Rice’s and Hofheimer’s at Wards Corner

February 6, 2014

The following is taken from the Virginian-Pilot Archives Facebook page:

It was 62 years ago [2/6/1952] tomorrow that the beloved Hofheimer’s and Rice’s opened at Norfolk’s Wards Corner.

It took over a year to construct the $350,000 building.  Norfolk’s mayor Duckworth made an appearance at the opening ceremony where shoppers received balloons, lamb’s wool shoe buffers, key cases and Hawaiian orchids.

The Hofheimer’s store was the fourth in the shoe chain to be located in Norfolk proper.  Some features that allowed customers to enjoy their shopping experience:
The store has its own 50 car parking lot.  Comfort was assured while shopping as the entire store was cooled by air conditioning. The lighting was florescent and incandescent throughout.  Flagstone floors and carpeting were found throughout both stores.  Elevator service was provided to the second floor.  On the second floor, children were delighted to find a supervised “Circus Playground” complete with a merry-go-round, slide, see-saw and hobby horse.

The most popular feature of the store and the one that seems to bring back the most memories of the establishment is the glass enclosed cage where two South American woolly monkeys were housed (On the Sewells Pt. Rd. side – now Little Creek). The cage was air conditioned at a constant 70-ish degree temperature for the comfort of the animals.

It seems that most locals remember one monkey – Lulu… and we scoured our photo collection for a picture of Lulu but came up short.

The building was demolished in 2000 and a Walgreens now stands at this location.

A large advertisement that ran in The Virginian-Pilot the day of the opening.

A large advertisement that ran in The Virginian-Pilot the day of the opening.

A rare shot of the location where the building would be constructed – photo taken in 1950. VP file photo.

A rare shot of the location where the building would be constructed – photo taken in 1950. VP file photo.

A shot of the store just days before the Grand Opening. Virginian-Pilot photographer Charles Borjes snapped this photo on Feb. 5, 1952 as workers put the final touches on the store. Photo c/o The Sargent Memorial Collection.

A shot of the store just days before the Grand Opening. Virginian-Pilot photographer Charles Borjes snapped this photo on Feb. 5, 1952 as workers put the final touches on the store. Photo c/o The Sargent Memorial Collection.

Here is the building fully opened some time later. VP file photo.

Here is the building fully opened some time later. VP file photo.

 

 

 

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Caucus to be this Saturday for 100th District

January 29, 2014

It’s a never ending campaign cycle with all of the special elections this year.  Since Lynwood Lewis is moving up to the State Senate, his seat in the Virginia House is vacant.  The 100th House District covers all of the Eastern Shore and a portion of Norfolk.

The Democratic Party has scheduled a caucus for this Saturday, February 1, 2014 between 10 AM and 2 PM at Crossroads School.  Not all of the Wards Corner area is within the 100th district so please check at the State Board of Elections to determine in which district you reside.  The website: https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT2/PublicPollingPlace.aspx

I have been contact by two candidates and here is the information I have received:

lalor

Peter Lalor for Delegate

I learned the importance of education from my parents, who never attended a day of high school, and my two sons graduated from local, public high schools. That is why I am focused on assuring better funding for our schools. Both sons served in the military (US Marine Corps and US Army Special Forces) so I know the importance of supporting our veterans.

I have a demonstrated commitment to community service and to making our community a better place to live, including my work with the Eastern Shore Broadband Authority to bring high speed Internet to rural communities, my work with community colleges expanding educational opportunities for our children, and my work with the hospitals to improve healthcare for all of our citizens.

VOTE THIS SATURDAY BETWEEN 10AM and 2PM
Voting Location: Cross Roads Elementary School, 8021 Old Ocean View Road

I will stand up to Richmond Republicans who want to control our lives. Individual choice in health care and other private matters must be protected from government interference.

We need to prevent outrageous tolling on the Midtown Tunnel, so that commuters are not forced to pay just to get to work.

Virginians must not be forced to send their hard earned money to support expanded medical care for residents of other states. Our money should be used to expand health care for Virginians where it can also help create good-paying jobs.

willie

Willie C. Randall
For the 100th District
Virginia House Delegates

Willie began his career in the financial services industry on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in 1997. His goal is to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial objectives using appropriate investment strategies.

Willie is serving or has served on the following boards: Northampton County Board of Supervisors; Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees; Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Virginia State University Board of Visitors; Onancock Rotary Club; Accomack-Northampton Transportation Commission; Accomack-Northampton Planning District; and Eastern Shore Regional Jail Board. 

The focus of my campaign is on three areas:

1. Education
2. Jobs (Economic Development)
3. Helping military families

Education – I want Universal Pre-K similar to what we have in Northampton County. Our County was the test case for this concept. We proved that it could be done and I would like to see this opportunity for all children in our state.

Jobs – I want the state to adopt tax free zones for economically disadvantaged communities. We want to encourage companies to bring their businesses to communities like ours.

Reduce or eliminate state income tax on military retiree pensions – we are one of the largest military communities in the country and military retirees should be given more than a “thank you for your service.”the state to adopt tax free zones for economically disadvantaged communities. We want to encourage companies to bring their businesses to c
communities like ours.

Update: Mr. Hart’s campaign provided the following information:

Donald L. Hart, Jr.

I am a lifelong resident of the HD 100. My wife Beth and I raised our 4 children here. I retired from the Accomack county Public Schools after 30 years of service and have served on the Accomack County Board of Supervisors for the past 33 years where I have served as Chairmen 4 times. I currently reside in Keller VA. If you ever would like to contact me or ask a question about how I stand on a specific issue, please do not hesitate to give me a call (757) 787-7166.
Accomplishments I pledge to continue
 Defender of balanced budgets and keeping taxes low.
 Long time supporter of Public Education.
 Protector of agriculture through agricultural and forestry districts.
 Working to protect The Bay and our ground water.
 Working to expand Wallops Island and create new jobs.
 Strong supporter of our volunteer fire and rescue companies.
 Strong supporter of public safety and our police officers.
 Working to build a better relationship between Accomack and Northampton County.
 A strong and constant voice for the Eastern Shore at the state and federal level.
If elected Delegate I will Support
 Quality education for all students from early childhood through college.
 Protecting the Chesapeake Bay and our Ground water.
 Demand a balanced budget and no unfunded mandates.
 Never passing the buck to counties, towns and cities.
 Getting our fair share of transportation money for Accomack Northampton and Norfolk.
 Leaving zoning and planning requirements to the localities.
 Not adding additional regulatory burdens to our farmers and watermen.

1 Comment | Election | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Save Meadowbrook School Park

January 28, 2014

meadbrookThe City of Norfolk issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and has received responses from at least three different developers wanting to redevelop the old Meadowbrook school site.  The school is on W. Little Creek Road almost at the Corner with Hampton Blvd.  Most of the developer’s proposals involve high density apartments.

The City is also interested in replacing the aging Fire Station No. 12 that is currently across W. Little Creek Road from the old Meadowbrook school.  The City has been looking at possibly moving the Fire Station to a small portion of the Meadowbrook site.  If this is done, the balance of the property may be redeveloped as well.

Meadowbrook Civic League has taken a reasonable position with regard to the redevelopment site and is asking Norfolk residents to sign their petition asking the City to maintain park space and limit the density to single family.

The petition language:

The undersigned residents of Norfolk, Virginia, support the Meadowbrook Civic League’s following goals for any sale, redevelopment or re-use of the approximately 4.5 acre Meadowbrook School site:

· 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.

Sign the petition by going to their petition website: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-meadowbrook-school-park.html

Save Meadowbrook School Park has a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaveMeadowbrookSchoolPark

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Harris Teeter to open February 19, 2014

January 27, 2014

htsoonThe nice people over at Suburban Asset Management have provided the following updates with regard to their Harris Teeter anchored shopping center at the southeast corner of Wards Corner.

The following stores are scheduled to open on February 19, 2014:  Harris Teeter, Starbucks, Subway, Sleepy’s, and Albano Cleaners.  Moe’s Southwest Grill, Great Clips, and nTelos Wireless will likely open before mid-March.

There is still one 2100 square foot location facing Louisiana Drive that is not rented.  The developer is waiting for a local restaurateur that will be the right fit with the location.

The TowneBank is scheduled to open sometime in May or June.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

The PHR Center Shops at Wards Corner – Norfolk 1952

January 10, 2014

The following was taken from the Virginian-Pilot Archives Facebook page.

Back on January 9, 1952, Virginian-Pilot Photographer Charles Borjes stepped into the new PHR Center Shops at Norfolk Wards Corner.  Borjes was invited to the store to take a few shots of the new facility that would open on Monday the 14th.  On Sunday the 13th PHR Center Shops placed several pages of advertisements in the Pilot to announce their opening – a few which we feature along with the photos.

A few details about the store at Wards Corner –
The new store opened just a little more than 10 years after the Paul H. Rose Corp. founded the first Center Shops on 21st in the Fall of 1941.  The entire store is illuminated with florescent lighting called “slimline” which is the newest type of store lighting meant to bring out the truest colors of merchandise.  The store features an escalator to carry customers between the first and second floors.  The store has 150 employees.  Adjoining the store with both an outside and inside entrance is a Rose’s 5-10-25c Store.

Photos courtesy of the Sargeant Memorial Collection.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Virginian-Pilot’s Michelle Washington gives a good summary of recent developments at Wards Corner

January 5, 2014

The only update to the information in Michelle’s article that I have is that the artist for the public art at Wards Corner has been chosen and it is Gordon Heuther.  The next steps will be bringing Gordon to Norfolk and introducing him to Wards Corner.  There will be public meetings so that Mr. Heuther can meet the residents and receive input for the to-be-designed public art.  You can view Mr. Heuther’s website here.

Informative portions of the VP article include the history of the K&K name:

Wards Corner once again bears the K&K name.

Lots of history inhabits those letters. A red brick Harris Teeter now sits surrounded by fresh landscaping and newly paved streets close to where Kenneth Perry launched a toy empire. He started as a barber in Wards Corner in 1942.

More than a decade later, he bought a nearby variety store and changed its name to K&K 5&10, adding the second K for his wife, Kathryn. The toy section of that store grew until it became its own entity. K&K Toys expanded for decades, growing to 136 stores before Perry sold it to a competitor.

K&K Toys has been gone a long time. But most people in Norfolk and in much of the country recognize the successor to Kenneth Perry’s entrepreneurial spirit: Dollar Tree. It, too, grew its roots in Wards Corner, founded by Perry’s son, J. Douglas Perry, and son-in-law, Macon Brock.

Chris Perry, Kenneth Perry’s grandson, tore down the old shopping center, including a Dollar Tree store, to make way for Harris Teeter. He renamed it K&K Square at Wards Corner.

The property remains hugely important to his family, Perry said. Friends of his grandparents will be reminded of them by the name, and newcomers will have reason to look them up.

“It’s a nice way to remember them,” Perry said. “I think my grandparents would be proud.”

Perry also refurbished and remounted the Wards Corner mermaid, another reminder of his grandfather.

The full article can be read here.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Taskforce meeting minutes from December 12, 2013

December 15, 2013

Thanks to Karen Mayne for keeping these minutes.

Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting – December 12, 2013

 The meeting was led by Council member Terry Whibley.  Council members Andy Protogyrou,   Barclay Winn, and Mayor Paul Fraim were also present.

Naval Station Norfolk/Light Rail Extension Study Update — Hampton Roads Transit provided information on the study of extension of the light rail to the Norfolk Naval Base.  Based on a series of public meetings, HRT is conducting further analysis of two potential corridors.  One corridor would go between the western end of the current Tide, from the area of the Mid-Town Tunnel north to the base along the general area of Hampton Boulevard.  The second potential corridor would go from the Newtown Road end of the Tide through the Janaf, airport, and Wards Corner areas to the base.  HRT will continue with civic meetings and will brief senior City of Norfolk staff in January.

West Little Creek Road/Parking on the Grass — Leonard Newcomb, Zoning Director for the City, reported that he and Police Officer Odell Davis recently walked the six block area to observe the parking situation.  He said this has been a long term problem resulting from too many cars on the small properties.  The City will continue to use enforcement as one approach, but will also look at working with property owners to determine if there are options for larger driveways.

Department of Development Updates

K&K Square – Anna Bowerman, the new manager of the Towne Bank branch, gave a presentation about their bank, which should open in May/June 2014.  It will have a drive through and an ATM machine.  Harris Teeter is scheduled to open in February.  Space for a restaurant is still vacant.  A traffic light at the intersection of Louisiana and Granby Street will be in place by the time Harris Teeter is opened.  Another light on Little Creek is still under study as the City has a right-of-way issue.  It was asked whether the light would include an audio-visual crosswalk signal as was previously in place.

BP Gas Station Update – Nothing new to report.  The property is currently under contract and the developer is seeking an end user (not a gas station or 7-11 store) for a 4000 square foot retail center.

Midtown Shopping Center – Firehouse Subs has signed a lease.  Other eateries have expressed an interest in this area.  A suggestion was made about the possibility of a food truck rodeo in the parking lot as a way of attracting attention, since the other food truck rodeos around the City have been so successful.  Mike Cutter said he would present this suggestion to Mrs. Dalis.

Denby Park Demolition — Demolition of 308, 317, 319, 321 and 325 East Little Creek Road; and 328, 334 and 338 Fort Worth is underway.

Public Art Update – Three artists have been selected as finalists, out of 75 who submitted proposals.  The selection committee will conduct interviews via Skype with the three finalists and make a selection.  The location for the art installation has not been finalized but will likely be either in the median along Granby Street or possibly a small City-owned area at K&K Square.

Schools

Tabernacle Church is continuing its support of Suburban Park Elementary School.  The church is conducting a winter coat drive in December.  They are also planning a teacher appreciation banquet.  A mentorship initiative is underway to help children with math, science and reading skills, which the church would like to see everyone in the neighborhood support.  The Suburban Acres Civic League and Coastal Convenience Stores (Tinee Giant) donated $635 in cash and canned goods to Suburban Park Elementary in November in support of the school’s Thanksgiving baskets for needy families.

Other

The issue of replacing the hanging traffic lights at East Little Creek Road in front of the Taco Bell with mast arm poles was again discussed.  The City reported a new mast arm pole would cost between $250,000 and $300,000.  It was agreed that the issue of traffic congestion and traffic control in the Wards Corner area of Little Creek would be discussed at the February 2014 task force meeting.

Another concern is the utility poles that have been on the ground in the area of Tucker House at Armfield and W. Little Creek.  The contractor who was undertaking that project went bankrupt and the City is working on getting the poles removed.

 

4 Comments | Wards Corner Taskforce | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Joan Dalis signs a lease for Wards Corner property

December 10, 2013

WCmidtownOver a year after completing the new facade at the Midtown Shopping Center, Joan Dalis has finally made a move and signed a lease with a new tenant.

A lease was signed today with Firehouse Subs to enter the Wards Corner market.  They are scheduled to be located to the left of Pearl Vision.

I remain hopeful that Ms. Dalis can move expeditiously in filling the remaining vacancies in the Midtown Shopping Center.

 

Update: The original title to this entry has been edited as being a bit unprofessional.  Apologies to anyone it offended.

12 Comments | economic development, Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Public Art in Wards Corner; 75 artists pared down to 3

December 5, 2013

pubartThe Wards Corner Public Art Planning Committee (WCPAPC) met once again on December 2, 2013 at the Selden Arcade.  City staff (Planning Department, Parks & Rec, Public Works), representatives of the community, and representatives of the Norfolk Public Art Commission were in attendance.

Four hours were spent poring over 75 artist responses to the Request For Proposal for Public Art in Wards Corner.  Each of the 75 was scored on a scale of 1-10 by each of those in attendance.  The top selections were then reviewed and scored again until the group came to a consensus on three final artists.

The final artists are Osman Akan, Gordon Huether, and Karen Yank.  The next step in the process will occur in the next two weeks when the three finalists will be interviewed via skype.  The WCPAPC will then choose a finalist who will then enter into a contract with the city to visit Wards Corner, create a proposal specific to Wards Corner, and, if accepted, construct the art.  When the artist visits Wards Corner they are expected to visit the taskforce and/or local civic leagues for education and input.

Osman Akan’s website.

Gordon Huether’s website.

Karen Yank’s website.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Welcoming a new business to Wards Corner: Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians

November 22, 2013

sentaraI received the following press release today about the new Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians location at Wards Corner that is now open at the corner of Granby and North Shore Road:

Please join us in welcoming Jean Marie Kanyinda, MD to the Sentara Medical Group team! He will be providing care at our new Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians location at Ward’s Corner in Norfolk, opening November 18th. Dr. Kanyinda received his medical degree from the University of Padua, Italy, in 1978. He completed postgraduate training in gastroenterology and finished an internal medicine internship and infectious disease fellowship at Harlem Hospital in New York, NY. He then completed a second fellowship, in special immunology and specifically HIV, at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. Dr. Kanyinda comes to us with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive, quality healthcare.

Jean Marie Mpoy Kanyinda, MD
Internal Medicine
• MD – University of Padua
• Internal Medicine and
Infectious Disease Residencies –
Harlem Hospital
• Certified by the American
Board of Internal Medicine

Mon. & Fri., 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tues. & Thurs., 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wed., 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

7401 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23505

Jean Marie Mpoy Kanyinda, MD
Internal Medicine
757-388-9925

Comments Off on Welcoming a new business to Wards Corner: Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians | economic development, wards corner | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

In support of Paula Miller; Vote this Saturday, 11/16/13 10am-2pm @ Granby High

November 12, 2013

It seems as though we are never out of election season here in Norfolk.  When Ralph Northam was elected Lieutenant Governor last week his seat in the Virginia Senate was opened up.  A special election will be held but has not yet been scheduled.

The Democratic Party will be holding a caucus this Saturday, November 16, between 10am and 2pm at Granby High School.  Supporters need only show up, vote, and leave.  The Democratic candidates are: Paula Miller, Andria McClellan, and Lynwood Lewis.

paula-miller-150hWhile all three of the Democratic candidates are smart, capable, and would do well in Richmond, Paula Miller would do best for Wards Corner.  Paula has been involved in the effort to revitalize Wards Corner for years.  I have met with her on many occasions where we would exchange ideas and discuss progress with our revitalization efforts.  Not only does Paula live a few miles from Wards Corner, but she often shops here as well.  I am supporting Paula Miller and I encourage you to show up this Saturday at  Granby High and support her as well.

On the Republican side, there will be a canvass held from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 21st, 2013 at the Masonic Temple.  The Republican candidates are: John Coggeshall, Wayne Coleman, and Richard Ottinger.

-Martin Thomas, Jr.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Road closures for marathon in Wards Corner this Sunday

November 5, 2013

The Freedom marathon will be heading through Wards Corner this coming Sunday.  Expect lane closures Sunday morning on W. Little Creek Road and Granby Street.

More information can be found at http://www.freedommarathon.org/

Comments Off on Road closures for marathon in Wards Corner this Sunday | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

In support of Jim McDonnell

November 3, 2013

Below is a post from Jim English, the President of the Wards Corner Civic League.   It was originally posted on WardsCorner.com

Dear Neighbors,
It is rare that I openly endorse any candidate for public office.  As a fierce independent by nature I will let anyone know what I think (as many of you may know) but I don’t normally commit to endorsing anyone in writing.  That changes this year with Jim McDonnell who is running for Norfolk City Treasurer.  Recently the Virginian Pilot endorsed Jim McDonnell for Norfolk City Treasurer.

I am doing the same. I have worked side by side with Jim McDonnell for the past several years for the betterment of Wards Corner.  I consider him a friend and ally.  He is honest, ethical, open minded and hard working.  He knows the business and financial world better than most people I know.  He is the right choice for Norfolk City Treasurer.  He will work hard to bring respect to the office and break down the barrier between the Treasurers office and the Commissioner of the Revenues office.  A move that is long overdue.  In addition to my endorsement read what the Virginian Pilot and Louis Eisenberg (who I have also worked closely with) have said about Jim McDonnell.

On October 23rd the Virginian Pilot wrote,

In 2010, this page was unable to recommend Anthony Burfoot’s re-election as a city councilman, in part because he was in a position both to collect taxes – as deputy treasurer – and to spend them as a city councilman.

Even though his election would end that conflict, we are left with too many doubts to endorse Burfoot as treasurer.

Instead, we recommend Republican Jim McDonnell, president of the Talbot Park Civic League and a member of the board of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority. McDonnell, a founder of Wards Corner Now, is a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch.

Like Poston, McDonnell has said that rapprochement between the commissioner of revenue and the treasurer is critical to smoothing the city’s financial functions.

“This is a key position in the city – collecting our tax dollars,” McDonnell said. “If you have a problem, that money is gone.”

McDonnell’s criticism of Burfoot centers on the city councilman’s selection by current Treasurer Tom Moss as his successor.

“No. 1, I’m a conservative business guy when it comes to the fiduciary duty of running the office,” McDonnell said. “The second thing is I’m doing this to serve, not to be served.”

McDonnell said he’d work to get senior tax relief completely restored and be more aggressive in collecting delinquent taxes. For his business background, his solid agenda and his lack of conflicts, McDonnell deserves election.

Louis Eisenberg wrote,

On Tuesday, November 5th the voters of the Greater Wards Corner Area will once again have the opportunity to elect “one of our own”.   Jim McDonnell, the President of the Talbot Park Civic League, is on the ballot for the office of Norfolk City Treasurer. Jim McDonnell can be proud of his community leadership and involvement which includes:
• Director of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority
• Norfolk Criminal Justice Board Member
• Member of the Mayor’s Wards Corner Task Force
• Founding Member of Wards Corner Now
• Norfolk Community Development Block Grant Commission Board (2011)
• Norfolk Juror Commissioner (2009-2011)
• Vice-Chairman for Blessed Sacrament’s Parish Council (2007 – 2010)
• 11th Grade Confirmation Teacher for Blessed Sacrament

Jim McDonnell has worked tirelessly for the improvement of the Wards Corner Business District. Today, we see the results of his unflinching and persistent efforts.  As part of Jim McDonnell’s platform for Norfolk City Treasurer, he has set as one of his top priorities the full restoration of Norfolk’s Senior Tax Relief Program. This is very important to the Greater Wards Corner Area’s large senior population.

Being a trusted financial advisor, Jim McDonnell is the right choice to oversee how Norfolk Citizen’s tax dollars are invested.

Jim McDonnell, “one of our own” has earned our vote for the job as Norfolk’s City Treasurer.

Please Vote Jim McDonnell, Tuesday, November 5th.

Thank you.
jimenglishsignature

 

 

 

 

 

 

President, Wards Corner Civic League.

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Posted by Wards Corner

In Support of One of Our Own; Jim McDonnell for Norfolk City Treasurer

October 24, 2013
Jim McDonnell, Candidate for Norfolk City Treasurer

Jim McDonnell, Candidate for Norfolk City Treasurer

Three and a half years ago in May, the voters in the Greater Wards Corner Area had the opportunity to elect an advocate for the interest of the citizenry of Wards Corner.  The voters choose wisely that May election day and Councilman Andy Protogyrou has become Wards Corner’s strongest advocate and voice.   Andy is “one of our own”.   And today, I am proud to say that Andy Protogyrou has been a stellar City Councilman.

On Tuesday, November 5th the voters of the Greater Wards Corner Area will once again have the opportunity to elect “one of our own”.   Jim McDonnell, the President of the Talbot Park Civic League, is on the ballot for the office of Norfolk City Treasurer. Jim McDonnell can be proud of his community leadership and involvement which includes:
• Director of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority
• Norfolk Criminal Justice Board Member
• Member of the Mayor’s Wards Corner Task Force
• Founding Member of Wards Corner Now
• Norfolk Community Development Block Grant Commission Board (2011)
• Norfolk Juror Commissioner (2009-2011)
• Vice-Chairman for Blessed Sacrament’s Parish Council (2007 – 2010)
• 11th Grade Confirmation Teacher for Blessed Sacrament

Jim McDonnell has worked tirelessly for the improvement of the Wards Corner Business District.  Today, we see the results of his unflinching and persistent efforts.  As part of Jim McDonnell’s platform for Norfolk City Treasurer, he has set as one of his top priorities the full restoration of Norfolk’s Senior Tax Relief Program.  This is very important to the Greater Wards Corner Area’s large senior population.

Being a trusted financial advisor, Jim McDonnell is the right choice to oversee how Norfolk Citizen’s tax dollars are invested. Yesterday, Jim McDonnell was endorsed by the Virginian-Pilot which wrote,

In 2010, this page was unable to recommend Anthony Burfoot’s re-election as a city councilman, in part because he was in a position both to collect taxes – as deputy treasurer – and to spend them as a city councilman.

Even though his election would end that conflict, we are left with too many doubts to endorse Burfoot as treasurer.

Instead, we recommend Republican Jim McDonnell, president of the Talbot Park Civic League and a member of the board of the Norfolk Economic Development Authority. McDonnell, a founder of Wards Corner Now, is a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch.

Like Poston, McDonnell has said that rapprochement between the commissioner of revenue and the treasurer is critical to smoothing the city’s financial functions.

“This is a key position in the city – collecting our tax dollars,” McDonnell said. “If you have a problem, that money is gone.”

McDonnell’s criticism of Burfoot centers on the city councilman’s selection by current Treasurer Tom Moss as his successor.

“No. 1, I’m a conservative business guy when it comes to the fiduciary duty of running the office,” McDonnell said. “The second thing is I’m doing this to serve, not to be served.”

McDonnell said he’d work to get senior tax relief completely restored and be more aggressive in collecting delinquent taxes. For his business background, his solid agenda and his lack of conflicts, McDonnell deserves election.

Jim McDonnell, “one of our own” has earned our vote for the job as Norfolk’s City Treasurer.
Please Vote Jim McDonnell, Tuesday, November 5th

-Louis Eisenberg

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Posted by Wards Corner

Taskforce moving to bimonthly meetings per City Council

October 10, 2013

City Council has decided that Task Force meetings across the city will move to either quarterly or a every-other-month schedule.  The Wards Corner Task Force will move to every-other-month with the next meeting to be held on December 12, 2013.  Other notes from today’s Task Force meeting are below.  Thanks as always to Karen Mayne for providing the notes. 

 

Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting – October 10, 2013

The meeting was led by Council member Andy Protogyrou.  Council members Terry Whibley and Barclay Winn were also present.

 Talbot Hall Update

 The non-profit Talbot Hall Foundation conducted a survey and determined that it is unlikely the Foundation can raise $4.25 million dollars to purchase the Talbot Hall property from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.  The Foundation is working with the Diocese and Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate to achieve residential development on part of the property while still preserving the historical and environmental values of the manor house and property.

 Police Report

 The Police Department has given out tickets for parking on the grass along the 100 to 600 blocks of West Little Creek Road.  The police have also asked the City’s codes compliance office to look into whether property owners have permits for the driveways.

 Department of Development Updates

 BP Gas Station Update – Nothing new to report.  The property is currently under contract and the developer is seeking an end user (not a gas station) for a 4000 square foot retail center.

 Wards Corner Shopping Center – The parking lot lights are manually turned off around 9 p.m.  Dollar Tree remains open until 10 p.m.  The lack of lighting is creating a safety concern for customers and employees.  Property owners will place the lights at the Wards Corner Shopping Center on an automatic timer.  Canopy lights were replaced.

 It was requested that the City prune the crepe myrtle trees along the section of Virginian Avenue between Louisiana and Little Creek.  Now that the new sidewalks in this area are complete, limbing up the overgrown trees will allow safe passage of pedestrians and the disabled.

 Denby Park Demolition

 The City acquired 308, 317, 319, 321 and 325 East Little Creek Road; 328, 334 and 338 Fort Worth in support of the Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan.  Demolition is scheduled to begin on October 21st with a timeline of 30-60 days.

 Public Art Update – The Request for Proposals for the $150,000 public art for Wards Corner is out.  Proposals are due byOctober 31.

 Schools

 Norfolk Christian – City Council has approved the closure of the portion of Seekel Street surrounded by Norfolk Christian Upper School.

 Norfolk Collegiate – The issue of parking on both sides of Suburban Parkway in the vicinity of the school was discussed.  Officer Odell Davis said he is recommending the removal of about five parking spaces at the western end of Suburban Parkway on both sides of the street in order to improve turn radiuses for buses and improve safety of pedestrians and vehicles.

 Other

 The issue of replacing the hanging traffic lights at East Little Creek Road in front of the Taco Bell with mast arm poles was discussed.  There are only two hanging traffic lights along Little Creek Road between Hampton Boulevard and Shore Drive, this light being one of them.  The Task Force has discussed this for at least six years as part of the beautification of the Wards Corner area.  A request was made that this be considered for future capital improvement funds.  No resolution on the matter since funding would be expensive and take away from the funds being used to acquire the blighted properties in Denby Park.  It was pointed out that a mast arm was not installed at this light due to long-term plans for redevelopment of the surrounding area.

 Another concern is the utility poles that have been on the ground in the area of Tucker House at Armfield and W. Little Creek. 

 New Business

 City Council has decided that the various community task force meetings around the City should happen either bi-monthly or quarterly in order to alleviate workload on City staff.  Interim communications between the face to face meetings would continue among the representatives on these task forces via e-mail.  The representatives of the Greater Wards Corner Task Force indicated they would like to meet bi-monthly.  The next meeting will be December 12, 2013.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

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