News Flash

Oct. 20, 2017 - City Council will meet Wednesday evening at Jones Magnet Middle School to consider tightening restrictions on junk cars in residential areas, in response to increasing citizen complaints. 

The vote follows a presentation at the previous meeting about measures the city could take to reduce the number of junk cars. Staff analysis showed Hampton's regulations were less restrictive than most similar localities. The proposed amendments would:

• Change the definition of inoperable vehicles to require a vehicle owner to have both a valid license plate and a valid inspection;
• Shorten the notice period for an inoperable vehicle notice of violation; and 
• Limit the instances when inoperable vehicles are allowed to be screened from view.

The 311 staff tallied 442 complaints from citizens about junk cars in the past year. In addition, city inspectors generated almost another 1,000 notices of violation. 

The amendments would largely require that inoperable vehicles be kept in an enclosed building. However, to accommodate backyard mechanics and car restoration buffs, residents are allowed to keep a vehicle being actively worked on, plus a second vehicle for parts, if they are shielded or screened from view.

There will be a public hearing before the vote.

Two measures related to the purchase of the Sportsplex are on the agenda. One amends the capital budget and authorizes a $9.25 million bond anticipation note; the other approves the agreement between the city and the Economic Development Authority, which will leasing the building to the non-profit Boo Williams Summer League. The league is expected to pay rent that will cover the bond payments without additional city money. The facility generates significant tourism and economic activity with tournaments throughout the year.

In other matters, Council will vote on a measure designed to allow an Aberdeen Road entrance to the former Virginia School. That portion of Aberdeen is currently considered a limited access road, and the measure would ask the state to drop that designation. The site is expected to be redeveloped in the future.

Council's afternoon work session will be at City Hall in the 5th floor Community Development conference room. 

Meetings are open to the public. The afternoon meeting is in a room not equipped for TV broadcast. The evening meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at Jones Magnet Middle School, 1819 Nickerson Blvd. It will be broadcast live on the Hampton TV: Cox 47 and Fits 22 and streamed at http://hampton.gov//tv .