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Planning commission defers decision on 615 34th Street commissary kitchen after neighbors and applicant clash over 24/7 hours
Summary
The commission deferred a conditional‑use permit for a commercial commissary kitchen at 615 34th Street after split views over proposed 24/7 hours, occupancy and truck activity; the applicant wants round‑the‑clock access while neighbors and staff favor restricted hours and clarified occupancy limits.
The Newport News Planning Commission on April 1 deferred a decision on a conditional‑use permit for World Class Solutions’ proposed commissary kitchen at 615 34th Street after heated public comment and disagreement between the applicant and staff over operating hours and occupancy.
Planning staff recommended approval with 16 conditions, including limiting hours of operation to 5 a.m.–10 p.m., restricting outdoor activity and limiting on‑site food trucks to two parked trucks loading and unloading (no on‑site retail sales). Applicant Sharon Owens Clark told the commission the kitchen would serve food trucks, caterers and small entrepreneurs and said she needs more flexible hours to make the business viable: “My goal is not to disrupt the neighbors, but to add value, opportunity, and structure in a responsible and professional way,” she said, adding that many food‑truck operators need earlier access to prepare for shipyard and morning windows.
Neighbors, including the homeowner next door, urged stricter limits. Carol Totten, who lives adjacent to the building, said she would be awakened by trucks and early‑morning activity and asked that hours be limited so residents can sleep: “If they come in there at 2 or 03:00 in the morning, you’re gonna wake me every morning out of my sleep,” she said.
Commissioners also wrestled with ambiguous language in the staff conditions about occupancy. The staff wording was interpreted by some as permitting three members plus two helpers per member (a possible nine‑person worst case), while staff clarified that the intended limit was a total of five people under the conditions the department proposed (three members and two helpers total). Commissioners suggested separating interior preparation times from truck loading/unloading windows and flagged trash and parking as additional operational concerns.
After extended discussion, a motion to defer the application to the next meeting (May 6) passed 5–4 so the applicant and staff can try to resolve hours, clarify occupancy language and work with immediate neighbors. If the commission reintroduces a recommendation, it will be forwarded to City Council.
