[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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",[32,76,88],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6508931,"mediaKeyId","5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101","parentId",5448879,"title","Newport News council approves $92.42M GO bonds, $30M water revenue bonds and several agreements in unanimous votes","audioSeconds",72,"startMs",825000,"endMs",897000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101&start=825&end=897","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101/thumbnail_825000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6508931/Virginia/Newport-News-council-approves-9242M-GO-bonds-30M-water-revenue-bonds-and-several-agreements-in-unanimous-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508931-c2505c9728bd2aa22b86b7ed9bb11124/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=KKzP-rNcnwzJUHOKpVjTpQ6CsHg5cvtRgQrEw9svoJms6gqqDcQVkqzEUjWJDhxQ9pzPpySxq73aLhFJgNKI5qOG5H0aWiZS6L28nTx96TV6jDd90810lJfbxmvxt8Os1r~ffkFZVNPV7~MGqGHV8Yc4cPLmMhgQ4BUV3Umoisc3JkqlEUVKoWLDEqKuRVJFBNE7yXJAfQf7j0xvEr2ZtgMonF4b1RkxoSsJsAXo2-2cCkCCl3zSCRhFFHvlLBu5WvYzbi6CJCZn1gRYb2jb6dkEZHRbn2oxQ6Jou7iYnxRkC30Ihc28yB5A-xRmzGwmZN60Uw6Qa-waySFni1dNgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Newport News","date","2025-07-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Newport News City Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions July 22, adopting $92,420,000 in general obligation bonds for public improvements, a $30,000,000 water revenue bond issue for water projects, and other items by unanimous 7–0 votes.

Council also readopted the fiscal 2025–26 budget to reflect school funding changes and approved staff authority to pursue property acquisition for the Pump Station 56 project, a three‑year memorandum of agreement with Joint Base Langley‑Eustis for mutual support, a five‑year renewal of a temporary revocable license with Fairlead Boat Works Inc. for telecommunications in city rights‑of‑way, and a long‑term access easement bid process for city property at 13141 Jefferson Avenue.

Why it matters: The bond authorizations and budget readoption provide the legal authority and cash flow for upcoming capital projects and water‑system work. The agreements establish operational partnerships (Joint Base Langley‑Eustis) and renew a private license to use city rights of way, while the Pump Station 56 authorization allows the city to make offers to acquire property by voluntary purchase or condemnation if needed.

Key actions and outcomes
- General obligation bond ordinance: Council opened and closed a public hearing with no speakers, then voted to adopt an ordinance authorizing the City of Newport News to contract debt and issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $92,420,000 to finance various public improvement projects. Motion/procedural sponsor not specifically named in the public record; vote recorded as \"Motion carries 7 0.\" Outcome: adopted.

- Water revenue bonds resolution: Council closed a public hearing and adopted a resolution authorizing the city to issue $30,000,000 in water revenue bonds to fund water improvement projects. No public speakers were recorded for the hearing; vote recorded as \"Motion carries 7 0.\" Outcome: adopted.

- Pump Station 56 property acquisition ordinance: Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents necessary to make offers to acquire by voluntary sale or condemnation portions of property for the Pump Station 56 project. No speakers appeared at the hearing; vote recorded as 7–0 in favor. Outcome: adopted.

- Fiscal year 2025–26 budget readoption (ordinance number stated in meeting): City staff recommended and council adopted an ordinance to amend the prior ordinance to readopt and appropriate funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; the update allows the school system to maintain a balanced budget with an overall school funding increase of approximately 2.9% over fiscal 2024–25. Outcome: adopted, vote 7–0.

- Memorandum of agreement with Joint Base Langley‑Eustis: Council approved a three‑year memorandum of agreement between the 730th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Base Langley‑Eustis, and the City of Newport News on behalf of the Newport News Police Department for mutual support and cooperation. Outcome: approved, vote 7–0.

- Temporary revocable license with Fairlead Boat Works Inc.: Council approved a five‑year renewal of a nonexclusive, revocable license authorizing use of city rights‑of‑way for telecommunications by Fairlead Boat Works Incorporated. Outcome: approved, vote 7–0.

- Deed of access easement bid (13141 Jefferson Avenue): The city opened bids for granting a deed of access easement (40‑year term) across city property to benefit 501 Trustwood Lane; a written bid in the public record offered $1 for the easement and the matter was referred to the city manager's office for follow up. Council noted that state law requires a bid process for long‑term easements; no vote to finalize the easement was recorded at the meeting.

- Consent agenda: Minutes from the June 24 work session and regular meeting were approved as part of the consent agenda. Outcome: approved, vote 7–0.

All roll calls or motion confirmations recorded in the transcript show unanimous votes of 7–0 on the enumerated actions where a final vote was taken.

What was not decided or remains pending: The easement matter at 13141 Jefferson Avenue received at least one bid and was referred to staff for manager review; the transcript shows bid acceptance for referral but no final council authorization to convey the easement during the meeting.

Council and staff on the record: The public motions and votes were led from the dais and facilitated by the city clerk and city manager; specific mover/second attributions for several motions in the transcript are not identified by name in the public record and are therefore recorded here as not specified.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Newport News - Regular City Council Meeting - Jul 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Newport News City Council approved a package of financing and administrative measures July 22, authorizing $92,420,000 in general obligation bonds, $30,000,000 in water revenue bonds and several agreements and ordinances by unanimous 7–0 votes.","taxTitle","Newport News (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",12491,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6508921,"Public commenters propose Bitcoin reserve, urge short‑term rental study and seek home‑repair support",283,1445000,1728000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101&start=1445&end=1728","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101/thumbnail_1445000.jpg","/articles/6508921/Virginia/Public-commenters-propose-Bitcoin-reserve-urge-shortterm-rental-study-and-seek-homerepair-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508921-5bcf92848c40090615cac99328f5df1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=c1fTGOZrB2qDdVvzecID5h4QsrVjJtFdDvWPADxVBvky3c3l5lRe6yC~o9zykHUy8m0S4BdA~mDu8aEdrooeQfTFkfqutd5F7qftG3AI~z5Hn79BPZ1VnzSAUjxN9BVN4tyNxN1DIbszMp3qIE5-e-JVSkSNuJ6ovSuMjLhMYKLymzOyXBSj~SjYId~twYRxQmpkb26mJFgcpNexua0mYvjOQF9juLJ4~7C954o1vaM05RqI9Ced0-wU9Q3gizWSYbohL33cbs32SLjyAq6MA44tX2Zd5XHjV-pMqI9VZ0~IPXs1QhX-Z1YTcdCU36ycNQxwY~Ot1V4dclDHtb-bMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members of the public used the council's citizen comment period July 22 to raise distinct proposals and requests, including a pitch for a Bitcoin strategic reserve, an appeal to reconsider a short‑term rental ban, and a plea for grant help for home repairs in Christopher Shores.

Alam, who said he leads a local group called Bitcoinomics and identified himself as a long‑time Newport News resident, proposed the city create a Bitcoin strategic reserve as a hedge against inflation and a new revenue source. He suggested starting with a small allocation—\"around 1%\" of reserves—under regular oversight and annual review, and cited Roswell, New Mexico, and several states as precedents. Alam characterized the proposal as financial planning rather than politics and offered to discuss details with city officials.

Pastor Cheryl Mitchell of New Birth Outreach asked the city for assistance or grant support to continue home‑repair work for lower‑income retirees in the Christopher Shores neighborhood, noting she has paid out of pocket to help families and sought city help to sustain the effort.

A speaker identifying himself as Judge Quick urged the council to \"embrace short‑term rentals\" rather than maintain a city ordinance that prohibits non‑owner‑occupied short‑term rentals. He said Newport News enacted a ban after a 4–3 vote and contrasted the city's process unfavorably with Hampton's 13‑month study and zoning approach. He urged council to study alternatives and provided a copy of the Hampton ordinance for council consideration.

What council recorded: The clerk received materials offered by commenters; no specific council action or deadline resulted from these comments at the meeting. Council members thanked speakers and indicated willingness to follow up where appropriate.

What was not decided: The council did not adopt any new policy or direct staff to prepare ordinances on these topics during the July 22 meeting; the comments were recorded for council consideration.","Public comment included a proposal to create a municipal Bitcoin strategic reserve, an appeal to revisit the short‑term rental ban using Hampton's ordinance as a model, and a request for grant assistance for home repairs in Christopher Shores.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6508926,"Resident urges action over alleged problems at Legacy Landing; city staff to meet weekly with developer",67,1352000,1419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101&start=1352&end=1419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5448879-db5440e850b0fdb953b36ccc13aab101/thumbnail_1352000.jpg","/articles/6508926/Virginia/Resident-urges-action-over-alleged-problems-at-Legacy-Landing-city-staff-to-meet-weekly-with-developer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6508926-f220fc03c6de5e4f23ed3e7fe24a4def/orig.mp4?Expires=1771204206&Signature=aDnPC5l42fbhxpNaEzcxr1-tpJPlpqNMrBYCI9zmGaTG~JEi5j9--ZaIRPsyK8KZn5y65Ak3slEViVD9HNLS2gIxXt1CKr8FtYdOj1HTZ0qoVzbReqKTzEyw-fBl9ts8UVmHoVotMPHX7g98F9uz9uo7gVWioY-nwb79Uz4gI4zRpU-idv7JBJQnou~MCeyfh39yKSxxkn1fLRgZhJ60O4krowqfl4B2Fj7rm1Q~rUSX93f0DKg-GDB9WPzJQwSzSwlYDFrHRp6-f7RQ9-guKLU~njeCHbQF7OjbjBOzT2uv8Mn8mcU8DWhcow-~tZQboMV-cK8Mvb3f76i-nCR6hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Newport News resident addressed city council July 22 to report ongoing problems at the newly opened Legacy Landing apartment complex, saying she experienced a leaking ceiling, a 22‑day wait for a working stove, repeated flooding in hallways and a hospitalization related to conditions.

The resident, who identified herself as a Legacy Landing tenant, told council she received keys May 1 but has since encountered multiple maintenance failures. \"I had to call my girl, Rhoda. I asked for her to be here tonight... I had to call my girl... it don't make no sense what is going on and how they have built those apartments,\" the resident said in the public record.

In response, a member of council said they have been in contact with the city's executive director and that the executive director (referred to in the meeting as Miss Shaw) will meet weekly with the developer and the property's management team to resolve problems. \"What Miss Shaw will be doing is meeting with the developers and the management team weekly to be able to solve all of these problems because they are too numerous,\" the council member said.

Council flagged specific issues raised by the resident, including air conditioners failing in new units, power losses and incomplete or delayed repairs. The council member said staff, the vice mayor and other council members are working to rectify the issues and requested continued reporting to city staff.

Why it matters: The complaints, if verified, concern habitability and building‑operations matters at a newly opened housing development and could affect tenant safety and municipal code enforcement responsibilities. Council's decision to have city staff meet regularly with the developer signals a directed administrative response rather than an immediate legislative remedy.

What council directed: The council member reported an operational direction: the executive director will meet weekly with the developer and management team to address the problems; the matter will be tracked by city staff.

What remains unclear: The transcript records the resident's allegations and council's commitment to weekly meetings with the developer, but does not document specific remedies, timelines for repair completion, or independent inspection results. The resident said she will seek legal advice and staff promised follow up.","A Legacy Landing tenant described persistent maintenance and habitability problems during public comment July 22. A council member said staff, including the executive director, will meet weekly with the developer and management team to address multiple reported issues.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Newport News council approves $92.42M GO bonds, $30M water revenue bonds and several agreements in unanimous votes

Public commenters propose Bitcoin reserve, urge short‑term rental study and seek home‑repair support

Resident urges action over alleged problems at Legacy Landing; city staff to meet weekly with developer