King Street Corridor Master Plan

Overview

The City of Hampton is currently working with UDA and the citizens of the North King Street study area to develop its fifth Master Plan – the North King Street Corridor Master Plan. This Master Plan will build off of the recommendations of a previous corridor study that was adopted for this area in December of 1995 by the City Council. The boundaries of the plan run the length of the corridor starting north at the Langley Air Force Base gate and south to I-64; west to LaSalle Avenue and the Back River; and east to Little Back River Rd, Fox Hill Rd and the Hampton River. The population for the corridor study area is 7,739 and is predominately residential with some commercial retail uses fronting King Street and Mercury Boulevard. Unique features within the study area include the historic gate and bridge to Langley Air Force Base's Historic District, scenic views of the Back River, local landmarks such as Smitty's Better Burger, and some of the only preserved farmland in the City of Hampton. This corridor also serves as a vital link between LAFB and Downtown Hampton and is widely traveled by residents of the Fox Hill communities.

Preliminary research reveals that the majority of the housing stock is post war, over 50 years in age, less then 1000 sq.ft. in size and meets HUD's standard of less than $97,758 for affordable housing. However, 69% of the housing in the study area is owner-occupied compared to a city-wide average of 59%. The average median household income for the area is $32,586 compared to $45,087 city-wide. The City of Hampton and UDA conducted their first series of public meetings in February to collect data and get citizens input about the needs of the area. The preliminary evidence supports the need for necessary upgrades to the housing stock and neighborhood compatible commercial uses, improved street and pedestrian connectivity, better utilization and access to the waterfront and enhanced community and recreational spaces. UDA will conduct design charettes with citizens and stakeholders and will develop and present these ideas at a series of open houses and a public meeting in May.