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Planning commission backs reuse of vacant restaurant as banquet hall at 14700 Warwick Boulevard
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to convert a vacant restaurant at 14700 Warwick Boulevard into a banquet/function hall with a maximum occupancy of 220 and events ending by 11 p.m., subject to 14 staff conditions including a Class II site plan and driveway closure.
The Newport News Planning Commission on June 3 recommended City Council approve conditional use permit CU-2026-00004 to allow a banquet function hall at 14700 Warwick Boulevard.
Planner Mr. Saul Glyer (also referred to in the transcript as Mr. Sal Glyer) described the site as a 1.07-acre parcel containing a vacant 1970s restaurant and said the proposed reuse would include landscape improvements, closure of one nonconforming entrance along Old Courthouse Way, a new entrance facing Warwick Boulevard, and replacement of the pole sign with a seven-foot monument sign. Staff recommended 14 conditions, and noted that a Class II site plan and a building permit for the change of occupancy would be required.
"The total occupancy of the banquet function hall shall be limited to a maximum of 220 people," Glyer said, and staff recommended that all events end by 11 p.m. daily with an additional hour for cleanup.
Engineering staff flagged the driveway closure as a safety measure because one entrance lies within a turning lane; commissioners asked whether engineering recommendations were mandatory or advisory. Staff clarified that driveway closure and many other items would be required at the site-plan review and that some items described as "should" in the review would be carried forward as requirements when the site plan is approved.
The applicant's representative, who identified himself as Japan Jooshi, said the owner purchased the property and plans to reuse it as an event center, expects to follow staff recommendations (including sealing and striping the parking lot), and will coordinate to avoid parking conflicts with adjacent parcels. Jooshi told commissioners he intended to follow security measures and surveillance camera installation and to remove unauthorized vehicles prior to opening.
With no public opposition, the commission voted 8–0 to recommend approval; the case is scheduled for City Council review on June 23, 2026.
