Joan Dalis is stalling efforts in Wards Corner

June 12, 2013

Michelle Washington, of the Virginian-Pilot, wrote an article about the wait for improvements to Waterside and Wards Corner.  You can read the entire article here.

Across town from Waterside, another neglected duckling also waits for its transformation.

A $1.2 million renovation of the Midtown Shopping Center in Wards Corner has been completed for months.

Gleaming white stucco hid drab brown corrugation; a bold new sign proudly announces WARDS CORNER to passersby. Fresh white paper went up in the windows, along with new signs that advertise retail space for lease. Across the street, at the former Suburban Park shopping center, walls have begun to rise for a new Harris Teeter grocery store. Its opening is months away, but all but one of the center’s retail spaces has been leased.

Yet the Midtown Plaza, owned by Joan Dalis, continues to harbor empty storefronts behind that fresh exterior. Negotiations with Dollar Tree – a national chain founded in Norfolk that opened its first store in Suburban Park shopping center – to occupy space in Midtown fell through. Dollar Tree plans to move into the former # 1 Chinese Buffet restaurant in the center on the northwest corner, which also contains AutoZone and Pancake House. AJ Gators, which enjoyed a prime Wards Corner location until it was razed for the Harris Teeter, has not been able to find a new site nearby.

Dalis put me off three times when I called to ask why those shops remain empty.

Folks in Wards Corner have begun to despair that, once again, they have been fooled into thinking their neighborhood stood on the verge of a rebound.

Acting Economic Development Director Chuck Rigney said Wards Corner remains the focus of considerable interest. Dalis “feels she can continue to entertain opportunities,” Rigney said. “She’s going to be the one who determines what’s in the best interests of her center.”

It’s hard to imagine that empty space fits that definition, for Dalis or for anyone.

Councilman Andy Protogyrou let his frustration with Dalis show. “She put lipstick on a pig, but if she would actually rent the property she would turn it into a peacock,” he said.

Norfolk waits, no longer patiently, for Wards Corner and Waterside to get the rest of that makeup on and come to the dance.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Talbot Hall open house

June 11, 2013

On Thursday, June 13, from 4 to 6pm, there will be an open house at Talbot Hall.   As you may have heard, Talbot Hall has been put up for sale by its owner,  the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.  Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, which is handling the sale, is holding this open house as a courtesy to the Talbot Park neighborhood.

Talbot Hall, at the end of Talbot Hall Road, is a 200 year old plantation house located on 8 acres overlooking the Lafayette River.  The Talbot Hall Foundation is making every effort to protect and preserve Talbot Hall for the use of future generations.  You can show your support for that effort by attending the open house.

 

2 Comments | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Dollar Tree returning to Wards Corner

June 5, 2013
Dollar Tree is returning to Wards Corner in mid-late summer of 2013

Dollar Tree is returning to Wards Corner in mid-late summer of 2013

Dollar Tree will be returning to Wards Corner in the near future.  Dollar Tree’s roots are in Wards Corner where store #1 was located.  The Wards Corner Dollar tree closed last year to make way for the new Harris Teeter anchored shopping center that is currently under construction.

The new location will be at 7635 Granby St which is the location of the recently closed No. 1 Chinese Buffet.  The lease has been signed and both interior and exterior improvement are expected.  A new facade is expected as well.

A mid-late summer opening is expected.

 

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

June 11 Primary Election Open to All Voters

June 4, 2013

On June 11, 2013, any registered voter may vote in the Democratic Party’s primary for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue.  Polls will be open from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm.  Voting will be at the City’s usual polling precincts.

Office Juris. Ballot Name Party Web Site
Lt. Governor Statewide Aneesh Chopra Dem http://www.chopraforva.com
Lt. Governor Statewide Ralph S. Northam Dem http://www.northamforlg.com
Attny Gen Statewide Justin E. Fairfax Dem http://www.justinfairfax.com
Attny Gen Statewide Mark R. Herring Dem http://www.herringforag.com
Com. of Rev NORFOLK Sharon M. McDonald Dem http://www.sharonmcdonald.org
Com. of Rev NORFOLK C. Evans Poston, Jr. Dem http://www.evansposton.com

Voters must present one valid form of identification – generally a voter registration card, current driver’s license or other government- or employer-issued photo identification card, or one of a number of other state-approved non-photo IDs.  Important:  There will be no changes to Virginia’s existing voter ID requirements until 2014.  A newly enacted state law requiring photo identification will not take effect until July 1, 2014.

If you are not a registered voter but want to vote in the November 5, 2013 general election, you have until the 22nd day before that date to register.  Registering is a one-time event – once you are registered, you can vote in all future local, state, and federal elections.  You must be 18, a United States citizen, and a Virginia resident.  You have three ways to register, either by mail or in person:  1) you can pick up a Virginia Voter Application at any Norfolk library, DMV or social service agency; 2) you can go to the Norfolk General Registrar’s office, located in Room 808 of City Hall; or 3) you can download the application at the State Board of Elections website atwww.sbe.virginia.gov.

For further information on acceptable forms of identification, absentee voting, registering to vote, or any other questions about voting, call the Norfolk General Registrar’s office at 757-664-4353, or visit the website of the State Board of Elections at www.sbe.virginia.gov.

Article by Karen Mayne.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

New floodplain regulation meeting to be held in Titustown

May 29, 2013

The City of Norfolk is proposing to update our current floodplain regulations.  Visit the City of Norfolk website to view a  comparison of the existing and proposed ordinance revisions.

The Titustown meeting information:

Titustown Recreation Center

7545 Diven Street
Thursday, June 13, 2013
6-7:30 p.m.

 

There will also be a Public Hearing of the Planning Commission regarding these regulations:

City Planning Commission Public Hearing
City Council Chambers
810 Union Street
Thursday, June 27, 2013
2:30 p.m.

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Talbot Hall has been listed for $4.25 million

May 28, 2013

From the Pilot:

Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate said it has been hired by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia to represent it in the sale of the diocese’s historic Talbot Hall waterfront estate in Norfolk. The 6.4-acre property, which includes 1,000 feet of Lafayette River frontage, is listed for $4.25 million.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Moe’s Southwest Grill coming to Wards Corner

May 24, 2013

20130524-192636.jpg
Updates on the Harris Teeter anchored Suburban Shopping Center:

Moe’s Southwest Grill has signed a lease to be a tenant in the new shopping center;

Harris Teeter’s construction trailer is on site and they are currently digging the footers for the store;

The rest of the shopping center is under construction and will be “out of the ground” in 30-45 days; and

TowneBank, the out parcel, is going through site plan review with the city and will likely start construction in August.

Thanks to Chris Perry for the above update.
-Martin Thomas Jr.

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

Denby Park blight – photo series by Tricia Duncan

May 14, 2013

See Tricia’s full article, with photos, on her website, A little Sugar a little Spice.

Where do you want your children to grow up? Somewhere safe? Somewhere that they can ride their bikes to their friends house? Somewhere you can send them out to play and come home when the street lights come on? Where you don’t have to worry about your general safety 24/7?
Not here…. Maybe you haven’t heard of Denby Park or Wards Corner. This is our neighborhood. Where we live, work and play. In fear. The city for the last few years has promised to remove the run down section 8 apartments that even the cops hate going into. Vast mazes of blight and trash create a hiding place for crime.
They tore down 7. They are tearing down 7 more. However due to budget cut’s we are loosing the war on crime in our wonderful little spot in Norfolk. Or what was once wonderful and could be again.
When I took these photos I did not venture far in. It was EARLY in the morning and I was armed with a tazer. You heard right. You don’t go wandering around this area. It was a risk I took with my camera equipment because it  needs to be seen. People need to see what the confines of this area are like. I plan to do more as I go. I plan to take shots of the beauty in our little neighborhood also.
This photo series will be special too me. I hope it shows that even in the less then wanted areas of the city, beauty can reside. I also wish to show WHY the city should finish their promise to the residents of Ward’s Corner and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Read the rest of Tricia’s article, with photos, on her website, A little Sugar a little Spice.

5 Comments | blight, crime, Wards Corner Crime | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Greek Festival returns to Wards Corner

May 13, 2013

GF-LOGO_2013c_y1401For more information visit http://norfolkgreekfestival.com/

The 2013 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

For the Drive-Thru enter the circular drive in front of the Cathedral from Granby Street, hand your order (no substitutions allowed) to a waiting attendant, then drive forward to pick up your food and back onto Granby Street

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

May Wards Corner Task Force meeting notes

May 12, 2013

Thanks as always to Karen Mayne for taking notes:

The Greater Wards Corner Task Force Meeting

May 9, 2013

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

 Second Patrol Crime Statistics – A total of 13 crimes were reported in Wards Corner (Planning District 25).  An arrest was made in conjunction with a crime reported in March.  All 13 crimes reported were larcenies.

Utilities – Ken Turner

 Major Projects

Three of the four major projects in Wards Corner are near completion.  The Titustown Pump Station and the Wards Corner Sanitary Sewer Replacement are scheduled to be completed in spring 2013.  The Wards Corner Wastewater Pump Station estimated time of completion is summer 2013.  The I-564 Water Main replacement will begin construction spring 2013 with an estimated completion date of spring 2014.   

 Department of Development – Mike Cutter and Chuck Rigney

 Suburban Park Shopping Center — Site prep is underway. The issue of setback of the sidewalk along the Little Creek Road section of the project was discussed.  The City will be talking with Suburban Asset Management about an easement along this area so there will be a wider distance between pedestrians and traffic.

Midtown Shopping Center — $1.2 million dollars in renovations are complete.  Additional parking lot improvements are planned.  Lease negotiations are underway.

Wards Corner Shopping Center — Negotiations are underway regarding the #1 Chinese Buffet.  Dollar Tree is a potential tenant but there are no definitive plans.

Farm Fresh — Over a million dollars in upgrades and renovations, including a drive-thru for the Pharmacy was completed.  City is in discussion with the property owner about demolishing the former cold storage building for redevelopment.

K-Mart – K-Mart will be closing in July.  The City has no word yet on future tenant at this site.

Community Reports

Suburban Acres Civic League will discuss the issue of double-sided parking at the west end of Suburban Parkway in the area of Norfolk Collegiate Upper School and Suburban and Granby Houses at its May 13 meeting.  Traffic congestion in this area makes parking on both sides a safety issue.  The civic league will advise Public Works, Traffic Division of its concerns.

Other Business

The issue of the proposed four cent per hundred increase in the City’s real estate property tax was discussed.  City Council representatives encouraged residents to come to the City’s public meeting on this issue on May 13, at 6:00 pm at Granby High School.  For residents who cannot attend the meeting, the council members invited citizen comments via an e-mail or a telephone call.

1 Comment | Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Historical photos of the Wards Corner Giant Open Air Market

May 10, 2013

Photos provided by the Virginian-Pilot.

Wards Corner Giant Open Air Market opened in 1963. Photo provided by the Virginian-Pilot.

Wards Corner Giant Open Air Market opened in 1963. Photo provided by the Virginian-Pilot.

In 1963 Giant Open Air opened its new Wards Corner mercantile center. The 80,00 foot store is the largest retail food store under one roof – at least in the south – and it can boast among many innovations the largest individual departments in several categories.  Boasting 450 employees, the supermarket features a pancake shop, doughnut center and pizza ovens for in store consumption or takeout orders. A spacious bakery with eating facilities, largest in the chain, with charcoal cooked steaks, seafood and BBQ.

A candle shop, garden shop, greeting cards, household accessories, gift shops, hardware and a self-service Laundromat round out the shoppers experience in this state of the art shopping center.
The store was constructed at a cost of $2 million and features 600 customer parking spaces. The store will remain open 24-hours a day.  Pilot staff photo by Charlie Meads.

Giant Open Air was located where the Farm Fresh is today.

The BBQ pit – featuring everything from roast beef to completely cooked pigs.
The Candle Shop
George P. Pearce manager of the Gourmet Foods department. Mr. Pearce is holding a can of Bombay Ducks (lizardfish) and Kangaroo Tail soup.
The lunch rush.

6 Comments | Wards Corner Business District | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Panoramic view of Wards Corner, circa 1950

May 9, 2013
Archivists at the Virginian-Pilot came across this photo folded up in their photo files. It is comprised of three photos that have been taped and glued together. They did their best to digitally correct the fold and glue lines. It's of course Wards Corner looking south towards downtown Norfolk. The only date on the back is 1950.

Archivists at the Virginian-Pilot came across this photo folded up in their photo files. It is comprised of three photos that have been taped and glued together. They did their best to digitally correct the fold and glue lines. It’s of course Wards Corner looking south towards downtown Norfolk. The only date on the back is 1950.

1 Comment | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Reminder – Wards Corner Taskforce – May 9 at 8:30am at the Fitness and Wellness Center

May 8, 2013

Agenda

1. The Department of Public Works Updates – John Keifer, Director of Public Works

2. Development Updates- Michael Cutter, Business Development Manager

Utilities Updates – Ken Turner, Engineering Manager, Department of Utilities

3.  Reports

A. Police Reports
B. Community Reports
C. School Reports

5.  New Business

 

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Bon Secours DePaul Implements Valet Parking Program

April 29, 2013

Following concerns and complaints about the lack of convenient parking, especially for handicapped drivers, DePaul will begin a valet parking program immediately.  See the press release below for further information.

Norfolk, VA (April 29, 2013) Construction on Bon Secours DePaul Medical Plaza, the 103,700 square foot, four-story, office building that located on the campus of Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center has begun.  This is the second phase of a three-phase campus development plan by Bon Secours to improve Bon Secours DePaul through investments in programs and services.   During this phase of the campus development, parking directly in front of the hospital main entrance has been relocated.

In order to assist patients and visitors with difficulty walking, the medical center will be immediately offering a free valet parking service.  This new program operates between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday- Friday, and will transport patients’ and visitors’ vehicles to and from the front entrance of the hospital.  Operators will not accept tips.

Bon Secours anticipates that valet parking will continue until the opening of the Bon Secours DePaul Medical Plaza in Spring 2014.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Upcoming Tidewater Drive city projects

April 22, 2013

Tidewater Drive has five major construction projects planned between Little Creek Road and Roland Park over the next 2-3 years.  Some of these projects will result in lengthy and inconvenient detours.  The projects include the renovation of the intersection of Tidewater Drive and E. Little Creek Road, the installation of a 16 inch  water main in the area near the interstate, the installation of a 20 inch water main south of the interstate, and the renovation of the Roland Park overpass and ramp.  The city has provided the below handout (PDF) to remind everyone of the projects and the project timelines.

tidewaterdrive projects

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

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