City Council reviews South Central Jefferson Avenue plan
Plus, council enters closed session to discuss business expansions; Riverside Hospital, Safehaven Empowerment Center; NNPS
The Newport News City Council received an update July 14 on the South Central Jefferson Avenue Area Plan, a comprehensive planning effort launched in 2025 to guide sustainable growth along Jefferson Avenue between Mercury Boulevard and J. Clyde Morris Boulevard. The plan establishes a vision for the next decade focused on economic growth, mobility improvements, vibrant public spaces, and community engagement. In a separate action, the council convened in closed session to discuss prospective business expansions in the central and southern districts, The session’s notice also indicated that city leadership would consider appointments to city council committees, returning to approve a committee appointment change.
The Jefferson Avenue development plan addresses an area identified in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan as a Planning Opportunity Area. According to the city, the area has an extensive planning history dating to the 1960s when it was already described as “five messy miles and helter skelter layout.” Two advisory committees contributed to the plan, including a citizen advisory committee with representatives from nine neighborhoods in the area and a business advisory committee.
During those sessions, community members identified key priorities including making the area accessible, unique, and historic. While many issues were expressed, such as pedestrian safety and the need for improved landscaping and tree canopy, transportation improvements emerged as a central component. One preferred concept converts the outside right lane on Jefferson Avenue in both directions into right-turn-only and bus lanes. An alternative requiring over $600,000 in right-of-way acquisition was abandoned after property owners declined to participate. Implementation recommendations include exploring an off-road shared use path along New Market Creek to provide an alternative north-south route and increase bike connectivity to the shipyard.
The plan will amend the comprehensive plan’s future land use map and change zoning in some locations to facilitate different uses, with staff indicating support for rezoning to allow residential development in currently vacant areas. A Planning Commission public hearing was scheduled for July 15. A public hearing is set for August 11, 2026, and a community pilot event is planned for August 8 at a community center in north Newport News. Learn more about the discussion beginning at 6:29.
In other news:
Education
Newport News Public Schools explores technology integration in student homes Newport News Public Schools shared a video exploring the role of technology in home-based learning for students in the district. The 2026 update examines how schools are supporting educational technology access and implementation in household settings.
Community & Services
Riverside Health Hospitals Earn 2026 Get With The Guidelines Stroke Awards According to an announcement from Riverside Health, four of its hospitals, Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg, Regional Medical Center, Shore Memorial, and Walter Reed, earned 2026 American Heart/Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines-Stroke awards, including Gold Plus and Honor Roll Elite Plus. Hospitals also received Type 2 Diabetes and Rural Stroke honors for evidence-based stroke care.
Safehaven Empowerment Center receives check presentation in Newport News Newport News TV shared a video about a check presentation ceremony for Safehaven Empowerment Center. The event showcases community commitment to supporting local organizations that serve Newport News residents. This presentation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen community partnerships and resources within the city.
Public Safety
Newport News Police Sergeant Deaver Shares Unlikely Path to Law Enforcement Newport News Police Department shared a video exploring Sgt. Deaver’s remarkable journey to becoming a law enforcement professional. Despite a checkered driving record and initial distance from police, Deaver rose through the ranks to serve as both a respected sergeant and driving instructor for the department.
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