Portsmouth City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting – February 10, 2026

The meeting began with a work session covering road and bridge maintenance, a right-of-way crew pilot, and code enforcement and neighborhood quality, followed by a regular council meeting that included three public hearings and non-agenda speakers. All votes were unanimous (7-0) on consent agenda and public hearing items.

Work Session: Road and Bridge Maintenance

• Gerard Roberts (Public Works) presented on pavement projects for FY2026 and FY2027.
• The city has 884 total lane miles: 188 primary (arterial) and 696 collector/local.
• Current Critical Condition Index (CCI) is 48 (out of 100); the regional average is 58, with Hampton leading at 71. Portsmouth ranks lowest among the seven cities.
• Prior to FY2026, annual road spending was $1.6 million. FY2026 budget is $5.4 million, but the department estimates $7 million is needed to be sustainable. FY2027 plans to increase to $7 million.
• FY2026 will pave 41 lane miles (4% of network); FY2027 plans 47 lane miles (5%). At $7 million/year, the CCI could improve from 48 to 52 over two years, aiming for a “path to 70.”
• Major corridors being addressed: Portsmouth Boulevard, Victory Boulevard, Hoffler Creek Parkway, and others. Neighborhood bundling (75% of budget) is prioritized alongside high-volume corridors.
• Bridges: The city manages five locally maintained bridges. The Churchland Bridge project is complete; Paradise Creek Bridge replacement (rating 4/6) is under construction and will start spring 2026 (18-month project); London Bridge steel repairs are in planning. All bridges are in fair condition.
• Council members raised concerns about quality assurance on utility cuts (e.g., Portsmouth Boulevard gas line repairs, Cedar Lane manholes) and the need for better oversight and inter-departmental coordination. Frederick Boulevard’s concrete joints and bumps were discussed; a temporary fix of grinding joints was suggested.
• Councilwoman Bryant noted the department should pursue available VDOT and other grants, though City Manager Carter cautioned about grant compliance timelines.

Work Session: Right-of-Way Crew Pilot

• Roberts proposed a new division for right-of-way maintenance, transitioning from reactive to proactive service.
• Scope includes mowing, herbicide application, litter control on primary and secondary roads (excluding residential tertiary roads and medians, which remain with Parks & Rec).
• Budget estimates: $600,000–$676,000 for staff, equipment, and chemicals.
• Timeline: immediate start, 90-day review, 180-day evaluation, with ongoing community impact assessments.
• Council members expressed strong support, emphasizing communication of schedules to civic leagues and coordinating with VDOT on interstate ramps. Collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office for inmate work crews was suggested.
• Councilman Dodson requested a report on downtown tree maintenance and height restrictions, and highlighted a specific overgrown intersection (Bob White and Portsmouth Boulevard).

Work Session: Code Enforcement and Neighborhood Quality

• Mike Moe (Permits and Inspections) presented on code enforcement operations.
• The city has 14 neighborhood inspectors covering 70 inspection areas patrolled weekly.
• In 2025: over 11,000 violations cited, 13,000 violations corrected; 1,700 complaints received (less than 12% of total violations); 393 were unfounded.
• C-click fix program: 702 cases in 2025, 539 closed, 163 open (down to 129 at time of presentation).
• Enforcement timelines: property maintenance – 30 days + 30 days; grass/weeds – 10 days + 10 days; inoperable vehicles – 10 days + 10 days; derelict structures – 90 days; demolition – 30 days plus legal notice.
• Challenges include identifying property owners, due process requirements, outdated technology (a new cloud-based system is expected later in 2026), and limited owner resources.
• Council discussed distinctions between grass and shrubbery (city can only cite grass over 10 inches; shrubbery cited only if it blocks egress or on vacant properties), parking on grass (zoning issue), outdoor storage (zoning), and code enforcement’s limitations (cannot enter occupied structures, cannot use drones/ladders, cannot regulate aesthetics except in historic districts).
• Councilwoman Thomas emphasized better public communication of expectations and use of social media.
• Councilman Tillis noted the need for cross-departmental collaboration and possibly consolidating inspection roles.

Consent Calendar

• Item A: Ordinance accepting $3,500 from Virginia Department of Social Services for Adult Services, appropriated to FY2026 Social Services Fund. Adopted 7-0.
• Item B: Ordinance accepting $35,073.91 from the Supreme Court of Virginia for specialty dockets grant, appropriated to FY2026 Behavioral Health Care Services Fund for the Adult Recovery Court. Adopted 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Luis Padilla (301 Chautauqua Ave): Urged council to close a claimed $6.7 million funding gap for Portsmouth Public Schools compensation study, referencing prior reappropriations of $30 million. Councilman Hugo responded that the compensation plan was already fully funded and that carryover funds were largely obligated. The city manager will follow up.
• Sheila Joseph (139 Grand St): Raised concerns about an aging transformer in the Fairville neighborhood that caused electrical issues in her home, and about a delayed neighborhood sign. She requested updates. City manager acknowledged receipt.
• Stephanie Lodi (address not stated): Alleged unfair and overly aggressive code enforcement targeting her property, including a debris notice for porch chairs and a contractor bid initiated before the correction period expired. She stated she was given vague notices and felt singled out. City Manager Carter explained the bidding process is standard to prepare for abatement if needed, but agreed to review the history of her case.
• Angela Parrish (non-resident, mother on Pinewell St): Complained about two 70,000-pound dump trucks and a tractor-trailer cabin parked on a cul-de-sac, causing noise and oil mess. She described intimidation of her 84-year-old mother and stated the issue has persisted for two years. Councilman Tillis noted prior complaints. City manager will investigate.

Public Hearings

UP25-13: Use Permit for Blunt Place (Multifamily Development)

• Applicant Bruce Watts (Woda Cooper Companies) proposed a 48-unit affordable housing complex at 3335 Victory Boulevard, named after the late Rev. Dr. Milton Blunt. Units: 7 one-bedroom, 30 two-bedroom, 11 three-bedroom; rents $855–$1,475; income limits 30–80% AMI. Amenities include elevators, computer lab, community room, universal design. Letters of support from Cavalier Manor Civic League and Church and Community in Action. Multiple public speakers expressed support, including civic league presidents and the widow of Dr. Blunt. Council praised the quality and workforce housing need. Adopted 7-0.

UP25-14: Use Permit for Safe Store Self-Storage Facility

• Applicant Rob Beaman (on behalf of Safe Store Real Estate) sought a use permit for a climate-controlled indoor self-storage facility at 2830 Airline Boulevard – a 2.3-acre vacant parcel (40+ years vacant). Investment: ~$12.5 million; new tax revenue: ~$100,000/year. Planning commission recommended denial citing concerns about need, but council noted the site’s odd shape and decades of vacancy. Applicant offered three free storage units for nonprofits and space for a police substation. Council members expressed support, and the permit was adopted 7-0. Discussion included fencing around a stormwater BMP (Best Management Practice) for safety; applicant agreed to work with staff.

Zoning Amendment: Renaming Innovation District to Link District

• Dr. Rhonda Russell (Planning) presented the ordinance to rename the Innovation Overlay District to the Link District and update permitted uses and design standards. Key changes: prohibit drive-throughs, convenience stores, single-family detached, vehicle sales, and other uses; permit makerspaces, commissary kitchens, and mixed-use development. The amendment aligns with the Innovation District Master Plan adopted a year ago and incorporates lessons from a Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. Public comments from Tony Goodwin supported the changes and suggested adding e-commerce and food hub uses. Council discussed inclusion of the word “innovation” in the name; Vice Mayor Moody favored keeping “innovation” for marketing. The ordinance was adopted 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• All three public hearing items (Blunt Place, Safe Store, Link District) were adopted by 7-0 votes.
• Consent agenda adopted 7-0.
• Council directed the city manager to follow up on non-agenda speaker concerns: school funding, transformer and sign issues, code enforcement case history, and dump truck parking on Pinewell Street.
• Work session presentations informed council of infrastructure needs and upcoming budget requests; council encouraged proactive public communication and inter-departmental coordination.