Newport News city leaders vote to end minimum parking requirements [Video]

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — In a big change for businesses and home builders in Newport News, city leaders voted to wipe away minimum parking requirements at its Tuesday night council meeting. By the looks of other city ordinances, this makes Newport News the first in both Hampton Roads and the peninsula to eliminate minimum parking requirements.

Supporters of this move claim the requirements hindered city growth, and even decreased affordable housing.

“I think this is really important for our city,” Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones said. “It’s how we have a pro-growth mindset here in Newport News.”

It was a discussion met with no debate at the city council meeting this week. John Watson brought the issue to the council, saying these requirements have pushed developers out of Newport News, in favor of cities with more undeveloped space like Suffolk and Chesapeake.

“I believe that developers will invest in …