Colonial Heights public meetings in 2021

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority approved its 2022 meeting schedule and heard an update on a proposed market-rate apartment project at Southpark Mall. No formal action was taken on the project, which is pending before the Planning Commission and City Council.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved Oct. 7, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2022 meeting dates: Jan 27, Mar 24, May 19, Jul 28, Sep 29, Dec 1 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission will hold public hearings on two items: a special use permit for Christian Life Center to expand its religious assembly onto a consolidated 1.3-acre parcel at 505 Lakeview Avenue, and a recommendation to City Council to amend zoning to define and allow cannabis dispensing facilities in the GB General Business District. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and routine reports.

• Special use permit for Christian Life Center expansion at 505 Lakeview Avenue (parcels 1900010Y001 and 1900010Y002)
• Ordinance 21-24 to amend zoning to authorize cannabis dispensing facilities in GB General Business District
• Public hearing on PC Resolution 21-11 and Ordinance 21-23 for religious assembly addition
• Approval of minutes from August 3, 2021 and September 10, 2021 special meeting

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission unanimously approved a special use permit for Christian Life Center to expand its religious assembly onto a consolidated 1.3-acre parcel at 505 Lakeview Avenue, despite the land being less than the required 2 acres. The commission also voted to postpone a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to allow cannabis dispensing facilities in the GB-General Business District, pending additional staff research. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and updates on city projects.

• Approved special use permit for Christian Life Center expansion (unanimous)
• Postponed public hearing on cannabis dispensing facility ordinance (unanimous)

Zoning Appeals

The Colonial Heights Board of Zoning Appeals is meeting to approve prior minutes and hold a public hearing on a variance request. Seahawk Properties LLC seeks a 15-foot reduction in minimum lot frontage, from 75 to 60 feet, to build a single-family home on Hamilton Avenue. The board will decide whether to grant this variance for the specified parcel.

• Variance request by Seahawk Properties LLC for 15 feet of lot frontage on Hamilton Avenue, Lots 38 & 39, Riverside Park Subdivision
• Requested reduction from 75 to 60 feet minimum lot frontage in RL Low Density Residential District
• Public hearing for parcel ID 38000101041
• Approval of September 22, 2021 minutes

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance request by Seahawk Properties LLC for a 15-foot reduction in lot frontage at Lots 38 & 39 on Hamilton Avenue, allowing a minimum lot frontage of 60 feet instead of 75 feet for a single-family home. The applicant was not present, but staff recommended approval and the board voted 3-0 in favor. The minutes from the September 22, 2021 meeting were incomplete and will be reviewed at the next meeting.

• Approved 15-foot lot frontage variance for Seahawk Properties LLC at Hamilton Avenue Lots 38 & 39 (3-0)
• Deferred approval of September 22, 2021 minutes due to incompleteness

Economic Development Authority

The Colonial Heights Economic Development Authority is holding a routine meeting to adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the July 29, 2021 meeting, and set the next meeting date (Dec. 2 or Dec. 9, 2021). The agenda includes a chairman's report, old and new business, and a bus tour. No specific decisions or proposals are listed.

• Approval of minutes from July 29, 2021 meeting
• Next meeting date: Dec. 2 or Dec. 9, 2021
• Bus tour as new business

The Economic Development Authority approved its agenda and the minutes from the July 29, 2021 meeting. The board voted to move the next meeting to December 9, 2021, due to a scheduling conflict. No other substantive decisions were made; the chairman had nothing to report, and new business was limited to informational updates about a bus tour and a regional reception.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved July 29, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Set next meeting for Dec. 9, 2021 (unanimous)

Zoning Appeals

The Colonial Heights Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on three variance requests to allow single-family homes on lots with less than the required 75 feet of frontage. The applicants seek to build on undersized lots in the RL Low Density Residential District. The board will also approve minutes from the May 19, 2021 meeting.

• Variance for 15 feet of lot frontage on Walnut Avenue (Lot 31, Gregory Subdivision) to allow 60 feet instead of 75 feet
• Variance for 7 feet of lot frontage on Cameron Avenue (Lot 19R, Riverside Park Subdivision) to allow 68 feet instead of 75 feet
• Variance for 10 feet of lot frontage on Cameron Avenue (Lot 22R, Riverside Park Subdivision) to allow 65 feet instead of 75 feet
• Approval of May 19, 2021 meeting minutes

The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved three variance requests allowing reduced lot frontage for single-family home construction. Two variances were granted to Lundie Properties LLC for lots on Cameron Avenue, and one to William F. Maywalt for a lot on Walnut Avenue. The board also approved the minutes from the May 19, 2021 meeting.

• Approved 15-foot lot frontage variance for Walnut Avenue Lot 31 (3-0)
• Approved 7-foot lot frontage variance for Cameron Avenue Lot 19R (3-0)
• Approved 10-foot lot frontage variance for Cameron Avenue Lot 22R (3-0)
• Approved May 19, 2021 minutes (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission, jointly with the City Council and two Economic Development Authority members, will hold a special meeting consisting of site visits by bus to three multi-family housing developments outside the city. The commission will tour Magnolia Green, Regency Square, and The Station at Chester Village, then return to City Hall and adjourn. No formal decisions or public hearings are scheduled.

• Site visit to Magnolia Green, 6700 Otterdale Road, Mosely, VA
• Site visit to Regency Square, 1420 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA
• Site visit to The Station at Chester Village, 11910-11912 Chester Road, Chester, VA
• Joint meeting with City Council and Economic Development Authority members

The Planning Commission held a special meeting consisting entirely of site visits by bus to three multi-family housing locations. No formal decisions, votes, or resolutions were made during the meeting. The commission toured Magnolia Green, Regency Square, and The Station at Chester Village, with presentations from the Schell Brothers development group.

• No formal decisions were made; the meeting was for informational site visits only

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission is meeting to consider two main items: a special exception permit for a substance abuse clinic at 300A Temple Lake Drive, and a re-subdivision of a parcel at 415 Cameron Ave in Riverside Park. The commission will also approve minutes from June 1, 2021, and hear public comments.

• Public hearing on PC Resolution 21-9 and Ordinance 21-17 for a special exception permit to Roslyn Farm Corporation for a substance abuse clinic at 300A Temple Lake Drive (parcel 68125800008, zoned GB General Business District)
• New business: SUB 21-1 Riverside Park, Lots 19-22 Block 16 subdivision by Lundie Properties LLC for 415 Cameron Ave (parcel 38000116022, 0.345 acres, zoned RL Residential Low Density) to create two new parcels
• Approval of June 1, 2021 minutes
• Hearing of citizens generally

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a special exception permit (PC Resolution 21-9) for Roslyn Farm Corporation to operate a substance abuse clinic at 300A Temple Lake Drive. The commission also approved a re-subdivision of property at 415 Cameron Ave (SUB 21-1) by a 6-1 vote. No citizens spoke during the public hearing portion.

• Approved special exception permit for substance abuse clinic at 300A Temple Lake Drive (7-0)
• Approved re-subdivision of 415 Cameron Ave into two parcels (6-1)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved June 1, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority is holding a routine meeting with agenda items including approval of minutes from May 27, 2021, and scheduling future meetings. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2021 meeting
• Next meeting dates: Sept. 23, 2021 and Dec. 2, 2021

The Economic Development Authority met and heard reports on regional industrial site development, including a Go Virginia grant application and a tier rating for the Colonial Heights site. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters; the board only approved the agenda and prior minutes. Updates were provided on new tenants and interest in the former Sears building.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 27, 2021 meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution and ordinance to grant a special use permit, with conditions, to Lee S. Robertson for a mobile business unit, Quintessential Chiropractic, at 1217 Boulevard (parcel 500001000G8) in the General Business District. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, citizen comments, and reports from staff and city officials.

• Special use permit for mobile chiropractic business at 1217 Boulevard (PC Resolution 21-8, Ordinance 21-15)
• Public hearing on the special use permit
• Approval of minutes from May 4, 2021 meeting
• Reports from Planning Director, City Engineer, City Manager, and City Attorney

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission unanimously recommended denial of a special use permit for Quintessential Chiropractic, a mobile business unit, to operate at 1217 Boulevard. The commission cited concerns about setting a precedent, competition with existing businesses, and the business operating without a license. The motion to recommend denial passed 7-0.

• Recommended denial of special use permit for mobile chiropractic business (7-0)
• Amended Resolution 21-8 to recommend denial (7-0)
• Passed Resolution 21-8 as amended (7-0)

Economic Development Authority

The Colonial Heights Economic Development Authority is holding a regular meeting on May 27, 2021. The agenda is largely procedural, covering approval of minutes, scheduling future meetings, and reports from the chairman. No substantive items such as contracts, rezonings, or financial decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 25, 2021 meeting
• Scheduling future meetings: July 22, Sept. 23, Dec. 2, 2021
• Chairman's report

The Economic Development Authority met and approved the agenda and prior minutes. Members heard updates on local projects, including Mission BBQ's site work, Surplus Furniture opening, the voided Walgreens purchase, and Dunkin Donuts leasing the former Wells Fargo. No formal decisions were made beyond routine approvals.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 25, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Appeals

The Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request by William F. Maywalt for a property on Suffolk Avenue. The variance would reduce the minimum lot frontage from 75 to 50 feet and the minimum lot area from 7,500 to 5,250 square feet, allowing construction of a single-family home. The board will also approve minutes from the November 18, 2020 meeting.

• Variance request for 25 feet of lot frontage and 2,250 square feet of lot area at Suffolk Avenue (parcel 41000414033)
• Approval of November 18, 2020 minutes
• Public hearing for variance to allow single-family home construction

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is meeting to consider a resolution recommending City Council approval of an ordinance that would amend the zoning code to allow mobile food units to operate on a less restrictive basis. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the April 6, 2021 meeting and a public hearing period for citizen comments.

• Public hearing on Planning Commission Resolution No. 12-7 regarding mobile food units
• Ordinance No. 21-11 to amend § 286-410.62 of the Zoning chapter
• Approval of April 6, 2021 meeting minutes
• Hearing of citizens generally
• Reports from Chairman, Planning Director, City Engineer, City Attorney, and City Manager

The Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution 21-7 and Ordinance 21-11, which amends the zoning code to allow mobile food units on a more permanent basis, expanding permitted locations and changing permit durations to three months. The ordinance was approved as drafted, with discussion about potential non-profit fee reductions deferred. The item will go to City Council for review.

• Approved Resolution 21-7 and Ordinance 21-11 to expand mobile food unit operations (7-0)
• Approved the agenda for the May 4, 2021 meeting
• Approved the minutes from the April 6, 2021 meeting

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on several items, including a special use permit for a hookah establishment, a land use and zoning change for a property on Battery Place, and adoption of a new Comprehensive Plan through 2044. The meeting also includes routine items like approval of minutes and citizen comments.

• Special use permit for hookah lounge at 90 Southgate Square, Suite 180 (parcel 69010300001)
• Land use change for 217 Battery Place from Residential Single Family to Transitional Office
• Zoning change for 217 Battery Place from RL to RO district
• Adoption of new Comprehensive Plan through 2044

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission approved a special use permit for a hookah establishment at 90 Southgate Square, Suite 180, by a 6-1 vote. The commission unanimously disapproved two related requests to change the land use and zoning of 217 Battery Place from residential to office. It also unanimously approved a new Comprehensive Plan for the city through 2044.

• Approved special use permit for hookah lounge at 90 Southgate Square, Suite 180 (6-1)
• Disapproved land use change for 217 Battery Place from Residential to Transitional Office (7-0)
• Disapproved rezoning of 217 Battery Place from RL to RO (7-0)
• Approved new Comprehensive Plan through 2044 (7-0)

Economic Development Authority

The Colonial Heights Economic Development Authority is holding a routine meeting to adopt the agenda, approve minutes from the January 28, 2021 meeting, and set future meeting dates. The agenda includes a chairman's report, old and new business, and a training session on EDA fundamentals. No specific projects, contracts, or financial decisions are listed.

• Approval of minutes from January 28, 2021 meeting
• Scheduling future meetings: May 27, July 22, September 23, December 2, 2021
• Chairman's report
• Old business and new business items
• EDA Training 101 session

The Economic Development Authority met and approved the agenda and January minutes. Members reviewed the Temple Avenue project site plan, heard that Ace Hardware signed a lease at Dunlop Farms, and discussed a potential lease for the former Wells Fargo building. The board also watched an EDA training video and discussed regional economic development efforts.

• Adopted the meeting agenda unanimously
• Approved the minutes from the January 28, 2021 meeting unanimously
• Reviewed the Temple Avenue project site plan on display at City Hall
• Noted Ace Hardware has signed a lease at Dunlop Farms (10,000 sq ft), opening June 2021
• Discussed a lease for the former Wells Fargo building on Boulevard and James
• Watched EDA training video from Next Move Group
• Discussed potential subdivision of industrial property behind Walmart and interest from solar companies
• Adjourned at 10:30 AM

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider two resolutions: one to rezone 1.02 acres at 401 Southpark Boulevard from Industrial to General Business, and another to approve the city's proposed FY2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan. The meeting also includes approval of minutes, citizen comments, and reports from city staff.

• Rezoning of 401 Southpark Boulevard (parcel 69010700002, Lot 2 of Sadler Bros. Subdivision) from I-Industrial to GB-General Business
• Resolution on the proposed FY2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan
• Public hearing on the rezoning
• Approval of January 5, 2021 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning of 401 Southpark Boulevard from Industrial to General Business, allowing the property owner to lease the building to a restaurant tenant. The Commission also unanimously approved the city's proposed FY2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan. No citizens spoke during the public hearing.

• Approved rezoning of 401 Southpark Blvd from Industrial to General Business (7-0)
• Approved FY2022-2026 Capital Improvements Plan (7-0)
• Approved agenda and January 5, 2021 minutes (all in favor)

Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority held its organizational meeting, electing Mrs. Comstock as Chairman and Mr. Kester as Vice Chairman. The board approved the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and the proposed 2021 meeting dates. Members also received updates on the COVID-19 small business grant program and the 401 Temple Avenue project.

• Elected Mrs. Comstock as Chairman (unanimous)
• Elected Mr. Kester as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved Dec. 3, 2020 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Dec. 17, 2020 special meeting summary (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 meeting dates: Mar 25, May 27, Jul 22, Sep 23, Dec 2 (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission is meeting to handle organizational matters, including electing officers and adopting rules, and to review the draft Comprehensive Plan chapters 6-10 as old business. The agenda is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the plan review.

• Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman
• Adoption of Rules of Procedure
• Review of draft Comprehensive Plan, chapters 6-10
• Approval of minutes from November 3, 2020 meeting

The Colonial Heights Planning Commission unanimously approved edits to the draft Comprehensive Plan (Chapters 6-10) and adopted the 2021 meeting schedule. The commission also elected officers, appointed a secretary, and approved the 2020 annual report. No citizens spoke during the public hearing portion.

• Approved edits to Comprehensive Plan Chapters 6-10 (6-0)
• Adopted 2021 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Elected Mr. Hartson as Chairman (all in favor, Hartson abstained)
• Elected Mrs. Schiff as Vice-Chairman (all in favor, Schiff abstained)
• Appointed Ms. Hall as Secretary
• Adopted rules of procedure (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 annual report (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 3, 2020 meeting (unanimous)