The Pancake House
At almost 50 years old, The Pancake House at Wards Corner has become a neighborhood staple. The Virginian-Pilot printed an article/review in their June 20, 2011 edition.
You’re not likely to leave The Pancake House hungry, although you may feel like taking a nap after ingesting all those carbs.
Congratulations go out to The Pancake House for their past and future successes!
The full article can be read here.
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The following is from a follow-up report by Andy Fox of WAVY TV 10:
Norfolk, VA – Residents of an apartment complex want better security after one of the residents was killed.
Residents say they heard gun shots Tuesday night. Police found 77-year-old Louis Daniel Jr. dead on Wednesday in his home on Cromwell Parkway. His neighbors hope his death was not in vain.
“I heard the gun shot, and it didn’t sound that close,” said Joanne Knight who lives above the apartment where Daniel died.
He would sit in his window and read in the sunlight. Tuesday night, darkness visited Daniel – a robber in the night with a gun.
“We all are praying. We are on shells walking because we have to watch our backs. We have to do that. We shouldn’t have to that Mr. Andy. We need help,” said Knight.
Cromwell House Apartment residents are scared, and they want better security.
“They are breaking into cars, breaking down doors when they are not home,” said Knight.
They want trees cut that are around lights, and they want surveillance cameras.
“If you look at the light, how bright will it be behind the trees,” said Laura Davis who is also a neighbor.
Apartment complex management told WAVY.com there is security at the complex, but two residents talked over each other to say security is nearly non-existent. Management has arranged for police to visit on July 28 to give residents tips on staying safe which is more than a month away.
“We need a meeting tomorrow, tonight,” said Knight.
In memory of Daniel, residents will have a candle light vigil, but more importantly they called up because they want better security. Apartment management did not return our phone calls for a response, and told us Wednesday they do have security, but as you have read, residents say it’s not nearly enough security.
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Cromwell House Apartments
Residents and neighbors of Cromwell House Apartments have been complaining about increasing and persistent crime for some time now.
WAVY, WTKR, and WVEC are reporting that a homicide occurred there on Tuesday night between 11:00 and 11:30pm. The victim was an elderly man who rarely left his apartment according to neighbors.
Police have not released details or a motive at this time.
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Wards Corner Now will not be meeting in June or July. The next meeting will be held on September 17, 2011. We look forward to seeing you then.
Enjoy your summer!
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A flagpole cell tower in Willoughby, similar to what is being proposed at the Masonic Temple
Ntelos is proposing to build a 100 foot tall stealth cell tower at the Masonic Temple at 7001 Granby Street.
The Planning Commission voted in favor of the tower, with the following conditions:
a) The communication tower shall be a 100 foot tall flagpole antenna and supporting equipment located in the front of the property.
b) The site plan must be approved by the Site Plan Review Committee including a review to ensure that adequate landscaping has been provided.
c) If the tower is not utilized for a period of 6 consecutive months, it will be removed.
d) The holder of this special exception will construct the tower in a manner which will accomodate future multiple users in an effort to reduce the number of similar towers in the immediate area.
e) The holder of this special exception shall be obligated to maximize co-location of antennae on this tower at market lease rates.
The proposal must now go before City Council for approval.
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Frank Duke
The May Wards Corner Now meeting will be this Saturday, May 21 at 8:30am at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
The Agenda:
1. Frank Duke
The 2010 Census indicates that Norfolk is growing, but that growth is not uniform throughout the City. One explanation for some of the City’s growth is the impact of what economist Richard Florida calls ‘the Creative Class.'” Norfolk Planning Director Frank Duke will look at how Norfolk has addressed the issues of interest to this group and describe how we can extend this energy and vibrancy throughout the City.
2. Collins project update.
3. Norfolk Christian School update (athletic training facility).
4. $2.7 million availability for WC (Denby Park) effective 1 July.
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The following is a reprint of a BIZ Buzz article in Pilot Online:
A new leader begins his tenure next week at Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk.
John Barrett will take the reins as CEO. He replaces Dan Duggan, who was promoted in September to the post of executive vice president and COO of Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville, S.C. Duggan had led DePaul since 2006.
Barrett comes from Appalachian Regional Healthcare System in Boone, N.C., where he served as executive vice president and COO for nearly six years. Prior to that, he was CEO of Page Memorial Hospital in Luray.
Barrett has roots in the Norfolk area: some family members make their homes here, and his wife graduated from the DePaul nursing program.
– Amy Jeter
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Lafayette River RIVERFest
The public will have the chance to celebrate a new plan to bring back the Lafayette River – and learn fun, easy ways to help at home – during Lafayette RiverFest, a free, day-long festival with live music, fishing contests, free boat trips, children’s games, how-to workshops, river art, education vessels and more.
Lafayette RiverFest activities include:
Music (main festival site)
10 a.m. The Delvers
Noon Julie Clark
2:30 Zen Monkeys
Fishing (Haven Creek) with Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association
6:30 a.m.–noon Catch and Release Tournament ($15)
Costumed Dog Parades (main festival site) Norfolk SPCA & Animal Management (River-related costumes)
11:30 a.m-noon
2-2:30 p.m.
Paddle Races (Lakewood Park) with Mid-Atlantic Paddlers Association
Advanced division – 6 miles
Recreational division — 1.5 miles
9 a.m. registration ($15)
Rain Barrel Workshop (main festival site) with Mike’s Rain Barrels
10:30-11:30 a.m. ($55, includes rain barrel)
Limited Space — Pre-registration required by calling 441.1347
Free on the Water
All Day — Learning Barge ERP (main festival site)
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. – Canoe Trips (main festival site) CBF
2 p.m. – CBF education vessel Bea Hayman Clark (main festival site)
Pre-registration required for CBF trips online at rsvp@cbf.org or 622-1964
1 p.m. – Kayak Tours (Haven Creek) City of Norfolk
Other Events
Scoop-the-Poop Relay Race
Original River Art for Sale (local artists)
Green Gardening Education (Hermitage Museum and Gardens and partners)
Build a Buoy (NOAA)
My Flush Counts (HRSD)
Booksigning with Mike D’Orso
Co-author with Ted Danson of OCEANA: Our Endangered Oceans and What We can Do To Save Them
Children’s Art & Games
Fresh Local Fare
The rain date is Sun., May 1, 12 – 4 pm. Full information: www.elizabethriver.org.
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The City of Norfolk Proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budget was presented by the City Manager to City Council on April 26. The proposed Budget can be found on the City’s website, here.
The proposal includes $1,000,000 to be used in the implementation of the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan. The project description states:
Provide funds to improve the residential and business areas of Wards Corner consistent with the Neighborhood Plan. Land Acquisition of blighted property from willing sellers will be pursued based on prioritizing areas in a strategic manner.
The budget (2010) allocated $1,010,000 to the Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan and proposed $1,000,000 for 2011. The 2011 budget allocated $1,767,500 and proposed $1,000,000 for 2012.
Notably, the 2012 proposal includes a proposed future allocation of $1,000,000 in 2013 after which the funding dries up. The 2011 budget proposed $1,000,000 each year through 2015.
2012 Proposed Budget for Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan
2011 Budget Proposal for Wards Corner Neighborhood Plan
Comments Off on Norfolk’s 2012 Budget Proposal gives Wards Corner $1,000,000 | The Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan | Tagged: budget, CIP, funding, wards corner neighborhood plan | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner
The following is taken from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia’s website.
The Talbot Hall Task Force, charged by Bishop Hollerith to receive and recommend proposals regarding the future of Talbot Hall, has completed its work and reported its recommendations to the diocesan Property Committee.
Recognizing that the property is an extraordinary gift from God through the generosity of the Talbot family, the Task Force committed itself to an exhaustive review of any options that would allow the diocese to retain ownership of the property. The Task Force was also sensitive to the fact that the property has historic and environmental value that should remain intact. Of the proposals received, the Task Force recommended that the Property Committee consider two program ideas that were consistent with the diocesan mission and also had the potential to be financially sustainable: (1) Event Rental Facility and (2) Environmental Center/Sailing Center. Either of these proposals could involve the diocese retaining ownership of the property or establishing a charitable foundation to which the property would be transferred. The full report of the Task Force is available HERE. The Task Force did not address and made no recommendations regarding the location of the bishop’s office and diocesan administrative offices which are currently located on the Talbot Hall property.
The report of the Task Force is just the beginning of a process to determine the future of the Talbot Hall property. The next step in this process will be for the diocesan Property Committee to review the report and make a recommendation to the Executive Board of the diocese. “I am deeply thankful for the hard work of the Talbot Hall Task Force, especially their chairman the Rev. Stan Sawyer,” said Bishop Hollerith. “It is clear they worked long and hard to present viable ideas for this unique property.”
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Serve the City – Norfolk is looking for community service projects in and around the Wards Corner Area. See the email below received from Bridget Powell.
Coming to the neighborhood: Serve the City 2011, May 21-22!Needed: your ideas for projects…Background: Serve the City Norfolk is a service project which involves several area churches. Werecruit volunteers from the church and all over the community to complete service projects. Many lastjust the duration of the weekend, while others become enduring relationships for continued assistance.Last note: I want to emphasize two things–one, we are looking for projects and ways we can serveand two, while we are a faith-based movement, this isn’t about going in to these projects with anythingother than a desire to show God’s love in practical ways.I look forward to answering any questions you might have, and serving you if the opportunity arises! Ican be reached at projects@servethecitynorfolk.comThank you!Bridget Powell
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Agenda:
1. Development
2. Possible new bar/restaurant
Please attend the Wards Corner Now meeting this Saturday at 8:30am at the Fitness and Wellness Center.
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With the increase in reported robberies and burglaries in and around the Wards Corner area, please be reminded to report all suspicious activity to the police. What is suspicious? Below is an excerpt from the Norfolk Neighborhood Coordinators’ Manual, developed by the Crime Prevention Division of the Norfolk Police Department.
WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?“Basically, anything that seems even slightly out of the ordinary . . . could be criminal activity.”Examples (not a complete list):
- A stranger inspecting or entering your neighbor’s home while your neighbor is away.
- Someone trying to open a neighbor’s door or window.
- A moving truck or van pulled up to a neighbor’s home while they are gone.
- Remember, burglaries often occur at times when they should be most obvious (broad daylight, in full view of observers).
- Someone carrying property such as televisions, stereos, etc., at an unusually late hour or in an unusual place, especially if it does not appear that the property is newly purchased.
- The sound of shattering glass could signal a possible burglary, vandalism or larceny in progress.
- Anyone peering into vehicles as they walk down the street or someone removing tags, gasoline or parts from a vehicle.
- Someone attempting to enter a vehicle using a coat hanger or other device.
- Never assume that it is the owner who has locked his keys in his car. Be suspicious of anyone tampering with the hood or trunk of a car.
- An improperly parked vehicle or abandoned vehicle or someone leaving one vehicle and driving away in another may be signs of a stolen vehicle.
- Anyone being forced into a vehicle could be a victim of possible abduction.
- Persons loitering around schools, parks, and isolated areas or in the neighborhood. These loiterers could be possible sex offenders or burglars.
- Business transactions conducted from vehicles, especially around schools, playgrounds or parks.
- A steady flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis could indicate drug sales or a fencing operation (purchasing
- of stolen goods).
- Offers of goods or repair work at an unusually low price could indicate stolen property or some type of fraud.
- All fights, screams and loud noises (such as explosions) should be reported.
- Door-to-door solicitors without properly issued licenses and identification should be suspected.
“DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO CALL. CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT IN PROGRESS SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 441-5610
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Norfolk Southern railroad crossings within the city of Norfolk have reached the end of their useful life and Norfolk Southern has been permitted by the city to replace 12 crossings between April and July. The railroad crossings at Granby Street and Little Creek road in the Wards Corner Business District are included in those to be rehabilitated.
During the construction project, full closures in both directions are required. Traffic will be detoured to major arterial streets. Signs and detours will not be placed along neighborhood streets. Motorists are encouraged to follow the detour to signalized intersections and to avoid neighborhood streets.
The roads will be closed during the followed dates:
E. Little Creek Road, near I-64 and Granby Street, 6/18-6/20
Granby Street. near Little Creek Rd. (3 northbound lanes), 7/9-711
Granby Street. near Little Creek Rd. (3 southbound lanes), 7/16-7/18
The City of Norfolk and Norfolk Southern have set up a website with further information: http://www.norfolk.gov/publicworks/nsrrx.asp
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Posted by Wards Corner
In the past two weeks there have been several attempted and successful break-ins of homes in Greater Wards Corner neighborhoods. Suburban Acres, Restmere and Talbot Park have all reported incidents. It appears that these violators are walking and driving around looking for opportunities and casing the neighborhoods. In order to reduce this type of crime, listed below are a few suggestions made by the Norfolk Police:
Communication will be key in alerting our neighbors and the police of suspicious activity. Call 911 first and when you get the chance, please send Louis Eisenberg at unclouie@gmail.com an email to describe the activity in order that it be posted on Wards Corner Now.
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Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 