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7/9/26, 2:57 PM City Council Regular Meeting - Dec 09 2025 - Midtown Community Center (570 McLawhorne Dr, Newport News, VA 23601) - Minute…
Mr. Thomas Retnauer, Project Architect, was available for questions.
Mr. Anton Rekun, 738 Long Leaf Lane, emphasized that in February 2025 the
same project had been voted down by City Council, and that not much had
changed with the high-density 120-units plan. He cited a 2023 independent
study ranking the Jefferson Avenue and Fort Eustis Boulevard intersection as
the ninth deadliest in Newport News. He expressed concern about hundreds of
additional daily vehicle movements being added to a congested area with only
two narrow lanes and no room for widening. He indicated he opposed the
project.
Ms. Tanya Rekun, 738 Long Leaf Lane, raised multiple concerns that included
overcrowding of local schools, increased strain on emergency services,
infrastructure overload, traffic congestion safety hazards, increased flooding,
loss of neighborhood privacy, potential decline in property values, and the
precedent it might set for future high-density development. She indicated that
she opposed the project and had a petition signed by 350 Wood Creek
neighborhood residents who also opposed the project.
Ms. Sean Fowler, 732 Long Leaf Lane, thanked Vice Mayor Bethany for being
available to answer questions throughout the process about the project. He
concurred with the number of concerns voiced about the proposed
development which included: overcrowding of local schools, increased strain on
emergency services, infrastructure overload, traffic congestion, flooding and
stormwater issues, loss of neighborhood privacy, decline in neighboring
property values, and the potential for future "zoning creep" if this precedent
was established. One of his main concerns was the safety of the project. The
ingress/egress of the project has one roadway for everyone to enter and exit
safely. During the morning and afternoon peak hour approximately 20 – 30
vehicles would use the roadway the pass through Old Stable Road and should
someone wish to turn left that would cause a traffic jam. He emphasized that
the Wood Creek residents were not anti-growth but wanted responsible
development that fit the scale, safety, and character of the area.
Moved by Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E., seconded by Councilman Robert
Coleman, to close the public hearing.
Carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E., Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III,
Councilman Robert Coleman, Councilman Marcellus L. Harris III, D.
Div., and Mayor Phillip Jones
Moved by Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E., seconded by Vice Mayor Curtis D.
Bethany III, adoption of the ordinance.
Carried by the following votes:
Ayes: Councilman Cleon M. Long, P.E., Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III,
Councilman Robert Coleman, Councilman Marcellus L. Harris III, D.
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