Newport News council approves childcare permit, communications lease amendment, code changes and three appropriations

The Newport News City Council on a unanimous vote approved a conditional-use permit for a childcare center, authorized a lease amendment for a communications facility on the City Farm Tower, adopted changes to city code covering local reservoirs and waterfront facilities, and approved three funding appropriations for parks, marina dredging and multimodal projects.

The conditional use permit, CU20250001, allows Groom for Greatness Learning Center to operate a childcare facility on a 0.91-acre parcel at 617 Randolph Road in an R-4 single-family zone. Ernicia House, the applicant and owner of Groom for Greatness Learning Center, told council, "My name is Ernicia House, and I am the owner of Groom for Greatness Learning Center."

The council also authorized the city manager to sign a first amendment to a lease with STC 2 LLC (formerly Sprintcom Inc.) to continue maintenance and operation of communications equipment at the City Farm Tower, 100 City Farm Road. The city manager recommended approval of both items and council adopted the ordinances by roll call.

Council members adopted two separate code updates. One ordinance amends city code chapter 42 (Water Supply) to add a new article addressing Diascon Creek, Little Creek and Skiffs Creek reservoirs and repeals a Parks code article on those reservoirs. The council separately approved amendments to chapter 11 (Watercraft, docks, piers and waterways) to expand mooring rules and clarify use of city-owned facilities, including Menchville Marina. City staff said the changes are intended to support investments at Menchville Marina, improve enforcement and increase access for seafood harvesters.

On appropriations, the council approved three resolutions: funding to install lights on a practice field and to upgrade adjacent soccer-field lighting; $449,000 from the FY2022 bond authorization for a hydrographic study and dredging of Leeward Marina at the Huntington Park Boat Ramp (last dredged in 2018); and $3,104,800 in FY2025 Virginia Department of Transportation grant funds plus $776,200 in local project funds for three projects (Washington Avenue/20th Street pedestrian improvements, the Trail 757 shared-use path, and the Pace Drive/Choice Neighborhood Initiatives shared-use path).

Council discussion included a request from Councilman Harris that staff revisit the existing agreement between the city’s Parks & Recreation department and Newport News Public Schools on use of school fields as the council funds upgrades, saying, "I would like us to be able to, revisit that agreement that we have with Newport News Public Schools." City budget staff confirmed senior tax-exemption and tax-deferral programs and noted the deferral application closes each August.

Votes at a glance: all motions below passed by 5-0 (Councilman Long; Vice Mayor Bethany; Councilman Coleman; Councilman Harris; Mayor Philip Jones voting remotely where noted).

- CU20250001 (conditional-use permit) — motion to adopt ordinance to allow a childcare center at 617 Randolph Road (0.91 acre, zoned R-4). Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Lease first amendment (city and STC 2 LLC) — authorizing city manager to execute First Amendment to Lease for City Farm Tower communications facilities at 100 City Farm Road. Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Ordinance amending City Code chapter 42 and repealing chapter 29 article on Diascon/Little Creek reservoirs — to add new article on Diascon Creek, Little Creek and Skiffs Creek reservoirs. Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Ordinance amending City Code chapter 11 (watercraft, docks, piers, waterways) — updates to mooring/use rules including Menchville Marina. Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Appropriation H-1 — funding to install/upgrade field lighting (Ella Fitzgerald practice field and adjacent soccer field). Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Appropriation H-2 — $449,000 from FY2022 bond authorization for hydrographic study and dredging of Leeward Marina at Huntington Park Boat Ramp. Outcome: approved 5-0.

- Appropriation H-3 — $3,104,800 (VDOT Transportation Alternatives/Carbon Reduction grants) and $776,200 local funds for three shared-use path and pedestrian projects. Outcome: approved 5-0.

Council also approved routine consent items (meeting minutes, resolutions rescheduling a July meeting, and recognition/resolution items) as part of the consent agenda by the same unanimous vote.

Background: The childcare permit was presented during a public hearing; the applicant answered council questions and there were no speakers opposing the request. The lease amendment reflects continuation of commercial communications equipment at an established tower site; council took no substantive public comment. The reservoir and watercraft code updates were presented by the city manager as supporting ongoing marina investments and improving access and enforcement. The Leeward Marina dredging request includes a $449,000 appropriation; staff said the marina was last dredged in 2018 and that soundings indicate limited access for moderate-size vessels without intervention.

What’s next: The ordinances and appropriations approved by council take effect according to the city’s normal administrative processes; staff will carry out procurement, contracting and implementation steps for the funded projects. Councilman Harris asked staff to come back with any recommended changes to the school/parks field-use agreement before future field upgrades are finalized.

Ending: The meeting also included public comments on community programs, housing and other topics and a ceremonial recognition of outgoing Councilwoman Sharon P. Scott.