Hampton City Council approves Karma Restaurant permit for expanded hours and live entertainment

During the Hampton City Council Legislative Session on February 26, 2025, significant discussions centered around a use permit application for Karma Restaurant and Lounge, located at 85 and 87 Lincoln Street. The application seeks to expand the restaurant's operations into an adjacent suite, which is currently functioning as a banquet hall. Chief Planner Donna Whipple presented the proposal, highlighting its alignment with the city’s goals for mixed-use development and support for local businesses.

The restaurant, which previously received a use permit for one suite, is now requesting extended hours of operation from 5 AM to 2 AM, seven days a week, along with permission for live entertainment during the same hours. This request marks a notable shift, as no other similar establishments in the area have been granted such extensive hours. The planning commission had recommended approval of the application with 13 conditions, including an updated security plan, which the applicant has been working on following community feedback.

A community meeting was held to address concerns, particularly regarding security measures. Vice Mayor Brown expressed apprehension about the extended hours, emphasizing the potential impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Despite these concerns, the council ultimately voted in favor of the application, approving the extended hours and conditions set forth by the planning commission.

In addition to the restaurant discussion, the council addressed a resolution concerning property transfers related to the I-64 Hampton Roads Express Lane project. This resolution involves granting temporary construction easements and modifying previous property transfer agreements to accommodate changes in project requirements.

The session also included a public hearing on the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. Although no public comments were made, the council is actively seeking community input through an online survey, with plans to present a draft of the plan in May for adoption in June.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to fostering local business growth while balancing community concerns, particularly regarding operational hours and neighborhood impacts. The approval of the restaurant's expansion reflects ongoing efforts to enhance downtown Hampton's vibrancy and economic development.