Zoning and annexation requests regarding a 134-acre tract on Minter Drive were heard by the Hampton City Council at its August 9 regular meeting but action was postponed until the council’s September 13 meeting.

According to a city staff report, rezoning from residential-agricultural in unincorporated Henry County to mixed use in the city was requested to allow for the development of single-family residential, townhomes, apartments and commercial/retail. Annexation is being sought under the 100 percent method according to state law.

In other business, the first reading of an ordinance addressing parking requirements, home occupations, accessory uses and structures, allowed uses concerning short-term rentals and guest quarters, and allowed uses in residential and mixed-use zoning districts failed to pass.

The first reading of a separate ordinance was approved in response to staff evaluation of the city’s short-term rental regulations after questions were raised at a public hearing on the subject. The new guidelines were said to “provide and implement rationally based, reasonably tailored regulations that protect the integrity of the city’s neighborhoods and provide city staff measurable standards of enforcement.”

The first reading of an ordinance regarding regulation and licensing of mobile food vendors was approved, as well as the first reading of an ordinance regarding the sale of a quarter-acre of city right-of-way.

New members were approved unanimously for the Main Street Advisory Board and the Hampton Development Authority. 

Several special event requests regarding alcohol use were approved for events at Catherine William Building as well as a race scheduled for September 3 which will require the closing of a portion of Cherry Street.

The Police Department’s report included improved response times (down to 4:30) and results of participation in the Georgia Office of Highway Safety program “Operation Southern Slowdown” which, along with 64 citations, resulted in the apprehension of three fugitives. 

The city manager’s report advised the Caldwell Drive stormwater project would be bid August 18, as would the McDonough Street repaving along with intersection improvements (including a three-way stop at Derrick Avenue & McDonough Street). Notice to proceed on the second phase of the West Main Street improvements were issued and took effect August 15. The report also covered various park improvements, the development of the East & West King roundabout construction schedule, and new city branding along with gateway signage set to be revealed in September.

A schedule of workshops and public hearings leading up to the adoption of Hampton’s FY 2023 budget was released by city officials. All of the scheduled events will be hosted at City Hall, 17 East Main Street South.

The first public hearing is September 6 at 6 p.m.

The second public hearing is September 13 at 6 p.m.

The first reading of the budget ordinance is September 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The second reading and adoption of the budget ordinance is September 22 at 6:30 p.m.