City of Hampton Planning Commission and City Council Meeting - December 14, 2023

The December 14, 2023 meeting of the City of Hampton began with the Planning Commission session, where commissioners considered deferrals of short-term rental use permits and approved two use permits. The City Council session followed, featuring recognitions, consent agenda actions, an update on short-term rental policy, and a public hearing on a proposed apartment development.

Planning Commission: Deferrals (Consent Calendar)

• Use permit applications 23-0280, 23-0352, and 23-0353 (short-term rentals) were each deferred unanimously to the March 2024 Planning Commission meeting, pending City Council guidance on density and future regulations.
• Use permit application 23-0350 (Hampton University private university at 2 Eaton Street) was deferred unanimously to the January 2024 Planning Commission meeting due to an early advertisement.

Planning Commission: Public Hearings & Voting Items

• Item 7 – Karma Restaurant and Lounge (23-0312): Approved unanimously with 12 conditions to expand hours of operation (Sunday–Thursday 4 pm–10 pm; Friday–Saturday 4 pm–2 am) and indoor live entertainment (Friday–Saturday 7 pm–2 am) at 87 Lincoln Street. Staff recommended approval.
• Item 8 – Cemetery Expansion (23-0351): Approved unanimously with 7 conditions for the Hampton Veterans Memorial Garden expansion (0.85 acres) at Coliseum Drive and Hampton Roads Center Parkway. Staff recommended approval; the applicant did not speak.

Planning Commission: Director’s Report

• Youth Planner Hollis reported: The annual Hampton Youth Commission grants hearing will be held December 18, 2023, in Council Chambers. Approximately 15 applicants applied; four were deferred to HCS Academy representatives. Funding per applicant will be reduced from $2,500 due to higher volume. Upcoming events include a joint stakeholder meeting January 8, 2024, and an executive commission meeting January 22, 2024.

City Council: Recognitions

• Commander’s Public Service Award: Presented by Colonel Matthew Waltman to Bruce Stirk for 15 years of service as director of federal facilities, including securing $12 million in land acquisition and supporting the F-22 training squadron relocation.
• Work Life Program: Reverend Charles Cheek highlighted the program’s impact, featuring success stories of participants (e.g., Kenisha, Christina, Sam J, Tabitha) who gained employment, housing, and stability. The program partners with police, workforce council, and other agencies.
• Mayor’s Holiday Card Contest: Winners from each Hampton high school (Momo Esh of Bethel, Liza of Hampton, Riley Broker of Kecoughtan, McKenzie Williams of Phoebus) were recognized for their artwork used on holiday cards.
• City Attorney Sharon Ivory: The council adopted a resolution commending her over five years of service. Council members and City Manager Mary Bunting expressed gratitude; Ms. Ivory thanked the staff and council.

City Council: Consent Agenda & Motions

• Agenda Amendment: Unanimously added motions for an interim city attorney appointment and the Ivory resolution.
• Interim City Attorney: Stephen D. Bond was appointed interim city attorney, effective December 30, 2023 (unanimous).
• Budget Adjustments: Councilwoman Mugler recused herself from voting on Department 140 (Commissioner of the Revenue) adjustments due to her spouse’s role; the item was voted separately and approved (Mugler abstained). The remaining fiscal year 2023 year-end budget adjustments were approved unanimously.
• Deferral of Minutes: Minutes from the November 8, 2023 downtown Hampton Business District meeting, November 9, 2023 Hampton City Schools Community Priorities Workshop, and November 18, 2023 Aberdeen Gardens meeting were deferred to the January 10, 2024 City Council meeting (unanimous).
• Remaining Consent Items: Approved unanimously: first quarter FY2024 budget adjustments, lease agreement with School Board for Rupert Sargent Building, housekeeping ordinance amendments (Tidal Wetlands Act), and minutes of four City Council meetings.

City Council: Short-Term Rental Update

• Staff reported that the City Council deferred all pending short-term rental use permits to the February 28, 2024 meeting. A stakeholder group formed on December 7, 2023, will meet over subsequent weeks to develop recommendations.

City Council: Public Hearing – Rezoning and Use Permit for Coliseum Center LLC

• Items 7 & 8 (23-0316 and 23-0317): Chief Planner Donald Whipple presented a proposal by Coliseum Center LLC to rezone approximately 4.88 acres at 1909 Commerce Drive from limited commercial (C2) to multifamily residential (MD4) and to obtain a use permit for multifamily dwellings. The plan includes a five-story apartment building with 382 units (60% studios, rest one- and two-bedroom), a parking garage with bike storage and EV charging, courtyards, a pool, dog park, and wellness center. The property is in the Coliseum Central District; the concept aligns with the Coliseum South Initiative. The transcript ended before council discussion or a vote.

Key Outcomes

• Planning Commission: Unanimous approvals of two use permits (Karma Restaurant and cemetery expansion) and deferrals of four applications to future meetings (three to March 2024, one to January 2024).
• City Council: Appointed an interim city attorney; approved all consent agenda items with one recusal; recognized multiple individuals and organizations; and held a public hearing on a major rezoning (vote not recorded in provided transcript). The short-term rental policy development process is ongoing with a stakeholder group.