[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6547479,"mediaKeyId","3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c","parentId",3584801,"title","Local promoter objects to changes at Hampton Jazz & Music Festival; city offers to collaborate","audioSeconds",1076,"startMs",1671000,"endMs",2747000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c&start=1671&end=2747","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c/thumbnail_1671000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6547479/Hampton-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Local-promoter-objects-to-changes-at-Hampton-Jazz-Music-Festival-city-offers-to-collaborate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547479-557f3f35fd603ab15722e7ed77224dc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=f1p~1xOAomv0LUqJDox1TtQhhA-mwyJgFksLKdNLear1~GaefCFbZK6Uz47Denzc7qc4m2gV6Y513LPo2FXZjueizGbNtfM7QzO1ZoSM27PKksNfywlY49666QNkSkL17HGRhVxSVsztS7jLB1PYY-1jG2SgHE2LQjxL3pXc1N13A95OD3ymvMwxdLPyQYXqVsEzgMCaeWcE73xlknPpgrBDk0TS0zufCUHO5DlZHY1etxfyWkqvLDf-QpICmCRpuOuf-lJAnDyPv5575Gg3-c6XhDeQITszV~efotyw5gcNNh0CyAnN8C7OPxwminffT4bRN5xkVLiyLUHkJdh-VQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hampton City","date","2025-05-28T00:00:00Z","article","A local promoter told the council he was forced to relocate his long-running events after a new promoter for the Hampton Jazz & Music Festival subcontracted convention-center activities to another party.

Johnson Tirado (speaking as a local event producer) said he has produced events in Hampton for more than 15 years and donated more than $20,000 to local nonprofits and scholarships. He said the festival's change in promoter this year resulted in duplicated events at the Hampton Coliseum and that local stakeholders who had supported the festival long term were not given adequate notice or transparency. \"I feel the way this transition was handled lack[ed] transparency and consideration for the local stakeholders who have consistently supported the enhancement of the festival experience,\" he said, and added he wanted to be part of a solution, not the problem.

City Manager Bunting responded that the city and Hampton University changed promoters for the festival for a variety of reasons, and that the city was willing to work with displaced local promoters. Bunting said the city had offered to work with the promoter who raised the concern and had suggested other event opportunities across the city. He also thanked council members who had responded promptly to the promoter's outreach.

Ending: The city offered to meet with the local promoter and representatives of festival organizers to explore collaborative options for future events and to discuss ways to include long-standing local partners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hampton City - City Council Legislative Session - May 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A local event promoter said the festival's new organizers duplicated events and lacked transparency; city staff said promoter changes were made by the festival organizers and offered to work with local stakeholders on future events.","taxTitle","Hampton City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",5062,"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},6547483,"Residents press council over constant red ramp restrictions and neighborhood noise; city cites VDOT/FHWA limits",790,1834000,2624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c&start=1834&end=2624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c/thumbnail_1834000.jpg","/articles/6547483/Hampton-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Residents-press-council-over-constant-red-ramp-restrictions-and-neighborhood-noise-city-cites-VDOTFHWA-limits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547483-c7893903808c6b60bcf92fac208f5173/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=cksLtrFQB7-NLr7tIBeXXtpX5eWk8K9~zQfcbhDA0aatyMc~HzFwchiIrlZ873RqDOWc8hUSTizoIzIQX8JdmTaQjb8oAatFYRBBgldzfN3jZHu9HweTyts3F0WVdNSwGhFcH2JMK1dBbExp144diUG6aAu0tGk64-mJO33xAPdWlpe5lzKVCoG3k~MM6hFRSbAyED8-VEtPjRfiV0cWI1fCQ6xlox3VqGEKMX2Ceiah0TqOR4lnozdU4~YmHpM9Oxaz9e3v3UGF9WpU0mIBeSBs0r4scZeUf-rS3ULmwPoIgMezPpG7X6YBMbx85Y7xPd9g4Sr~bgodwIbKqzBsow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents reported traffic and noise problems during public comment Tuesday and asked the council to pursue physical changes or other remedies.

Richard East, identifying himself as an environmental health and safety official (not a city resident), urged attention to the intersection of William R. Harvey Way and Settlers Landing Road. East described a center lane used to access the I-64 eastbound ramp that remains under a constant red light between 3 and 6 p.m. and said existing signage is insufficient: \"These are the signs that are there as you approach the intersection. And they're just not enough to communicate to drivers to stay out of the lane between 3 and 6.\" He said red-light camera citations were now being issued to drivers who enter the center lane during the restriction period.

City Manager Bunting responded in detail. He said the city had pursued physical ramp closures like the device used in Norfolk but that VDOT and the Federal Highway Administration would not permit Hampton to use that method, so the city pursued alternatives that were approved and funded by VDOT. Bunting said staff had tested public-information measures and a period of waived citations before enforcement. \"This was the only one that was ultimately approved,\" he said of the extended red-light camera approach, and added, \"I personally don't like it either. But this is the hand we've been dealt by VDOT and FHWA.\" He listed three locations in the city with 3-to-6 p.m. constant-red restrictions (downtown Settlers Landing, Phoebus Mallory Street, and an exit ramp) and said the measures were aimed at preventing gridlock that blocked emergency vehicles during HRBT construction-related detours.

On neighborhood noise, resident Shane Lewis asked the city to consider a sound wall and a reduced speed limit on Andrews Boulevard near Kilgore Middle School, saying traffic noise makes outdoor spaces unusable for neighbors. The city manager said sound walls are typically installed by VDOT along interstates and suggested staff could conduct sound studies and look at alternatives; he asked Lewis to leave contact information so the public-works director could follow up.

Ending: City staff said they would follow up with residents on noise concerns and continue to use the approved red-light enforcement approach while pursuing any additional technical options permitted by VDOT and FHWA.","A resident urged city action on a center-lane ramp restriction and noise from Andrews Boulevard; city manager said VDOT and FHWA denied a physical ramp closure and the city uses extended red-light enforcement as a last resort.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547488,"Recovery advocates urge Hampton to expand peer-run residences; city manager says drug court ended amid low participation",1466,1331000,2797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c&start=1331&end=2797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c/thumbnail_1331000.jpg","/articles/6547488/Hampton-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Recovery-advocates-urge-Hampton-to-expand-peer-run-residences-city-manager-says-drug-court-ended-amid-low-participation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547488-91be966f95303a5e52263a561dd297af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=EhR2JHUBrUwqyo9~N~Q2jKHyqg4TOzTg1YvdVPJEy7Sn22I8PSVZbQ1VffGbCy5J6Le~wALGZS4~cG-MV7grOvWipi0szuXDOReT~qAPkfhHYjivnCV9Hbfe5tzzZr9WcO04NV-ZuaVUFzsPw5qcbTCTQD0ikJWP3wRw9TdMkdNbyBA31Dgym2fWRYXsmlWEGQPahaqGO1ox~S2ESQzRl4G-yDg6pMzIYDzEJZfMDZYzPbD1H1lvOjST47y9XtBAYpH6JaqmLJhgY7f21wmYnatQoUdMQ-6wmI88XTxeBI0q0asZ0Bv3lIxwh9VG9FAutbHs4XcSJgGzY-N8UZnTyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several speakers during public comment called on the city to support recovery community organizations (RCOs) and recovery residences in Hampton, saying the model had helped them in other localities.

Marlon Bacote, identified himself as a PhD candidate in psychology and a registered peer recovery specialist, said he benefitted from licensed recovery residences and noted the distribution of such homes in Virginia: \"There are 33 in the state. There are 17 in Richmond. I live in 1 of those homes and I'm this is the longest clean time I've had since my mother passed in 2020.\" Bacote said there are none in Hampton or Newport News and urged the council to meet with owners of recovery residences about bringing services to the city. Other speakers, including Julia Landingham and Jeffrey Gonzales, described personal recovery experiences and urged council to support housing and programs that provide peer support and structured recovery services.

City Manager Bunting responded during the post-comment staff remarks. He said the city regularly works with the Community Services Board (CSB) and other partners and offered to connect speakers with staff who manage human services. On the subject of Hampton Drug Court, Bunting said the court was disbanded after participation dropped: \"It is true and it is regrettable. I agree with you that we no longer have a... a drug court.\" He said the decline in referrals from the public defender's office and changes in state laws that provided defendants other options contributed to the closure, and noted the city now uses a broader behavioral health court docket for some cases.

Speakers asked the council to consider recovery residences licensed through the Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VAR) and to coordinate with community providers to replicate models speakers said were successful in Richmond. The city manager offered to connect interested parties with the assistant city manager who oversees human services and public safety to explore options.

Ending: Advocates asked the council to pursue recovery housing and court options; city staff said the city would facilitate introductions to the Community Services Board and other internal staff to review possibilities.","Speakers urged council to support recovery community organizations and peer-run residences; city staff said Hampton's drug court disbanded after referrals dropped and broader behavioral health docket remains.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6547493,"Hampton council approves easement for Dominion, accepts state loan availability for Bethel High addition; consent agenda adopted",183,881000,1064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c&start=881&end=1064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3584801-21f988cb6a10811ebbc1a93270a0c00c/thumbnail_881000.jpg","/articles/6547493/Hampton-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Hampton-council-approves-easement-for-Dominion-accepts-state-loan-availability-for-Bethel-High-addition-consent-agenda-adopted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547493-9468383af0be042899aa69fde7de92fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011036&Signature=YfMnlXUK2S~os2RWHHs2FC3hjOdu~pMr0CJiVsZO4p-0Sq821puhg6YKJXY0eB9Xhq1fqEjNzE791-m6Ts2LxsDH-6Yqq7A6wtM8WcjnXPRwwTzOpclsD0yr-Ds-Ou-DKEgy7ajriwp8PNntac-01lXAFwh8nDrPl0p7zbGrY0WopJ4m7X1KkNjzqmUhKXog7XIcKPIErxpH8U6919A8gg3XXaQbC~yTQ8mzz7VDQLjOo2RFUFWacCeZiOVz~hjmcfTFoQYl2nvbobMCObFg9FhqDqBv460vl41~We1iZtuoufmwumyALwfPGYFZuRnUrLZuDTRkbOg0c0huDDFnVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hampton City Council on June 3 voted to accept a bid from Virginia Electric and Power Company (doing business as Dominion Energy Virginia) for a nonexclusive easement across city property, approved a resolution authorizing access to up to $20,000,000 from the Virginia Literary Fund for a science wing addition at Bethel High School, and adopted the consent agenda.

City staff told council the Dominion bid relates to an easement to transmit and distribute electrical power across city-owned property to serve property at 187 Hall Road. Councilwoman Catherine Adams announced she was disqualified from participating on the Dominion item under state law: \"In accordance with section 2.2-3112(a) of the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act, I'm disqualified from participating in the consideration or voting on this particular item because my spouse is engaged as a paid consultant for the bidder, Dominion, Virginia Power.\" No members of the public signed up to speak on the Dominion easement during the public hearing; council moved and approved the ordinance as presented.

On the Bethel High School item, city staff described a school-board-backed application to borrow up to $20 million from the Virginia Literary Fund for an approximately 38,000-square-foot science-wing addition intended to upgrade science and math facilities and remove portable classrooms from the site. Staff said the loan would carry an annual interest rate of 2% payable over 20 years and would be paid to the city on a reimbursable basis after the schools provide documentation. The staff presentation said the School Board was anticipated to approve a similar resolution at its June 4, 2025 meeting.

The council also adopted a consent agenda that amended the FY2025 council-approved budget to appropriate previously received funds to the clear zone account, requested that VDOT program three projects in its six-year improvement plan, and approved minutes from the ceremonial session of May 15, 2025. The consent agenda was adopted by one motion and roll-call vote.

Roll-call votes recorded on the floor showed unanimous approval on the items as presented. The council did not receive public speakers on either the Dominion easement or the Bethel loan during the scheduled public hearings.

What happens next: the Dominion easement ordinance was adopted as presented and the school loan resolution was approved by council; the School Board was expected to take a related vote on June 4, 2025. Any loan proceeds from the Literary Fund would be distributed on a reimbursable basis after required documentation from Hampton City Schools is submitted.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent agenda: adopted (items described above).
- Ordinance accepting Dominion Energy bid and granting a nonexclusive easement for property at 187 Hall Road: adopted. (Councilwoman Catherine Adams recused under the Virginia Conflict of Interest Act.)
- Resolution authorizing access to up to $20,000,000 from the Virginia Literary Fund for a Bethel High School science-wing addition: adopted.","The Hampton City Council on June 3 approved a nonexclusive easement for Dominion Energy, adopted a resolution authorizing application for up to $20 million in Literary Fund loan proceeds for a Bethel High School science wing, and adopted the consent agenda.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local promoter objects to changes at Hampton Jazz & Music Festival; city offers to collaborate

Residents press council over constant red ramp restrictions and neighborhood noise; city cites VDOT/FHWA limits

Recovery advocates urge Hampton to expand peer-run residences; city manager says drug court ended amid low participation

Hampton council approves easement for Dominion, accepts state loan availability for Bethel High addition; consent agenda adopted