NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The City of Newport News received a request from the developers of the Plaza at Jefferson shopping center. The request asked that city council push back the vote for rezoning over its new proposed location.
In a letter, Kaufman & Canoles asked that the vote be pushed back so they can respond to the community's comments and concerns, and they need additional time to prepare.
On Tuesday night, city council voted to continue the public hearing and associated vote to the June 14 meeting. The vote was 4-2 in favor.
Several people who live in the Kiln Creek community have expressed concern with the new plaza.
Tom Gross is a pilot, and he's worried about safety.
"I don't want anymore buildings at the end of runways. It's a bad combination," Gross said.
Another Kiln Creek neighbor, Gerry Smelt, has passed out fliers and gathered signatures for a petition against the plaza.
His big issue is the traffic.
"I'm not opposed to Wegmans. I'm not opposed to them coming in, I'm not opposed to that site being developed. But, [I don't want it to be] developed into something that has the potential for the traffic draw that the store has," Smelt told NewsChannel 3.
However, with the possible traffic increase could come a huge increase in revenue for the city.
Brendan Lucas is in favor of the new plaza.
"I know that's an upscale shopping center, so when I think about it, it's just more shopping, more businesses, and more jobs. I'm pretty comfortable with it happening," Lucas said.
Like this story? Click here to like us on Facebook!
