The Hampton City Council held its regular work session on Wednesday, receiving updates on infrastructure projects and recognizing a long-serving city employee.
Michael Bowry, interim director of Public Works, presented plans to improve Settlers Landing Road. The project aims to increase pedestrian safety and create a distinctive entrance to Downtown Hampton. Proposed changes include wider sidewalks, narrower vehicle lanes, improved ADA accessibility, new lighting, landscaping upgrades, and a raised block for better connectivity between downtown and carousel park. The city anticipates seeking bids for the project in fall 2026.
Senior civil engineer David Powell discussed the need to repair or relocate sewer mains at five locations throughout Hampton. Woolpert engineering firm recommended using the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) method for these projects. This approach promotes early collaboration between design teams and builders. The largest component is replacing the sewer force main under Aberdeen Road. The council approved the use of CMAR during its legislative session.
Darrell Crittenden, recently appointed director of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services, shared his intention to pursue national accreditation for Hampton’s parks system. Crittenden noted there are currently 214 accredited park systems in the United States and stated: “Only three of them are in Hampton Roads — Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Suffolk,” he said. “Hampton will be the fourth.”
Crittenden also announced that the Rec ‘n’ Roll Scuttle Bus program will operate from early October through November this fall with a schedule of stops to be released soon.
During the legislative session, Mayor Jimmy Gray and council members honored Tom Crispell, technical services manager for Public Works engineering division, recognizing his 57 years of service to Hampton. Mayor Gray also issued proclamations marking National Suicide Prevention Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Full meeting minutes and video are available online.
The next City Council meeting is set for September 24 at 10 a.m., when members will join representatives from several local bodies at the Hampton Roads Convention Center; this joint meeting is open to the public. The evening legislative session will take place as usual at 6:30 p.m.
