Buckroe deal not awash yet
HAMPTON -- The Hampton City Council this week rejected a proposal to let voters decide where to allow development at Buckroe Park.
Development plans for the open space remain on hold as the city goes through the initial stages of taking over Fort Monroe from the Army.
"We are all open to compromise," said Councilman Randy Gilliland.
Councilwoman Angela Leary, who wanted the matter placed on the May 2 ballot as a referendum, said she will continue to address concerns about development.
"I'm going to offer the olive branch to both sides," Leary said. Residents who want the muddy fields developed - and those who don't - said after Wednesday's decision that they are open to a compromise.
Leary's proposal for a referendum was defeated in a 4-1 vote, with Leary the sole vote for her own proposal. Mayor Ross A. Kearney II was absent with the flu, and Councilman Rhet Tignor left during a short recess near the end of Wednesday night's four-hour meeting. Council members who voted against the referendum said it would require complex wording that could confuse some voters, set a dangerous precedent and foster misinformation about plans for redevelopment. "I know that some of you are very passionate about this issue," Councilman Turner Spencer said. But "this is not a universal or citywide issue."
The city's master plan calls for building condominiums on a pair of lots as the first step to rejuvenate the area. That plan came under fire last spring when a group called the Green Space Gals started petitioning to save the open space as a park.
That petition has now gathered more than 11,000 signatures, but it has also brought a backlash from some Buckroe civic organizations, businesses and developers who want the land developed.
Leary argued that the upcoming spring election provides Hampton with a unique opportunity to essentially poll the city.
"This is not setting a precedent because this is not binding," she said. "This is about uniting the city on an important issue." About two dozen residents spoke about the plan at the meeting.
Residents in favor of development warned council members not to start returning tough decisions to voters. "We voted for you to vote on these things," said Frank Blake. "This will set a precedent because anything that's done once can be done again."
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