Planning commission recommends approval of TaylorSmoke’s expansion to Oyster Point

The Newport News Planning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended that City Council approve a conditional use permit allowing TaylorSmoke to operate a type 2 nightclub at 639 Pilothouse Drive, Suite 605. Staff described the suite as 4,460 square feet within a 2.66-acre parcel in the Oyster Point shopping center and recommended approval with 12 conditions, including full compliance with the Virginia State Fire Prevention Code and the Virginia Building Code.

Staff said the proposed use meets the zoning ordinance’s nightclub criteria—providing entertainment, operating past 11 p.m. and having an occupancy greater than 100—and is designated a type 2 nightclub because it lies within 500 feet of residentially zoned property. The presentation noted the site sits amid retail and office uses, with single-family homes to the east, and that there are 251 on-site parking spaces.

Applicant Latasha Beanie, who identified herself at the hearing, told the commission TaylorSmoke is an "upscale, unique" cigar lounge that attracts professionals and is moving to the larger Suite 605 to expand locker membership, increase retail and dining service, and provide more space for patrons. Contractor Terrence Jackson, who said he is a retired firefighter, described coordination with Codes Compliance on segregating smoking and non-smoking areas and on life-safety systems. "For the record, I am also a retired fireman, so I take pride in the life safety component," Jackson said during public comment.

Staff recommended, and commissioners accepted, conditions that require code compliance before a certificate of occupancy is issued, limit smoking to designated smoke rooms with full-height partitions and separate air handling, cap signage to a building sign, and set operating hours. The draft conditions and staff report state lounge hours of 11 a.m.–12 a.m. Sunday–Thursday and 11 a.m.–2 a.m. Friday–Saturday; restaurant hours were discussed to align with the lounge schedule.

After public comment and commissioner questions about complaints at the current location and the scope of the permit (staff confirmed approval would apply only to the new location and not extend nightclub permission to the existing site), Commissioner Taylor moved to recommend approval with staff conditions; Commissioner Black seconded. The recommendation passed by roll call vote, 8–0. Chairperson Taylor said the matter will be scheduled for City Council on Sept. 9, 2025.

The commission’s recommendation does not itself grant permits; final action will be by City Council, and building-permit review will determine specific fire- and building-code requirements such as whether a sprinkler system is required.