Below are the minutes from the May Taskforce meeting. They are kept by Carlton “Ray” Ransom, Senior Neighborhood Development Specialist, and were handed out at the June Wards Corner Taskforce meeting. They can be downloaded in PDF format: Taskforce Minutes – May 2008. We hope to post June’s Minutes as soon as they are prepared.
Thursday, May 8, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
Norfolk Wellness and Fitness Center
Minutes
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1. Present
Jennifer Gwaltney John Keifer Alice Kelly
Martin Thomas Jr. Ray Ransom Jim English
Barbara Laws Dreama Waterfield Eric Heard
Joan Grifffey Louis Eisneberg Elyse Kalfus
Don Williams Terry Whibley Barclay Winn
Marcus Jones Jay Hanna Rick Anderson
Harriette Frost Sherry Romulus Frank Duke
Janice Hurley Chuck Rigney William King
Scott Kennedy
2. Police Department Report
Captain Gallagher represented the Police Department. Captain Gallagher provided an update on the recent murder on Beverly Avenue in Talbot Park. He indicated that there is no indication of this incident being gang related. Currently, there is an ongoing investigation and the Norfolk Police Department is working in conjunction with NCIS. The body of a Denby Park resident was found in Chesapeake.
3. Recap from the April 11 meeting
ACM Marcus Jones discussed last months meeting and provided a handout on the 90 day Rolling Plan.
Frank Duke introduced Ray Ransom, who will serve as the Neighborhood Development Specialist providing staff support for Greater Wards Corner. Dr. Whibley requested that future agendas delineate more details on the items that are on recap.
4. Norfolk Collegiate Arts Center
Mr. William King, Head Master of Norfolk Collegiate, introduced his successor Mr. Scott Kennedy who will assume his role in June 2008. Mr. King provided an update on the future arts center for Norfolk Collegiate. The addition will be adjacent to the building on Granby Street. The facility will have a 450 seat auditorium, art studio, and area for media courses. Facility will be available for public use. Construction is schedule to begin in 2010 with an 18 month build out period. The project value is estimated at $8 million. Norfolk Collegiate has plans to raise an additional $10 million for an endowment.
5. Public Works
– John Keifer gave a presentation on past, current and future infrastructure projects in Greater Wards Corner. There were discussions on crosswalks, the resurfacing program, ADA ramps/sidewalks, an upcoming change in the street sweeping program, street light upgrades, transportation projects, storm water, and utility projects.
6. Economic Development
Chuck Rigney gave a brief update on the development projects for Greater Wards Corner. He will provide a full report at the June 2008 Task Force meeting.
7. Topics of Discussion for the June 12, 2008 Meeting
– Breakdown of Funds for Greater Wards Corner
– Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NRHA for Special Service Area
– Status of Alexis Apartments
Next Meeting: June 12, 2008
Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 