The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) and the City of Hampton identified a set of diverse neighborhoods within the city that experienced various levels of disinvestment. Previous planning efforts identified key goals and outcomes but said little about the implementation. HRHA sought targeted redevelopment strategies that utilized practical tools and considered budget opportunities and constraints.
We conducted field surveys of each neighborhood to assess housing conditions and infrastructure deficiencies. We also analyzed local demographic and real estate data and interviewed local builders, developers, and real estate agents. This was to ensure we understood the nuances of the local market, which simple data couldn’t reveal to us.
Next, we began compiling information for implementation strategies. The most appropriate and effective reinvestment and redevelopment tools were studied and outlined for each neighborhood. Local, state, and federal funding sources were identified to fund recommendations. Funding sources included local capital improvement budget and general fund, CDBG, HOME, Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA), green infrastructure incentives, and state and federal historic tax credits. All recommendations were outlined in an implementation timeline.
The timeline was precisely what the HRHA needed; subsequently, they asked us to assemble a redevelopment or conservation plan for the Olde Hampton neighborhood. After additional fieldwork and research, we assembled conservation plans for the Olde Hampton Conservation Area. The plan has received enthusiastic support from the HRHA Board of Commissioners and City Council but has yet to be officially adopted.
