Title
Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Lease Agreement between the City of Hampton and Community Baseball, LLC to use approximately 10.45 acres of real estate and premises located at city-owned property at 1889 W. Pembroke Avenue (LRSN 1003153), and commonly known as War Memorial Stadium, for use primarily for baseball related activities of the Peninsula Pilots, as well as other athletic and non-athletic uses subject to City approval.
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
For decades, Community Baseball has utilized the property located at 1889 W. Pembroke Avenue (LRSN 1003153), consisting of approximately 10.45 acres (the "Property"), primarily for baseball related activities of the Peninsula Pilots, as well as other athletic and non-athletic uses subject to approval pursuant to lease agreements with the Peninsula Stadium Authority. The most recent lease agreement was executed in 2019 and amended in 2024 for a one-year extension. When the Peninsula Stadium Authority was dissolved in July 2025, the property was transferred to the City and the lease agreement was assigned to the City. The lease agreement expired in December 2025. The City and Community Baseball have continued to operate under the terms and conditions of the expired agreement and desire to enter into a new lease agreement for the continued use of War Memorial Stadium.
Discussion:
While this lease agreement involves minimal rent ($1/year), Community Baseball, as the tenant, is solely responsible for all applicable taxes and fees including but not limited to real property taxes, stormwater fees, and personal property taxes. In addition, Community Baseball is required to maintain general liability insurance and is responsible for the day-to-day, routine operation and maintenance of the Property.
The attached lease agreement is for a term of five years, commencing upon execution of the lease agreement by the City Manager. In addition to termination as a result of default, either party may terminate the lease agreement, for any reason, by giving at least (90) days written notice to the other party.
Impact:
Community Baseball provides a service to the community and can increase revenue through events hosted. By executing this lease agreement, the City of Hampton will continue the longstanding use of War Memorial Stadium for athletic purposes.
Recommendation:
Rec
Conduct a public hearing and approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City owns a parcel of land located at 1889 W. Pembroke Avenue, LRSN 1003153, commonly known as War Memorial Stadium (the "Property");
WHEREAS, for decades, Community Baseball, LLC has utilized the Property, consisting of approximately 10.45 acres, primarily for baseball related activities of the Peninsula Pilots, as well as other athletic and non-athletic uses subject to approval pursuant to lease agreement with the Peninsula Stadium Authority, the Property's prior owner;
WHEREAS, the Peninsula Stadium Authority was dissolved in July 2025, at which time the Property transferred to the City and the then current lease agreement was assigned to the City;
WHEREAS, the term of the previous lease agreement expired on December 13, 2025;
WHEREAS, the City and Community Baseball have continued to operate under the terms and conditions of the expired agreement, and Community Baseball desires to continue to utilize the Property for its baseball related activities as well as other athletic and non-athletic uses subject to City approval , on the terms and conditions set forth in the proposed lease agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the terms and conditions of the lease agreement are acceptable.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that it approves the lease agreement with Community Baseball, LLC to use approximately 10.45 acres of real property at 1889 W. Pembroke Avenue (LRSN 1003153), commonly known as War Memorial Stadium, and, accordingly, the City Manager, or her designee, is hereby authorized to execute and deliver to Community Baseball, LLC the lease agreement in substantially the same form as attached hereto, subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney.