Wards Corner Rite Aid finishing up complete remodel

July 12, 2014

riteaidI spoke with the very pleasant Wards Corner Rite Aid store manager, Dan Lightfoot, about the complete remodel going on at his store at the northwest corner of Wards Corner.

The store was gutted on the inside and completely remodeled bringing  it out of the old drugstore model and into the new wellness center model that pharmacies are going to these days.

The expanded wellness service will include a wellness ambassador who will be armed with an iPad and be able to assist customers on the sales floor with vitamin needs, drug interactions, herbal supplements, etc.  The ambassador will have access to a printer to provide customers information on the products they are discussing.

Additionally, the remodel has allowed the pharmacy to become more accessible and expanded the organics options at the store.  Dan touted the new store as a full immunization store that will begin offering flu shots in two weeks.

The outside of the store received a fresh coat of pain and the landscaping was updated as well.  The parking lots will be resurfaced and repainted very soon.

The construction work is expected to be concluded by next week.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Norfolk Collegiate to improve, rearrange athletic fields; asks city for rezoning

July 11, 2014

The below article is re-printed from the Suburban Acres Civic League newsletter, The Suburban.

Norfolk Collegiate School has applied to rezone residential lots it owns at 7307, 7309, 7311, 7315, 7317, and 7321 Woodfin Ave. from R-7 (single family) to IN-1 (institutional district).

The school plans to demolish the homes in order to expand and reorient athletic fields and tennis courts, making way for a new athletic building in the future.

Improvements include installing synthetic turf on the soccer/lacrosse/field hockey fields, and improved outdoor lighting. Collegiate officials say the lighting will be pointed downward, and will not be left on after events. The school does not plan any additional access points to the complex from Woodfin Ave.

The rezoning request is scheduled for a public hearing at the July 24th city Planning Commission meeting.
Headmaster Scott Kennedy and other Collegiate representatives will be at the July 14th Suburban Acres Civic League meeting to explain the project and show the school’s plans to the neighborhood.

The civic league previously endorsed the school’s request for the city to abandon a right of way on school property at the end of Midfield Street as part of this project. Abandonment of the right of way, originally planned as a traffic circle/turnaround, was sought due to the expense of installing synthetic turf over that area.
-The Suburban

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Wards Corner Task Force meeting notes for June 12, 2014

June 15, 2014

Thanks to Karen Mayne for her note taking:

The Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting

June 12, 2014

 

Council Members Barclay Winn, Andy Protogyrou, and Terry Whibley were present.

Norfolk Public Schools

School redistricting is being studied by NPS; no changes will take place during the 2014 – 2015 school year, other than the temporary closing of Lafayette-Winona Middle School.  Lafayette-Winona will close for one year and its students will be placed at the other middle schools throughout the city except for Lake Taylor Middle.  The student census at the other middle schools can accommodate these students.  In the 2015 – 2016 school year, Lafayette-Winona will reopen as a “choice facility” for students in grades 3 – 8, with a focus on international studies and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

The high schools are the major focus of the school redistricting study.  NPS is considering changing the boundaries of the high schools and adding a CTE (Career Technical Education) high school.  NPS will continue to seek public input throughout the study process.

Department of Development

Mid-Town Shopping Center is in negotiations with the Original Mattress Factory and Liberty Tax but leases have not been signed.  A restaurant is also under consideration.

The owner of the Farm Fresh parcel (including the vacant building), Cedar Realty, has put the property up for sale.

K&K Square is still looking for a restaurant to fill the south end of the shopping center.

Department of Public Works

The City will be paving the intersection of Granby Street and Little Creek Road, including the replacement of the crosswalks.

Community Reports

Walgreens will conduct free HIV testing at the Wards Corner store on June 26 – 28.  Hours will be 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm onJune 26 – 27, and 10:00 am – 2:00 pm on June 28.  Flyers about the event are available at the store.

The Oakdale Farms/Denby Park Civic League had a successful week-long trash/debris removal event with the City of Norfolk Waste Management.  A large amount of trash was collected and removed at the curb throughout the week.

The North Shore Road bridges in Algonquin Park/North Shore Point will be repaired/replaced.  The construction plan no longer includes large sidewalks on the bridges at the request of the civic league since there are no sidewalks adjacent to the bridges.  This will save a significant amount of money.  One lane of each bridge will remain open during construction.

The Unimart at 1033 West Little Creek Road has applied for an on-site ABC license, which has been opposed by the Titustown Civic League.

The public art planned for Wards Corner has been delayed.  After the arts commission met with the artist and reviewed his proposals, they asked him to bring back additional concepts.  The commission felt that his concepts did not reflect a connection to the Wards Corner area.

The Task Force will not meet over the summer.  The next meeting will be September 11, 2014 at 8:30 am at the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

TowneBank’s Wards Corner location to open June 12

June 9, 2014
Anna Bowerman, Wards Corner TowneBank manager

Anna Bowerman, Wards Corner TowneBank manager

TowneBank’s newest location will open on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Wards Corner.  The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am.  Refreshments will be provided.

The new bank is located in an out-parcel of the newly developed K & K Square shopping center at the southeast corner of Wards Corner.

From the press release:

This new neighborhood branch is located in the Wards Corner shopping center and offers many conveniences. Features include easy-access drive-in banking, a drive-up Towne24 ATM, safe deposit boxes for your family’s valuables, and a warm, family feeling that says ‘you are right at home.’

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Community Meeting on new North Shore Road Bridges

June 6, 2014

N Shore RdA Community Engagement Meeting on improvements to the North Shore Road Bridges is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 7:00 P.M.  The meeting will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 7400 Hampton Blvd.

The City of Norfolk welcomes participation in the community meeting to discuss proposed improvements to the Algonquin Park and Meadowbrook Bridges on North Shore Road, to include:

§ Presentation of Design Alternatives

§ Opportunities for Feedback and Discussion withDesign Engineers and City Representatives

For more information please contact Christine Armstrong at664-4605 or christine.armstrong@norfolk.gov

North Shore Rd Bridges Community Meeting Notice Flyer (PDF)

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Liberty Tax coming to Midtown Shopping Center at Wards Corner

June 6, 2014

liberty logo1_fullLiberty Tax is opening a location in the Midtown Shopping Center in Wards Corner.  They plan to be located at the end unit of the shopping center on the E. Little Creek Road side.

The location will include a training center and plans to be open in approximately two months.

Liberty Tax Service is a Virginia Beach-based company specializing in the preparation of tax returns for individuals and small businesses.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Original Mattress Factory coming to Wards Corner

June 5, 2014

TOMFactory logoThe Original Mattress Factory is opening a new location in the Midtown Shopping Center.  It will be located in the spaces between the Radio Shack and the Jackson Hewitt facing E. Little Creek Road.

The Original Mattress Factory is a national brand that has 11 factories, over 100 showrooms and more than 400 employees.  One of those eleven factories is in Virginia Beach.  The Wards Corner store will be a showroom.

The estimated opening date is early Fall 2014.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Relay for Life nighttime event coming to Granby High School May 16-17

May 14, 2014

Relay For Life LogoCouncilman Tommy Smigiel asks that we notify Wards Corner residents of the Relay for Life event planned for May 16 -17 at Granby High School.

Opening ceremonies are planned for 6pm on Friday and the event concludes at 8am on Saturday.

There will be activities throughout the night and they are planned to be outside.  Please don’t be alarmed, this is for a great cause.

The event schedule:

Opening Ceremony: 6:30 PM
The Opening Ceremony brings everyone together for a high-energy event kickoff to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, to inspire hope by sharing recent accomplishments and progress, and to remind everyone that while we are winning this battle, fighting cancer is a year-round priority.

Survivor Activities: 7:00 PM
During the Survivors Lap at 7:00 PM, upbeat music plays as all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track cheered on by the other participants who line the track, celebrating their victory over cancer.  The Survivor’s Dinner will immediately follow the lap.

Luminaria Ceremony: 9:30 PM
The Luminaria Ceremony is a time to remember people we have lost to cancer, to support people who currently have cancer, and to honor people who have fought cancer in the past. The power of this ceremony lies in providing an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.

Miss Relay Pageant: 12:00 AM (Midnight)
The Miss Relay pageant is not your average pageant! This is an opportunity for gentlemen (ages 16+) to compete for the honor of being crowned Miss Relay. The purpose of the contest is to raise money, while having some fun! Contestants dress up in their favorite pageant dresses, answer questions and try and win over the crowd with their brains and beauty! Click here to download the application.

Closing Ceremony: 6:00 AM
The Closing Ceremony is a time to remember the lives of those lost and to celebrate that each of us has committed, through our participation in a Relay event, to fight back against this disease over the next year.

Entertainment & Activities Schedule
We will have information about this year’s event entertainment and activities posted shortly. So, check back soon for details about all of the exciting things we have planned for this year’s Relay For Life!

For more information, visit the Relay for Life website.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

New Norfolk Sam’s Club coming before Planning Commission

May 11, 2014

The new Sam’s Club slated for the old K-Mart location at the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Tidewater Drive has applied for special exceptions to sell alcohol, to do automobile repair (tire sales and service), and to operate a gas station.

Sam's Club in Norfolk, VA

Sam’s Club in Norfolk, VA

The K-Mart building will be torn down and a new Sams Club building will be located further east than the current K-Mart.  The new building will be angled a bit as compaired to the Wal-Mart located next door.

The gas station will be located at the corner of Tidewater Drive and Central Business Park Drive in front of the Wal-Mart

The  Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the applications at the May 22, 2014 public hearing.

Proposed facade for new Norfolk Sam's Club

Proposed facade for new Norfolk Sam’s Club

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Clean the Bay Day at Northside Park

May 11, 2014

northsideIn partnership with the Oakdale Farms/Denby Park Civic League

Who:  Everyone – all ages welcome
When:  Saturday, June 7, 2014
Time:  9:00 a.m.–Noon
Where: Northside Park – 8401 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk
We will meet at Picnic Shelter #2 near the parking lot
Things to bring: bug spray, and sunscreen

We will provide the bags, gloves and other items

After Party will be at Noon at the #2 Picnic Shelter

We will be having Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Chips and Drinks and a Cake to celebrate.

Parent Permission forms, Video/Picture Release forms & Certificates of Participation will be provided

Call 404-8072 or by e-mail  turtlecreek2014@gmail.com for more information.

PDF Flyer

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Oakdale Farms / Denby Park Civic League: “Take out the Trash”

May 10, 2014

The following is the text of a Flyer from Oakdale Farms / Denby Park Civic League:

Join the Oakdale Farms / Denby Park Civic League to “Take out the Trash”

The week of May 26 to May 30, the city of NORFOLK is inviting you to “TAKE THE TRASH OUT”

What this means is: that stack of newspapers piling up in the corner of the house, or that stack of broken wood in the garage, or even that broken couch that you need to get rid, well now you can! Your civic league has made it possible for you to get rid of it all. Now is your chance. All you have to do is start putting your stuff on the curb on Monday May 26th.  All debris will be removed on our normal trash day, May 30th.  

-Please keep the city employees safe and do not put trash under overhead wires-

*No need to call for a special pick up**   Please recycle

**No penalty for having your trash on the curb before Thursday**

Take this opportunity to clean up your neighborhood

call 871-3782 for assistance or to volunteer  

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

2014 Greek Fest comes to Wards Corner

May 9, 2014

grkfest-2014_logo2The 2014 Greek Festival runs from May 15-18 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 7220 Granby Street.

From www.norfolkgreekfestival.com :

The Greek Festival, Tidewater’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, will include the traditional Greek cuisine, exciting Greek entertainment, arts and crafts, beautiful jewelry, tours of the Cathedral, and the very popular Drive-Thru. Bring the whole family as we share our Greek hospitality with all ages. All proceeds from the festival benefit the Cathedral’s Ministries as well as local community charities.

Hours & Drive-Thru Info

  • Thursday 11:00am – 9:30pm
  • Friday/Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm
  • Sunday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
  • Open to the Public, Free Admission & Parking

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Great American Cleanup events scheduled

April 30, 2014

knbKeep Norfolk Beautiful is the Norfolk affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.  They are holding Keep Norfolk Beautiful Day on May 3, 2014.

Suburban Acres Civic League and Wards Corner Civic League have both scheduled cleanup events as a part of Keep Norfolk Beautiful Day and The Great American Cleanup.  Your help and attendance is needed!

Suburban Acres asks that you meet on Saturday, May 3rd at the corner of Thole Street and Galveston Blvd. at Suburban Park Elementary.  The Cleanup is between 9am and 12pm.  Gloves, bags, refreshments provided.  Bring waders/boots if you have them.  suburbanacres@gmail.com for more information

Wards Corner asks that you meet on Saturday, May 3rd at our Adopt-a-Spot area (Ruthven and W. Little Creek).  The Cleanup begins at 8am and only takes about an hour.  Gloves, trash bags and safety vests provided.  Questions?? Call Ray Duron 423-4337.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Public art location chosen at Wards Corner

April 27, 2014
Wards Corner public art artist, Gordon Huether

Wards Corner public art artist, Gordon Huether

The Wards Corner public art selection committee met last week on April 22 at Wards Corner with the chosen artist, Gordon Huether.  Karen Rudd, Manager of Norfolk’s Cultural Affairs, was in attendance as well as various City department staff and a representative from the developer of K & K Square.

Huether walked and drove the Wards Corner area and reached a recommended location in the median on Granby Street at the current location of the Wards Corner Mermaid sign located just south of the intersection with North Shore Rd.

Proposed location of public art at Wards Corner

Proposed location of public art at Wards Corner

Huether preferred this location to something closed to the intersection of Little Creek and Granby as it has less audio and visual noise.

It is hoped that the art can replace the current sign and be a gateway piece that may incorporate a new Wards Corner sign.

Huether will mock up a few different options and bring those back to the selection committee in the near future.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Moe’s Southwest Grill opens Thursday at Wards Corner

April 25, 2014

moes-logoMoe’s Southwest Grill opens Thursday, May 1, 2014 at its new Wards Corner location.  The new store is located at the Corner of Granby St and E. Little Creek Road in the new K & K Square shopping center anchored by Harris Teeter.

About Moe’s Southwest Grill, from their website:

Founded in December 2000 in Atlanta, GA, Moe’s Southwest Grill® is a fun and engaging fast-casual restaurant franchise serving a wide variety of fresh, made-to-order Southwest fare in a welcoming environment that rocks.

The first thing you’ll hear when you walk into the restaurant is an enthusiastic, “Welcome to Moe’s! ® ” It’s more than just our rally cry. It embodies the entire culture. Everybody is welcome at Moe’s. Except, of course, fugitives.

With more than 20 incredibly fresh ingredients like all-natural chicken, grass-fed steak and organic tofu to create one-of-a-kind meals, Moe’s has everyone covered, from meat lovers to tree huggers to vegetarians and flexitarians. While we are best known for our awesome burritos, our menu also features kids’, vegetarian and low-calorie options – all served with free chips and salsa.

The only thing we don’t have: microwaves.

From our menu items with fun, pop-culture inspired names like Earmuffs, Wrong Doug, Close Talker and Joey Bag of Donuts to our killer, hand-selected playlist of tunes that pay homage to dearly departed musicians, it’s safe to say we roll to our own beat.

Moe’s currently serves the most awesome Southwest fare at more than 500 locations in the United States and abroad. In August 2007, Moe’s Southwest Grill joined FOCUS Brands Inc. Atlanta-based FOCUS Brands Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 4,300 Carvel® Ice Cream, Cinnabon® Bakery, Schlotzsky’s® Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill®, Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels and McAlister’s® Deli locations, as well as the franchisor of Seattle’s Best Coffee® on certain military bases and in certain international markets.

Comments Off on Moe’s Southwest Grill opens Thursday at Wards Corner | economic development | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

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