Flooding Community Conversation And Info Session
October 12, 2018
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Posted by Wards Corner
Norfolk targets two neighborhoods for a multi-million dollar housing aid program
March 2, 2018
Great news for the Greater Wards Corner Area!! According to the Virginian-Pilot
The city plans to spend up to $8.7 million over five years to help strengthen two neighborhoods.
The Ingleside and the Monticello Village/Oakdale Farms areas will be the target of a pilot program where the city will give them special attention in hopes of improving housing conditions, bringing up property values and increasing homeownership.
The money would go toward programs including down payment assistance, improving rental housing and selling off unused city property to improve the availability of owner-occupied housing.
The funding would impact an estimated 22 houses, mostly through the city’s Renovate Norfolk program, which gives grants to homeowners for improvements such as facade work and structural repairs.
The program would focus first on bolstering blocks where property values are already strong and expand from there.
1 Comment | City Of Norfolk, Uncategorized, wards corner | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner
New Fire Station 12 Application Has Been Submitted To Architectural Review
November 22, 2016The application for the new Fire Station 12 at 1655 W. Little Creek Road has been submitted to the Architectural Review Board. The design of this structure is important in that it will sit at the major intersection of Hampton Boulevard and W. Little Creek Road. Click Here For The Application with more information, site plan and pictures.
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Posted by Wards Corner
The Downtowner Features Ward 1 Councilman On Its Cover
October 27, 2016Have you picked up The Downtowner this week? An article on Martin Thomas Jr. is featured prominently on the cover! Councilman Thomas has been one of Wards Corners most effective advocates. Here are some highlights:
“With an educational foundation in urban planning, strong family ties to the Hampton Roads area, years of experience as an attorney, and a civic-minded background, Martin A. Thomas Jr. has the perfect credentials for city council. Jim English, longtime president of the Wards Corner Civic League, told The Virginian Pilot during Thomas’ campaign “Thomas knows how to negotiate, how the city works and how to get things done.” Don Musacchio, president of the Willoughby Civic League, told The Virginian Pilot that Thomas “has a knack for gathering the facts, asking questions and then convincing people of the right path forward.”
“Utilizing his educational and professional experience in public and urban planning, Thomas hopes to secure funding and execute the comprehensive plan in the best way possible. According to Thomas, work is “about halfway done at the moment.” He believes the plan is essential to the growth of Ward 1 and “we must continue to work this plan, period.”
Thomas aims to make Wards Corner an economically vibrant and family oriented destination. This will be accomplished with restaurants, small businesses, and neighborhood shopping centers. “A small business growing into a large business is the best thing that can happen for any local economy.”
2 Comments | City Of Norfolk, The Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan, wards corner, Wards Corner Business District | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner
FEMA Is Updating Its Flood Maps
October 14, 2016FEMA is updating their flood maps and the changes will impact many properties in Norfolk. If it affects your property you should have received the attached postcard. Find out if you are in a flood zone on the new maps here: http://www.norfolk.gov/firmupdate
You can also come see the maps in person on October 17, 2016 from 6-7:30pm at Crossroads Elementary School.
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Posted by Wards Corner
City Manager Declares State of Emergency; Citizens Asked to Stay Off Roads
October 9, 2016Contact Lori Crouch
Telephone 757-664-4067
Phone 757-646-5381
Email lori.crouch@norfolk.gov
Website http://www.norfolk.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2016
City Manager Declares State of Emergency; Citizens Asked to Stay Off Roads
NORFOLK, VA – City Manager Marcus D. Jones has declared a local state of emergency. The declaration allows the City to ask for state and federal resources and seek state and federal reimbursement if the cost of the storm reaches a certain threshold.
The City has opened a shelter if residents need a safe place to ride out the storm – Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd. Entrance is on the left side of the building.
Residents who need transportation to the shelter should call (757) 441-5610.
Residents are asked to bring personal items, medications, sleeping bags, blankets and snacks. Pets are welcome. Owners must bring pet carriers and food for their pet. Owners must remain on-site with their pet at all times.
Citizens are asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. A majority of the 9-1-1 calls are from citizens stranded in flooded vehicles. Norfolk will experience flooding during the next several high tide cycles. Storm-related debris is also clogging streets. The same floodwaters may delay firefighters response to stranded drivers. Residents are also reporting additional property damage due to the wake caused by drivers plowing through flooded streets.
In addition to the York Street Parking Garage, the City has opened Freemason Street Garage, 161 West Freemason Street and Bank Street Garage, 441 Bank Street for free, dry parking. Do not keep valuables in vehicles. Residents must move their vehicles by noon on Monday, October 10th.
Slover Library and Pretlow Library are closed Sunday.
Important phone numbers:
To report downed trees, call Norfolk non-emergency number (757) 441-5610
For power outages and downed power lines, call Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
For storm-related updates, go to http://www.norfolk.gov or follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NorfolkVA or Twitter @NorfolkVA
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Posted by Wards Corner
City opens shelter for residents and pets
October 8, 2016The City has opened a shelter if residents need a safe place to ride out the storm – Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
Residents who need transportation to the shelter should call (757) 441-5610.
Residents are asked to bring personal items, sleeping bags, blankets and snacks. Pets are welcome. Owners must bring pet carriers and food for your pet. Owners must remain on-site with their pet at all times.
Citizens are asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Heavy rains are flooding streets around the City. The same floodwaters may delay firefighters response to stranded drivers.
In addition to the York Street Parking Garage, the City has opened Freemason Street Garage, 161 West Freemason Street and Bank Street Garage, 441 Bank Street for free, dry parking. Residents must move their vehicles by noon on Monday, October 10th.
Important phone numbers:
To report downed trees, call Norfolk non-emergency number (757) 441-5610
For power outages and downed power lines, call Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357
For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
For storm-related updates, go to http://www.norfolk.gov or follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/NorfolkVA or Twitter @NorfolkVA
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Posted by Wards Corner
City of Norfolk Hurricane Matthew Storm Prep
October 7, 2016Friday, October 7, 2016
Additional City crews will work over the weekend checking storm water pumps, cleaning storm drains and providing emergency assistance to residents.
York Street Parking Garage 215 W York Street opens at 5:00 p.m. today through Monday October 10th at 12:00 p.m. for free parking on higher ground. In addition, residents can park at the following school lots:
* Community Beach Park – 700 E. Ocean View Ave.
* Crossroads School – 8021 Old Ocean View Road
* Granby High School – 7101 Granby Street
* Norview High School – 6501 Chesapeake Blvd.
* Willard Model School – 1511 Willow Wood Drive
* Poplar Hall School – 5523 Pebble Lane
To report downed trees, call the Norfolk non-emergency number (757) 441-5610.
For power outages and downed power lines, call Dominion Virginia Power 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
As a reminder, do not drive or play in flood waters.
For Norfolk storm-related updates and information, sign up for Norfolk Alert by clicking on the link at the bottom of the City’s website http://www.norfolk.gov or follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/NorfolkVa or Twitter @NorfolkVA
Thank you and have a safe weekend.
Carlton Ray Ransom
Senior Neighborhood Development Specialist
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Posted by Wards Corner
Terminal Boulevard improvements are coming!
March 12, 2015
Terminal Blvd
It was reported at the Wards Corner Task Force meeting on March 12, 2015 that the City has been working with the State, the Port, and the Navy to improve the entirety of Terminal Boulevard.
All of the concrete roadway will be torn up and replaced. The decision has not yet been made as to whether the new roadway will be concrete or asphalt. Construction is expected to begin in March of 2016.
The City will be covering 1.75 million of the total 9 million dollar project. The remainder will be covered by the State.
A temporary traffic plan is being worked on and, when complete, will be presented to the residents and civic leagues.
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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
Largest purchase of Denby Park properties completed by City of Norfolk
October 10, 2014
Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties are to be purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.
The Texas streets portion of Denby Park has, in the past, been referred to as the criminal cancer of Wards Corner. The City of Norfolk is completing steps to finalize its third purchase of property in that area in an attempt to rid it of the substandard housing that attracts the criminal element.
The most recent purchase includes 88 units on San Antonio Blvd. The addresses are: 352 San Antonio, 366 San Antonio, 369 San Antonio, 375 San Antonio, 7816, 7820, 7824 San Antonion, and 7812 San Antonio.
The city’s Department of Neighborhood Development is inviting the public to attend a community celebration on October 21, 2014 at 4:00 PM at 352 San Antonio Boulevard to celebrate the purchase and eventual demolition of the 88 additional units in Denby Park.
Expect brief remarks made by elected officials and members of the community. Police/Fire-Rescue will be on hand cooking and serving food and refreshments so bring your appetite.
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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
FY2015 Budget and Wards Corner
April 23, 2014City Manager Marcus Jones presented his 2015 City Budget last night to City Council. It is a whopping 652 pages. You can view it on the City of Norfolk website here. I have also put a copy on Wards Corner Now’s servers for download (17MB, PDF).
The following are sections of the budget that I found to related to the greater Wards Corner area:
Terminal Blvd
Repair Terminal Blvd. Concrete Pavement. (page 493)
Project Description: Provide funds to rehabilitate failing concrete pavement along Terminal Blvd. The roadway consists of a reinforced concrete surface that was built by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 1973. It carries over 6,000 trucks in each direction daily. The total cost to repair the road by replacing sections of concrete is estimated at $7.0 million, $3.5 million for each side of the road. This project is partially funded through the VDOT revenue sharing program at 50 percent of the total project cost.
This budget proposes $1,750,000 in 2015 and $1,750,000 in the 2016 budget.
Implement Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan (NP) (page 531)
Project Description: Provide funds to support activities outlined in the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan. Funding for this project also supports land acquisition, infrastructure improvements, and redevelopment initiatives that allow the strategic revitalization of the area in accordance with the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan. Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) will provide support to this project in an effort to meet the goals of the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan.
Marcus proposes $1 million in this 2015 budget for the Wards Corner plan. We can assume that this money will go to the continued efforts to purchase and remove the blighted properties in and around Denby Park.
Prior year budget allocations:
2010: $1,010,000
2011: $1,767,500
2012: $1,000,000
2013: $1,000,000
2014: $1,000,000
Coming soon: A new Granby Street bridge?
Repair and Replace Bridges – Major (page 495)
Project Description: Provide funds for the replacement, repair, upgrade, or demolition of key bridge structures that are in significant stages of deterioration. FY 2015 funding will be used for the replacement of Pescara Creek Culvert, Spotico Creek Culvert, design of Granby Street Bridge over Lafayette River, and the rehabilitation of the Botetourt Street Pedestrian Bridge
This proposed budget allocates $1,000,000 to the above bridge repair and replacement. Included in that allocation is money for the design of a (new?) Granby Street Bridge.
The current span was built in 1979. It is 992.1 feet long and handles about 30,000 vehicles per day. It was last inspected by VDOT in October of 2012 at which time the deck condition was rated as Satisfactory and the Super & Sub conditions were Fair.
1 Comment | City Of Norfolk, The Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan | Tagged: budget, Granby Street Bridge, Terminal Blvd, wards corner neighborhood plan | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
Wards Corner votes to support Meadowbrook Civic League
February 25, 2014
On February 24, 2014 the Wards Corner Civic League held their regular monthly meeting at the Fitness and Wellness Center. On the agenda was a discussion of the proposals for, and possible redevelopment of, the Meadowbrook School.
After a discussion among the members, a motion and a second were made to support the Meadowbrook Civic League’s position as printed in their online petition:
· A minimum of 1.5 acres of the site will be permanently designated as a City owned and maintained park (OSP zoning), preferably fronting the 1600 block of Trouville Avenue, with adequate off-street parking for park users.
· Fire station No. 12 may be relocated to the western-most 1.5 acres of the site, provided the building’s architecture is compatible with the adjacent Meadowbrook residential area, all traffic ingress/egress is via Hampton Blvd. or W. Little Creek Rd., and sufficient noise abatement measures, vegetative screening and on-site parking are provided.
· A maximum of 1.5 acres of the site may be reused/redeveloped as single-family homes, provided these homes are primarily brick-faced, have adequate off-street parking, and are zoned R-5, in keeping with the majority of adjacent homes in the Meadowbrook neighborhood. As a condition of sale, the City shall require the developer(s) to enter into a development agreement and deed restrictions, restricting the zoning, use, height and facing as described.
The vote was unanimous in favor of support of Meadowbrook Civic League’s position and a letter of support will be forwarded to the City.
You can review the developers proposals and send in your own comments to the City by going here: http://www.norfolk.gov/index.aspx?NID=2765
You can sign Meadowbrook Civic League’s petition be going here: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-meadowbrook-school-park.html
You can follow Meadowbrook Civic League on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/SaveMeadowbrookSchoolPark
Comments Off on Wards Corner votes to support Meadowbrook Civic League | City Of Norfolk, economic development, Schools | Tagged: meadowbrook, meadowbrook civic league, meadowbrook school | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
Sidewalk concerns addressed with new Harris Teeter shopping center
June 25, 2013Concerns were expressed at the last couple of Wards Corner Taskforce meetings about the sidewalks along Granby Street and E. Little Creek Road surrounding the new Harris Teeter Shopping Center being developed by Suburban Asset Management. The sidewalks, in the past, were abutted up to the street and seen as a safety and aesthetic issue. The preference was to push them a couple of feet back from the street to allow for a grass verge.
Representatives of the City of Norfolk and Suburban Asset Management met to address the citizens concerns and the following agreement was made:
1-Granby Street – there will be a 5 ft sidewalk and a 5 to 6 ft grass verge between the sidewalk and the curb.
2-Little Creek – sidewalk will be 6 ft wide. There will not be a grass verge due to the tight space and the preference for landscaping behind the sidewalk.
Dominion Virginia Power will be removing and replacing the sidewalks as a part of their efforts in burying the power lines in the area.
2 Comments | City Of Norfolk, economic development, Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: harris teeter, sidewalks, suburban asset management | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
City Manager proposes less money for Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan
April 17, 2013The City of Norfolk has posted its proposed 2014 fiscal year budget to the City of Norfolk website. Disappointingly the City Manager has only proposed allocating $750,000 to the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan. That is the least amount of funding allocated to the Wards Corner Plan since 2007.
Year Allocation for Implementation of the W. C. Plan
2014 750,000 (proposed)
2013 2,000,000
2012 1,000,000
2011 1,767,500
2010 1,010,000
2009 2,121,000
2008 1,010,000
2007 505,000
Wards Corner Now, the Wards Corner Task Force, and the various civic leagues in the Wards Corner area have been resolute in their request that neighborhood plan funding be used to purchase and demolish the blighted and crime inducing properties in the Texas streets section of Denby Park. In recent years the City has been successful in purchasing 37 units in 2013 and 68 units in 2011/2012.
Additionally, the proposed 2014 budget includes $500,000 to provide for the design and construction of improvements to the Granby Street and Louisiana Drive intersection. This is a part of the intersection improvements required by Harris Teeter for the new shopping center in the business district.
5 Comments | blight, City Of Norfolk, crime, Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: budget, City Manager, Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan, marcus jones, wards corner neighborhood plan | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
City takes second bite out of crime in Denby Park
January 29, 2013
Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. RED highlighted properties are to be purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.
City Council will be voting on January 29, 2013 on the second round of derelict property purchases in the Denby Park neighborhood. The addresses of the properties to be purchases are: 308 E. Little Creek Road, 317 E. Little Creek Road, 319 E. Little Creek Road, 325 E. Little Creek Road, 328 Fort Worth Ave, 334 Fort Worth Ave, and 338 Fort Worth Ave.
These 2013 purchases are in addition to the properties on San Antonio Boulevard which were purchased in 2011 and eventually torn down.
These purchases are in accordance with the 2004 Wards Corner Comprehensive plan.
The full press release is below:
NORFOLK –The City of Norfolk has reached agreements to purchase seven properties located in the 300 blocks of Fort Worth Avenue and East Little Creek Road in the Denby Park section of the city. These acquisitions further the Greater Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan and the city’s ongoing efforts to foster safe and healthy neighborhoods which will sustain future generations.
The agreements include the acquisition of 37 apartments on seven properties for $1.45 million. City Council will vote on the purchase and sale agreements during the Council session scheduled for Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
The property owners are working with their tenants to relocate them. Once the properties are vacant, the city will conduct an environmental impact study then the apartments will be demolished.
In August 2011, the City of Norfolk purchased 68 apartment units on seven properties in the 300 block of San Antonio Boulevard for $2.68 million. Those apartments were demolished in April 2012. The city is working with the community to determine the best use for the open space.
2 Comments | blight, City Of Norfolk, Wards Corner Crime | Tagged: crime, Denby Park, Texas Streets | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.
Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 