The Newport News Planning Commission meeting held on July 16, 2025, focused on a proposed development project that has sparked significant community concern. The meeting featured discussions regarding the redevelopment of the Regal Cinema site into luxury apartments, which has drawn both support and opposition from local residents.

The session began with a supportive statement from a community member who emphasized the need for higher density housing to complement existing commercial properties. This speaker argued that lower density options would not be economically viable and would create an abrasive juxtaposition with nearby businesses.

However, the mood shifted as Karen Clark, a resident of Ivy Stoneway, presented a petition against the proposed development. Clark expressed that the project was too large for the area and highlighted concerns about increased traffic congestion, crime rates, and environmental impacts. She noted that the community had already experienced issues with existing developments, including traffic accidents and littering, and warned that the new apartments would exacerbate these problems. Clark's petition garnered 170 signatures, reflecting widespread opposition among residents.

Another resident, Sharon Hart, echoed Clark's sentiments, sharing personal experiences of safety concerns due to speeding traffic and inadequate infrastructure. Hart criticized the lack of accountability from local authorities regarding traffic management and voiced distrust towards the developers, citing previous unfulfilled promises related to community planning.

Elizabeth Hawkins, another community member, raised concerns about the proposed building heights, suggesting that a two-story design would be more appropriate to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and privacy. She also noted the rising crime rates in the area and the need for developments that foster community safety.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide among residents regarding the proposed luxury apartments. While some acknowledged the necessity for new housing, many voiced a strong preference for single-family homes or lower-density options that would better suit the existing community. The Planning Commission is expected to consider these community concerns as they move forward with the development proposal.