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Resident group urges archaeology-first approach for development near Lee Hall, NBU
Summary
Connor DeWalt urged the council to prioritize archaeological investigation before development in the NBU and Lee Hall corridor, raised concerns about rezoning and waterway risks, and said city commitments to a third-party review were positive but implementation details remain.
Connor DeWalt, a volunteer archaeologist and organizer of an online petition called Save Newport News Park, addressed council during public comment to push for an archaeology-first framework for proposed housing and industrial developments in the NBU and Lee Hall corridor. DeWalt warned of potential waterway and health risks tied to development near the Lee Hall Reservoir and urged transparent, community-centered investigations.
DeWalt said city officials had agreed to accept an archaeology-first framework and called for clear implementation steps rather than excavations amid heavy construction. "Archeology is a win win for the city of Newport News," he said, urging the council to protect parks and landmarks and to ensure third-party reviews translate to concrete preservation practices.
