Title
Ordinance to Amend the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia by Amending and Reenacting Chapter 37, "Taxation;" Article II, "Real Estate Taxes;" Division 7, “Special Assessments for Local Improvements,” Section 37-140, “Elizabeth Lake Estates Service District”
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
See Discussion.
Discussion:
Elizabeth Lake Estates is a housing development within the City of Hampton. The community has several large common areas that border major thoroughfares within the City and are accessible to the public. The community was founded as a "covenant community" in 1962, with those common areas owned by the Elizabeth Lake Estates Civic Association (the "Association"). In early 2000, members of the Association approached the City about the possibility of creating a special taxing district that would operate similarly to the Coliseum Central and Downtown Business Improvement District. After the Association sought and obtained the support of the community, the then City Council, believing there was overwhelming support for the initiative and that the entire city would benefit, enacted Hampton City Code Section 37-140, creating the Elizabeth Lake Estates Service District, and imposed a tax and to provide a uniform and comprehensive method for collection of funds to provide services which generally enhance the public use and enjoyment of the area and the public safety, public convenience and public well-being within the service district. The benefits expected within the district are to provide a centralized system for addressing common issues; promote a positive image of Hampton as a desirable and outstanding place to live, protect the waterfront to maintain its viability, improve the security of the neighborhood and residents and, protect and increase property values generally.
The Association has been the recipient of the funds generated by this tax since its enactment. By ordinance, the Association is required to annually submit a repor...
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