Emily Archer

This master plan update outlines a 10 and 25-year strategy to balance land use for economic and cultural vibrancy within the ITA study area. Key focus areas include significant investments in sports tourism infrastructure such as baseball/softball complexes, BMX sports, and a national cross-country course, alongside phased development of light industrial and flex commercial spaces. The plan also incorporates municipal facilities, regional stormwater management through a large recreational pond, and the preservation of natural buffers and agricultural areas, with the aim of generating economic benefits through increased hotel nights, job creation, and tax revenue.

The board reviewed monthly financial statements, including cash flow and capital maintenance activities for the operating account, human services building, and golf course. They approved the fiscal year 2027 annual budget. The board also approved an EDIP Part A award for Oregon Construction Corp to support their office expansion and job creation project, and an EDIP Part A award for Virginia Wesleyan University to assist with the relocation and consolidation of the Sentara College of Health Sciences into a new facility in Virginia Beach to address regional nursing workforce needs.

The council received a presentation from their federal lobbying team regarding the status of federal government relations, including an overview of federal grant funding received and the outlook for future projects. Key topics discussed included specific earmarks for stormwater, transportation, and public safety infrastructure projects, as well as the ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for the Nimmo Parkway project. Additionally, the council heard an overview of the work conducted by the e-bike task force and its recommendations for future policy and regulation within the city.

The council received a presentation regarding an RFP process for a new public structured parking garage located at 19th Street and Parks Avenue to address parking shortages near the convention center and sports center area. Key discussion points included the proposed concept of a 1,048-space garage, the integration of retail space, development agreement terms, pre-development costs, and strategies for managing parking inventory and operational costs. The council also deliberated on the potential for dynamic pricing to manage parking turnover and incentivizing the use of shuttles.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several agenda items, primarily focusing on text amendments to city ordinances related to the hauling of sand, gravel, and other excavated materials to streamline the review process. Additionally, the commission discussed an update to the mobile home section of the city code to align with current policy, and a request to reflect updated storm water permit fees to ensure compliance with state regulations. Several subdivision variance requests were reviewed, including applications for properties on Holland Road, Gatewood Avenue, and Kennedy Avenue, with discussions centering on lot size requirements, historic character preservation, and infrastructure impacts.