Hampton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hampton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Deaf and Blind school property concerns
Speaker Joan Weaver again criticized the city's handling of the 63-acre Virginia State School for the Deaf and Blind property, which was directed toward industrial use, saying it could have served housing needs.
Development Review Process Improvements
The city has launched a one-stop Development Services Center on City Hall's third floor, where residents and builders can handle permits and approvals in one place. Council toured it to see the citizen experience firsthand.
Short-Term Rental Program Review and Capacity Caps
Council kicked off amendments to the zoning ordinance governing short-term rentals like Airbnb stays. The rules that will shape how these rentals operate in Hampton neighborhoods are now open for revision.
2027 General Assembly Legislative Priorities
Hampton's wish list for the General Assembly includes stronger building code enforcement across property sales, local control over vape shops, Menhaden conservation advocacy, group home zoning flexibility, renewal of the 1% tourism sales tax, and photo speed enforcement on dangerous streets. Council adopts it ahead of a Nov. 12 delegation breakfast.
Old Buckroe Road Residential Rezoning Proposal
The commission will consider a rezoning request to shift property from an R-13 to an R-9 residential district, paving the way for a new 13-unit single-family housing subdivision. This project will alter local housing density and bring new homes to the area.
Armistead Avenue Rezoning and Industrial-to-Residential Conversion
Applicant Leonard Powell is asking to rezone two parcels on N. Armistead Avenue from heavy manufacturing to single-family residential to allow new homes. One parcel includes proffered conditions while the other does not.
Police-Initiated Towing Rate Adjustments
The city reviewed recommended increases to police tow rates, raising standard tows to $250 and daily storage fees to $55. Council members raised strong concerns about how these increased costs will impact lower-income residents trying to retrieve towed vehicles.
Fort Monroe 60% Landscape Design Plan
Fort Monroe is undergoing major revitalization, featuring new residential adaptive reuse projects, upcoming African Landing Memorial installations, and a comprehensive Landscape Action Plan designed by Hargraves Jones.
Real Property Assessments and Charter Provisions
City officials presented the annual property assessment results, showing a 3.9% increase in total assessed property value across Hampton. Residents received information on how to review their assessments and file appeals before upcoming deadlines.
Retail Cannabis Zoning and Operational Regulations
City staff presented proposed zoning districts, use permit requirements, and operating rules to prepare for the legalization of retail cannabis sales in 2027.
Hampton University Regional Economic and Workforce Impact
Hampton University generates nearly $500 million annually for the local economy and is expanding community workforce programs and partnerships with the city.
Cottage Food Bakeries and Neighborhood Regulations
Local cottage bakers asked the council to explore a regulated framework for temporary neighborhood bake stands, while established brick-and-mortar bakery owners raised concerns about fairness and food safety regulations.
Hunger Relief and Food Security Partnerships
The city recognized four key nonprofits working to feed hungry families in Hampton with dignity, highlighting the ongoing need for volunteers and donations.
Short-Term Rental Permit Revocation on Woodside Drive
The city upheld the revocation of a short-term rental permit at 317 Woodside Drive after repeated complaints regarding large unauthorized parties, noise, and parking issues.
Election
Election season is heating up in Hampton, and it's time to figure out who's actually running for City Council before you vote. Take a few minutes to check out the candidates so you can make an informed choice on election day.
Subdivision Ordinance Updates and Cemetery Preservation Standards
The city updated Chapter 35 of the city code to ensure local subdivision rules match new Virginia state laws and standards.
Pinnacle Apartments Phase 2 Expansion in Coliseum Central
Canopy Development will build 255 new apartment units on Von Schilling Drive, transforming a vacant movie theater site into an urban-style mixed-use residential area.
Police Leadership Change
Hampton Police Chief Jimmie Wideman is hanging up his badge this October after 34 years, leaving city leaders with the big job of finding his replacement.
North Mallory Quay Housing Development
A 14-acre redevelopment project will bring 40 single-family detached homes and 35 townhomes to Sargeant Street and Lawrence Avenue, featuring a community lake and pedestrian paths.
Feral Cat Management and Animal Control Staffing
Multiple residents and animal advocates raised concerns regarding animal shelter conditions, turn-away practices, and low save rates at the regional facility.
McDowell Point nine-unit duplex development
A developer wants to rezone 1.94 acres at 1772 Old Buckroe Road for one single-family home plus four duplexes. Neighbors pushed back on flooding, loss of mature trees, and privacy along the new public street, so the commission tabled it for more study.
Data Center Infrastructure Planning and Transparency
Hampton city leaders explored data center operations and digital infrastructure to evaluate potential high-tech economic growth and regional hub strategies.
Strategic Plan 5-Year Update and Youth Engagement
Council members toured Richmond's Scott's Addition and Diamond District to see how historic tax credits and master plans drive successful mixed-use revitalization.
Performance Evaluation of Appointed City Officials
The city council conducted its periodic performance evaluations for the City Manager, City Attorney, and Clerk of Council. These reviews help ensure high-level leadership alignment with city goals and accountability to residents.
Prillaman Crane and Rigging Expansion
Prillaman Crane and Rigging is expanding its operations onto adjacent parcels on Aberdeen Road, adding equipment storage and operator training space with new buffers and fencing.
Department of Taxation and Codes Compliance Transparency
Residents expressed frustration with code enforcement responsiveness and property assessment procedures, calling for greater accountability and clearer communication from city departments.
Future of Former Wythe Fire Station
The city is deciding what to do with the vacant Wythe Fire Station on Kecoughtan Road. Officials are weighing whether to demolish it for green space, follow an old master plan, or seek developers who can creatively restore and reuse the historic building.
Hampton Infill Housing Plan Book
The city is developing a plan book with pre-approved architectural designs for vacant infill lots to speed up permitting and maintain neighborhood character. Discussions focused on whether to encourage 2x6 exterior framing for better durability and energy efficiency.
2026 General Assembly Session & State Budget Impact
A legislative consultant briefed the council on bills passed or vetoed during the recent General Assembly session, noting that ongoing budget disputes in Richmond have delayed the adoption of the two-year state budget.
Workforce Development and Re-entry Programs (Clean Hands Initiative)
Representatives from the Clean Hands Initiative highlighted their success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals find stable employment and urged the city to consider program participants for public works jobs.
Hampton City Schools Dual Enrollment Achievement
Sixty-nine high school students earned their associate degrees from Virginia Peninsula Community College before receiving their high school diplomas, saving their families over $730,000 in college tuition.
Public Defender Salary Supplements
Public defenders urged City Council to allocate a $250,000 salary supplement, noting Hampton is the only city in Hampton Roads that does not financially support its public defender office while heavily subsidizing the prosecutor's office.