City Council Public Work Session - January 12, 2026

The War City of War (Portsmouth) convened its first public work session of 2026 to discuss major development initiatives, planning updates, and procedural changes. The meeting featured presentations on the Crawford Bay waterfront redevelopment agreement, an audit of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, a request for project-based housing vouchers, and a proposal to implement a new consent agenda process. Council members emphasized the need for strategic alignment, fiscal responsibility, and robust public engagement throughout the upcoming initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Not applicable: No items were placed on a formal consent calendar at this work session; the discussion focused entirely on the proposed procedural change to adopt a consolidated consent agenda for future meetings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Councilman Hugo expressed full support for extending the Crawford Bay project scope to include North Landing to better utilize waterfront property and proposed resolving water stage issues.
• Councilwoman Thomas requested clarification on whether the proposed 50% cost-sharing split between the City and EDA covers only solicitation costs or future project construction costs, expressing concern over potential financial impacts on Harbor Tower parking requirements.
• Vice Mayor Moody voiced strong support for maintaining public access to the waterfront and urged proactive communication with adjacent business neighbors regarding parking concerns.
• Councilman Dodson expressed support for the project's potential while cautioning against future developments where parking is not visible from residential units, advocating for "defensible housing" designs in subsequent proposals.
• Mayor Gavier noted that he has received positive feedback from community members regarding recent city improvements and encouraged the Council to project a unified, positive vision to the public.

Discussion Items

• Crawford Bay Waterfront Development Agreement: Mr. Brian Donahue presented the cooperation agreement between the City and Economic Development Authority (EDA). The proposal includes a 50% cost share (not exceeding $500,000) for solicitation and selection processes, covering current EDA expenses of $378,000. The site includes six acres (previously Holiday Inn and Harbor Court Garage) with plans for a 150+ room hotel, 60,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, and public amenities. Future construction costs and parking garage relocation will require separate negotiations. Public meetings are scheduled for January 28 and February 4, with a nationwide Request for Qualifications (RFQ) targeting February issuance.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Dr. Russell and Mr. Bill Lamfer presented the audit of the 2018 plan. Key findings indicate strong community priorities for public safety, school quality, and neighborhood beautification, alongside strengths in recreational opportunities and libraries. The audit recommends a 2040 Comprehensive Plan process involving an RFP release this winter, community engagement in spring/summer 2026, and draft refinement by late winter 2027. Councilman Hugo noted that transportation and walkability are dominant themes requiring future adaptation.
• Angell Apartments Project-Based Vouchers: Staff presented a request to authorize a public hearing for 9 Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority project-based vouchers. These vouchers will generate approximately $79,000 in additional operating revenue for the 39-unit multifamily development. The vouchers are not restricted to Norfolk residents but can be used by any qualifying tenant residing in Portsmouth. The extension of the conditional use permit is anticipated to be discussed at the February Planning Commission meeting and March City Council meeting.
• Consent Agenda Process: The City Clerk proposed revising the rules and procedures to implement a consent agenda for the City Council's regular business meetings. This would allow non-controversial City Manager items (primarily grants) to be voted on as a single block with one five-minute public comment period covering all items. However, any single Council member or a member of the public could request an item be removed for individual discussion. The proposal aims to streamline meetings for a business-focused approach while maintaining transparency.

Key Outcomes

• Agenda Item Authorization: The Council will vote on January 27, 2026, to authorize the City Manager's execution of the Crawford Bay cooperation agreement.
• Public Engagement Schedule: Two community engagement workshops confirmed for January 28 (downtown) and February 4 (Tidewater Community College) pending potential scheduling conflicts with the High Streets charrette.
• Next Meeting Status: The Council voted to move into a closed session pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(7) for consultation with legal counsel regarding litigation involving the Swinson Restaurant Group and workers' compensation jurisdiction claims (Case Numbers VA-0000001903647 and VA-02000040432).
• Procedural Next Steps: The revised rules and procedures regarding the consent agenda are scheduled for adoption at the next regular Council meeting after further review.