Chesapeake · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Chesapeake public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Precinct Reassignment Concerns in Crestwood
Seventy-two homes in the Crestwood at Parkside community have been assigned to a precinct six miles away, forcing long trips to vote. The council passed a resolution of support, but actual fixes must come from the state.
HOME-ARP reallocation for Heron's Landing HVAC and eviction prevention
The city was set to shift $650,000 in federal HOME American Rescue Plan money to replace HVAC at Heron's Landing Apartments and $250,000 to ForKids' eviction reduction program. That means safer, healthier housing for residents there and help for families facing eviction.
Industrial Zoning and Contractor Storage Expansions
Residents and council members raised concerns over industrial-scale developments and truck traffic in areas like the Fentress overlay district, where narrow rural roads are increasingly impacted by heavy industrial uses.
Traffic Safety and Infrastructure on Mount Pleasant Road
Council members addressed ongoing safety concerns, speeding, and fatal accidents along narrow stretches of Mount Pleasant Road and surrounding rural corridors.
Rural Road Safety and Heavy Commercial Traffic
Residents and council members raised concerns about the growing influx of industrial-scale developments and heavy truck traffic along narrow, rural roads in areas like the Fentress overlay district and Mount Pleasant Road, citing deteriorating road conditions and rising traffic accidents.
Carlton Park Residential Development
Kroll Residential is building 23 single-family homes on Battlefield Boulevard South. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic and property privacy, leading to agreed-upon fencing and buffer protections.
Tidewater Express Industrial Expansion
Tidewater Express is expanding its commercial vehicle repair and towing operations onto 42 acres on South Military Highway. Residents raised questions about wetland protections and buffer zones.
Master Transportation Plan & Road Connectivity
Council reviewed the Master Transportation Plan, focusing on east-west corridors like Scenic Parkway and Parker Road to relieve north-south congestion and improve emergency response. Residents and council members raised concerns about traffic volume impacts on residential neighborhoods like Cheshire Forest.
West Road Water and Sewer Project Disruption
Residents living along West Road raised concerns about ongoing dust, noise, vehicle damage, and construction delays related to the new water and sewer line project.
Fire Department Work Schedule and Staffing
Council discussed ongoing efforts to transition fire department staffing models to improve firefighter health, safety, and retention.
Local Cannabis Zoning Framework
Council initiated the planning process to establish local zoning regulations for businesses licensed by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
Fire Department Work Schedule and Staffing
Council discussed ongoing efforts to transition fire department staffing models to improve firefighter health, safety, and retention.
Election
Fifteen candidates are officially running for Chesapeake City Council, so it is time to figure out who deserves your vote. With plenty of options on the ballot, voters need to start looking closely at where these hopefuls stand.
Townes at Rivercrest Development
A new 26-unit townhouse community is coming to Great Bridge Boulevard, bringing infill housing and sidewalk improvements.
Civil Enforcement of Zoning and Building Code Violations
The city is shifting from criminal prosecution to civil enforcement for zoning infractions to make the process more collaborative and effective.
Chesapeake Waterfront Concrete Crushing Facility
Residents from the Reunion community raised concerns about dust, noise, and operating hours for a proposed concrete recycling and crushing plant on South Military Highway.
Municipal Property Acquisitions for City Offices and Registrar
The city is spending nearly $7.9 million in one-time funds to buy several office buildings near Cedar Road and Albemarle Drive. Officials say buying with cash saves millions in interest compared to taking out loans.
Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant
The city accepted a $500,000 state grant to fund four part-time positions focused on gun violence outreach and forensic evidence testing for recovered firearms.
Animal Cruelty Registry
Chesapeake just became the first city in Hampton Roads to create an animal cruelty registry to keep track of convicted abusers and protect local pets. If you're a pet owner, this is a big win for neighborhood safety.
Deep Creek Bridge Traffic and Safety Concerns
Residents and council members raised safety and traffic congestion issues near the Deep Creek Bridge, discussing potential traffic enforcement cameras and roadway reconfigurations.
Bedford Street and Maxwell Street Commercial Traffic Impacts
Homeowners on Bedford and Maxwell streets fought a contractor storage yard over industrial creep, narrow rural roads, and public safety hazards.
Greenbrier Mall Redevelopment and Costco Project
Council approved a new Costco fuel station at Greenbrier Mall, prompting debate over long-standing traffic congestion and infrastructure needs in the Greenbrier area.
First Responder Mental Health and Wellness Platform
The city is exploring the adoption of the Ally Connect app to provide police officers and potentially other first responders with 24-7 mental health support, peer connection, and dispatch-integrated trauma tracking. Council members expressed strong support for funding the initiative to help officers cope with cumulative job-related stress.
Proposed Wildlife Management Area Expansion on Ballahack Road
Residents and farmers expressed strong concerns over a proposed state wildlife management area expansion on the old Cartwright farm, citing safety risks to nearby neighborhoods and loss of productive farmland.
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail Land Acquisition
The city is buying two parcels totaling 5 acres along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail for $225,000 to preserve open space and protect the trail from future development.
Deep Creek Area Plan Comprehensive Plan Update
The city proposed updates to the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the Deep Creek Area Plan, aiming to guide future development, trails, and streetscaping while drawing concerns from residents about potential property tax increases and pedestrian safety along Military Highway.
TIF District Surplus Transfer and Public Safety Funding
Council declared $10 million in surplus funds from Greenbrier and South Norfolk TIF districts to support citywide public safety pay plans, drawing pushback from residents over local infrastructure neglect.
Public Transit Access to Chesapeake Cares Resource Center
Numerous residents and advocates asked the city to install a bus stop and sidewalks near the Stepping Stone Square resource center, arguing that the current 0.7-mile walk along busy industrial roads without sidewalks is dangerous for unhoused and elderly individuals.
Proposed Effective Tax Rate Increase
Residents testified in opposition to potential property tax increases during a public hearing on the FY 2027 operating budget, pointing to rising assessments and living costs.
Elected Officials Salary Increase Proposal
Council Member Smith proposed advertising a public hearing for March 2026 to consider increasing City Council and mayoral salaries, following new state authorization.
Stillwater Mixed-Use Development & Food Truck Park
Council approved a major new project on Battlefield Boulevard that brings a mix of houses, townhomes, and Hampton Roads' first dedicated food truck park. The development promises a unique gathering space and family-friendly dining options.
Greenbrier Copper Processing Facility
City officials approved a specialized industrial facility in Greenbrier PUD Zone 4 to bring an international copper processor to Chesapeake. Neighbors expressed worry over potential noise and pollution, though the developer committed to sound walls and zero outdoor storage.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Policy Proposal
City officials discussed implementing a Transfer of Development Rights program to preserve rural land in southern Chesapeake while channeling higher-density growth into designated urban areas like Greenbrier.
Cedar Lakes Traffic Signal Project
The city is moving forward with property acquisition, fund transfers, and an emergency appropriation to install a traffic signal at Cedar Road and Cedar Lakes Drive to improve intersection safety.
Parks, Recreation and Tourism Master Plan
The city adopted a new 10-year master plan to guide future park investments, indoor recreation spaces, and tourism strategies.
Chesapeake Transportation System Toll and Fee Restructuring
Council approved an increase in toll rates for the expressway system to fund road maintenance and debt service.
Southside Network Authority Fiber-Optic Co-Build
Chesapeake is partnering with regional cities on a high-speed fiber-optic network ring. By building conduit simultaneously with the Southside Network Authority, the city saves money and time, with about $1.7 million reimbursed to Chesapeake.
Police Fleet Vehicle Replacement
The city is shifting $1.05 million to the police department and fleet fund to buy new patrol cars. Supply chain delays and inflation have made vehicles harder to get, so officials want to refresh aging cars before they break down in the field.
Opioid Settlement Funding Appropriation
The city accepted $377,164 from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority to expand local addiction treatment and abatement programs above standard operating budgets.
School Resource Deputy Grant Appropriation
The city added a $125,583 state grant to the Sheriff's Office budget to help fund school resource deputies.
2045 Comprehensive Plan Clerical Correction
Council fixed a paperwork error to ensure the correct version date is attached to the newly adopted 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
2045 Comprehensive Plan Adoption and Growth Concerns
The city adopted its 2045 Comprehensive Plan to guide long-term growth, housing, and infrastructure. Residents raised alarms over future road widenings—such as expanding Volvo Parkway to six lanes—and water connection questions.
Council Appointment
Chesapeake's City Council just picked local police officer Jeff Jefferies to fill an empty seat, giving law enforcement a direct voice in local legislation. This appointment shakes up the council's dynamic as they tackle upcoming city rules and budgets.
Rezoning Approval
Chesapeake leaders just greenlit a controversial compressor station rezoning despite heavy pushback from locals who live nearby. It's a wake-up call to keep a close eye on how industrial projects sneak into residential zones.