WVEC Funding to help revitalize Wards Corner neighborhood slashed
WVEC is reporting on the reduced funding planned for the Wards Corner Neighborhood plan. Their article and video can be viewed on their website.
I encourage you to contact City Council either by email or by attending the public budget hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 6pm at Granby High School. Their contact info is located on the City Council website: http://www.norfolk.gov/index.aspx?NID=533
The WVEC article:
NORFOLK — For years the City of Norfolk would allocate millions of dollars to revitalizing the Wards Corner area, but this year the funds are getting slashed.
City spokeswoman Lori Crouch says the City Manager was able to scrape and provide $750,000 for the proposed FY 2014 budget.
“The city is fiscally stressed,” said Crouch.
Here’s how the numbers break down:
Year Allocation for Implementation of the Wards Corner Plan
2014 $750,000 (proposed)
2013 $2,000,000
2012 $1,000,000
2011 $1,767,500Less money being allocated to the neighborhood isn’t sitting well with residents, businesses owners or patrons of Wards Corner.
Martin Thomas Jr. says less money coming in now could jeopardize overall progress.
Previous funds were used to purchase and demolish blighted and crime-inducing properties in sections of Denby Park. The City purchased 68 units in 2011 and demolished them in 2012. In addition, 37 apartment units were bought in 2013. Once the tenants are relocated the units will be demolished.
Next year, a new shopping plaza featuring Harris Teeter is scheduled to open in Wards Corner.
Thomas is concerned if there is no effort in ridding blighted properties around the shopping center, it will have a negative impression on investors.
“If we can show those businesses that this is a nice place to open and you are going to get a good clientele, that effect will cause more and more redevelopment in the Wards Corner area,” Thomas said.
Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 
City Counsel would much rather spend $$$ to get a major league team – that we can’t support and don’t have the roads for fans. Face it – everything is done for downtown ONLY. We need to clean out the City Council and get new members who will work for the whole city.
City Counsel would much rather spend $$$ to get a major league team – that we can’t support and don’t have the roads for fans. Face it – everything is done for downtown ONLY. We need to clean out the City Council and get new members who will work for the whole city.
corrected my email address
Kudos to Wards Corner Now for drawing attention to this. I sure would like to see Martin Thomas on Norfolk’s City Council!
I would encourage all to speak out to City Council to continue on the current path. Please give them a call to let them know how you feel!
The budget supports $4 million for design and construction of a government center plaza. Is this where the $250,000 stolen from Wards Corner’s neighborhood allocation is going? We expect Council members Winn, Whibley, Protogyrou and our Mayor to reconsider. You have the new courthouse and $11 million Towne Point Park. You represent our neighborhoods. Spread the wealth !! The past 13 plus years of the Taskforce have been an uphill battle for funds to make Wards Corner viable and tax producing. Remember your constituents…..don’t break that trust.