Virginia Beach City Council Meeting – September 24, 2025

The council received updates on a major interstate interchange project, the draft 2026 legislative agenda, and upcoming planning items. Deliberations included funding challenges, pedestrian safety, a proposed charter amendment, and community concerns about flooding and senior services.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were identified in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No separate public comment period is recorded; comments were made during council discussions.

Discussion Items

I-264 Independence Boulevard Interchange Project Update

• Staff and consultants presented the recommended preferred alternative (Alternative 3) for the interchange access report, which eliminates two loop ramps, adds a flyover, grade-separates Bonnie/Euclid intersection, and extends a two-lane ramp. Total project cost is estimated at $665.6 million (including inflation to 2032). HRTAC has identified $207 million in funding. The project is phased into three phases (~$240M, ~$179M, ~$247M). Benefit-cost ratio is extremely high: $15 billion in time-delay savings over 20 years.
• Councilmembers expressed support but also raised concerns: Councilmember Michael asked about pedestrian/bicycle connectivity and the need for sidewalks throughout the area; Councilmember Amelia questioned weaving elimination and traffic volumes; Councilmember Stacey asked about phase-specific costs and funding availability. The project is not yet fully funded; HRTAC will determine next steps. Councilmember Michael also stressed preserving north-south connectivity for the Virginia Beach Trail and urged inclusion of a pedestrian bridge across I-264. Councilmember Josh emphasized ensuring the north phase does not preclude future trail or transit options.

Draft 2026 General Assembly Legislative Agenda

• Brent McKenzie presented the draft agenda, which includes policy priorities (affordable housing, local land‑use control, education funding, energy policy, collective bargaining local option, flooding, transportation, etc.), a charter amendment, eight code amendments, and five budget requests.
• Charter Amendment (2.03): Would require a three‑fourths council supermajority to extend city services south of the blue line. Councilmember Henley opposed, arguing it creates a path for development rather than a hard stop. Councilmember Michael noted the current path already exists and the amendment would make it harder. Vice Mayor Wilson and Councilmember Stacey supported it as a protective measure for the agricultural reserve. The mayor noted it will require three‑fourths of council to be adopted.
• Code Amendments: Included Airbnb notification, cancer screening grants for public safety, fire program fund increase, utility spot‑marking in tourism districts, Marsh Terrace environmental permitting legislation, Menhaden fishing study, and “pop‑up event zone” enforcement authority. Councilmember Josh asked about collaboration with other cities on the pop‑up zone proposal.
• E‑bike Regulation: Councilmember Stacey called e‑bike safety a top constituent concern. Staff will present a separate briefing on existing local authority and potential additional regulations.
• Collective Bargaining Local Option: Council debated adding language to preserve local option. Councilmember Michael, Vice Mayor Wilson, Councilmember Rosemary supported the item; Councilmember Hutch and Councilmember Jeff opposed, viewing it as a settled issue or unnecessary. Mayor said more discussion will occur before final vote.
• Budget Requests: Included $250,000 for the aquarium stranding program (Councilmember Michael suggested asking for $450,000) and $250,000 for courthouse renovation; Council will decide on final amounts.

Planning Items Update (October 7 & 21 Agendas)

• Caitlin Alcott briefed council on 11 items for October 7 and 6 for October 21, including rezoning for multifamily near Burton Station, pickleball courts, religious use, alternative residential development, dirt bike track (with conditions and 8‑1 vote), firewood facility, wildlife rehabilitation, short‑term rental, and several automotive‑related CUPs in the Rosemont SGA. Councilmember Hutch recused from items involving Priority Automotive due to a prior affiliation.
• Notable: The dirt bike track at Blackwater Road received 22 letters of support and 2 opposition; Planning Commission modified conditions to allow up to 20 camps per year and removed a concrete‑apron requirement. The bulk storage yard at Hugh Dome Way (District 2) was opposed by ITA committee but supported by VBDA and Planning Commission (7‑3). Staff recommended conditions including an 11‑foot shared‑use path.

Council Comments and Concerns

• Flooding Aftermath: Councilmember Michael discussed the severe flooding from a September storm, noting that while structural flooding was limited, road flooding and property damage occurred. He urged more transparent communication on flood protection progress and acceleration of short‑term measures. Councilmember Stacey requested a link to the slide deck from the Oversight Board presentation. Councilmember Amelia noted media coverage helped visibility. The city’s flood protection program (bond referendum) has accelerated projects from 2040/2050 to 2031 completion; permanent pumps at Windsor Woods expected by 2030.
• Senior Services: Councilmember Kashe highlighted food insecurity and lack of transportation for seniors at three facilities in College Park (Sands, Jamestown Commons, The Village). She requested city resources and called for reinstating listening sessions. Mayor suggested engaging the Mayor’s Commission on Aging.
• Shore Drive Construction: Councilmember Stacey reported major CIP work has begun; constituents were not adequately notified. She recommended sending postcards to affected areas and using “Ripple Effect” signs. Councilmember Josh supported better corridor signage.
• Other: Councilmember Josh promoted the Symphony by the Sea concert and the NAS Oceana Air Show, noting over 300,000 attendees. Councilmember Amelia distributed a new African American heritage tour guide “Trail of Trials and Triumphs.” Mayor noted upcoming Philfest and the Wildfowl Museum’s 30th anniversary.

Key Outcomes

• I‑264 Project: Council received the update; no formal vote. The preferred alternative will be taken to the public for feedback. Funding shortfall remains; HRTAC will decide if it fits their program. Council directed staff to consider pedestrian/bicycle enhancements and to coordinate with VDOT on a potential pedestrian bridge over I‑264.
• Legislative Agenda: Council will hold a public hearing on October 7, receive final guidance on October 14, and adopt on October 21. The charter amendment and collective bargaining local option will be voted on separately. Council directed staff to bring back a dedicated e‑bike regulation presentation.
• Planning Items: All items on the October 7 and 21 agendas are pending council votes at those meetings. No decisions were made at this meeting.
• Flood Communication: Council requested staff to improve public updates, share slide decks online, and explore additional short‑term mitigation measures.
• Closed Session: Council voted unanimously (10‑0) to recess into closed session for personnel matters and appointments.