City acquires flood-prone property, adopts stormwater and resilience plans
Newport News City Council also enacts emergency youth curfew for City Center through July 4th weekend
The Newport News City Council held its Regular Meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers at 2400 Washington Avenue. All seven members were present. The council unanimously approved the voluntary acquisition of a flood-prone property on 25th Street, adopted three comprehensive stormwater and resilience master plans, enacted two emergency youth safety ordinances targeting City Center, approved several additional infrastructure and policy measures, and recognized a departing senior staff member.
The council voted seven to zero to authorize the voluntary acquisition of a property at 1422 25th Street for its assessed value of $21,900. Initiated by the homeowner, the purchase supports the city’s Flood Assistance Program. The 5,490-square-foot parcel is situated within the 100-year floodplain and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, a zone experiencing repetitive flooding. By converting this site to green space, the city aims to preserve natural floodplain storage, enhance stormwater infiltration, and protect local water quality. Bordering Salters Creek, the site adjoins eight other city-owned lots, seven of which were also acquired for flood mitigation.
Information from Newport News Stormwater Master Planning Effort. Find more details on the city’s webpage.
The council also voted seven to zero to adopt three comprehensive master plans: the Stormwater Management Plan, the Floodplain Management Plan, and the Resilience Plan. Together, these documents establish a unified framework to guide the city’s future policy, capital investments, and operational priorities. The Stormwater Plan assesses current infrastructure and identifies priority drainage improvements. The Floodplain Plan focuses on FEMA compliance, flood risk reduction, and advancing the city’s Community Rating System score for flood insurance. The Resilience Plan creates a long-term roadmap to prepare for climate-related stressors, including sea level rise and extreme weather events. Adopting these integrated plans also enhances the city’s ability to secure state and federal funding for future projects. More information is available on the city’s Stormwater Master Planning Effort page.
The council also passed two ordinances related to youth safety in the City Center at Oyster Point area. The first established a temporary curfew for unaccompanied minors beginning June 10 and running through July 5, 2026. The second amended Chapter 28 of the city code to expand curfew authority and add new police powers to regulate assemblies. Both measures passed seven to zero.
Members discussed the balance between protecting public safety and ensuring well-behaved young people are not unfairly penalized. A community member who witnessed the incident that prompted the measures described police officers as patient and professional. The council acknowledged the ordinances are temporary and include exceptions for minors attending scheduled events or employed in the area.
The following sections summarize each substantive agenda item discussed at the June 9 meeting, and each section links directly to the relevant point in the YouTube recording.
Temporary City Center curfew for unaccompanied minors The council voted seven to zero to adopt a temporary curfew ordinance covering unaccompanied minors in the City Center at Oyster Point on specified dates through July 5, 2026. Members noted the measure was prompted by a disruptive incident the previous weekend and emphasized that safety is the top priority for residents, visitors, and businesses. Watch the curfew ordinance vote from 0:08:42.
City code amended to expand police assembly authority A companion ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the city code passed seven to zero. The measure adds a new section granting the chief of police authority to regulate or restrict assemblies and movement of persons or vehicles. The council said the tool allows a dynamic response to fast-moving situations. See the code amendment vote from 0:11:32.
Asset forfeiture funds appropriated for police and prosecutor The consent agenda included two asset forfeiture appropriations approved seven to zero. The Commonwealth’s Attorney Fund received $15,000 and the police department received $400,000. No items were pulled for separate discussion. View the consent agenda vote from 0:16:27.
Lease addendums approved for Fountain Plaza Two The council voted seven to zero to authorize city staff to execute addendum three to a lease with CCOP LLC and addendum one to a sublease with the Economic Development Authority. No public speakers addressed the item and no council discussion was recorded. Watch the lease addendum vote from 0:17:13.
Property acquired on 25th Street for flood assistance The council voted seven to zero to authorize voluntary acquisition of a property at 1422 25th Street for its assessed value of $21,900. Initiated by the homeowner, the purchase supports the city’s Flood Assistance Program. The 5,490-square-foot parcel is situated within the 100-year floodplain and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, a zone experiencing repetitive flooding. By converting this site to green space, the city aims to preserve natural floodplain storage, enhance stormwater infiltration, and protect local water quality. Bordering Salters Creek, the site adjoins eight other city-owned lots, seven of which were also acquired for flood mitigation. See the flood acquisition vote from 0:17:58.
Three citywide plans adopted for stormwater and resilience The council voted seven to zero to adopt three comprehensive master plans: the Stormwater Management Plan, the Floodplain Management Plan, and the Resilience Plan. Together, these documents establish a unified framework to guide the city’s future policy, capital investments, and operational priorities. The Stormwater Plan assesses current infrastructure and identifies priority drainage improvements. The Floodplain Plan focuses on FEMA compliance, flood risk reduction, and advancing the city’s Community Rating System score for flood insurance. The Resilience Plan creates a long-term roadmap to prepare for climate-related stressors, including sea level rise and extreme weather events. Adopting these integrated plans also enhances the city’s ability to secure state and federal funding for future projects. The city’s Stormwater Master Planning Effort page covers all three plans and includes background on the city’s flood challenges and public engagement process. View the stormwater plan vote from 0:18:36.
Private lake maintenance policy adopted over dissent The council voted five to two to adopt the Privately-Owned, Man-Made Lake Policy and repeal the 1999 Lake Enhancement Program. The updated policy clarifies long-standing legal ambiguity by formally establishing that the maintenance, management, and liability of private lakes rest solely with private property owners and homeowners associations. Councilman Cleon Long cast a dissenting vote, arguing that the new language failed to adequately address resident complaints regarding trash entering private lakes through the city’s public stormwater management system. The identity of the second dissenting council member is not recorded in the available source materials. Watch the lake policy vote from 0:19:56.
General Services infrastructure and vehicle funding approved The council voted seven to zero to appropriate $3,082,822 from the Department of General Services fund balance for asset acquisition, building renovation and repair, and operational support in fiscal year 2026. No speakers addressed the item. See the General Services appropriation vote from 0:21:05.
Speakers raise concerns about homelessness, truck parking, and historic sites Several speakers addressed the council on topics including homelessness near the Warwick Boulevard corridor, the redevelopment of the former Daily Press building into luxury apartments near the Four Oaks Day Services Center, commercial truck parking enforcement, and the status of the 16th Street Pier. Concerns were also brought forward urging the council to complete archaeological phases two and three before construction proceeds at the NView and Lee Hall sites. Hear public comment from 0:22:22.
Noodle Festival feedback and community programming requests raised A speaker praised the Noodle Festival but urged the city to improve event promotion through physical flyers at libraries and recreation centers rather than relying on online channels. The speaker also requested benches near city hall. A longtime resident asked the council to schedule a future community meeting at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, and the council indicated it would make that a priority. Hear community programming comments from 0:21:23.
Employment agreements renewed for three city appointees The council voted seven to zero on each of three separate ordinances extending employment agreements for city staff in the roles of city auditor, city attorney, and city manager. Mayor Phillip D. Jones offered remarks praising the city manager’s leadership and described the working relationship as a strong partnership. View the employment agreement votes from 1:14:27.
Deputy city manager departs after seven years City staff announced that a deputy city manager is leaving to become assistant county administrator for York County. Members offered remarks recognizing his contributions, describing him as a servant leader who was consistently accessible and responsive. He spoke briefly, thanking council and staff and reflecting on his transition from a military career to city service. Watch the recognition from 1:17:08.
In other news …
The Mariners’ Museum and Park shared a video exploring the history of lighthouses
The presentation traces how these navigational structures have evolved over time and their significance to maritime heritage. This summer learning session offers viewers an accessible look at lighthouse design, technology, and cultural importance throughout history.
Newport News celebrates summer with Juneteenth festivals
The 20th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Victory Landing Park. The evening will feature national recording group Day 26 alongside a dynamic lineup of DJs including Eroc, Sugar Bears, Tezzy So Dope, J Skillz, Tobias Cortez, Fly Guy DC, and DJ Fresh. Admission, parking, and activities are free, though food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. https://www.nnva.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3073
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