Residents press council for a Citizens Review Board meeting, call for prayer rally and seek rent assistance

Three members of the public spoke during the citizen comment portion of the Newport News City Council meeting.

Dana Mitchell thanked Newport News Waterworks for repairing a large pothole at Dunbar and Pennsylvania Avenue and described ongoing water-pressure concerns in her neighborhood. Mitchell said she authored a 10-page document on a proposed Citizens Review Board and asked for a formal meeting with Mayor Philip Jones and council members to discuss it; she said she had previously shared the document with a vice mayor and asked for that matter to be addressed. "I would like to personally request a formal meeting with mayor Philip Jones...and any and all other city council members that would like to discuss the details of this matter," Mitchell said.

Francis Jacobson said he is organizing a one-day, 1 hour 30 minute prayer and worship event to bring the city together and asked the council for partnership and endorsement; he gave a date of Saturday 04/24/2025 and a location stated in the record as "New Pete Grove." Jacobson said the event is intended as a nonpolitical call for unity across denominations.

Jevon Bennett addressed council on behalf of tenants seeking help. He described a tenant who had been laid off, later returned to work but had an emergency surgery and fears being unable to cover upcoming rent. Bennett asked the city to direct him to resources; the city manager directed him to Deputy City Manager for Human Services Ginger Blunt Moore for follow-up.

None of the three speakers called for immediate council action; staff were asked to follow up with Bennett on tenant resources and Mitchell on arranging a meeting.