During the public‑comment period at the Jan. 14, 2025 Newport News City Council meeting, several residents urged the council to clarify whether the city will comply with the governor's statements on sanctuary jurisdictions, pressed for changes to downtown traffic routing, and raised safety and staffing concerns in city schools.

Why it matters: the comments touched on public-safety, traffic access for downtown workers and businesses, and potential impacts on families and school staff. While public comment does not create policy, several speakers requested council or staff follow-up and city officials responded with an informational update about the fire department's insurance rating.

Key remarks and requests

- Immigration enforcement: "I'm here to ask the city's position on Governor Youngkin's statement on sanctuary cities and compliance," said Robert Tai (citizen). Tai said the governor had threatened to withhold certain local law-enforcement grants and asked the city to state its position so residents could understand potential effects on families and housing. The council did not make a policy declaration during the meeting.

- Downtown access and street vacation concerns: Alan Tanner, representing Victory Parking Management, said a new one‑way configuration has made 38th Street the only outlet for traffic from five city blocks and asked the city to "look very hard at allowing a travel lane" near a new parking garage to preserve access to Warwick Boulevard and to review the process for vacating streets that affect circulation.

- School safety and teacher support: John Bloom, who said he worked as a substitute teacher at Passage Middle School, described classroom-management challenges and parental concerns about a student previously identified as a threat. Bloom called for stronger administrative intervention and said he supports consideration of unionization for teachers to improve workplace protections; Bloom's comments described his personal experience and were not presented as a formal complaint by school officials.

- Hydrants and veteran housing: Carol Karkoff, identifying herself as a Newport News resident, said she contacted the city's water department and learned a city employee checked a local hydrant the previous day; she reported hydrants in the city are inspected every six months. Karkoff also suggested exploring reuse of boarded hotels as temporary veteran housing operated like a hotel.

- Community condolences and civic announcements: Multiple council members offered prayers and condolences after news of the death of a local downtown figure, Lloyd "Barbecue" Hicks. Council members and staff also announced community events, including an MLK Day of Service and a downtown youth basketball program.

City response and follow-up: In new business the manager asked Fire Chief Wesley Rogers to address the council about the fire department's recent Insurance Services Office evaluation. Chief Rogers said, "Newport News received the highest rating possible. That is an ISO 1," and noted the ISO assessment includes response, water supply and emergency communications; he said the city's water works received its highest score ever from ISO and commended 911 staff. Council did not take formal action on any public comments during the meeting; the remarks were recorded for consideration by staff and council.