Wards Corner Now – Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia

Thanks to Karen Mayne for keeping the minutes:

The Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting

November 12, 2015

Council Members Terry Whibley and Barclay Winn were present.

 Police Reports – Crime statistics in the Denby Park area are down.  Recognition was given to the Norfolk Police Department for their work in the area and to the City for the purchase and demolition of run-down properties.  Additional properties will be purchased with funds approved by City Council.

Public Works/Utilities

Virginia Natural Gas has started the next phase of its gas main replacement on Granby Street.  The City, who works closely with VNG on projects, has sent out a flyer provided by VNG.  Concern was expressed that VNG did not restore vegetation in the medians after previous right-of-way construction.

The City will be replacing the water main on Virginian Drive between Thole Street and Galveston Boulevard.  The project will move the current water main along the Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way into the street.  Virginian Drive will be closed to through traffic during construction.  Project contact is David Speer in the City’s Bureau of Engineering at 757-664-6724.

Traffic problems have gotten worse on Granby Street south of Little Creek Road and on East Little Creek Road to Taussig Boulevard, due to the additional traffic lights and the Norfolk Southern trains that go through the area during rush hour.  The City has funded a city-wide traffic light timing study.  It was requested that the City consider making the Wards Corner area a top priority for this study.

It was requested that the City look into constructing sidewalks along Thole Street between the railroad tracks and Tidewater Drive.  It was also requested that the City look into the cause of water that stands in the street at 300 – 500 East Little Creek Road during heavy rains.

 Department of Planning

The City held a charrette on October 19th on the future of the Denby Park area and use of the properties the City has acquired.  Information on the results of the charrette has been sent out.  City staff will consider the public input and will continue to engage residents on short-term and long-term development options.

A zoning ordinance amendment on the size and shape of residential driveways was passed by City Council.  This amendment allows wider driveways where vehicles have been parked on the grass.  Zoning staff sent letters to property owners and residents along the section of West Little Creek Road between Granby Street and Hampton Boulevard on this issue.  Citations are being issued for vehicles that continue to park on the grass, some of which will likely result in court action.

Department of Development

K&K Square continues to be the major driver of the transformation of Wards Corner.  The Starbucks and Moe’s Southwest Grill in this shopping center are among the top performers of their franchises in the region.  The City would like to see additional restaurants in the Wards Corner area.  The Wendy’s on East Little Creek Road will be undergoing a façade change.  Kotarides closed on the purchase of the Kroger/Work Force property.  The existing leases will remain in place; no long-term plans for the property have been announced.

 Community Reports

The Wards Corner Business Association is working with the Tidewater Striders to consider a 5-K foot race in 2017 to showcase the Wards Corner area.  The WCBA will be in touch with civic leagues and the City to develop race plans and logistics.