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Resident criticizes CIP road-widening projects, urges more bike and pedestrian funding
Summary
During the May 12 public hearing on the FY2027 Capital Improvement Plan, residents voiced support for school facility investments but sharply criticized planned road-widening projects and urged the council to prioritize pedestrian, bicycle and transit safety.
Newport News — A public hearing on the city's fiscal 2027 Capital Improvement Plan on May 12 drew a mix of support for school-related capital spending and pointed criticism of proposed roadway expansions.
Mary Voss, who identified herself as a Newport News resident, parent and teacher, spoke in favor of the CIP’s investments in school facilities and called continued capital support essential for modernizing aging classrooms. “Funding for school-related capital projects, maintenance improvements, and modernization efforts will help ensure that students are learning in safe, functional, and up-to-date environments,” Voss said.
A subsequent commenter who identified herself as representing the north district and speaking at the E2 hearing — recorded in the transcript as E Regaza / Eve Raza — challenged the CIP’s transportation priorities. She said the CIP lists roughly $178 million for streets and bridges over five years and singled out a $21 million road‑widening project (in transcript phrasing) and a series of additional multi‑million-dollar projects in areas she cited as Jay Clyde/Oyster Point. She contrasted those roadway expenditures with community programs, saying a $20 million community‑services program would have a greater impact on gun‑violence reduction than repeated road widening.
“Safety to who?” the speaker asked, criticizing the logic of widening already-large roads and saying the projects make crossing and cycling less safe for seniors, children and people with disabilities. She urged council to prioritize pedestrian space, bike infrastructure and transit riders and to reconsider road widening in light of induced demand and sustainability goals.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and noted the city is developing a pedestrian-master plan and that many CIP projects rely on state and federal funding. Councilman Long pointed to programs in the operating budget that aim to provide targeted housing relief and said staff and council would continue to refine outreach and project priorities.
What happens next: Council approved the CIP-related ordinance on the May 12 consent/public hearing record; public speakers asked for follow-up briefings or opportunities to provide additional input as project schedules and funding strategies are finalized.
