Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association Meeting

June 10, 2015

Wards Corner Business Owners & Associates:

Join the Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association.

We meet: Tuesday, June 16, @ 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m. Doors open @ 8:00 a.m. Farm Fresh, 230 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk in the Marine Room on the second floor.

Guest Speaker: Carlton Ray Ransom, Senior Neighborhood Development Specialist, Division of Neighborhood Engagement
Topic: City of Norfolk Resilient Cities effort, I will be discussing an Entrepreneurial Climate survey.

A light breakfast will be served.

Please RSVP qwcaba@cox.net or call and leave a message at 587-7975 by June 14.
UPDATE ON Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association Event:
“Wards Corner SALUTES the MILITARY”

The continued growth and improvement of our business area is crucial and depends on you and your involvement and the effort you are willing to commit. There is strength in numbers and that is why it is important to have a strong Business Association. Mark your calendar. Come and join our business partners.

Elyse Kalfus, President
Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Talbot Hall construction begins

June 4, 2015
talbot hall

This is the Talbot Hall development site plan as submitted to the Planning Commission in April of 2014. This site plan does not reflect the 50 foot buffer negotiated as a part of the compromise with the Talbot Hall Foundation in March of 2015.

After reaching a compromise with the Talbot Hall Foundation in March of this year, developers are now moving forward with the Talbot Hall development at the end of Talbot Hall Road in the Talbot Park neighborhood.

Site prep work has begun and the buildings on the site, except for the historic Talbot Hall, are planned to be demolished before the end of June.

Utility work is scheduled to begin this month and, weather permitting, should be completed by October.  Construction of the single family homes should begin towards the end of this year.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Successes in Denby Park

May 22, 2015

The Wards Corner community has pressured the City of Norfolk to clean up the crime infested “Texas Streets” area of Denby Park since the completion of the Wards Corner Comprehensive plan in 2004.

Since 2011 the City has purchased 193 substandard crime inducing apartment units and demolished them.  As a result, crime has dropped demonstrably.

Louis Eisenberg has provided pictures showing the successes in Denby Park and Monticello Village in the form of new residential construction, below.  It’s hard to believe that any of the below investment and construction would be feasible without the reduction in crime.  This is a huge success that should be celebrated in Wards Corner.

image001 image002 image003 image004

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WC Business Association meeting reminder

May 5, 2015

The following was received from Wards Corner Business Association President, Elyse Kalfus:

Wards Corner Business Owners & Associates:

                Join the Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association. We meet: Tuesday, May 19, @ 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m.  Doors open @ 8:00 a.m.   Farm Fresh, 230 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk in the Marine Room on the second floor.

           Guest Speaker: James A. Rogers, Director, Department of Neighborhood Development. Topic: Greater Wards Corner Business Area and development.

          A light breakfast will be served.

Please RSVP qwcaba@cox.net or call and leave a message at 587-7975 by May 17.

 UPDATE ON Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association Event:

“Wards Corner SALUTES the MILITARY”

 HOLD THE DATES: Saturday and Sunday, September 19 AND 20, 2015.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Public Art Installation by Gordon Huether Studio to be Installed in Wards Corner

April 29, 2015

WCart1The Wards Corner Public Art is scheduled to be installed on April 30!

Below is the City of Norfolk Press Release:

Gordon Huether Studio, led by artist and founder Gordon Huether, was selected to design and fabricate a public art installation for the Wards Corner neighborhood. The sculpture, Wards Corner Gateway, will be installed on the median on Granby St., near North Shore Rd. on April 30, 2015.

The City of Norfolk’s Public Art Program worked with Gordon Huether Studios to develop a concept that embraces local identity, fosters a strong sense of place and creates a significant gateway for the City of Norfolk. The installation enables all viewers, whether local or visiting, an opportunity to pause and reflect about the continued positive and exciting changes taking place in the neighborhood.

The Wards Corner Gateway installation is made up of two components: a bird-like structure inspired by the famed intersection where Alfred C. Ward once operated his iconic general store, and a polished aluminum base. The large wing-like component, features a black and white aerial photograph of the Wards Corner intersection and was taken by a staff member of the Virginian Pilot in 1956. This part of the installation is made of translucent polycarbonate material. The wing-like component is then mounted atop an eleven-foot tall aluminum base, which causes the ‘Wing’ to point toward the sky. Wards Corner Gateway will be illuminated at night, featuring programmable color-changing lighting.

The installation and its upward orientation references this neighborhood’s future: its continued upward growth and development in cultural, economic and community matters.

More information can be found here: Public Art Chosen for Wards Corner

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Updated traffic signals coming to Wards Corner Business District

March 8, 2015

There is a new traffic signal and a number of upgrades to traffic signals coming to the Wards Corner Business District.  The most obvious is the traffic signal on E. Little Creek Road entering the parking lot of the new Harris Teeter.  The signal has been installed but is not yet operational.

According to City engineers:

Prior to putting the signal into full operation all of the pavement markings need to be in place which include the stop bars on Little Creek Rd and the crosswalks.  Due to the weather we have not been able to get the contractor to complete this last piece so that we can then power the signal, perform a final punch list, take care of any issues from that and then place into full operation.  We do know that there has been a long delay, or what is perceive to be a delay in getting this operational and we will work to push our contractor once the weather breaks for good.

Additionally, money has been appropriated by City Council to upgrade the

This is the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Taussig Blvd. The traffic signals hanging from wires are scheduled to be upgraded to mast arm poles.

This is the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Taussig Blvd. The traffic signals hanging from wires are scheduled to be upgraded to mast arm poles.

traffic signals at E. Little Creek Road  and Taussig Blvd.  The upgrades include switching from signals that hang from wires to signals that hang from mast arms.  Pedestrian signals will also be installed.  The same upgrades are planned for the intersection of Granby Street and Taussig Blvd.

Mast arm poles are superior to the wire hung signals as they are better at withstanding storms and require less maintenance.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Meadowbrook School update

March 2, 2015

A quick update with regard to the future of the Meadowbrook School site.  It is expected that the next budget will include money to demolish Meadowbrook School and to build a new fire station on the western portion of the site.  The remaining site will be left as open space to be used as a dog park or otherwise as may be decided in the future by the neighborhoods.

Once the budget goes into effect this summer, the City will begin the process of designing the fire station.  Designs for both the fire station and the park will be in collaboration with the neighborhoods and civic leagues in the Meadowbrook area.

It is expected that the entire project will be complete within 2 years of when the budget goes into effect on July 1.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

“Wards Corner envy”

February 20, 2015

The below Letter to the Editor was printed in the February 19, 2015 Virginian-Pilot.  Let’s continue to work to make Wards Corner a model of revitalization for the City!

Wards Corner envy
Is it possible for the Norfolk City Council to take over the corner of Fisherman’s Road and Chesapeake Boulevard to make a nice shopping area, as was done at Ward’s Corner?There could be a coffee shop, Wendy’s, a nice grocery store, hair and nails salon, etc. It would make life more pleasant and convenient for residents.

Barbara M. Medlin
Norfolk
Link to the article 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Denby Park demolitions expected to be done by first week in April

February 8, 2015
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.

Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties were purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.

I received the following update on the demolitions in Denby Park:

The subject properties which represent 88 units were officially turned over to the City for demolition by Norfolk Housing and Redevelopment Authority (NHRA) on December 16, 2014 once the Right of Entry was signed by the City. Since the buildings were going to be demolished by the City of Norfolk, we began the bid process in preparation for demolition. The bids were sent to the contractors on January 14, 2015, with a scheduled walk through the week of January 20th.

The bids from the contractors were received on January 29th at 4:30pm and were opened on Friday, January 30th 2015. After evaluating the bids, the “Award Notices” were sent out to three winning contractors on February 5, 2015.

The remaining timeline for the demolition is as follows:

1. Expect contractors to sign their contracts the week of February 9th. Staff will then hand carry contracts through the signing process to expedite.

2. Expect contracts to be signed by Finance, Legal, Administration and Clerks Office by February 20th.

3. Expect contractors to be given “Notice to Process” by February 28th, which gives them 30 days to complete the Demolition.

4. Our expectation, barring any unforeseen glitches, is that the buildings will be demolished by the first week in April.

The City will continue to ensure the buildings are secured and trash and debris are removed.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Uncle Louie’s Restaurant, Wards Corner, Norfolk, VA

January 18, 2015

Many thanks to Louis Eisenberg for digging up some old photos of Uncle Louie’s Restaurant which closed almost 10 years ago at Wards Corner.  More can be found at the Uncle Louie’s Restaurant Alumni and Friends Facebook page.

You can read a copy of the Uncle Louie’s Restaurant Menu from March 2005 here (PDF).

Entrance to a great time!
Entrance to Uncle Louie’s Bar and Grill from the Dining Room
The famous prop table in the front window of Uncle Louie’s. At times, we had to get that table so we would have seating for two more guests. Uncle Louie’s had 450 seats, The business that Uncle Louie’s would do on some days was absolutely amazing.
Teresa Boyle did a fantastic job creating the chalk menu boards
Uncle Louie’s dining room set for dinner service
Uncle Louie’s dining room set up for lunch service
Uncle Louie’s Banquet and Conference Room was a favorite of local politicians.
The best table in Uncle Louie’s bar and grill overlooked Uncle Louie’s dining room. This was Benjamin Clymer’s favorite table. Ben Clymer was Old Dominion University’s Reference Librarian from 1960 -1981
Art Deco Mural by Bev Sell and Teresa Boyle
First Colony Coffee seal. We served and sold over 100 varieties and flavors of First Colony Coffee.
Uncle Louie’s had one of the best Jewish Delis south of New York City
Uncle Louie’s Desserts were some of the best served in Hampton Roads
Suzy Daffron Allen, One of the Great Uncle Louie’s Bartenders

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Updated Apartment and Townhouse designs from Collins

January 16, 2015

Please remember to come to the meeting on January 20, 2015 at the Fitness and Wellness Center at 6:30pm to view the designs and provide input. This will likely be the last chance to provide input before the project goes before Planning Commission and City Council.

The apartments and townhouses are planned to be constructed on Newport Ave, just north of Granby Elementary.

SOME CHANGES FROM THEIR LAST PRESENTATION:

1.  The max height of the apartments is going from 47ft to 49ft

2.  The max height of the Condominiums is going from 43’8″ to 49ft.

illustrated siteplan

Apartment Amenities

Apartment Amenities

Community Gathering Space

Community Gathering Space

Main Entrance and Pocket Park

Main Entrance and Pocket Park

Wooded Trail and Pool Area

Wooded Trail and Pool Area

Trail Connection

Trail Connection

Revised Apartment Elevations

Revised Apartment Elevations

Exterior Finish Materials

Exterior Finish Materials

The entire PDF packet can be seen here.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Sewer replacement work in Wards Corner

January 5, 2015
titustown

Titustown Pump Station, Phase 3. Project construction is currently 15% complete. Project includes constructing new sanitary sewer and water mains along Hughart, Wilingham, and Wilmington Streets.

 

titustown4

Titustown Pump Station, Phase 4. Construction to start this winter. Project includes the construction of new sanitary sewer and water mains on Hughart, Matthew Henson, Hannah, and Baltimore Streets.

 

virginian

Virginian Drive 16″ Water Main. Project is still in design phase. Construction to start in Spring 2015. New replacement water main will be installed along Virginian Drive.

 

wardscorner3

Wards Corner Sewer Replacement, Phase 3. Construction along N Shore Road is now 100% complete.

 

wardscorner4

Wards Corner Sewer Replacement, Phase 4. Construction to being this winter. Construction will include new sewer mains along Little Creek, Burleigh, and Maycox.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

K&K Square Holiday Event

December 8, 2014

christmasSuburban Management Group will be hosting a holiday event at K&K Square Shopping Center on December 21st from 12 noon to 3 pm.

There will be a Santa touring the property and visiting with the patrons and tenants.

In addition, a Dickens-attired holiday vocal quartet will be walking the property. The management group will also have a table set up at Starbucks to pass out coffee and cocoa to the community.

The entire Wards Corner community is invited!

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Notes from 11/13/13 Wards Corner Task Force Meeting

November 17, 2014

As always, thanks for Karen Mayne for the following notes:

The Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting

November 13, 2014

Council Members Barclay Winn and Terry Whibley were present.

 

Collins Group – Westport Commons Development

The Collins Group presented their current plans for the development of Westport Commons, which received City zoning approval in 2008.  The project will be located at the site of the soon to be demolished Riverside Terrace Apartments, located on Newport Avenue near Granby Elementary.  The revised development plans, which will need City zoning approval, now include a four story apartment building, townhouses, condominiums, a club house, pools, and pier/canoe launch.  The project will be built in phases, with construction of the apartments planned for March, followed by twelve of the townhouses, clubhouse, pool and pier.  The project will eventually be maintained by a homeowners association.

 

Police Reports

Police continue to get reports of car larcenies; many of these are when people either leave their cars unlocked or leave valuables in sight.

Reports of break-ins and vandalism by groups of youth are reported in the Wards Corner area and elsewhere around the City.  Police are investigating an incident where youths used a BB gun in random shootings.  In Denby Park, a group of very young children (10 and under) have vandalized buildings, some multiple times.  Police request that if school age youth are seen in the neighborhoods or shopping areas during school hours, call 911 so they can respond immediately.  They are working with Granby High on truancy issues.

Police also recommended that if panhandlers are seen in the area, to call 911 so they can respond immediately.

 

Public Utilities

Concern was expressed about the condition of the streets in the areas where the sewer, water and natural gas work has been done.  The roads will be repaved once Virginia Natural Gas completes its work.

 

Department of Development

At the Wards Corner Shopping Center, the podiatrists will be vacating their leased space for a new location at 35th Street.  The Pancake House plans to expand into the space.

The Farm Fresh property has been purchased by a Canadian investment firm.  Farm Fresh has a long-term lease on the building and will remain the tenant.

 

Community Reports

The public art project has been approved.  It will be located at approximately the location of the Wards Corner median sign on Granby Street.

The Wards Corner Business Association will meet monthly now that it has been reconstituted.  There were 21 business owners present at the last meeting.  A primary concern is crime and trash.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Public Art chosen for Wards Corner

November 7, 2014

The Arts Commission on Thursday, November 7, 2014, voted to recommend to the City that it build Gordon Heuther‘s design for public art in Wards Corner.

The art is planned to be located in the median of Granby Street at the location of the current gateway sign near the intersection with Suburban Parkway.

The art is constructed with a stainless steel base and a 1-inch thick acrylic with a historical map of Wards Corner applied to the inside surface.  While the art is shaped like the Wards Corner intersection of Granby St and Little Creek Road, it also can appear like a bird in flight.  It is planned to be 15 feet tall and have a 12 foot “wingspan”.

The art will be ground-lit with color changing LED lights.

In what was a very lengthy collaborative process with the artist, this final piece both excited and pleased the Wards Corner art commission subcommittee.  Look forward to construction to begin in the new year.

WCart1 WCart2 WCart3 WCart4 WCart5 WCart6

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

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