Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is Fort Monroe closing as an Army installation in September 2011?
   

  Fort Monroe will be closed as a military facility pursuant to the recommendation of the 2005 Base Realignment Alignment Closure Commission (BRAC).

   
• What will happen to the fort once the Army vacates it?
   

  Most of the 570 acres that comprise Fort Monroe will revert to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

   
• Who is in charge of determining what happens to Fort Monroe once the Army leaves in 2011?
   

  As a result of the BRAC decision, the City of Hampton’s Federal Area Development Authority (FADA) was created by the action of the Virginia General Assembly in 2005 and was comprised of 7 members appointed by the Hampton City Council. In 2007, the General Assembly amended the original FADA, expanding the original board from 7 members to 18 members, adding 5 members of the governor’s cabinet, 4 legislators, and 2 governor’s appointees who are experts in historic preservation and heritage tourism. Two members of the Hampton City Council also serve as non-voting members of the Fort Monroe FADA.

  The purpose of the Hampton FADA, and now the Fort Monroe FADA, is to navigate through the complicated and required federal BRAC process. The Fort Monroe FADA is the official "Local Redevelopment Authority" (LRA) recognized by the Department of Defense. The task of the FMFADA commission is to study, plan and recommend the best use of the resources that will remain when the Army closes the base in 2011.

  The state is taking a lead role in planning because most of the land that Fort Monroe occupies will revert to the Commonwealth when the Army departs. The effort is guided by three priorities; keep Fort Monroe open to the public, respect the rich history and advance economic sustainability.

   
• What does the current reuse plan look like?
   

  In August 2008, Governor Kaine signed the Fort Monroe Reuse Plan. A copy of the plan can be found here: (link to reuse plan)

  The plan follows the governor's 5 point charge:

  1. 1) Protect this historic place and keep it vital
  • First-quality stewardship of these shared treasures
  • Preserve and continually occupy the historic structures
  • Showcase and promote the history, tell the story
  2. 2) Open it up to the public
  • No gated streets
  • Expand the marina and open the beach
  • Continuous public waterfront esplanade/trail
  • New multi-modal access at North end
  • Advertise the sense of community, not isolation
  3. 3) Establish a large-scale open space park
  • Substantial recreational spaces and special places
  • Restored, protected environments
  • Green backdrop surrounds and extends from village
  4. 4) Seek Economic Sustainability
  • Finances to eventually offset annual maintenance bill, restoration costs, operational costs, and more
  • Mix land uses and building types
  • Blend culture, commerce, workplaces, housing, tourism/lodging
  5. 5) Allow new development within strict limits
  • Insist upon compact, complete, connected, walkable urban form
  • Balance and choice in transportation: walking, cycling, transit, auto
  • Control height, geographic extent, and architecture
  • Fill in lost spaces, refine and complete street scenes
  • Restrict and inhibit any departures from the standards

   
• How can citizens be involved in the process?
   

  Citizens can be involved in the Fort Monroe reuse process by attending the FADA meetings, and expressing their thoughts and opinions during the public comment period. Also, citizens are always encouraged to contact members of the board and the Hampton City Council to discuss their views.

   

To stay apprised of the Fort Monroe planning process and the opportunities to participate, sign up for Hampton's e-News service at www.enews.hampton.gov