City Council unanimously rezones former Bridal/Regal site for high‑density apartments

Mayor Philip Jones opened a public hearing on Aug. 12 for an ordinance to change zoning on two parcels at Bridal Way (identified in staff materials as 'Charlie Zulu Dash2025Dash0003') from C‑1 retail commercial to R‑8 high‑density multifamily. The applicant's attorney, Tim Trant, presented on behalf of the developer and described the proposal as a redevelopment of the vacant Regal Cinema site with increased buffering and revised building placement to address neighbor concerns. "Brad was very excited to be able to have it under contract for redevelopment," Trant said, introducing developer Brad Weitzer.

Supporters, including Signature Management officials and residents of the nearby Commonwealth at York apartments, argued the project would reduce blight, bring walkability and economic activity, and deliver professionally managed housing. Kathy Scott, president of Signature Management, described the firm's resident screening and community programs and said those practices protect neighborhoods and encourage long‑term tenancies: "First, our resident screening process is the most rigorous in the industry." Jana Lieberman, a Commonwealth at York resident, said the development would address a vacant lot and improve the area's appearance.

Opponents raised traffic, safety and quality‑of‑life concerns, calling for lower‑density alternatives. Karen Clark, an Ivy Stoneway resident, said added apartments would worsen existing traffic and cited incidents she linked to nearby development: "The traffic congestion on Victory Boulevard is already horrible... We need sidewalks." Neighbors also submitted a petition representing a large portion of their community and asked council to prioritize senior housing rather than additional large apartment complexes.

Council discussion cited regional workforce growth and a need for more housing options. Councilman Neely told attendees the city needs housing to meet demands from the shipyard and research employers, and he and other members emphasized the developer's buffer commitments and potential contractual agreements with neighborhood HOAs. After closing public comments, the council moved to adopt the rezoning ordinance and voted electronically; the clerk recorded "Motion carries 7–0." The ordinance authorizes rezoning for the parcels listed in the staff report to enable development by the applicant entities noted in the proposal.

The council did not record individual roll‑call names for the vote in the transcript; the motion and vote were announced by the clerk as carrying 7–0. Next procedural steps typically include final platting, permitting and any site plan approvals required under the zoning change.