Planning Commission Agendas & Minutes

AT THE WORK SESSION OF THE HAMPTON PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING HELD IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, CITY HALL, 22 LINCOLN STREET, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 AT 3:00 P.M. Chair Ruthann Kellum called the meeting to order at 3:01 P.M. A call of the roll noted Commissioners Tracy Brooks, Hope Harper, Steven Bond, and Chair Ruthann Kellum as being present. Commissioners Trina Coleman, Carole Garrison, and Vice-Chair Michael Harper were noted as absent. Staff in attendance was Acting Secretary to the Commission/Planning & Zoning Administration Manager Michael Hayes, Interim Deputy Director/Deputy City Attorney Bonnie Brown, Zoning Administrator Allison Jackura, Chief Planner Donald Whipple, City Planner Davis Pemberton, Support Services Administrative Coordinator Kristie Graves, and Recording Secretary/Administrative Assistant Laura Walker. The Commission and staff discussed agenda items, with the following information being provided. Introduction of New Staff: New Planning Commissioner Hope Harper was welcomed and introduced to the Planning Commissioners as the new City Council representative replacing City Councilmember Steven Brown. Rezoning Application No. 22-00011 and Use Permit Application No. 22-00018: Related items by the Hampton Yacht Club. City Council has elected to defer the two applications to the April 12, 2023 City Council meeting. A question has been raised by a citizen if the Braddock Cannon qualifies as a war monument and does not need to follow the process laid out by the State. City staff does not believe it qualifies as such. City Council has decided as a best course of action to follow the process, which includes a public hearing before City Council. A public hearing is also being scheduled for March 8, 2023, to consider moving the cannon, which is consistent with the statute. The statute provides that City Council can give direction to staff to move the cannon. The City is required by law to offer the cannon to any museum, cemetery, or other governmental entity to take for 30 days. If no other entity accepts the offer, and City Council approves, the cannon can be moved approximately 50 feet from its current location. Four items will be on the agenda for City Council’s April 12, 2023 meeting: the rezoning application, use permit, vacation of the right-of-way, and the final disposition of the cannon. City Council wanted to ensure that the public had an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Hampton 2040 Community Plan Update: A mid-process check point meeting was held on February 15, 2023 at the Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center. Each of the seven steering groups presented their groups draft vision statement and goals at this meeting. A presentation on the progress will be given at the Planning Commission meeting. March 16, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting: There are no public hearing items scheduled for the March Planning Commission meeting. Staff is looking to schedule an extended work session to discuss Commission business and training. Notice will be given as well as advertised in the newspaper if the meeting is canceled. Use Permit Application is No. 22-00023: By Crown Castle USA, Inc. requesting to increase the overall height of an existing communication tower. The tower predates the City’s zoning requirements for commercial communication towers and will be a lower height than is typically supported. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 1  The Commission engaged in further discussion regarding training for Planning Commissioners and related topics including recent items that have been approved by City Council. The work session adjourned at 3:25 P.M. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 2 AT THE REGULAR MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING OF THE HAMPTON PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 8TH FLOOR, CITY HALL, 22 LINCOLN STREET, HAMPTON, VIRGINIA, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 AT 3:30 P.M. l. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ruthann Kellum called the meeting to order at 3:32 P.M. II. ROLL CALL A call of the roll noted Commissioners Tracy Brooks, Hope Harper, Steven Bond, and Chairman Ruthann Kellum as being present. Commissioners Trina Coleman, Carole Garrison, and Vice-Chair Michael Harper were noted as absent. Staff in attendance was Acting Secretary to the Commission/Planning & Zoning Administration Manager Michael Hayes, Interim Deputy Director/Deputy City Attorney Bonnie Brown, Zoning Administrator Allison Jackura, Chief Planner Donald Whipple, City Planner Davis Pemberton, Support Services Administrative Coordinator Kristie Graves, and Recording Secretary/Administrative Assistant Laura Walker. Chair Kellum welcomed new Planning Commissioner Hope Harper, who will be representing the City Council on the Planning Commission. Ms. Kellum acknowledged and thanked Councilmember Steven Brown for his service to the Commission. Chair Kellum also acknowledged and recognized former Hampton Mayor Jimmy Eason, who recently passed. III. MINUTES OF JANUARY 19, 2023 WORK SESSION & PUBLIC MEETING A motion was made by Commissioner Steven Bond and seconded by Commissioner Hope Harper to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2023 Work Session and Planning Commission meeting as corrected. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: H. Harper, Bond, Kellum NAYS: None ABSTAIN: Brooks ABSENT: M. Harper, Coleman, Garrison Commissioner Brooks abstained from voting on the minutes as she was not present at the January 19, 2023 meeting. IV. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS Acting Secretary to the Commission/Planning & Zoning Administration Manager Michael Hayes read the key points of the Hampton Planning Commission Public Hearing/Comment. Mr. Hayes read the public hearing notice on the first agenda items. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 3  A. UP 22-00009 – EDDIE BOWEN INCORPORATED T/A PAY HERE USED CARS, 1721 AND 1723 WEST PEMBROKE AVENUE [LRSN: 10 0 2 4 6 2 A N D 1 0 0 2 4 6 1 , R E S PE CT IV EL Y], STORAGE FACILITY 3 Use Permit Application No. 22-00009: This is a use permit application by Eddie Bowen Incorporated T/A Pay Here Used Cars, to permit a storage facility 3 at 1721 and 1723 West Pembroke Avenue [LRSN: 1002462 and 1002461]. The property is zoned General Commercial (C-3) District, which permits storage facility 3 with an approved use permit. The Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended) recommends commercial uses for this area. Chief Planner Donald Whipple presented the staff report on the subject application, a copy of which is attached to the original minutes. Staff recommends approval of Use Permit Application No. 22-00009 with seven (7) conditions. A community meeting was held by the applicant on February 2, 2023. The applicant was available to respond to questions. Virginia Kabong, lives behind the business. She voiced concerns about noise, fuel leakage from vehicles onto her property, lighting, and drainage impacts to her property. In response to a question from Chair Kellum, Mr. Hayes responded that there will not be any new grading of the property, only restriping of the existing surface. The applicant will create green space and add a fence to the area. There is not any grading involved with the project. In response to a question from Commissioner Hope Harper, the applicant explained the Mr. Bowen, the previous owner has passed and she does not have control over Ms. Kabong’s previous concerns. The applicant states that no new projects have been done since his passing. Any new lighting would not face Ms. Kabong’s property, the new lighting would be facing downward towards Pembroke Avenue. Mr. Hayes confirmed the details of the condition regarding site lighting on the property. The condition is typical from the City with new construction to avoid spillover lighting with adjacent properties. In response to a question from Ms. Kabong, Mr. Whipple explained that the storage length is an operational issue that can be addressed by the applicant. Storage times at storage facilities are based on the contract between the business owner and the customer. There is no cap on how long a customer can have a contract for storage. In response to a question from Ms. Kabong, Chair Kellum responded that Ms. Kabong’s concern regarding fuel leakage is the first that she had heard. From her personal knowledge, customers who use these types of storage facilities do not work on the items at the location, that type of work is completed elsewhere. In response to a question from Ms. Kabong, the applicant stated that the use is strictly for storing vehicles when not in use. Customer will not work on the vehicles at the storage location. Chair Kellum suggested Ms. Kabong communicate with the applicant about her concerns. She thanked Ms. Kabong for attending the meeting. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 4  Commissioner Bond commented that he was sensitive to the concerns raised by Ms. Kabong. The business has been operating at the location for almost 50 years. The applicant is reducing the number of parking spaces on the site. The issues Ms. Kabong experienced occurred with the previous owner. He is very sensitive to Ms. Kabong’s concerns but does not believe that the new use increases the risk of what could happen on the site. There being no further questions or speakers, the Planning Commission approved the following resolution: WHEREAS: the Hampton Planning Commission has before it this day a use permit application by Eddie Bowen Incorporated T/A Pay Here Used Cars, to permit a storage facility 3 at 1721 and 1723 West Pembroke Avenue [LSRN: 1002462 and 1002461, respectively]; WHEREAS: the applicant proposes to reuse and repurpose a +53,190 square foot area of the existing paved area in the southeast portion of the site, providing approximately 48 spaces for the storage of recreational vehicles, including but not limited to motor homes, campers, golf carts, motorcycles, trailers, and dry storage for boats and other watercraft. This area would be enclosed by a six (6’) foot tall chain link fence and a 20’ foot high roll gate and include 5,319 square feet of green area, a minimum of five (5) shade trees, and screening shrubs across the fencing portion that faces W. Pembroke Avenue; WHEREAS: the property is currently zoned General Commercial (C-3) District, which permits storage facility 3 with an approved use permit; WHEREAS: the Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended) recommends commercial uses for the subject site; WHEREAS: there are seven (7) recommended conditions that address issuance of permit; storage operation; green area and landscaping; site lighting, hours of operation; and compliance with applicable laws; WHEREAS: City staff recommends approval of this use permit application; and WHEREAS: one member of the public spoke regarding drainage impacts to their property. NOW, THEREFORE, on a motion by Commissioner Steven Bond and seconded by Commissioner Hope Harper, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Planning Commission recommends to City Council approval of Use Permit Application No. 22-00009 with seven (7) conditions. A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Brooks, H. Harper, Bond, Kellum NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: M. Harper, Coleman, Garrison Mr. Hayes read the public hearing notice on the next agenda item. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 5  B. UP 22-00023 – CROWN CASTLE USE, INC., 534 EAST MERCURY BOULEVARD [LRSN: 120 0 1 7 0 8], COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATION TOWER Use Permit Application No. 22-00023: This is a use permit application by Crown Castle USA, Inc., to increase the permitted overall height of a commercial communication tower six (6) feet for a maximum height of one-hundred thirty-nine (139) feet located at 534 E. Mercury Boulevard [LRSN: 120017088]. The property is currently zoned General Commercial (C-3) which allows for communication tower with a use permit. The Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended) recommends high-density residential for this site. The property is also within the Phoebus Master Plan (2013, as amended) area with no land use recommendation specific to this site. City Planner Davis Pemberton presented the staff report on the subject application, a copy of which is attached to the original minutes. Staff recommends approval of Use Permit Application No. 22-00023 with nine (9) conditions. There being no questions or speakers, the Planning Commission approved the following resolution: WHEREAS: the Hampton Planning Commission has before it this day a use permit application by Crown Castle USA, Inc. to increase the permitted overall height of a commercial communication tower six (6) feet for a maximum height of 139 feet at 534 E. Mercury Boulevard [LRSN: 12001708]; WHEREAS: a previously approved use permit for the communication tower, UP 0977, allowed the permitted height for the tower to not exceed 133 feet; WHEREAS: the property is currently zoned General Commercial (C-3), which permits a communication tower subject to an approved use permit; WHEREAS: the Hampton Community Plan (2006, as amended) recommends high-density residential for this property; WHEREAS: the property is also within the Phoebus Master Plan (2013, as amended) boundaries, which declares that implementation of adopted plans will be accomplished by a variety of public or private sector activities, such as the installation and improvement of infrastructure such as roads and utilities; WHEREAS: staff recommends nine (9) conditions which include limiting the overall tower height, compliance with site design, and compliance with public safety standards; WHEREAS: City staff recommends approval of this use permit application; and WHEREAS: no members of the public spoke in opposition or support of this application. NOW, THEREFORE, on a motion by Commissioner Steven Bond and seconded by Commissioner Hope Harper, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hampton Planning Commission recommends to City Council approval of Use Permit Application No. 22-00023 with nine (9) conditions. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 6  A roll call vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES: Brooks, H. Harper, Bond, Kellum NAYS: None ABST: None ABSENT: M. Harper, Coleman, Garrison V. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT A. YOUTH PLANNER PRESENTATION Senior Youth Planner Kyra Reed presented the Youth Planner Report for the Hampton Youth Commission (HYC). The Grants Committee held its public hearing on January 23, 2023. The committee awarded a total of $10,720 in grant funds. Grants were awarded to four (4) applicants for five (5) projects. The committee is currently planning site visits to the funded events. The grant recipients are: • Hampton High School GSA – $1,297 o Lavender Graduation o June 6, 2023 • YMCA Leaders Club – $2,197 o Healthy Kids Day o Late Spring 2023 • YMCA Youth and Government – $2,500 o D.I.G. (Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation) Summit o April 2023 • Our Youth Our Future – $2,450 o H.O.P.E. (Having Opportunities Promotes Equality) Summit o February 18, 2023 • Our Youth Our Future – $2,300 o Road to Success Summit Series o Next 3 months The Community Participation Committee is planning an end of quarter event for mid-spring or possibly summer. The Committee is also brainstorming ideas for the end of year celebration. The Youth Voice Committee held a stakeholder meeting with Resilient Hampton staff. During the meeting, The Commissioners were challenged to think of what a future Hampton would look like and how the Resilient Hampton goals can be incorporated in their vision. The stakeholder meeting with the Chief of Police is scheduled for February 27, 2023. The Youth Commission is currently recruiting for Youth Commissioners within schools, libraries, neighborhood centers, community centers, and YMCAs. The application deadline is April 1st. Interviews will be held throughout the month of April 2023. The new Commissions will be invited to attend the end of year celebration. Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 7  Upcoming Events & Meetings: • February 27th – Commission Meeting • March 6th – Executive & Commission Meetings • March 20th – Commission Meeting In response to a question from Commissioner Harper, Ms. Reed explained that Lavender Graduation is to recognize and celebrate people who identify as LGBTQ with a graduation. The Lavender Graduation started when a female who identified as lesbian was restricted from attending her child’s graduation. She created her own – Lavender Graduation. Ms. Reed also explained the significance that the color lavender comes from the Holocaust; people who identified as LGBTQ were identified with blue or pink ribbons. In response to a question from Chair Kellum, Ms. Reed explained that a D.I.G. Summit stands for diversity, inclusion & global engagement. The purpose of the summit is to prepare the delegates from the Youth in Government Club to present their bills to the Model General Assembly. There are currently 3 bills that will be presented – Counselors in Schools, Therapy for Victims of Assault, and Police Violence Training. The H.O.P.E. Summit stands for Having Opportunities Promotes Equality. The organization is a private non-profit that runs a podcast and YouTube series where they interview students from the City and surrounding areas. Chair Kellum thanked Ms. Reed for a great presentation and the work that the youth continue to do in the City. B. COMMUNITY PLAN: STRATEGIC PLAN MIDPOINT UPDATE Planning & Zoning Administrator Manager Mike Hayes gave a presentation to provide an update to the Hampton 2040 Community Plan Update process. Community Plan consists of: • Strategic Plan o Critical Issues o 5 – 10 year • Comprehensive Plan – Legally Mandated o Broad Areas o 20+ year Strategic Plan Process: • Community Visioning o Public Meeting – September 2022  Begin identifying assets and visioning o Task One: Vision  Steering Groups  Identify a brief vision statement that describes ideal conditions of your strategic priority area in the City in 5 – 10 years o Task Two: Goals  Steering Groups  Identify 3 – 5 measurable outcomes that if achieved, will realize the stated vision for the steering group’s priority area Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 8  • Mid-Process Check Point o Public Meeting – February 15, 2023  Present draft vision statement and goals  Gather feedback  Steering Groups  Discuss feedback from mid-process check point and Boards & Commissions  Revise the vision statement and goals as needed o Task Three: Actions  Steering Groups  Identify 3 – 5 actionable steps that the community can take to continue to accomplishing each goal o Integration  Integration Group  Staff & Steering Group reps identify and represent themes, reconcile duplications, and address contradictions between groups • Final Review o Public Meeting – Late June/Early July 2023  Present draft plan  Gather feedback  Integration Group  Staff presents recommended changes to the plan based on feedback received at the final review meeting.  The group reviews and agrees to changes o Final Draft & Present  Staff prepare final draft document and presentation  Final package is presented to Boards & Commissions • City Council Public Hearing & Adoption – October/November 2023 Appreciative Inquiry: • Define: What is our desired outcome? • Discover: Appreciating “the best of what is” • Dream: Envisioning “what could be” • Design: Determining “what should be” • Destiny: Sustaining, empowering “what will be” Seven Strategic Areas – 7 • Economic Growth • Living with Water • Placemaking • Educated Citizenry • Safe & Clean Community • Family Resiliency & Economic Empowerment • Excellence in Government Hampton 2040 • Total meetings: 22 • Total participants: 90 • Total volunteer hours: 634 • City staff: 35 • Staff hours: 1814 Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 9  Economic Growth • Draft Vision o “Hampton is the economic anchor of innovation from the sea to the stars” • Draft Goals o Create new and innovative opportunities for industry diversification o Hampton will build a more resilient economy anchored on our enduring culture of water o Enhance opportunities to attract a diverse business community o Hampton will create more prosperity through expanded career and educational access for its citizens o Hampton is a great place where people want to live Living With Water • Draft Vision o “Hampton will be a thriving, innovative, waterfront community that serves as a national model for environmental stewardship and coastal resiliency” • Draft Goals o Healthy and resilient ecosystems within our urban setting o High quality, accessible, and welcoming public waterfront opportunities for all o A community addressing the causes of coastal flooding, storms, and sea level rise o A community resilient and adaptive to the impacts of coastal flooding and storms o A community with an innovative, diverse, and sustainable economy anchored in our enduring culture of water Placemaking • Draft Vision o “We are Hampton, a diverse connected coastal community reimagining our shared and historical spaces” • Draft Goals o Leveraging community assets to create an expand economic, social, and environmental opportunities o Promote the visibility and enhance community ownership of shred resources o Improve the physical and social connections between neighborhoods and districts o Ensuring Hampton’s public spaces are thriving, beautiful, and authentic Educated Citizenry • Draft Vision o “Hampton will be the first choice for a diverse community of lifelong learners” • Draft Goals o Hampton fosters and promotes strong relationships that improve the value of our community’s education o Hampton will adopt a holistic approach to lifelong learning o Hampton will provide an array of learning opportunities that are equitable and innovative o Hampton will increase accessibility to lifelong learning opportunities for all Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 10  Safe & Clean Community • Draft Vision o “Hampton will lead the way as a community, celebrating diversity and providing safe and clean environments that support residents and businesses in reaching their full potential” • Draft Goals o All Hampton citizens should have an enhanced feeling of being safe o Hampton creates opportunities for a diverse group of stakeholders to cooperate by reaching citizens through community engagement to build a safe and clean community o Hampton will make investments in order to achieve and enhance community appearance to create a safer and cleaner community o Hampton will create and cultivate relationships by communicating with wide-ranging groups of diverse citizens o The City of Hampton and its citizens will cooperate to create open communication opportunities to educate and share valuable information Family Resiliency & Economic Empowerment • Draft Vision o “Hampton has healthy, inclusive, safe and stable families and neighborhoods” • Draft Goals o Hampton has communities where families are active stakeholder sin making Hampton better for all o Individuals and families have equitable access to resources that ensure social, physical, and emotional well being o Hampton has sustainable and resilient infrastructure o Individuals and families have careers and life skills necessary for self- sufficiency and stability Excellence in Government • Draft Vision o “Hampton is a leader in innovative, collaborative, and effective governance” • Draft Goals o Citizens will be actively engaged with local government to create clean, safe and beautiful spaces o Government and communities will advance creative solutions o Improve engagement and trust between community and government o The City of Hampton will attract and retain highly qualified and motivated individuals Early Potential Themes: • Diversity/Equity/Inclusion • Innovative/Excellence • Being Connected/Relationships/Engagement • Being Resilient • Our Unique History/Culture/Identity Work Session & Public Meeting Minutes 20230216 Page 11