissioner Michael Harper: Unanimously approved (6 ayes). The resolution recognized Harper's service on the commission from November 2020 to April 2023, including his role as Vice Chair, and his dedication to the Aberdeen community and youth initiatives.
- Approval of Minutes (February 16, 2023): Unanimously approved (6 ayes).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Ava Green (representing the Peninsula Town Center Property Owners Association) spoke on Use Permit 22‑00010. She raised concerns about:
- The site plan incorrectly showing retail across from the applicant's building when the ground floor has been permitted as multifamily since May 2021.
- Vacant building suites (104, 106, 132, 133) that would remain unoccupied due to parking constraints.
- A lack of a detailed security plan, given recent safety concerns in the area.
- Potential traffic and safety issues from Uber Eats/Grubhub pickups.
- Whether outdoor dining had been applied for (staff noted it was not part of the application).
- Overall parking and traffic impacts.
Discussion Items
- Tribute to Commissioner Michael Harper: Chair Callum opened with personal remarks, followed by Commissioner Bond and Harper. Staff presented and read a resolution enumerating Harper's contributions; the commission approved it unanimously.
- Use Permit 22‑00010 – The Rhythm Room (1471 Merchant Lane): Staff Planner Davis Pemberton presented the application for a 6,000 sq ft restaurant (3,800 sq ft dining) with a 180 sq ft indoor live entertainment area. Proposed hours: Mon–Sat 12 PM–12 AM, Sun 11 AM–5 PM; entertainment hours 6–11 PM Mon–Sat, 1–4 PM Sun. Staff recommended approval with 13 conditions, including longer permitted hours (5 AM–12 AM Sun–Thu, 5 AM–2 AM Fri–Sat).
- Commissioner questions focused on:
- Parking: The applicant will leave adjacent suites vacant to meet parking requirements. Staff noted the Peninsula Town Center parking allocation is a broader issue among multiple property owners.
- Security: Staff’s conditions already include security plan requirements.
- Vacant spaces: Commissioners expressed concern about empty storefronts and suggested the building owner consider decorative window treatments; staff agreed to pass along the suggestion.
- The public hearing was closed after Ms. Green’s testimony. The commission voted unanimously to approve the use permit with 13 conditions.
- Commissioner questions focused on:
- Youth Planner Report: Ayana Hollis presented on behalf of the Hampton Youth Commission, covering past events (grant recipient site visit, meeting with Police Chief Mark Talbot), committee updates (Grants, Community Participation, Youth Voice), recruitment efforts (lunch visits at high schools, interview date May 5), and upcoming events. No action taken.
- Farewell to Planning Director Terry O'Neill: Commissioners and staff expressed gratitude for O'Neill's 40 years of service. Several commissioners shared personal anecdotes, highlighting his commitment to community engagement, knowledge, and leadership. O'Neill thanked the commission and staff, noting that Deputy Director Bonnie will succeed him on May 13.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution for Michael Harper: Approved unanimously (6 ayes).
- Minutes of February 16, 2023: Approved unanimously (6 ayes).
- Use Permit 22‑00010 (The Rhythm Room): Approved with 13 conditions (unanimous, 6 ayes). The decision is a recommendation to Hampton City Council.
- Youth Planner Report: Received as information.
- Retirement Recognition: Terry O'Neill’s service was acknowledged; his last day is May 12, 2023.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. Like to call to order the um planning commission meeting for April 20th, 2023. And please, if you would call the role. Miss Brooks. Present. Dr. Coleman, present. Miss Garrison. Present. Miss Harper. Present. Mr. Bond. Present. Chair Callum. Present. Thank you. I'd like to just take this opportunity to recognize one of our commissioners who is not with us today. And very ablely, one of our community members who has served throughout the community without any reservations, doing everything he can to make it better. This whole family has done that over the years. And he has passed. The services are on this Saturday visitation tomorrow. And just want to make the resignation the notification that if anyone has not been aware. And I'd like just to share something with you from me personally, and then perhaps other commissioners might make brief comments. It will not matter that you owned or what you were owed, or your grudges, or your resentments, or your frustrations and jealousies, and will finally disappear. So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away, and it won't matter where you come from. So what will matter? And this attributes to Michael. What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built, not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is not your competence but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories that live on in those who loved you and worked with you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered and for what? Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It only happens by choice. And again, that honor, in my opinion, is Michael, and everything that I personally, and it's only been about few years that Michael had been a part of my life as a member of this commission board. So they're up, might like to just speak briefly or have any comments, or I know that Terry is going to be presenting. We will be presenting a resolution from our board, but the significance of his contributions are untold. Yes. And uh condolences to his family and all the work that he did for the community in Aberdeen and the work that he did as a planning commissioner. Any others? Dave. Just very briefly, Madam Chair. Um first of all this is to Michael's family. And Michael was not only a pillar of the community, but he was the best kind of citizen. Anyone who knew Michael knew that he had some medical and physical challenges, but they never stopped him from taking action. As a city official, I truly appreciated Michael because we had very open, open and honest conversations.
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