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Local ice‑vending owner asks council to relax 2‑acre rule so business can relocate
Summary
Owner of an ice‑vending machine on city‑owned Sherwood Shopping Center asked council to sponsor an ordinance change removing a 2‑acre site-size restriction that limits locations for automated ice vending machines. City staff said the matter will be referred to planning and that staff will follow up.
Tim Davis, who operates a freestanding ice‑vending business with a machine at Sherwood Shopping Center, asked Newport News City Council on Feb. 11 to sponsor changes to the city's ordinance so he can relocate his machine after the city-owned Sherwood property is redeveloped.
Davis said the current ordinance allows ice‑vending machines only on commercial properties of at least two acres, constraining his ability to find a new site after the city plans demolition at Sherwood. He told council the machine at Sherwood is one of the highest‑selling machines in the state and that, without ordinance changes, he may be forced to remove it from Newport News.
Council response: Councilwoman Vick said staff and the city manager had been working with Davis and that staff would continue to explore options. The city manager said he would refer the matter to the planning department for review of the ordinance constraints and to prepare an update for council consideration; councilmembers asked for timely follow‑up because the machine owner may face a lease deadline.
Why it matters: The request highlights how land‑use regulations can affect small local businesses in redevelopment zones. The owner asked the council to consider an ordinance amendment that would allow ice‑vending operations on smaller parcels so his business can remain in the city.
Next steps: Manager will refer the question to planning; staff to provide an update and timing information, and to seek the owner's lease expiration date for prioritization.
