Senior Citizens Advisory Committee

Hampton Senior Citizen Advisory Committee March 6, 2017 Hampton Senior Center Members Present: Sarah Drew, Doris Farmer, Yvonne Gaynor, George Gwynn, Jr., Agency Representatives: Mayor Donnie Tuck, City of Hampton, Barbara Stewart, Linda Burke Hampton Dept. of Social Services, Linda Scott-Stone, Hampton Health Dept., L. Fitzpatrick, City Manager’s Office, Gina Lewis, Foster Grandparent Program, S. Elswick, G. Jones Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, Jason Samuels, Healthy Families School Age Program Citizens: M. Clark, L. Barnes, J. Parham, P. Marshburn, I. Kirschmann, C. Evans, M. Johnson, W. McDuffie, J. Francis, J. Jackson, G. Scott, M. Hazell, C. Whitaker S. Drew called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Y. Gaynor welcomed attendees and requested all in attendance introduce themselves. G. Lewis introduced Leonard Sledge, Director of Economic Development for the city. L. Sledge, Hampton’s Director of Economic Development (ED), addressed the group and provided information regarding economic development for the city. The department’s focus is to increase job opportunities, destination tourism, value housing, and retail development and redevelopment, which supports the “Choose Hampton” campaign implemented by City Council. The ED office focus is to encourage investment by companies which will create more jobs for city residents and increase the tax base. Some of the major projects taken on by ED are: o $40 million investment by Federal Express to increase their presence in Hampton o $60 million renovation at Riverdale Shopping Center anchored by a 123,000 sq ft Kroger market o $25 million expansion by Arconic industry o The Fanueil Project which created 191 new jobs o Oozelfinch Brewery opens at Fort Monroe o Maximus health care hired 189 new employees o TE Connectivity added 66 new jobs o Increased hotel presence  Holiday Inn Express has made a commitment to open a Hyatt Place Hotel;  The Crowne Plaza hotel will undergo a major renovation and rebranding to become a Hilton Tapestry project o The National Guard Armory has been repurposed to feature a craft brewery and entertainment venue o Newmarket Creek will become “Central Park”, a 2.5 mile waterfront park that will feature entertainment, recreation, a bike lane, walking paths, interactive fountains and elevated boardwalks. There are 5 key areas slated for future development through 2020 which include: o Downtown Hampton to develop more residential communities o Coliseum Central (southern end) aquatic facility and additional retail o Hampton Roads Center North to develop more residential communities Page 1 of 3  Hampton Senior Citizen Advisory Committee March 6, 2017 Hampton Senior Center o Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Hard of Hearing to develop the area for light manufacturing o Ft. Monroe – continue development of residential community and recreation G. Gwynn asked about how the redevelopment of Riverdale to Riverpoint, will affect the location of the post office. L. Sledge informed the group that currently there are discussions regarding the post office but no plan has been finalized. L. Sledge also mentioned that as of now there are no new plans for Willow Oaks, but he is making attempts to hold a meeting with the current owner to discuss future plans. Y. Gaynor asked about the future of the Senior Center. What can be done to make it a premier center that attracts senior citizens and makes it an example of excellence. L. Fitzpatrick commented that the senior center is part of the Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services department and improvements to the facility will come from their budget. A member of the audience commented that the center needs to be updated. L. Scott-Stone asked about the status of the Friday jazz concerts at Millpoint and the Afram festival. L. Sledge reported that new ways are being discussed to utilize Millpoint Park and that he does not have information regarding the situation concerning Afram. B. Stewart reported that there is a balance of $187 in the SCAC budget, after she paid for attendance at the PAA forum and securing a vendor table for SCAC at the forum. She also noted that applications have been submitted to City Council for membership in the SCAC. City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month except for June, July, august, November and December when the meetings will be held only on the 2nd Wednesday.. B. Stewart also reported on the minimal increase of $2 for the auxiliary grants available through Social Services for assisted living placement. The amount available through auxiliary grants is up from $1,219 per month to $1,221. Currently the average lowest cost for private pay at assisted living facilities is approximately $1800 per month. P. Marshburn informed the group that during a recent conversation with an insurance agent she was informed that if a person is 55 or over and takes a defensive driving course their insurance premiums will be reduced. The Division of Motor Vehicles can provide additional information. S. Drew noted the need for a correction to the minutes from the February meeting. The revised minutes should reflect that S. Drew did not request the committee utilize the remaining funds be used to provide registration for those interested in attending the Peninsula Agency of Aging’s “Community Forum on Aging”. S. Drew requested a separate meeting for committee members and Mayor Tuck, Barbara Stewart, William Massey and Wanda Rogers. B. Stewart informed S. Drew that all committee meetings are open to the public and the request for a private meeting is not in keeping with the bylaws of the organization. S. Drew withdrew the request. Page 2 of 3  Hampton Senior Citizen Advisory Committee March 6, 2017 Hampton Senior Center The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m. The next meeting will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Senior Center Respectfully submitted, Gina L. Lewis Secretary Page 3 of 3