Title
Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind Project Update
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
When the Hampton Economic Development Authority sold much of its portion of the former site of the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind, the city kept about 10 acres of the former school property. Hampton also set aside $1.5 million of the proceeds from the land sale to support two primary objectives:
Honoring the legacy of the former Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.
To invest in public assets or infrastructure for the surrounding neighborhood.
The Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind engagement process, initiated in November 2023, was designed to foster collaboration and transparency while gathering input from the community on preferred ways to accomplish both goals.
Discussion:
Staff will provide an overview of the community feedback gathered during the 2024 calendar year. Feedback includes leveraging the $1.5 million proceeds with applicable grant opportunities, increasing the overall project budget beyond the $1.5 million. The current grant opportunities can assist with the cost for infrastructure improvements, design and consulting fees, but would not cover the ongoing maintenance and staffing costs for a future park, museum and/or neighborhood center.
Impact:
This project aligns with several of City Council's Strategic Priorities to include Placemaking, Safe & Clean Community, and Living with Water. Additionally, the proposed project will call for a comprehensive Small Area Plan to be drafted, approved and adopted by City Council.
Recommendation:
Rec
At this stage of the engagement process, staff is looking for City Council's general consensus on the proposed short-, mid- and long-term plans.