Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hampton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FY2026-2027 CDBG and HOME Action Plan
The city reviewed its annual action plan for federal housing and community development grants, focusing on affordable housing, homebuyer assistance, and neighborhood improvements.
FY 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
The city unveiled a five-year capital improvement plan prioritizing infrastructure maintenance, school facility upgrades, stormwater management, and public safety facilities.
Woda Cooper Multifamily Development on Cunningham Drive
Woda Cooper Companies is proposing a 44-unit, four-story apartment building at 2601 Cunningham Drive with affordable rental rates and community amenities. While city staff and the planning commission support the project, nearby property owners raised concerns about increased traffic and maintenance impacts on the private road, Build America Drive.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Code Enforcement Concerns in Greater Wythe
A resident raised concerns regarding neighborhood marginalization, code enforcement actions, and fulfillment of city promises regarding strategic planning and infrastructure funds in the Greater Wythe area.
Private Museum Development on Aberdeen Road
Residents expressed concern that a new private art museum on Aberdeen Road will increase traffic congestion in a tight residential area, though supporters argued peak hours will not conflict with normal commute times.
Economic Development Property Acquisition
Hampton's Economic Development Authority just snapped up the old Kelly’s Tavern building. Expect some major changes and a fresh redevelopment project for that corner soon.
Aquatic Center Development
Hampton's huge new Aquaplex is dropping in 2022, giving the city a major spot for sports, tournaments, and hanging out. It's set to bring a lot of energy and visitors right to our backyard.