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.
Fire Department Work Schedule and Staffing
Council discussed ongoing efforts to transition fire department staffing models to improve firefighter health, safety, and retention.
Fire Department Work Schedule and Staffing
Council discussed ongoing efforts to transition fire department staffing models to improve firefighter health, safety, and retention.
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.
Local Cannabis Zoning Framework
Council initiated the planning process to establish local zoning regulations for businesses licensed by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.