Title
Use Permit Application No. 24-0437 by Hampton University to amend the conditions of previously approved Use Permit No. 23-0350, which permits a private university at a portion of 2 Eaton St. [LRSN: 2003199]
Purpose
Background Statement:
In February 2024, City Council approved Use Permit No. 23-0350, which allows for a private university use on the 14th floor of the Harbour Center, 2 Eaton Street. More specifically, the space was intended to be used for university events and function much like a banquet hall; a use that is supportive of both the university and Downtown Hampton.
Three conditions of the approved Use Permit reference a specific floor plan. Since the time of City Council approval, Hampton University was awarded a grant, which allows the university to upgrade the planned facility. Specifically, the university would like to relocate the kitchen and upgrade it to a full commercial kitchen. This change allows for the preservation of views across the water as well as the hosting of culinary courses.
Given the uniqueness of the location and use by the university, staff recommends removing references to a particular floor plan in the conditions. The conditions would still include one related to security as well as one specifically relating to noise. Again, given the uniqueness of the use and location, these conditions should satisfy typical concerns that would otherwise typically be addressed by having the floor plan included as a condition.
Recommendations:
Rec
Staff Recommendation:
Approval with thirteen (13) conditions