Wards Corner Now – May 15, 2010
Wards Corner Now had a meeting on May 15, 2010 at the Fitness and Wellness Center. As is customary with WCN meetings, the facilitator of the meeting is rotated month-to-month. Jim English chaired the meeting. Topics covered were: DePaul Medical Center, Crosswalks, Proposed Construction at Riverside Terrace, Walgreens, Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan, and the Agenda’s for the May and June meetings. Newly elected City Council member Andy Protogyrou was present. Below is a short summary, nothing is verbatim.
DePaul Medical Center: While complete long term plans for the site are still in the development phase, Pam Phillips, DePaul Vice President for Mission, outlined the direction Bon Secours will be taking and upcoming intermediary changes to the buildings and property. Sometime this summer the Vincent Building, which is below current standards, will be razed. DePaul is currently waiting for the state to approve a cancer treatment center. Future plans include a 124 bed full service hospital which will include obstetrics and emergency services. Site plans will include green space and water features. DePaul is in the midst of a fundraising campaign now and estimates groundbreaking is to be in 2014.
Plans are also in the final stages for a new community service – a free mobile medical clinic in partnership with local churches. Patients will be seen by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Crosswalks: City funding has been approved for 7 crosswalks. WCN attendees agreed that only 2 crosswalks should be installed at this time and it be proposed to City Council that the “saved” money be added to funds supporting the implementation of the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan.
Landmark at Talbot Park and Proposed Construction at Riverside Terrace: According to developer Art Collins, in today’s economic climate it is unfeasible to continue with Landmark at Talbot Park as proposed originally. The revision would include 190 apartments in a 4-story building along the front of the Riverside Terrace property instead of developing the area into condos. The apartments, most of which would be split between 1 and 2 bedroom units, would rent for approximately $1,000 a month. Consensus of the meeting was that the density planned for the site was too high and the possibility for negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods was too great. The WCN steering committee will look into the where Art Collins is in the application process and make further recommendations.
Walgreens: After discussion, the consensus was that the proffered agreement for the special exception license to sell beer should be the same as that at Rite Aid.
June Meeting Agenda Items: Norfolk Collegiate and AJ Gators Updates
Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 