Public Meetings - Virginia Beach, Virginia

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission convened on June 19, 2026, for an informal session in the morning followed by a formal public hearing in the afternoon. The commission considered a wide range of items including zoning ordinance amendments, subdivision variances, conditional use permits, rezonings, and short-term rental applications. Key discussions centered on a proposed group home expansion, a mixed-use development on Shore Drive, and several short-term rental permits. The commission recommended approval for most consent items and several contested applications, denied one, and deferred multiple items. Consent Calendar - Items 1-5 (Zoning Ordinance Amendments) – Adopted updates to comply with state legislation regarding solar facilities (HB 711), building-mounted antennas (HB 876), parking reductions near transit (HB 888), small lot residential (HB 1212), and mobile homes (HB 1463). All approved unanimously. - Item 6 – Subdivision variance for 1117 Beautiful Street to correct a 1954 subdivision error. Approved unanimously. - Item 8 – Modification of conditions for a home occupation (gunsmithing) at 1492 Back Bay Landing Road. Approved with a condition modification clarifying gun transfers. - Items 15-16 – Conditional rezoning and conditional use permit for an automobile repair garage at 3388 Dam Neck Road. Approved unanimously. - Items 17-18 – Conditional use permits for an adult daycare facility at 215 and 241 Expressway Court. Approved unanimously. - Item 19 – Conditional use permit for a food truck (open air market) at 549 Newtown Road. Approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 10 (Westminster Canterbury parking garage) – No public speakers; commission heard applicant's presentation. - Item 11 (City rezoning on Upton Drive) – One speaker in support (Bob Kugler, South Shore Estates Civic League) highlighted community desire for preservation. - Items 13-14 (Shore Drive condos and commercial) – Nine speakers total; two in support (Dave Redmond, Terry Browning) and six in opposition (Kim Mayo, Wendy Crutchfield, John Moss, Martha Thoreau, Mary Reisemeyer, Leslie Colbertson), plus neutral statement from Ocean Park Civic League. Opposition cited density, traffic, flooding, and precedent. - Item 20 (Group home expansion) – Thirteen speakers; 12 opposed, one in support. Opponents raised parking hazards, safety, and commercial nature; supporters highlighted compassionate care. - Items 21-24 (Short-term rentals) – Multiple speakers opposed, citing parking congestion, noise, and neighborhood character. Discussion Items - Item 9 (Short-term rental parking modification) – Applicant Jason Cox sought to add a third parking space within right-of-way. Staff confirmed policy allows counting right-of-way parking if it does not impede traffic. Approved on consent at formal hearing. - Item 10 (Westminster Canterbury parking garage) – Applicant presented four-level, 340-space garage. Commission added conditions from Bayfront Advisory Commission: protect live oaks, replace damaged trees with minimum 4-inch caliper, and applicant committed to restoring ADA beach access. Approved 10-0-1 (Plumley abstained). - Item 11 (City rezoning from R7.5 to P1 Preservation) – City real estate agent explained the 1.68-acre parcel was acquired in 1985. Civic league president supported preservation. Commission debated housing need vs. hospice house buffer and easement constraints. Approved unanimously. - Items 13-14 (Shore Drive mixed-use condos) – Applicant highlighted community outreach resulting in reduction from 197 apartments to 52 for-sale condos. Public works director clarified stormwater pump station location is not finalized. Commission discussed density (23.6 units/acre), height deviations, traffic, and stormwater. Approved 10-0-1 (Plumley abstained). - Item 20 (Group home expansion from 8 to 14 residents) – Owner Charlene Livers testified to five-year record of care. Neighbors reported parking overflow, ambulance delays, and safety risks. Applicant willing to add parking and signage. Commission denied 7-4, citing insufficient parking and neighborhood burden. - Items 21-24 (Short-term rentals) – All four applications were within the STR overlay. Commissioners approved three (items 22, 23, 24) and one (item 21) – one commissioner voted against citing neighborhood disruption. Approved 10-1, 9-1, 9-1 respectively. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda – All 12 consent items approved unanimously (items 1-6, 8, 15-19). - Item 7 – Deferred 30 days at applicant's request. - Items 12 and 25 – Deferred indefinitely. - Item 9 – Recommended approval. - Item 10 – Recommended approval with additional landscaping conditions. - Item 11 – Recommended approval. - Items 13-14 – Recommended approval. - Item 20 – Recommended denial (7-4). - Items 21-24 – Recommended approval (votes: 10-1, 10-1, 9-1, 9-1). - New Business – Commission voted 10-0 to request a 60-day extension from City Council to consider the short-term rental boundary overlay; parking amendment will proceed to July meeting. - Site Visit Abstentions – Commissioners Cromwell, Kiffin, Maush, Morjani, and Plumley abstained from voting on site visit minutes. - Meeting Schedule – Staff presented analysis showing moving the commission's hearing date would disrupt City Council timelines; commission decided to maintain current schedule.

The Virginia Beach City Council met on June 17, 2026, to receive briefings on two major initiatives: the proposed sale and redevelopment of Virginia Beach National Golf Course and an update to the Interfacility Traffic Area (ITA) Master Plan. The Council also approved the consent agenda, heard public testimony on a hotel project, and made appointments to various boards and commissions. Consent Calendar - Approved a consent agenda that included capital improvement program amendments for stormwater projects, renewal of EMS agency permits, a franchise agreement for a pedal cab service, readoption of remote participation policy, appointments of three reviewers for street/alley closures, extension of conditions for a right-of-way closure, authorization for the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) to use up to $1.9 million for pre-development of a parking facility, temporary encroachment permits, appropriation of funds for fire apparatus and from the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund for two companies (Acoustical Sheet Metal and Zim American Integrated Shipping), acceptance of grant funds for opioid abatement, law enforcement equipment, primary election expenses, and EMS personnel costs, and approval of 16 planning items (variances and conditional use permits) on consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Lyndol Stone (Commonwealth Lodging) expressed strong support for the Hotel Indigo project at 2809 Atlantic Avenue, stating it aligns with the resort area strategic plan, will generate approximately $10 million in new annual taxable sales, and create 45–75 year-round jobs, with no upfront city capital required. - Holly Martier asked whether the project would cost the city extra money. Councilmember Remick explained it is funded entirely through future new sales tax revenue, not from existing city funds or additional taxes. - Vancat El Swapu opposed the Hotel Indigo project, arguing that the $5 million “loan” from VBDA is effectively a grant repaid only through foregone sales tax, meaning the city will receive zero new sales tax revenue from the hotel while providing taxpayer money to the developer. Discussion Items - Virginia Beach National Golf Course – RFP and Proposed Sale: Economic Development Director Emily Archer briefed the Council on the history, current condition (deteriorating, needing $7.7 million in capital repairs), and the RFP process that resulted in selecting Dragus Companies. The proposal includes a $17.9 million purchase price, $38 million private investment in the golf course (designed by Pete Dye protégé Timothy Liddy), 659 mixed-income housing units (over half at or below 120% AMI), a child care facility, and 45 acres of preserved woodlands. The city would invest $7.9 million upfront for public infrastructure and a contingency, recouped via future tax revenue (estimated $3.4 million annually). Councilmembers expressed strong support, noting no houses on fairways, a 99-year repurchase option, and affordable golf rates ($69 in-season, $49 off-season). Councilmember Barbara Henley raised concerns about traffic, drainage, soil suitability, noise from Oceana, and the lack of early public input. Councilmember Henley clarified that the proposal is just the beginning of a public process with future rezoning hearings. The Council directed staff to proceed to a public hearing and then to a vote. - ITA Master Plan Update: Clay Dills presented an update to the ITA Master Plan, covering sports tourism (new tournament baseball complex, multi-use championship field, cross-country course, and disc golf), light industrial/flex development, and agriculture/open space preservation. Key projections: phase one sports tourism ($62.8 million public investment) could generate 125,000 annual room nights and $3.36 million in annual taxes; phase one industrial ($26.4 million for roads and stormwater) could yield 1,148 jobs and $1.2 million in annual taxes. Councilmembers discussed the need to balance economic development with environmental and community character. Barbara Henley questioned the need for industrial uses in the ITA, noted that corporate landing still has undeveloped land, and emphasized the importance of the cross-country course as low-hanging fruit. Others, including the Mayor, stressed the growing demand for defense-related industrial space. The Council voted to forward the plan to the Planning Commission for further consideration. Key Outcomes - Virginia Beach National Golf Course: Council accepted the proposed terms and directed staff to schedule a public hearing, with a future vote on the sale. The decision preserves an 18-hole public course, includes a 99-year repurchase option, and requires all future housing to go through rezoning. - ITA Master Plan: Council directed staff to bring the updated plan to the Planning Commission for formal review and consideration. - Hotel Indigo: Approved by a vote of 9-0, endorsing the tourism project and authorizing actions through the state Tourism Development Financing Program. - Consent Agenda: Approved by a vote of 9-0 (with Councilmember Jackson Green abstaining on the June 9th minutes and Councilmember Shulman abstaining on the TCC board appointment). - Appointments: Approved by a vote of 9-0, including student and citizen appointments to the Arts and Humanities Commission, Clean Community Commission, COG Review Committee, Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board, Human Rights Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Public Library Board, Resort Advisory Commission, Tidewater Community College Board, Transition Area/Interim Facility Traffic Committee, and Virginia Beach Towing and Advisory Board.

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission held its informal session and public hearing on June 10, 2026, chaired by John Coston. The meeting addressed zoning ordinance updates, rezonings, conditional use permits, and a group home expansion. Key decisions included approval of a parking structure at Westminster Canterbury, denial of a group home expansion, and approval of several short-term rental permits. The commission also voted to request additional time from City Council on a proposed short-term rental boundary overlay. Consent Calendar - Items 1-5 (Zoning Ordinance Updates): Five ordinances amending the zoning code to comply with state legislation (HB 711, HB 876, HB 888, HB 1212, HB 1463) were approved on consent. These addressed solar facilities, temporary communication towers, parking reductions near transit, small lot developments (R2.5 district), and non-conforming mobile homes. - Item 6 (Subdivision Variance): A variance for a 9,966 sq ft parcel in the R10 district (deficient in lot area and width) was approved to correct a 1954 improper subdivision. - Item 8 (Gunsmithing Home Occupation): Modification of conditions to allow gunsmithing with one customer on-site by appointment was approved, with an added condition: “with the exception of transfers directly related to gunsmithing activities.” - Items 15-16 (Auto Repair Garage): Conditional rezoning from R5D to I1 and a conditional use permit for an eight-series auto services facility on Dam Neck Road were approved. - Items 17-18 (Adult Daycare): A conditional use permit for an adult daycare facility for adults with disabilities was approved. - Item 19 (Food Truck): A conditional use permit for a food truck at Newtown Plaza was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Items 13-14 (Shore Drive Condos): Nine speakers addressed the proposal. Civic league representatives expressed concerns about density, traffic, stormwater, and consistency with the Shore Drive Corridor Design Guidelines. Several neighboring property owners voiced support, citing the redevelopment of an eyesore. The applicant noted over 30 community meetings and adjustments to building height and articulation based on Bayfront Advisory Commission recommendations. - Item 20 (Group Home Expansion): Twelve of thirteen speakers opposed the expansion from 8 to 14 residents, citing parking overflow, safety on narrow roads (Shorehaven and Batcove roads), and the commercial nature of the use. One speaker supported the expansion, thanking the applicant for her mother’s care. The applicant’s consultant argued the use remains residential under fair housing laws. - Items 21-24 (Short-Term Rentals): Speakers from the 20th and a half street neighborhood consistently opposed new STRs, citing parking congestion, noise, and loss of neighborhood character. No speakers appeared in support for these items. Discussion Items - Item 7 (Street Closure – 30-Day Deferral): Applicant requested a 30-day deferral to explore alternatives with city staff; approved. - Item 9 (Short-Term Rental – You’re Not Alone LLC): A conditional use permit modification to allow a third parking space for a three-bedroom STR unit was approved after discussion about right-of-way parking practices. - Item 10 (Westminster Canterbury Parking Structure): A modification to construct a four-level, 340-space parking garage was approved with additional conditions: live oaks to be preserved/replaced, replacement trees with 4-inch caliper, and a commitment to restore ADA beach access on the property. - Item 11 (City Rezoning to P1 Preservation): A 1.68-acre city-owned parcel on Upton Drive was rezoned from R7.5 to P1 preservation. The civic league supported the change for tree planting; staff confirmed tree planting is feasible despite utility easements. - Items 13-14 (Shore Drive Condos): A conditional rezoning to B4 mixed-use with a 52-unit condominium and 2,000 sq ft retail was debated. Concerns included traffic exceeding road capacity, need for a stormwater pump station on the site, and density (23.6 units/acre vs. current 4.25). Applicant addressed height by stepping down to three stories near homes. Public Works Director LJ Hanson stated the site is a preferred but not exclusive location for a stormwater pump station. Approved 9-1-1 (Camp nay, Plumley abstained). - Item 20 (Group Home – Charlene Livers): The applicant sought to expand an assisted living facility from 8 to 14 residents. Neighbors testified about existing parking issues, emergency vehicle access problems, and a bus stop near a blind curve. Commissioner discussion focused on parking adequacy and whether the site could accommodate the expansion. Denied 7-4. - Items 21-24 (Short-Term Rentals): Four STR applications in the Vibe District overlay were considered. Item 21 (404 21st St Unit A) approved 10-1; Item 22 (513 20th St) approved 10-1; Item 23 (511 20th St) approved 9-1; Item 24 (513 20th St) approved 9-1. Dissenting votes were cast by Commissioner Plumley, citing neighborhood opposition and parking concerns. Key Outcomes - Items 1-6, 8, 15-19: Approved by consent. - Item 7: 30-day deferral granted. - Items 9, 10, 11, 13-14: Approved as recommended with modifications. - Item 12 (Raymond CC LLC mixed-use): Indefinitely deferred (applicant requested). - Item 20: Denied (7-4). - Items 21-24: Approved (various vote counts). - New Business: Commission voted 10-0 to request an extension from City Council on the short-term rental boundary overlay update; the parking restriction amendment will proceed to a July vote. - Meeting Schedule Study: Staff presented analysis showing moving the planning commission hearing to the third Wednesday would delay city council timelines; no formal action taken.

The Virginia Beach City Council held an afternoon session on June 9, 2026. The provided source timestamp is 2026-06-09 23:51:14+00:00; no written agenda or minutes were included in the source package, so this summary is based on the raw transcript. The session included a hurricane preparedness briefing, an update on the Virginia Beach Attainable Workforce Housing Performance Grant Program, councilmember announcements and initiatives, and a roll-call vote to move into a closed session. The formal session was announced as broadcast on TV and Facebook Live, and an open session was expected after the closed session to certify it. No public comment period was identifiable in the transcript. Hurricane Season Preparedness Briefing - Emergency Management Director David Topzinski presented the outlook for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Ocean Service and Population Center had 70% confidence in a below-normal season, forecasting approximately 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. He attributed this outlook to developing El Niño conditions, but stressed that one storm alone, or even a tropical-storm remnant or nor’easter, could still cause flooding, power outages, property damage, and roadway hazards. - Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The city’s preparedness messages urge residents, businesses, and employees to review insurance and flood insurance, prepare for evacuation or staying in place, stock medications, food, and pet supplies, and sign up through VB Alert or recharge official city alerts. - The city’s year-round preparedness work includes over 300 hours of city training and exercises with federal, state, and regional partners; recertification as a StormReady community; a review of alert and warning operations by FEMA that was said to have far exceeded expectations on FEMA-based capabilities; adoption of the city’s first dedicated disaster recovery plan; ongoing shelter plan reviews; and a regional evacuation work group coordinated with Southside Hampton Roads partners. - The Emergency Operations Center received a full upgrade, including new redundancies, a portable field EOC that can operate anywhere, and a new ESRI ArcGIS disaster-management application. The city also expanded its watch desk capabilities so potential incidents can be identified and helped earlier. - The next scheduled exercise is in July 2026 with Virginia Task Force 2 urban search and rescue, whose force will run a simulated hurricane response while staff operate from the EOC in parallel. - The presenter described the storm-approach timeline: staff monitor the National Hurricane Center daily, assign a dedicated tracker once a storm forms, begin issuing Virginia Beach-specific briefing reports, and at roughly above 50% forecast confidence expand impact modeling and public messaging. Typical thinking period before potential impact is about 24 to 72 hours, ideally 48 hours, when decisions are made about evacuation orders, local emergency declarations, evacuation centers, outside resources, and disaster contracts. After impact, recovery begins with life safety, search and rescue, roadway clearing, critical infrastructure checks, and restoration of services. - Public outreach scheduled includes school programs, libraries, senior resource centers, the Sandbridge Civic League, and other civic and community groups. - Several council members praised the emergency management team’s response to past events, including a tornado response, a jet crash scenario, the 2019 Virginia Beach gun incident, and recent hurricane operations. The Mayor recounted that evacuation plans had been launched early and move “unpredictable” after an early evacuation warning in his tenure, and he used that example to urge continued priority on getting “Nimbo Parkway” (as transcribed) completed becoming an evacuation route. Attainable Workforce Housing Performance Grant Program - Ruthie Hill, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, and housing development manager Sharon Shaw described proposed updates to the city’s Attainable Workforce Housing Performance Grant Program. - The program was established by city ordinance in May 2025 and launched in September 2025. It is a partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the VBDA, and it provides a performance-based grant of incremental real estate tax revenue to private multifamily rental developers who build new, affordable housing. It requires that units remain rent restricted affordable to households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income? Some projects can include the additional incentive for units affordable at or below 50% AMI. Grants are initially built for 15 years, with the possibility of a second 15-year extension if the developer provably satisfies the program. - Proposed required changes under new state legislation, House Bill 353, include recording a restrictive covenant requiring the property to be used as affordable housing for up to 30 years; the housing design, designated local officer accepting applications; and a timeline adjustment. Staff also proposed aligning the application language with existing policies, such as land-use approval requirements, definitions, rent, and utility allowance standards. - Using policy, the grant is capped at 100% of the incremental new real estate taxes, with increases depending on whether the project is fully residential or mixed use and fully affordable or mixed income. Staff proposed a not-to-exceed maximum grant amount, calculated using an assumed assessed value per unit and a 3% annual escalation in assessed value. The example shown was a 175-unit, 100% affordable residential development with an assumed assessed value of $124,000 per unit ($21.7 million total), a 97-cent tax rate per $100. That increase first-year taxes of $210,490, then escalated at 3% each year and reduced by a property’s base tax amount. - The example also shows the effect of the not-to-exceed cap: if actual assessed values grew 5% annually, the grant total would reach the cap at year 25 under the 30-year award, so no grants would be paid in the final five years; if actual values grew only 2% annually, the total payout would be about $8 million. Under the prior policy, a 5% growth scenario would grow total payments to roughly $13.5 million. Staff emphasized that the annual grant actually paid is still based on actual assessed value and actual tax rate each year. - Council members gave broad support. One council member said the program is working well and asked if newly approved projects are affected; the presenter answered no. Another council member said that on a scale of 1 to 10 the program is “10 plus,” and noted that the city has no upfront cash outlay, the grant stops if the property leaves the price program, and the location can be worth 15 years of the second half, and the developer must make additional investments to maintain the property. That member estimated the cost is roughly $1,800 per unit, or about $150 per month in incentives. - The Mayor and other members agreed that workforce housing remains a priority, that Virginia Beach is facing a housing crisis, and that the program should be placed into a larger public buy in and innovative related to housing. They also suggested using the program to help address and protect older officers, fire employees living outside the city, and military families who are looking for residents with multi-in-law. - No final formal vote was recorded on the housing program changes in the transcript; council members voiced support for staff to move forward with the proposed changes and a not-to-exceed structure. Council Discussions, Initiatives, and Recognition - One council member thanked residents and staff who attended an evening community update at Wilshire Farm Rec Center on the Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project. She said the project had come in about $3 million under budget to date, and that the project whose history includes mitigation credits how it did would allow leftover credits to be used on future flood protection projects. She also thanked local drone photographer Hutton Strader for footage shot on June 5, and congratulated those graduating, including her twins graduating fifth grade. - A council member addressed school bus como bouz academy concerns. She said the bus running stop-sign cameras are the product of state legislature, but she has heard from expected four drivers who received a ticket even when they said they were already passing the bus when the stop arm deployed instead of the wrong way. One out-of-town visitor received a citation in the mail. The member said the fine is $250, compared with a $50 red-light recharge and a $100 school-zone fine, and that school board attorneys are spending time in court and tickets being thrown out. She asked staff to look into whether fine and regulations should, for example, the amount of lag time or the fine amount should be adjusted. - Council members also discussed possible recognition of the musical group Black Street, originated in Virginia Beach’s District Four. Council members proposed a city council resolution in early July 2026, after the group returns from an international tour, and perhaps a related street-naming or ceremonial event. The Mayor said the group has sold over seven million albums and has tied, and a conversation about a Gold Street for all of its positive attention to Virginia Beach’s creative community was also discussed. - The Mayor and other citys also gave an update on Beyond the Urgent Care, including introductory—the four ““Safe for Virginia”” public remembrance task force on the proliferation of patrols, and its countdown to the scheduled October 2026 wrap-up, legislative support from the General Assembly, and the announcement that a city willing to put some resources into it. The Mayor said the task force statement will be open and referenced another 757 jurisdiction, Newport News, considering violence and the role of youth-era after “pop-up team takeover” events. He also noted that the city’s previous decision to approve a curfew has not resulted in any recent night events that have drawn public attention to Virginia Beach, and he urged the council to remain involved in play. Closed Session The Chair entertained a motion to recess the City Council into closed session, and after a fail second, the council voted to enter by closed session. The reasons listed were: - Discussion of acquisition or disposition of real property for a public purpose, when open discussion could affect bargaining position or negotiating strategy, in District 6. The recorded change corrected the earlier reading from the District 2. - Discussion of the public contract involving the proposal, including the ““VB off course” RFP and related terms/action. - Personnel matters, including consideration or interviews of prospective candidates and to personnel conduct. - Council appointments to boards, commissions, committees, authorities, agencies, and task. - All named council members responded “aye” to the journal-call vote, so the motion to recess the closed session was hosted. The distant closed session was expected to be followed by a new sending may certify the closed session, but the raw transcript ends with the response and the beginning of the closed portion. Key Outcomes - The closed-session motion was approved by recorded roll call, every named member voting “aye”; a conventional open session to certify the closed session was in session. - No final formal meeting adoption was noted for the hurricane or housing grant briefing in the raw transcript, but the housing program changes and the new not-to-exceed cap received positive responses from multiple council members. - The emergency management division will conduct its July 2026 exercise with Virginia Task Force 2 and continue preparing for hurricane-risk monitoring. - Staff will later relook into the bus-stop camera ticket enforcement and fine structure. - A potential July 2026 resolution for Black Street and a related recognition or street-naming item was anticipated to move forward. - The Mayor scheduled further “Safe for Virginia” Task Force meetings with the two states that have been announced, with a target program by around October 2026.

On June 3, 2026, the Virginia Beach City Council held a formal meeting that included updates on federal lobbying efforts, recommendations from the e-bike task force, a policy discussion on data centers, proclamations, and approval of the consent agenda. The council took decisive action on data centers and provided direction on e-bike regulations, emphasizing safety and state-level advocacy. Consent Calendar - Approved four ordinances by a vote of 11-0: - Authorizing a lease agreement with the Virginia Beach Bar Association for office space at the Judicial Center. - Donating 48 parking meters to the ViBe Creative District for an art project. - Accepting and appropriating $725,220 from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation for the Princess Anne Bondwater Transmission Main project (with a local match of $80,580). - Accepting and appropriating $43,400 from the Virginia State Police for police department training on human trafficking. Public Comments & Testimony - No public speakers were present for the open mic portion of the formal meeting. Discussion Items Federal Government Relations Update - The council received a presentation from the city's federal lobbyists at Becker & Polyakoff (Alfonso Lopez, Anthony Bedell, Perry Adair). Key highlights: - In FY26, Virginia Beach received $15.34 million in federal grant funding and $12 million in final earmarks. - For FY27, the Senate has proposed $35.6 million and the House $4.05 million for city projects, including Eastern Shore drainage improvements, Stormwater Operations Center, Virginia Beach Trail phases 2 and 3, Nimmo Parkway, and FEDACO mitigation barriers. - The lobbyists noted that the final earmark number is likely to be closer to the Senate figure. - Mayor Dyer stressed the urgency of the Nimmo Parkway project, citing public safety and military readiness concerns. The lobbyists confirmed they are actively engaging with Senator Kaine's office on environmental assessments. E-Bike Task Force Recommendations - Deputy City Manager presented the task force's recommendations, which were largely unanimous except for the issue of allowing e-bikes on the resort area bike path and signage/infrastructure. - Key recommendations included: - Advocate for state regulation (e.g., age restrictions, licensing, registration, helmet requirements, audible warning devices). - Implement targeted communication and education campaigns for residents and visitors. - Increase signage and create infrastructure for safe e-bike operation. - Maintain the current ban on e-bikes on resort area sidewalks and boardwalk. - Prohibit e-motos on shared-use paths and bike paths. - Council Debate: Strong opinions were voiced. - Vice Mayor Wilson and others opposed allowing e-bikes on the bike path, citing safety concerns for pedestrians, especially with Class 3 e-bikes capable of 28 mph. - Councilman Hutchison and others supported the task force recommendation, arguing that enforcement is difficult and that most e-bikes (Class 1 and 2) are indistinguishable from regular bikes. - Several council members called for deferring any decision on the bike path until other safety measures (speed limits, signage, age restrictions) are in place. - Councilman Bellucci advocated for state-level age restrictions and licensing, particularly for Class 3 e-bikes, citing examples from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. - Councilman Henley questioned the data on accidents, noting that only 7 of 13 bicycle accidents at the resort in the last 12 months involved e-bikes, and that enforcement resources are limited. - Outcome: The council directed staff to move forward with education, signage, and state advocacy (including age restrictions and licensing). The decision to amend city code to allow e-bikes on the bike path was deferred pending these guardrails. Data Centers – Policy Direction - Staff provided a detailed presentation on data center types (subsea cable landing, co-location, data centers, hyperscalers) and their environmental impacts (power, water, noise). - The planning commission had requested council consider amending the zoning ordinance to add a conditional use permit for data centers. - Council Debate: A strong consensus emerged against allowing large-scale data centers and hyperscalers in Virginia Beach. - Mayor Dyer stated the city is not a good fit for these facilities due to land, power, and water constraints. - Economic Development Director Mandy Jarrett confirmed that the city is not recruiting data centers or hyperscalers, and that they are not part of the Innovation Technology Area (ITA) master plan. - Council members agreed to pursue a zoning ordinance amendment that would make data centers and hyperscalers non-permitted uses, while subsea cable landing sites and co-location facilities would remain conditional uses. - Outcome: The council unanimously directed staff to take an ordinance to the Planning Commission that would prohibit data centers and hyperscalers in I1 and I2 industrial districts, and to expedite the process. The goal is to have the ordinance back for council adoption as soon as possible. Key Outcomes - E-Bikes: Council adopted task force recommendations on education, signage, and state advocacy, including pursuing age restrictions and licensing. The decision on allowing e-bikes on the resort bike path was deferred pending safety measures. - Data Centers: Council directed staff to prepare a zoning ordinance amendment banning data centers and hyperscalers (with exceptions for subsea cable and co-location facilities) and to expedite it through the Planning Commission. - Federal Lobbying: Continued support for Nimmo Parkway and other priority projects; Mayor urged faster action on environmental reviews. - Proclamations: Recognized Steele's 100th anniversary and declared June 2026 as Pride Month in Virginia Beach. - Closed Session: Council certified a closed session held earlier in the day for real estate and personnel matters. Council Liaison Reports & Other Business - Councilman Work reported on the Old Beach Design Review Committee's request to amend design standards for wider structures. Staff was directed to work with the Planning Commission on potential code changes. - Councilman Bellucci noted the successful 4-H Livestock Show and the Jackalope Festival. - Councilman Henley praised the 5/31 Memorial dedication, noting the inclusive process. - Councilwoman Remick highlighted the Forever Young senior program and a new business opening (Palace of Pickleball). She also reported on a meeting with teens from across Hampton Roads about oceanfront safety and youth spaces. - Councilman Cal Jackson read a thank-you letter from a senior at Atlantic Shores Christian School. - Mayor Dyer announced the formation of a task force for a safer Virginia Beach, with six meetings planned through October. Open Mic - No speakers came forward.

The Virginia Beach City Council met on May 20, 2026, for a formal session that included a presentation on a proposed parking garage, discussion of a new Mayor's task force on safety, approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing on a planning item, and recognition of community members through proclamations and appointments. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent agenda as read (9-0), which included nine ordinances and resolutions and 14 planning items. Key items included: authorization for the mayor to execute an eighth amended charter agreement of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council; approval of the assignment of the tourism development finance program performance agreement for the Cavalier Hotel; several temporary encroachments for docks and bulkheads; acquisition of 7.04 acres from the Navy for Midway Manor; budget amendments for housing vouchers, preschool services, and the Marcus Alert liaison position; and a transfer of funds for the Sheriff's Office food and medical costs. Planning items included variances, street closures, conditional use permits, and a zoning ordinance amendment regarding crematories. Item 1 (Lighthouse Development LLC) was pulled for separate public hearing and later approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Wayne Beagle (property owner two doors from the proposed development) spoke in favor of the Lighthouse Development item but raised a long-standing flooding issue in the neighborhood. He stated that the stormwater system is inadequate and has caused flooding in his building and a neighbor's house for decades. He requested council attention to the problem, noting that even if funding were approved immediately, a project would take two to four years. - Tanya Gatling (neighbor behind the development) expressed concern about large, dying trees on the property that pose a risk during hurricanes. She asked that the development plan include removal of the distressed trees. The applicant's attorney noted that the owner plans to remove the trees. Discussion Items - Proposed Parking Garage at 19th and Parks Avenue: Acting Director of Economic Development Emily Archer presented an overview of the RFP process for a 1,048-space public parking garage with 18,000 square feet of retail (sports bar, restaurant, coffee shop) on a 1.73-acre city-owned parcel. The garage would be owned by the VBDA and operated by the city. The total city cost is not to exceed $37.7 million ($36,000 per space). The council was asked to authorize a pre-development phase (35% design documents, firm GMP, schedule, leasing strategy) capped at $1.9 million, with the developer contributing up to $308,000. Council members discussed the need for parking, the retail space allocation (capped at around 80 spaces), the cost, and the plan to implement paid parking for the convention center area to offset operational costs and incentivize shuttle use. The pre-development agreement is expected to return for a public hearing and final vote in June 2026. - Mayor's Task Force on Safety: Mayor Dyer announced the formation of the Mayor's Task Force on a Safer Virginia Beach, to be co-chaired by Senator Chrissy Newcraig and Delegate Michael Faggins. The task force will include representatives from various stakeholders (Atlantic Avenue Association, Commonwealth's Attorney, faith-based organizations, schools, police, etc.) and will hold six meetings over the summer, with listening sessions in the villages. The goal is to deliver a legislative package by October 2026. The mayor emphasized the need for a long-term strategy, including de-escalation education in schools and parent engagement. - Recognition of Students: Councilmember Henley introduced two juniors from Green Run Collegiate (Serena and Aaron) who were attending the meeting to learn about city government. - Announcements: Councilmember Henley announced a joint community meeting on May 27, 2026, at Cox High School regarding the Coastal Storm Risk Management Study, and a District 9 town hall on June 8, 2026, at Williams Farm Rec Center about the Pleasure House Point Wetlands restoration project. Councilmember Stacy announced a town hall on May 21, 2026, at Central Library on small business support. Key Outcomes - Approved the consent agenda (9-0). - Approved the planning item for Lighthouse Development LLC (variance to subdivide six parcels into five single-family lots) (9-0). - Approved the reappointment and appointment of numerous board and commission members as read (9-0). - Council directed staff to proceed with the pre-development phase for the parking garage, with a public hearing and vote expected in June 2026. - The Mayor's Task Force on Safety will begin its work with the goal of a legislative package by October 2026. - Proclamations were presented: Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Mental Health Day (May 10, 2026) and a resolution honoring Carolyn Garrett for her decades of service to the community. - The council recessed into closed session to discuss real property acquisition, public contracts, and personnel appointments, then certified the closed session (9-0).

Consent Calendar - Items 1–5: Text amendments consolidating hauling regulations, updating mobile home code, and updating stormwater fees. Approved without opposition. - Item 6 (Kelco Inc.): Subdivision variance at Holland Road to legitimize a 19,602 sq ft parcel for a single-family dwelling. Approved with conditions. - Items 9–11, 14–15, 18: Various conditional use permits (CUP) modifications for a farm stand food truck, car wash relocation, tattoo parlor expansion, wedding venue, family daycare, and short-term rental at Oceans 2. All approved by consent, with minor modifications (e.g., operating hours for Item 9). - Minutes: Approved with noted abstentions. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 7 (BHC LLC): Drew Hitt, a redeveloper and nearby property owner, opposed the subdivision variance, arguing it would change the neighborhood's character and set a dangerous precedent. He stated the lots were incompatible with the original suburban character. - Item 8 (DS Investors Inc.): Johnny McCoy, a resident of 38 years, opposed the variance, citing traffic, safety, and parking concerns, and argued it undermines prior City Council actions to preserve neighborhood character. - Item 16 (Debbie's Daycare): No speakers appeared in opposition; the applicant and her attorney presented the case. - Item 17 (First Colonial Development): No public speakers signed up. Discussion Items Informational Briefings - IT Voting Tablet Upgrade: Staff introduced new iPad-based voting system to be used starting June 10, 2026. - State Legislative Updates: Zoning Administrator Hannah Sabo presented several state code changes effective July 1, 2026, affecting wireless facilities, solar facilities, residential parking, small lots, and manufactured homes. Key changes include allowing solar farms by CUP in certain districts, requiring a district allowing single-family on lots ≤3,000 sq ft, and new faith-based housing provisions effective Jan 1, 2027. - STR District & Parking: Staff briefed on a proposed reduction of the Oceanfront Resort STR overlay boundary and a prohibition on using city parking garages to meet STR parking requirements. The commission expressed need for public input and planned to bring a recommendation to City Council within 90 days. - ITA Master Plan Update: A conceptual draft for the ITA was presented, proposing sports tourism enhancements (baseball complex, multi-use stadium, cross-country course), light industrial/flex development, and municipal facilities. Total cost estimated at $57M. The commission requested a special meeting to continue discussion due to time constraints. Regular Agenda Hearings - Item 7 (BHC LLC): Subdivision variance to create five single-family lots at 313 Gatewood Avenue. Staff recommended denial citing self-created hardship, but the applicant argued community preference for single-family over duplexes. After hearing opposition, the commission voted 10-1 to approve. - Item 8 (DS Investors Inc.): Subdivision variance for a 55-foot corner lot at 845 Kennedy Avenue in Shadow Lawn. Staff recommended approval citing consistency with prior council action. Despite 29 opposition letters and a speaker against, the commission voted 10-1 to approve. - Item 12 (Virginia Electric and Power Co.): Modification of conditions to allow tree removal for substation expansion. Staff recommended approval. The commission added a condition for one-year landscaping maintenance and voted unanimously to approve (with one amendment). - Item 13 (City of Virginia Beach): Rezoning of 1.7 acres from R7.5 to P1 preservation. Staff recommended approval, but several commissioners opposed, citing the need for housing and lack of clear justification. The commission voted unanimously to defer for 30 days. - Item 16 (Debbie's Daycare LLC): CUP for a family daycare home at 757 Hilltop Road. Staff recommended approval. The applicant testified she had operated for decades and needed to increase capacity. The commission voted to approve (Commissioner Plumley abstained). - Item 17 (First Colonial Development LLC): CUP for low-speed vehicle sales/rental at 601 Nevin Road. Applicant requested a 7-year permit term instead of 5 to align with financing. After debate, a substitute motion for 5 years with a possible 2-year administrative extension passed 10-1. Key Outcomes - Approved by Consent: Items 1–6, 9–11, 14–15, 18 (11-0 vote). - Deferred: Item 13 (30-day deferral, unanimous). - Approved as Presented or Modified: - Item 7: Approved (10-1). - Item 8: Approved (10-1). - Item 12: Approved with added condition (unanimous). - Item 16: Approved (with one abstention). - Item 17: Approved with modified term (10-1). - Item 19 (STR CUP): Deferred 30 days at applicant's request. - Next Steps: The commission will hold a special meeting on the ITA Master Plan; staff will bring forward STR overlay amendments for a vote in June or July; the city will update zoning ordinances to comply with state code changes.

The Virginia Beach City Council held a special formal session on May 13, 2026, to consider adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Resource Management Plan, which includes the operating budget, capital budget, tax levies, and related ordinances. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. on May 12, 2026 (with the transcript timestamp indicating May 13). After a single public comment and discussion by Councilmember Barbara Henley, the council voted unanimously (11-0) to approve the budget package. Consent Calendar - The council considered and approved the full consent agenda as read by the clerk, consisting of 15 operating budget items and 6 capital budget items: - Ordinance to appropriate $3,961,944,885 for the FY 2026-27 operating budget (including $724,902,416 in interfund transfers, $350,466,956 for internal service funds, and $2,886,575,513 for operations). - Ordinance to establish real estate tax levy for FY 2027. - Ordinance to establish personal property and machinery/tools tax levy for calendar year 2027. - Ordinance to authorize submission of the FY 2026-27 annual funding plan to HUD. - Ordinance to amend City Code sections on tax exemption/deferral for elderly or disabled persons. - Ordinances to amend City Code sections on sewer and water capital recovery fees. - Ordinance to amend City Code sections on pricing for automated refuse and yard waste containers. - Ordinance to amend Town Center Special Services District boundaries. - Ordinance to establish Turnbrook Square Special Service District and dedicate revenues for Pembroke Square facilities. - Ordinance to declare surplus of $1 million within the central business district TIF/Town Center TIFF. - Resolution to extend school revenue sharing formula policy to June 30, 2027. - Ordinances to add City Code sections on volunteer resources and budget amendment procedures. - Ordinance to appropriate $417,716,343 for the FY 2026-27 capital budget from various sources. - Ordinances authorizing issuance of general obligation bonds ($66,927,365 for public improvements; $5,900,000 for flood protection), stormwater utility revenue bonds ($721,057,315), and water/sewer system revenue bonds ($22,506,000). - Resolution affirming commitment to fund locality share of VDOT projects. Public Comments & Testimony - Holly Martier (single mother, Virginia Beach resident) spoke against the proposed tax and fee increases, stating she is barely surviving on one part-time job, has struggled with utility bills, and called the potential real estate tax increase "despicable" and "a disgrace to the human race." She urged council not to raise taxes, warned it could lead to foreclosure, and criticized the additional restaurant tax as harmful to businesses. She commended Councilmember Barbara Henley for voting against previous increases. Discussion Items - Councilmember Barbara Henley expressed general support for the budget but raised several concerns: - Cross-country track/trail system (Item 10 in reconciliation letter from mayor/vice mayor): She had expected $600,000 to begin design in the first year, but the approved plan delays design funding to year two, tied to the ITA master plan approval, which she noted faces many issues. - Road projects: She noted that two road projects—Centerville Turnpike Phase 3 and Indian River Road Phase 7—have been stalled for 10 years despite being listed in the 2016-17 CIP. She expressed irony that $25 million for Hudome Way (serving two businesses) was funded while critical transportation projects remain on hold. She called for more information from Public Works to move road projects forward. - Council aide hours: A reconciliation request from the city manager proposed increasing council aide hours from 20 to 30 per week at a cost of $145,000, a matter not discussed by council previously. She urged further discussion before approval. - Despite these concerns, she stated she would support the budget overall. Key Outcomes - The council voted unanimously (11-0) to approve the operating budget, capital budget, and all associated ordinances and resolutions. Councilmembers Cummings and Hutchinson provided verbal votes. - The meeting was adjourned immediately after the vote.

The Virginia Beach City Council convened a special formal session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM in City Council Conference Room 2034. The primary purpose was to recess into a closed session to discuss public contract matters (Project Hummingbird and VD National RFP) and personnel matters including prospective candidates and appointments. Prior to the closed session, council members made brief announcements. Discussion Items - Council Member Ross announced his 13th community meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Virginia Beach Middle School, covering the budget, public safety, the tip fund, and First Landing State Park. - Council Member Henley expressed gratitude for the Shriners Imperial Conclave coming to the oceanfront, noting their charitable contributions to Union Mission, Reset Inc. food pantry, and the MAX job readiness program for the special needs community. Key Outcomes - The council voted unanimously to recess into a closed session pursuant to Virginia Code § 2.2-3711 for the following purposes: - Discussion of public contracts for Project Hummingbird and VD National RFP (exemption under § 2.2-3711(A)(29)). - Discussion of prospective candidates and appointments for boards, commissions, and other public bodies (exemption under § 2.2-3711(A)(1)). - Roll call vote: Council Members Maligi, Henley, Hodgeson, Jackson Green, Roman, Ross, Raleigh, Sherman, Wilson, and Mayor Dyer voted "Aye." Two members were noted absent. - The council recessed into closed session at approximately 4:35 PM, with the expectation of reconvening in about 50 to 60 minutes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received during the open portion of the special session. Note: The meeting date as stated in the transcript is Tuesday, May 12, 2026, but the provided timestamp indicated May 13, 2026. This summary uses the date explicitly given in the meeting.