Hampton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hampton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Disposal of Public Land on Kecoughtan Road
Council went into closed session to discuss selling or transferring publicly owned land along Kecoughtan Road, keeping negotiation details private to protect the city's bargaining position.
Online permit portal replacement
Customer surveys show staff service is excellent but the online permit portal is the biggest frustration. Council has already funded new software, and the new system should let applicants track their permits start to finish.
Placemaking strategic priority and proposed projects
The city reported big wins — 2,900 people at neighborhood block parties, new playgrounds, a perfect Municipal Quality Index score — and proposed low-cost projects like a Sandy Bottom music garden, Buckroe Beach fitness area, and sensory rooms in community centers, pending December funding from year-end savings.
Local Music Scene and Placemaking Recognition
Council got an update on Placemaking — the city's push to make public spaces and neighborhoods more welcoming, walkable, and active.
Victoria Boulevard Property Acquisition
The city accepted a donated property at 4205 Victoria Boulevard assessed at $933,500, tied to the dissolution of the Charles H. Taylor Memorial Library Trust.
Towing Fee Adjustment
Hampton just raised its towing fees for the first time in 20 years, so getting your car out of the impound is going to cost you a lot more. The city approved the hike to help local tow companies keep up with inflation.
Bridge Closure
Get ready for some traffic headaches because the King Street Bridge and the Langley AFB gate are closing for maintenance starting October 26. You'll definitely want to map out some alternate routes before heading out.
Voting Rights
Got a past felony conviction? A federal court just gave hundreds of thousands of Virginians their voting rights back, and the Hampton NAACP is hosting a forum tonight to help everyone get registered in time.
Road Closures
Planning to drive in Hampton this weekend? Watch out for major road closures and parking restrictions due to the Crawlin' Crab races.
Candidate Forum
Deciding who to vote for in Hampton this October? Two local candidate forums are coming up so you can hear straight from the people running for office before heading to the polls.
Street Flooding
Heavy rain is causing major street flooding in Hampton's Grandview neighborhood, leaving drivers stranded and snarling local traffic. If you commute through this area, you'll want to find another route to avoid major delays.
Regional Peanut Butter and Jelly Collection Drive
City leaders are rallying residents to donate peanut butter and jelly at local facilities to help Hampton win a regional competition and stock pantry shelves.
Environmental Sustainability Program
Hampton is rolling out a free green pilot program in Aberdeen Gardens, Briarwood Terrace, and West Shell, handing out rain barrels, trees, and other eco-friendly gear. If you live in those neighborhoods, you can score some free yard upgrades on the city's tab.
Zoning Administrator Permit Revocation and Appeal Updates
The city is updating rules to send short-term rental permit revocation appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals instead of City Council and making people wait a full year before reapplying after a revocation.
Special Event Permitting and Neighborhood Infrastructure Concerns
Residents voiced frustration over unexpected fees and administrative hurdles for community events, as well as longstanding sidewalk and flooding issues in neighborhoods like Greater Wythe.
Faith Baptist Church Private School Use Permit
Faith Baptist Church applied to operate a private preschool and after-school program at 100 Blackburn Lane, adding educational options for young children in the neighborhood.
East Pembroke Avenue Pawn Shop Use Permit
Applicant Shevan Sindy received a recommendation to open a new retail pawn shop at 1531 E. Pembroke Avenue, bringing a new small business and economic investment to the commercial corridor.
68-unit multifamily development on W Queen Street
Old Town Development wants to rezone 5.5 acres and get a use permit for a four-story, 68-unit apartment building with 99 parking spaces and waterfront access to Newmarket Creek.
255-unit Canopy Development at former Cinema Café site
Canopy Development plans 255 market-rate apartments in three buildings on the demolished Cinema Café site near Coliseum Central, with a resort-style pool, dog park and EV chargers.
School Speed Camera Revenue and Neighborhood Services
A resident questioned how $1.4 million in school zone camera revenue is utilized, suggesting it could help lower property taxes or boost municipal salaries.
Virginia Enterprise Zone Program Update
Economic development officials reported strong performance in Hampton's two state enterprise zones, which offer grants for job creation and real property investments to stimulate business growth.
Site Plan Code Amendments
The city updated Chapter 35.1 of the City Code to streamline site plan reviews, reduce ambiguity, and create new definitions for major and minor site plans.
Property Transfers to Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority
The city transferred several vacant parcels to HRHA to advance residential development and community housing plans.
Residential Trailer and Recreational Vehicle Parking Regulations
A resident questioned the fairness of the city's enforcement of parking rules against properly registered trailers parked on public residential streets.
Wastewater Infrastructure and Sinkhole Repairs
A Merrimack Shores resident asked the council to approve wastewater fee increases and prioritize replacing collapsing 80-year-old clay sewer pipes that are causing recurring street sinkholes and property backups.