Portsmouth City Council Work Session – May 11, 2026

The Portsmouth City Council held a work session on May 11, 2026, beginning at approximately 10:30 AM. The meeting focused on updates from the Economic Development Authority (EDA) on several major development initiatives, including the Crawford Bay Waterfront Development, the Link District redevelopment, temporary activation of vacant properties, and a new small business loan program. Council members discussed evaluation criteria for developers, property acquisition progress, blight remediation strategies, and next steps for implementation. The session also included preparations for the upcoming budget adoption meeting and a motion to convene a closed session for legal consultation.

Crawford Bay Waterfront Development

• The EDA presented an update on the Crawford Bay project, a six-acre waterfront site along the Elizabeth River. Over 300 residents participated in two in-person community engagement sessions, expressing desire for green spaces, dining, and a unique experience that honors Portsmouth's maritime identity.
• A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on March 4, 2026, with responses due May 7, 2026. The number of respondents was not disclosed. Evaluation criteria include 15 points for project team structure and MWBE participation, 30 points for relevant experience, 30 points for financial capacity, and 25 points for vision alignment.
• Council discussion included concerns about the MWBE scoring being lumped within the project team category; Councilwoman Thomas requested separate scoring for future evaluation. Councilman Dodson expressed a preference for developing the western parcel as a quiet residential area rather than active retail, but other members noted community feedback at public sessions had specifically asked for activity at that parcel.
• The evaluation schedule anticipates shortlisting developers by May 29, 2026, and presenting a recommendation to council by December 2026. Council members requested regular updates before December for transparency.
• Vice Mayor Moody emphasized the importance of financial capacity, citing past failed developments. The mayor highlighted the successful casino project as a blueprint for this process.

Link District Updates

• The EDA reported on property acquisitions along High Street, including 1028 High Street, 1013 Queen Street (demolition nearly complete), 1117-1121 High Street (roof repairs underway), 1220 High Street (planned coffee shop), 934 High Street (needing more interior work than anticipated), and 817-823 High Street (recent acquisition, demolition planned by end of calendar year).
• Councilwoman Bryant noted that the 817-823 block could accommodate a hotel and possibly parking to support walkability. Councilman Hugley suggested obtaining data on extended-stay demand from the naval shipyard and hospital to make the case for a hotel.
• Councilman Dodson raised a property access issue at the end of Peninsula Street, where a railroad right-of-way prevents an investor from accessing their property. The EDA and city attorney offered to investigate with Norfolk Southern or CSX.

Temporary Activation of Vacant EDA/City Land

• The EDA presented ideas for activating vacant properties short-term, such as container parks, garden spaces, and fire pit areas, citing a visit to a container park in Richmond.
• Councilwoman Bryant suggested a dog park as a desired amenity for new apartment and townhouse residents. Councilman Dodson recommended a permanent indoor art space like Miami's mural mart to sell artist prints.
• A broader discussion on blighted properties ensued. Councilman Tillage noted the city already has a vacant property ordinance (Chapter 17, Article 3) but lacks enforcement. He proposed requiring property owners to register vacancies, with city staff providing regular updates and support.
• City Attorney Challenger confirmed a memo was recently sent to council outlining legal options, but emphasized the need for adequately staffed code enforcement departments. City Manager Carter stated the assessor's office is reviewing processes and an ordinance revision is expected at the next council meeting.

Small Business Loan Program

• The EDA launched a revolving loan fund in partnership with Bridging Virginia, capitalized with $250,000 from EDA budget plus $100,000 for administrative services. The program targets small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
• Ten businesses have been referred, with two currently in underwriting. Loans over $25,000 require Capital Access Committee review; loans over $50,000 need EDA board approval.
• Council members praised the program, noting it addresses capital access and education for small businesses. Commissioner Saundersmith highlighted the need for better communication with civic leagues to connect citizens with local businesses and apprenticeship opportunities.

Key Outcomes

• Development Process: The council will receive regular updates on Crawford Bay and Link District progress; a third community meeting is planned for June after shortlisting developers.
• Blight Enforcement: City staff will present a revised vacant property ordinance at the next council meeting to improve accountability and enforcement.
• Budget Adoption: The council confirmed the general fund budget, including $90 million for schools, will be adopted at the May 12 business meeting. State budget uncertainty may require a later amendment for school spending.
• Firefighter Staffing: City Manager Carter clarified that 11 vacant budgeted firefighter positions, once filled, will allow the department to meet standards for four-person truck crews.
• 988 Crisis Line Signs: The city is already fabricating signs to promote the national suicide prevention line, with installation underway.
• Political Signs: Council reached consensus to enforce Virginia Code prohibiting signs on public right-of-way, meaning no signs will be placed on city property, reversing a previous policy allowing signs on City Hall grounds.
• Closed Session: The council voted unanimously to enter closed session under Virginia Code 2.2-3711(A)(8) for legal consultation and 2.2-3711(A)(1) for discussion of appointments. No actions were reported upon return.
• Jubilation Statue Installation: The statue is in place, with a ribbon-cutting targeted for May 20, 2026.