[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6281949,"mediaKeyId","2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98","parentId",2600101,"title","Regional economists tell Pecosin council Hampton Roads economy shows resilience but faces uncertainty","audioSeconds",1020,"startMs",3720000,"endMs",4740000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98&start=3720&end=4740","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98/thumbnail_3720000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281949/Poquoson-City/Virginia/Regional-economists-tell-Pecosin-council-Hampton-Roads-economy-shows-resilience-but-faces-uncertainty","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281949-d5b7be1e15df051a45ef64f6516c4399/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094860&Signature=hrnzoOvBqbdMjLKzxDKa0US39FfKDsmFwB56CKmgXL6EDUTmlfONUvFV8cTnQAi3lWV~TqOfSVyLCRuil5NO9Dwvm5dv~0~a2~CLqFdEJfHYbREnIN3dVbUJL-v7PCMOo1xuwndY3Ll1IW-pvkwTEgjHjLWLSTPndYirN0RdsaQShSP07nkFdcKl4Bm8GGCbKxZc70EL8Wb~0ib6qu4HJaOxJ1iSFz5kkskus7yG0UlJXRNy7aPJGDtSahmeO4GP2yxxtoI5XgIn3lpD9-6EIqVxaoQ0VwLWsXbNngJKSH0HrrxHtHnOs7l3b8fs8mXG44P8-Swd87DKmczHt78zhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Poquoson","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","Representatives from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) and the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) briefed Pecosin City Council on regional economic trends, water and transportation planning, and several regional initiatives during the Feb. 25 work session.

Nikki Johnson, the HRPDC’s regional economist, summarized economic indicators for the nation, the Hampton Roads region and Pecosin. She said national GDP growth eased in 2024 but remained above the pre‑pandemic decade average; inflation has moderated from a 2022 peak but ‘‘stalled’’ near 3% in 2024. She described persistent uncertainty and flagged recent food and energy price movements as contributors to a modest uptick in inflation. Johnson said wages have, at times, outpaced inflation and that consumer spending helped sustain growth.

\"What this is signaling is a normalization to pre‑pandemic trends rather than an impending downturn,\" Johnson said, summarizing the national and regional picture for council. She noted local labor markets had recovered pandemic losses by early 2023 and that Pecosin’s unemployment rate remained low (about 2.4%), per the presentation.

Johnson also reported sector details and housing data: private education and health services, construction, and professional business services showed year‑over‑year job gains; leisure and hospitality recovered to pre‑pandemic levels in 2023 but hotel revenue in the region showed signs of slowing. She said the region saw a third straight year of rising defense spending, estimating about $14.6 billion in authorized defense spending in 2024, and observed that defense appropriations for 2025 showed increases in authorizations though timing of appropriations remained uncertain. On housing, Johnson said mortgage rates remain elevated compared with pandemic lows and that inventory levels continue to constrain supply; Pecosin, she added, showed a stronger rebound in home sales in 2024 compared with many neighboring localities.

HRPDC and TPO director Bob Crum and deputy staff described organization responsibilities and ongoing regional projects. Crum said the PDC coordinates planning, environmental, water resources and human‑services initiatives across 17 localities. He detailed the PDC/TPO role in transportation programming and explained that no federal, state or regional transportation funds are allocated to projects in Hampton Roads without TPO approval. Crum highlighted three regional initiatives of interest to Pecosin: (1) the regional legislative agenda, which coordinates unified legislative asks to the General Assembly and Congress; (2) an extension of the Virginia Capital Trail across the Peninsula to Fort Monroe and beyond, with more than $15 million in recent segment funding secured; and (3) subsea transatlantic internet cables and a regional fiber‑ring project that could strengthen the region’s position as a global internet hub if connected to Peninsula localities.

Council members asked about trail types (separated multi‑use paths preferred; cycle tracks or on‑street bike lanes where necessary), funding sources (a mix of state, federal, transportation alternatives and local CIP contributions), and potential economic benefits of fiber connectivity. Crum said the Capital Trail extension is being funded segment by segment and that recent awards totaled more than $15 million for segments; he described the subsea cable and fiber‑ring work as an opportunity to attract higher‑speed service and competition among internet providers.

No formal action was taken; the briefing was informational. Council members and staff thanked the HRPDC/TPO delegation for the presentation and said they would publish trail maps and materials on the city website for public access.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Poquoson - City Council Meeting 2025-02-24","oneSentenceSummary","Speakers from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and TPO presented regional economic trends and a regional planning update. Regional growth has normalized after pandemic-era volatility; defense spending and labor-market trends were highlighted but near‑term uncertainty was emphasized.","taxTitle","Poquoson City, Virginia","taxId",60259,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6281954,"Pecosin council tightens standards for Planned Open Space Conservation developments",4803,57000,4860000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98&start=57&end=4860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98/thumbnail_57000.jpg","/articles/6281954/Poquoson-City/Virginia/Pecosin-council-tightens-standards-for-Planned-Open-Space-Conservation-developments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281954-290bf89ad012b4cfde2d8b44ea66e951/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094860&Signature=FD5ookNYcTpvk9tTo2yDGDbmZ7z5vpywHAcDbxpze0gFL4VZ-Kowf0PHDEEGKdJSQ1xqBEzEycEHXnJ8dsrRI5o9~VMh6zkQAYO-XcVFE9sqy1oD11tN1eJ1Wvp7TX1P1L2F7gCWzZRQH-ByjE4m1UckGvG4c3lH8ip8gZ-YRn6T0nZBuAjfDbYwpeb3v3ugStlkQHequZAPpTJQATu67TtNsMUmQ8HFxMBdj1hqUkZfojXbdmGhjRQ0doaUpUsOGk76mDo0t0ZC7bisn9A8-0tsC9~dFLCvMZbXaM4ZKJw4XcF76tRPDfciW6~N7iUG0I0khXUpXAkSnz2ypgDAOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pecosin City Council on Feb. 25 adopted changes to Article 8.1 of Appendix A (zoning) that alter dimensional and design requirements for developments in the Planned Open Space Conservation (POC) District, city staff said.

The most significant changes set a minimum lot size of 11,000 square feet for lots in POC subdivisions, increased side yard setbacks from 10 feet to 15 feet, raised certain building setback lines to 35 feet from streets and revised open‑space accounting so a minimum of 50% of a development’s gross land area must be devoted to open space. In addition, up to 50% of non‑tidal wetlands (rather than 100% under the prior text) may be counted toward the required open space; the ordinance requires the remainder of wetlands remain in a predevelopment state and prohibits tidal wetlands from being used to achieve open‑space requirements.

\"What we have found in looking over the last several years is some definite avenues...to make [planned open space developments] more palatable in terms of blending in with the neighborhoods that they're in,\" Wiley Horton, the city’s director of community development, told council during the work session presentation. \"By putting a lot‑size floor on this, it ensures that no lot is going to be less than 11,000 square feet.\"

Horton explained that the previous standard used a density formula (about 2.5 dwelling units per allowable acre) that could produce lots substantially smaller than surrounding neighborhoods; the new minimum is roughly one quarter of an acre. He also said increasing side‑yard setbacks and the building setback from streets was intended to prevent homes from appearing ‘‘built on top of each other’’ and to improve compatibility with preexisting surrounding lots.

Councilors asked clarifying questions during the work session about how wetlands and resource protection areas would be counted and where buildable areas would remain on representative diagrams. Horton said non‑tidal wetlands would remain undisturbed in their predevelopment state when not counted for open space and that minor trail elements might be permitted with federal or other applicable approvals but that the ordinance aims to minimize disturbance.

The council approved the ordinance on first and final reading (recorded vote 7–0). Staff will codify the amended text in Appendix A and publish guidance for developers and applicants.

Clarifying details

- Minimum lot size for POC developments: 11,000 square feet (quarter acre).
- Side yard setbacks increased from 10 ft to 15 ft.
- Minimum building setback line from street increased to 35 ft.
- Open space requirement: minimum of 50% of gross land area devoted to open space; up to 50% of non‑tidal wetlands may count toward that total; tidal wetlands may not be used to achieve required open space.
- Previously used density: approximately 2.5 dwelling units per allowable acre (staff referenced that prior computation).

What happens next: The Community Development Department will update the zoning code, incorporate the changes into application review, and require submitted home‑design information when the zoning administrator determines it is necessary to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, the ordinance states.","Council adopted amendments to Article 8.1 that set a minimum lot size for Planned Open Space Conservation (POC) developments, raised setbacks and altered open-space and wetlands accounting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":80,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6281959,"Pecosin council approves bonds, zoning changes and a suite of ordinances; Verizon support letter passes 6-1",930,3930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98&start=3930&end=4860","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2600101-da5fc975f446736e1d17e6d85b902d98/thumbnail_3930000.jpg","/articles/6281959/Poquoson-City/Virginia/Pecosin-council-approves-bonds-zoning-changes-and-a-suite-of-ordinances-Verizon-support-letter-passes-6-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281959-b8e26388c233e5dbbc2f4b91fa7e4e89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094860&Signature=AZ9Fvh80LkNOk~nR1KP-aWWr38gKryFB-jt72WFoFBjvn75QwzL7A81Wk9PSrskbY4fmkwRO~2SziaNkMPRZV5NEu-t255d~JIRXquJWfBs6c~nIdmtqIKPYFPd9TVS45~IGfcOsN-BH1juDiLIeGsfKv5g52c~UNYG9NRBiVhE89w4DVFBY3dTo75R9zY1Chnl4dezfSYV6zyts1~3JwdasO4Vl0oklta5Y4XfbeykzgmdwExIUvcJLiiSQioIsR6cJiYIYdM~T0v1RfyYbDQVmWGVEm2UWdLWD0esq3fABw7KVFHg-RMAZ-1IhjhEh5qXkeZNrVKlYaiQLU~r8pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pecosin City Council on Feb. 25 approved a package of ordinances, resolutions and appointments, including authorizing a competitive borrowing of up to $3 million to finance HVAC and other capital projects, and amendments to the city’s Planned Open Space Conservation District (Article 8.1 of Appendix A). The council also adopted an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals, tightened rules on signs in the public right-of-way, approved a boundary adjustment agreement with York County, confirmed several board appointments and passed a mayoral support letter for a Verizon state broadband grant application.

Why it matters: The decisions commit city policy and resources on land-use rules, capital financing and civic operations that affect development standards, the city budget and local infrastructure. The borrowing will fund planned capital projects in the FY25 capital improvement program, and the zoning changes change minimum lot sizes, setbacks and open-space calculations for planned open-space subdivisions.

Key actions and outcomes

- General obligation borrowing (up to $3,000,000): Council approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation debt to fund capital projects (including HVAC work at Pecosin High School). Davenport & Company and local banks returned competitive proposals; TowneBank was recommended at a fixed 15-year rate of about 4.27% with flexible prepayment. Vote: 6 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention (Councilwoman Hubbard abstained). The ordinance will proceed to closing per schedule presented by the city’s financial advisor.

- Amendments to Article 8.1, Planned Open Space Conservation District (Appendix A, zoning): Council adopted zoning ordinance changes that set a minimum lot size for POC developments at 11,000 square feet, increased side yard setbacks from 10 to 15 feet, increased certain building setback lines to 35 feet, and changed open-space accounting to allow up to 50% of non-tidal wetlands (instead of 100%) to count toward required open space; remaining wetlands must remain in a predevelopment state. Vote: unanimous, 7-0.

- Short-term rentals (Appendix E): Council adopted a new licensing framework for short-term rentals, with a 90‑day compliance window for operators the city can identify. The planning staff told council it had preliminarily identified about half a dozen active operators. Vote: unanimous, 7-0.

- Chapter 6 (advertising) amendment: Council restricted signs eligible for placement in the public right-of-way to subdivision identification signs, signs erected by the local government with city‑manager approval, and emergency‑communication signage; temporary event and campaign signs will no longer be permitted in the right-of-way. Vote: unanimous, 7-0.

- Boundary agreement with York County: Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter an agreement with York County to adjust and relocate the common boundary line, and to petition the circuit court for approval under Virginia Code §15.2‑3107. Vote: unanimous, 7-0.

- Verizon grant‑support letter: Council authorized the mayor to sign a grant-support letter for Verizon Virginia LLC and Verizon South Inc. to apply for state broadband funding. The resolution does not create a local financial obligation; it is intended to give the applicant additional points in the state scoring. Vote: 6 in favor, 1 opposed (Councilman Fey voted No).

- Appointments and other routine items: Council confirmed appointments to the Wetlands Board, the York‑Pecosin Social Services Advisory Board and made nominations to the Board of Equalization. Vote: unanimous, 7-0 on each appointment resolution.

What council said: City Manager Randy Wheeler and the city’s financial advisor described the borrowing as consistent with the adopted FY25 capital plan and the city’s strong credit profile. No public speakers addressed the bond hearing. Council discussion on zoning changes referenced the work session presentation by the director of community development and closed with a unanimous vote to adopt the ordinance.

Next steps: The bond closing schedule and ordinance implementations will proceed under staff direction; the zoning ordinance text will be codified in Appendix A and applied to future Planned Open Space Conservation (POC) submissions. Short-term rental operators identified by staff will receive notices and a 90‑day compliance period to apply for licenses or cease operations.

Votes at a glance (selected roll calls)

- General obligation bond ordinance (up to $3,000,000): Ayes — Councilman Fey, Vice Mayor Bunting, Councilwoman Emmett, Councilman Freeman, Councilman Southall, Mayor Hooks; Abstain — Councilwoman Hubbard (motion carried 6‑0‑1).

- Article 8.1 zoning amendments (Appendix A): Unanimous approval, 7‑0.

- Appendix E (short‑term rentals): Unanimous approval, 7‑0.

- Chapter 6 (advertising / signs in right‑of‑way): Unanimous approval, 7‑0.

- Boundary agreement with York County (resolution): Unanimous approval, 7‑0.

- Verizon grant‑support letter (resolution): Approved 6‑1 (Councilman Fey opposed).

- State of emergency concurrence for Feb. 19 storm declaration (resolution): Unanimous approval, 7‑0.

Staff and presenters connected to the decisions

- Randy Wheeler, City Manager (city government) — presented storm/emergency and implementation context for approved actions.
- Austin Sachs, Davenport & Company (financial advisor) — presented bank proposals and recommended TowneBank for the $3 million borrowing.
- Wiley Horton, Director of Community Development (city government) — presented the Article 8.1 POC amendments during the work session and at the public hearing.
- Thomas Knoell, Principal Planner (city government) — presented the short‑term rental ordinance and related implementation steps.

Ending: Council adjourned after confirming appointments and finishing several procedural items; staff will implement ordinance changes and schedule the bond closing on the timeline provided by the city’s advisors.","At its Feb. 25 meeting, Pecosin City Council approved a $3 million general-obligation borrowing, adopted zoning amendments to the Planned Open Space Conservation District, approved short-term rental rules and other ordinances, authorized a boundary agreement with York County and passed a Verizon grant-support letter after a 6-1 vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional economists tell Pecosin council Hampton Roads economy shows resilience but faces uncertainty

Pecosin council tightens standards for Planned Open Space Conservation developments

Pecosin council approves bonds, zoning changes and a suite of ordinances; Verizon support letter passes 6-1