[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6456054,"mediaKeyId","5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051","parentId",5706941,"title","Staff reports enforcement challenges for vape shops; council asks manager to draft tighter zoning language","audioSeconds",1383,"startMs",4442000,"endMs",5825000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051&start=4442&end=5825","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051/thumbnail_4442000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6456054/Virginia/Staff-reports-enforcement-challenges-for-vape-shops-council-asks-manager-to-draft-tighter-zoning-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456054-6ab425563d548daacbdf541a712b1d44/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144293&Signature=fAMkxh2m5Y46GNvvLLx2QxpprZUHrfgw2nWH2G3lQgpdl580oGu-hDcav6eptVaGQ1HrXrh4AhBW6vBEV2B6wskSiFA3r~4NZ6irXE7B1t0UiUvycusqf4cJKSOtIAvfN41BDqbd8iZcKJ-ea6iCyC7AXBfoM7TH3p3vwPVtFcNcT5fydTzyifICJxsKP1MiU~Gv8Z3cckMSh8V1C5XAoP2eFBgWFgDPI48tS6ibAvRtasKv0dmcx4WMUGWdbC0eTsK1pG7pOenD~J~euIzdYtlk-XjEHzLxMMcDb3yPvRn7M15RHebiuNhKJyjZ7im5x3CNsf7i52fhx1HXBpxdrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Petersburg","date","2025-09-02T00:00:00Z","article","Planning staff updated council Sept. 2 on the city’s effort to regulate recreational‑substance retail (commonly called vape or smoke shops) and described enforcement challenges under the text amendment adopted July 1, 2024.

Planner Jared explained that 2024 Zoning Text Amendment No. 3 limits recreational‑substance retail (defined in the ordinance to include tobacco products, nicotine vapor products and smokeable hemp products) to the M‑1 (Light Industrial) district and requires a special‑use permit, plus separation from childcare centers and schools. He said a change in state law on April 5 constrained local authority and the July 1 effective date created a grandfathering clause for businesses that were licensed or operating prior to that date.

Staff reported enforcement difficulties: some applicants applied as convenience stores and later opened as vape retailers, businesses that obtained licenses before the effective date remain operating under the state exemption, and First Amendment protections complicate restrictions on signage and trade names. The enforcement process requires inspection, notices, appeals and sometimes criminal summons, which can delay corrective actions. Jared outlined near‑term responses: stepped‑up proactive inspections, closer vetting during the business‑license process (floor plans, inventories, affidavits), coordinated enforcement with the commissioner of the revenue and fire marshal, and planned additional zoning and sign‑ordinance amendments.

Councilman Cuthbert proposed asking the city manager to draft an ordinance that would prohibit retail sale of vape products while allowing sale of combustible tobacco products (a more administrable approach). City Attorney Tony Williams advised that any zoning change would need to go through the Planning Commission for recommendation and then return to council. Council directed the city manager to prepare draft language for Planning Commission review and return to council for consideration.

At the meeting, Councilman Jones suggested staff use the federal FDA PMTA (premarket tobacco product application) list as an enforcement tool to check whether products being sold have federal premarket documentation.

Ending: Staff said they will draft additional zoning language and sign‑code updates and pursue proactive enforcement; council directed the manager to bring proposed language to the Planning Commission for review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Petersburg - Regular Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","City planning staff told council Sept. 2 that enforcement of the July 2024 zoning text amendment limiting vape and recreational‑substance retail has been hampered by state law exemptions, pre‑existing licenses and deceptive business‑license filings.","taxTitle","Petersburg (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",67559,"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},6456064,"UVA/Weldon Cooper proposes Innovate Petersburg community investment fund to channel new revenues into strategic projects",130,3139000,3269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051&start=3139&end=3269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051/thumbnail_3139000.jpg","/articles/6456064/Virginia/UVAWeldon-Cooper-proposes-Innovate-Petersburg-community-investment-fund-to-channel-new-revenues-into-strategic-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456064-566bd0961a7479a4f5b4ca664eed75ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144293&Signature=DyI4GXh3O1NZOKiKDoDuUPgoQhRZbSxNqOSORSfNgtHv~UI3GJPcchXFlX7AzFczdMfE27A0gXky~GOqdb5mVNue2eFtiS70kQxklmMa8-~xYFMtd7uq-W3TEsVDNftj06Dmra2oDi346HrdBritwRwnC-4YwbjIP7TkdS4Wc0VOSjXFrqGDkS3QZjgZLJHVbsINxcV0XnYmp2T0xlsM3r9kXa8Fj0AGR1NfWU0rt4aeBPc0Qw9y0F26utUO9wpOEn9ZzH3qLmu3c3YwcDB0vDKwQYWFPsegTSdLO~36LUN6qIbDOTYNN7l3zcQX3OKCSsn3APZwp38GfmKPqI6LaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brian David of the Weldon Cooper Center (University of Virginia) presented a proposed Innovate Petersburg community investment fund Sept. 2, a blueprint for directing new, project‑specific local revenues toward neighborhood investments, economic development and workforce initiatives.

David told council the fund would rely on three pillars—community participation, transparency and disciplined fiscal management—and be supported by an Innovate Petersburg advisory/fiduciary committee appointed by council and a technical advisory committee of subject‑matter experts. The proposal calls for a dedicated annual allocation drawn from new revenues (for example, a council‑determined portion of projected casino or data‑center receipts) rather than reassigning current city dollars.

The framework includes an application and ROI scoring process for projects; requirements that recipients supply business plans and sustainability plans; staffing (a fund manager and administrative support) paid from the fund; use of the fund as match for outside grants; and publishing an annual impact report. David emphasized projects should demonstrate quantitative and qualitative returns (jobs, tax‑base growth, community outcomes) and that the fund can be phased in over multiple years.

Councilmembers expressed interest in the concept and asked staff to work with the Cooper Center on next steps; David said he and city staff will refine governance, staffing and implementation details and return with a recommended sequencing and financial model.

Ending: The presentation concludes as a policy framework for council consideration; staff will coordinate follow‑up work and draft implementation steps for future council discussion.","A Weldon Cooper Center report proposed creating an Innovate Petersburg fund that would direct a council‑designated share of new local revenues into strategic neighborhood, workforce and economic development projects.",{"_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},6456069,"Transit modernization study recommends extended hours, stop upgrades and staff investments for Petersburg Area Transit",674,1366000,2040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051&start=1366&end=2040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051/thumbnail_1366000.jpg","/articles/6456069/Virginia/Transit-modernization-study-recommends-extended-hours-stop-upgrades-and-staff-investments-for-Petersburg-Area-Transit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456069-6c623b119f75968b5561fa07838efebc/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144293&Signature=HNez12WFL8dUXxdtdn2KiJEtrq6iyEk9ONE-WSm2yCsGpuS4ujD~x2F6D8rSsOyOFWnuZhXb7hxxa2fbV0PEmpe6BbxUA6wUFj~X370GfjEsRmE4Bk3HUA6xV6vhHGhRMC03ERNX4KepYbjfNYSr-hIQuycabHHujUJjwJFoexWQVZifJzzbyWYjbLDFjMNK5u-T1yjOHdjbfPhOF-WHDogWCXsQZ1lckyvL8-wkE582hAUBM71tQP32sOene2hGSRnKYz3X-KZj4tu7wGYDOKUEw7Fzc1wqzfI-Sl-cOb8dXWhTeH-XUNc3pym9aUwCrOX93D31SeOdgEnz3nNFqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) and consultants presented an update Sept. 2 on the Petersburg Transit Modernization Initiative, a federally funded project aimed at increasing transit access for low‑income neighborhoods, seniors and riders with disabilities.

The study, funded through a Federal Transit Administration Areas of Persistent Poverty grant, analyzed PAT fixed‑route and paratransit service, solicited stakeholder input and produced an accessibility‑gap assessment. Sarah Cicero of Kimley‑Horn summarized the gaps the project identified: existing hours do not accommodate many trip purposes, some high‑demand routes need greater frequency, and stop access is limited by sidewalks and ADA pathways.

Danielle McCray presented recommendations and an implementation roadmap. They include exploring weekday‑hour extensions and potential weekend service to support shift workers; refining service in high‑demand corridors and underserved areas (including micro‑transit and regional partnerships); improving bus‑stop infrastructure (sidewalks, shelters, lighting and ADA‑compliant pathways) to enable riders to shift from paratransit to fixed‑route service; creating a regular customer feedback system; pursuing staff recruitment and retention strategies (apprenticeships and partnerships with educational institutions); and leveraging technology to optimize scheduling and performance metrics. McCray said the project will pivot next to a low/no‑fuel feasibility study for cleaner vehicles.

Darius Mason, PAT executive director, told council the system was “one MOU away from extending hours to 09:00 at night” for several routes, and that staff expect the extended evening service would operate on five routes initially, allowing later return trips from employment and activities in neighborhoods the routes serve. Mason also highlighted ongoing work to add bus stop amenities and noted concerns about vandalism of shelter signage would need to be addressed in design.

Councilmembers asked about overnight service, potential partnerships with the school system for activity buses, and workforce cross‑training. Mason said expanding hours and routes requires rolling stock and staffing but that PAT is pursuing recruitment and has interviewed new drivers. He also confirmed PAT will evaluate micro‑transit and demo regional connections; any new intercity routes would likely be grant‑funded and could require local matches.

Ending: PAT recommended near‑term actions (focus on high‑ridership areas, implement a rider feedback form, apply compensation study findings, evaluate weekend/extended hours) and expects to complete the current phase this fall before starting the vehicle electrification feasibility study.","Petersburg Area Transit (PAT) officials and consultants presented findings from the Petersburg Transit Modernization Initiative, recommending extended hours, targeted service changes, bus‑stop infrastructure upgrades and a follow‑on low/no‑fuel feasibility study.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6456072,"City council approves consent agenda including multiple first‑read ordinances; roll call unanimous",21,903000,924000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051&start=903&end=924","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051/thumbnail_903000.jpg","/articles/6456072/Virginia/City-council-approves-consent-agenda-including-multiple-firstread-ordinances-roll-call-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456072-7c9bc8f2dde32f5d61246754f3f0a796/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144293&Signature=Tu-1XiItSUleulRXhVACFCqvTKNv5RsRV-MbFP8QxuFyqcSM8XntrTLEZ-DCcJetNmJC27zQhuLOhhVeA-uX6qs0vDdnO7mXIVMuDo7lMSY~C7SKG9XX0pjPHnsRZPIm6Nd4NsbkFbNl6TL~qRml2gkFGVev3OIVk~tc6abX9RVX0NgN~DUKJMq~JglPSIdwggkcfDJTiU~UsLYl8E2tO2QM5tOASTWF9X46JR0KgjGm81N0U9pV9f7-XhjwT5phMxauyuGPrA6JDJt1RpmyBKeZVnfHyfmLuAd7I5A3ONjM-Cp7LxHg4yrrq1tzLILu9NemnpZdf1HdSdpir9Eu4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Petersburg City Council voted unanimously Sept. 2 to approve a consent agenda that schedules first readings and public hearings for several FY26 budget and zoning items.

The motion to approve the consent agenda was moved by Vice Mayor Hill and seconded by Councilman Westbrook. City Clerk Hill called the roll; council members Cuthbert, Jones, Myers, Westbrook, Smith Lee, Vice Mayor Hill and Mayor Perrin all voted “aye.” The motion carried.

The consent agenda bundled the following items for first reading and scheduling of public hearings: (a) minutes of prior meetings (July 15 regular and closed session, July 24 special meeting); (b) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an FY26 grants‑fund amendment; (c) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an FY26 carry‑forward request from the previous fiscal year; (d) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a purchase agreement between the city of Petersburg and Dale Pittman for development of 117 Lafayette Street; (e) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute purchase agreements between the city and Daniel Smith Real Estate LLC for Lots 469 and 12 Ross Court; (f) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance to approve a request by Anthony Lewis (High Stepper Enterprise LLC) on behalf of Paula Wynne Harris for a special‑use permit to operate a stand‑alone vehicle repair shop at 1311 Commerce Street (Parcel ID 024150800, M‑1 Light Industrial zoning); (g) first reading and hearing to consider amendments to the zoning ordinance addressing signage and advertising devices; (h) first reading to consider amendments adding landscaping requirements for new development and off‑street parking; (i) first reading to consider amendments allowing municipal animal pounds or shelters in the A (agriculture) district and removing the special‑use permit requirement for public and government buildings and public utilities; (j) ordinance to approve awarding a one‑time 1.5% bonus approved by the Virginia General Assembly and governor to employees of the Petersburg Department of Social Services; and (k) first reading to schedule a public hearing on an FY26 general fund amendment.

Council did not debate each item individually during the vote; the group vote schedules the listed provisions for formal public hearings or later consideration as noted.

Ending: The consent agenda vote concluded the public‑hearing scheduling portion of the work session; the meeting moved on to presentations and staff updates.","Petersburg City Council on Sept. 2 approved its consent agenda by voice/roll call, scheduling public hearings and first readings on a set of grants, property purchase agreements, zoning changes and other FY26 items.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6456059,"City outlines FY26 capital priorities, including $36M for water/wastewater and funding set aside for Oak Hill bridge work",0,3778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051&start=3778&end=3778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5706941-471633bf002d270547bd5366a2bcb051/thumbnail_3778000.jpg","/articles/6456059/Virginia/City-outlines-FY26-capital-priorities-including-36M-for-waterwastewater-and-funding-set-aside-for-Oak-Hill-bridge-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456059-8e49221ad719978a6b1bf8e621867ee3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775144294&Signature=Po02uz1mOpt1s-DS1pr1F8-XIwV6k~EJKjBw-PfhcgKEnrgV93wgMIegJMEb7pEqwQ0KxEdzGun9X2VBvV87vjVZTubJLeVcjGzki3QnI1icUO3qbSHZ~-51n~VWyv5V0IJpxpxYJYBXcUtAY3ZiPy6mFAfHsvw7h2jYBooGwgv8CfAduqEwrYyuli9TvRmHDJyE1xX5DSr2tvw~4IhrzEMddVgaWs9v9X7G8Z5LFHCY5sGXUWnhsn8nejus6EFGG9BVhjE7NHUpvX2Uz-12zJKAtinCuw6s2lOP67Jyso2SgE9E199nqYvTXDFvK-boexePft0cMPMtd27hXx0zFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Budget manager Gary Kozy presented a high‑level overview of the FY26 capital improvement plan Sept. 2, showing a proposed total of $73,565,326 for the fiscal year and highlighting several major project categories.

Kozy’s breakdown showed facilities at an estimated $16,059,700 (including renovations at City Hall, courts and HVAC work), water and wastewater projects totaling roughly $36,000,000, stormwater projects at $9,000,000, street operations at $6,000,000, transit capital at $2,800,000, engineering at $775,000, IT at $72,000 and fire/EMS expected at about $210,000 for the year. He said many projects are funded from a mix of capital reserves, grants, bonds and other identified sources.

At the start of the meeting, during public comment, resident Ken Pritchett raised the long‑standing Oak Hill bridge closure (referred to in public remarks as the Bridal/Oak Hill bridge). The City Manager replied that staff have a short‑term solution under development, a long‑term reconstruction plan is being designed, and “the funding’s been appropriated by council.” The manager said a temporary fix that restores limited vehicle and public‑safety access is expected to be implemented shortly while bids and final designs are developed for a permanent replacement.

Kozy also noted specific planned projects in FY26: stormwater projects tied to grants, the Wilcox Lake dam work (FY26 spend estimate shown for the year at $1,500,000), and transit investments. Councilmembers asked for more detail on Wilcox Lake timing and whether grant funds remain set aside; staff said contract and bid documents are being prepared and additional funding applications are underway to supplement available appropriations.

Ending: Council members pressed for timely project delivery and for staff to return with more detailed 5‑year CIP materials at a subsequent meeting; staff said a fuller, multi‑year plan would be presented soon.","City budget staff presented a FY26 capital plan totaling approximately $73.6 million, with major allocations for water and wastewater projects, stormwater work and facility upgrades; funding for Oak Hill bridge temporary measures and long‑term replacement was discussed in public comment and staff said appropriations have been made.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff reports enforcement challenges for vape shops; council asks manager to draft tighter zoning language

UVA/Weldon Cooper proposes Innovate Petersburg community investment fund to channel new revenues into strategic projects

Transit modernization study recommends extended hours, stop upgrades and staff investments for Petersburg Area Transit

City council approves consent agenda including multiple first‑read ordinances; roll call unanimous

City outlines FY26 capital priorities, including $36M for water/wastewater and funding set aside for Oak Hill bridge work