Collins Enterprises, LLC is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on August 26, 2010 at 2:30 p.m for their application to amend their site plan to build their proposed apartment building. The Landmark at Talbot Park, a four story apartment building with 189 units, is proposed to be built on Newport Ave just north of Granby Elementary.
The property was rezoned in 2008 for a high density multi-family development which was promised to be condos. The developer’s recent quest to change the development to apartments has not been well received by residents of the neighborhoods surrounding the development.
All interested residents and citizens are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.
The Landmark at Talbot Park - Elevation from Newport Ave
Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 
Having lived at Wards Corner for quite a while and experienced the large amount of apartments in the area, my belief is that we need home ownership not more apartments. Especially high density. Even when the apartments are built with higher end materials and managed by good companies, there are still issues. We have lived through and experienced these issues and are still dealing with these issues with the help of all the city agencies that we can enlist and all the residents that we can muster. It is with all sincerity that I implore you to attend this meeting and address the planning commission on the change of the site plan for Collis Enterprises, LLC from building condominiums to now wanting to build approximately 200 apartment units on Newport Avenue. I will be at the Planning Commission on August 26, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. to express my views on this change, hope that all citizens in and around Wards Corner will do the same.
Why am I not surprised that this meeting will take place at 2:30pm — when most of us will be at work…
What is the alternative? Will the owner just keep the same old apartments that are there?
The Wards Corner corridor does not need nor want any more apartments – period.
This proposed change is so short sighted it is incredible and goes against all of the years of planning and dedicated hard work to seriously improve the area not to mention “flying in the face” of the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan which cost the City $250,000. Seems like a huge waste of money to placate some residents and then approve irresponsible projects that move in the opposite direction. High density housing is NOT what we want in our area no matter what kind it is. There is NO appetite for tall builings sitting nearly in the street.
One has to ask why our Planning Commission and City Council would ever approve such a plan. Certainly the City Council members that have sat in meeting after meeting over the last 5-10 years know that this is counter to what we want.
Collins has told residents that the projections are that the complex will attract military personnel – should we still have any after JFCOMM is closed – from neighboring cities. Why would people who can afford upper end living arrangements live in a high density apartment complex – especially one with no ammenities?
Collins should stick to the original plan and build the condos.
Is Norfolk headed towards being a city of high density apartment living. Could be if these massive developments are allowed to happen. Stop Collins now, build single family and let’s create neighborhoods, not dorm living. Let’s create urban spaces with trees, not massive parking lots with large block building which are out of character with urban living.
What is the opinion of the UDA, the urban design consultants who see Norfolk returning to it’s roots, not this type development?
I would like to know why this development is any different then the “high quality” development the people at Roland Park just tried to fight several months ago? High density, no open space, inadequate parking, and entrance onto a street with a major traffic problem. I could go on with the problems this development will bring to there community, but you didn’t seem to object to that development; does the neighborhood it is in make a difference? I personally think rules regarding open space and the environment should always followed.
I have lived in this Norfolk neighborhood for 10 years. I have opted to renovate versus move due to the nice community, the quiet streets, and the open spaces. Our family enjoys outdoor exercise and visiting with our neighbors on evening bike rides, walks, etc. I do not relish the idea of adding high density apartments in the area, especially near the schools.
As a home owner, I am invested in the area, I continue to invest in the success of the local businesses, but I do not see that happening with apartment dwellers! I was one for many years! I know the property owner would make a lot of money on developing the property, but do we really need high density rentals here! I constantly see rental signs for the units in Ghent and on 21st, why do we need that right next to an elementary school in a quiet neighborhood? Isn’t the monstrosity just across the bridge on Llwellyn sufficient? Are those even completely rented out?!? What about water quality?!? Who is waiving that CBF regulation to allow these high density apartments to happen so close to a waterway we are working so hard to bring back?!? Do we really need the water-hogging landscape that goes with “high density” apartments!
JUST SAY NO!