Council approves five-year CIP and authorizes Seafood Industrial Park lease to EDA for market project

Newport News City Council on May 13 approved the city's five-year capital improvement plan and separately authorized a long-term lease of Parcel 1A in the Seafood Industrial Park to the Newport News Economic Development Authority to support a forthcoming seafood market project.

Council approved a resolution to adopt the FY2026 capital improvement plan (CIP) covering fiscal years 2026 through the plan horizon. In presenting the plan, staff described it as a multi-year financial plan that lists projects by category and includes a five-year funding summary. The presentation cited a multi-year financial plan and listed key FY2026 projects including renovations to Warwick High School, development of the Seafood Industrial Park, continued investment in the Court Choice Neighborhood and the Safe Haven Empowerment Center, and citywide athletic field lighting upgrades. The manager's presentation identified a five-year plan total and a general fund-supported spending total; staff recommended approval.

Separately, council approved a resolution authorizing the lease of Parcel 1A in the Seafood Industrial Park to the Newport News Economic Development Authority. The lease term approved by council is 20 years with one 20-year renewal option; the EDA will facilitate a sublease to Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, according to the manager's presentation. Council recorded the motion and approved the lease on a 7-0 vote.

Why it matters: The CIP sets capital priorities and directs funding strategies for large projects; the Seafood Industrial Park lease is intended to support an economic development project designed to establish a seafood market and related activity in the park.

Details: The manager's presentation referenced a multi-year financial plan and listed funding sources that include general obligation bonds, cash capital and grants. Council members had no speakers on the item and approved both the CIP resolution and the lease by recorded votes. Staff recommended approval and noted the EDA would manage subleasing for the market operator.

Next steps: With council approval, city staff will proceed with CIP scheduling and procurement actions consistent with the adopted plan. The EDA will proceed with lease documentation and the planned sublease to Lucky Dog Crab and Seafood Company, subject to the terms of the lease and any required permitting and approvals.