Wards Corner Now holds inaugural meeting

March 21, 2010

The inaugural meeting of Wards Corner was held on Saturday, March 20th, 2010. The initial meeting of Wards Corner Now drew twenty-five folks from a variety of neighborhoods across the Greater Wards Corner (GWC) area , Norfolk City Council members Barclay Winn and Theresa Whibley and candidate for the Ward One Council Seat, attorney,  Andrew Protogyrou.  The hour-long discussion touched on the following topics:

  • AJ Gators – Move to the old Wherehouse Music store location will bring significant upgrades to the property.  Plans are for AJ Gators’ old location to remain open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but closing early.
  • Walgreens’ ABC license application – By consensus restrictions should parallel those for neighboring competitor – no single container sales.
  • Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan – Continue to place emphasis on addressing the issues in Denby Park while maintaining an eye on the additional plan areas of Titustown and the Wards Corner Business District.
  • Additional issues from individuals and civic leagues – safety concerns, illegal signage, school redistricting
  • Norfolk Address Information Resource – The link is on the Wards Corner Now site.  Norfolk AIR provides information on individual properties throughout the city.

Wards Corner Now will be focused positively on making a difference in GWC and meetings will continue to elicit concerns from civic leagues, businesses, churches, schools and individuals and providing support for moving forward with the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan.  The topics for the next 2 meetings are:

April 17 – Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center and planned development

May 15 – Light rail

Comments Off on Wards Corner Now holds inaugural meeting | Wards Corner Now | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Wards Corner – Great American Cleanup

March 19, 2010

Great American CleanupCome join neighbors and local businesses as we come together to have fun and kick off the Wards Corner chapter of the GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP!

Mark your calendar:

Saturday, March 27th

8:30 am – 11:30 am.

Details:
8:30-9am – Check-in at North Shore Sports & Physical Therapy, 7419 Granby St. (at Wards Corner, next to ATC Fitness) for registration, coffee, and breakfast goodies.
9:00-11:30am – Clean our Corner! Safety vests, gloves, trash bags & water provided.
11:30am – Return to North Shore Sports & Physical Therapy to check-out & receive gifts of appreciation.
RSVP – Call Laura at 489-5820. See ya there!

Comments Off on Wards Corner – Great American Cleanup | Great American Cleanup | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

“Wards Corner Now” kicks off its inaugural meeting this Saturday March 20th at 8:30 am

March 17, 2010

WARDS CORNER NEEDS YOU!

HELP US STEER THE REDEVELOPMENT OF WARDS CORNER BY PROVIDING YOUR INPUT!

WARDS CORNER NOW

Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center Saturday,
March 20, 2010
8:30 am

Agenda

• Opening remarks: Where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we are going!
• Update AJ Gator information
• Outline Walgreens issue
• Gather concerns/issues from Greater Wards Corner citizens (civic leagues, churches, schools, businesses, and individuals)
• Closing: Identify next topics/action items, provide link for Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan

   Everyone is Welcome.
Light breakfast to be served
We look forward to seeing you there!

Comments Off on “Wards Corner Now” kicks off its inaugural meeting this Saturday March 20th at 8:30 am | Wards Corner Now | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Ward One Candidates’ Forum Tuesday, March 16th

March 15, 2010

Talbot Park Civic League will be holding a Ward One Candidates’ Forum on Tuesday, March 16th, 7:00 pm at the Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6900 Newport Avenue. Candidates Andy Protogyrou, Barbara Saunders and Chuck Brewer will be participating.

The format will be a basic one: Each candidate will answer a few questions about their priorities for Ward 1, the city of Norfolk, their experience and explain why they are qualified to represent the citizens of Ward One.

All are invited to attend.

Comments Off on Ward One Candidates’ Forum Tuesday, March 16th | Candidate Forum, City Of Norfolk, wards corner | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Bon Secours Depaul plans $18.1 million outpatient cancer center

March 8, 2010

Pilot-Online is reporting, Bon Secours Hampton Roads is planning to build two multi million-dollar outpatient cancer centers in Hampton Roads. One will be located at its Habour View campus in Suffolk and the other will be at its Depaul Medical Center Campus in Norfolk.

 

Both 30,000 -square-foot centers would focus on radiation treatment. They also would provide additional services for cancer patients, such as space for support group meetings and rooms for talks with financial counselors, said Lynne Zultanky, a company spokeswoman.

Bon Secours has applied to the state health department for permission to move its licenses for certain radiation therapy equipment from its Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth to these locations.

A public hearing on the requests is scheduled for Tuesday at the Russell Memorial Library in Chesapeake.

 Bon Secours has already gotten permission to build a new $200 million dollar, 124 bed  hospital at its present DePaul site.

2 Comments | wards corner | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Bon Secours gets approval to replace DePaul Medical Center

March 4, 2010
DePaul Medical Center

DePaul Medical Center

We received a Press Release from Bon Secours announcing that it has gotten its Certificate of Public Need (COPN) from the State Health Commissioner allowing it to replace the current DePaul Hospital with a new, 124-bed hospital.

“Plans call for the new 300,000 square foot, $200 million facility to be located on the current hospital site at 150 Kingsley Lane in Norfolk; …”

See the full Press Release below:

Hampton Roads’ First Community Hospital Gains Approval to Become the Newest Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center Approved for New 124 Bed Hospital

Norfolk, Va. (March 04, 2010) – Bon Secours Virginia Health System announced today that the Virginia Deputy State Health Commissioner has issued a certificate of public need (COPN) to replace the existing Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center with a 124-bed, state-of-the-art, full-service hospital.

“We are pleased that the Deputy Commissioner has approved our plan to build a new Bon Secours DePaul,” said Peter J. Bernard, CEO, Bon Secours Virginia Health System. “As we plan for and look ahead to the new DePaul, Bon Secours will remain committed to growing our programs and services, and providing exceptional, personalized care.”

The COPN for the new DePaul authorizes:
• 124 acute-care beds which will include:
o Intensive care unit
o Obstetrical unit
o Full-service emergency department
o Operative suites
o Advanced imaging center, to include MRI and CT
o Cardiac catheterization
o Radiation therapy services
o Lithotripsy

Plans call for the new 300,000 square foot, $200 million facility to be located on the current hospital site at 150 Kingsley Lane in Norfolk; the COPN proposes completion in late 2014. As the health system prepares for the opening, there will be opportunities for the community to support the building of a new DePaul with philanthropic efforts.

“Our vision for the new Bon Secours DePaul reflects what we have learned from the community, this is a real win for the people of Hampton Roads as well as for Bon Secours,” said Michael K. Kerner, CEO, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System. “DePaul has nearly a 154-year long legacy of serving the region with passion and purpose. A new hospital would enable us to continue this work for many years to come.”

Comments Off on Bon Secours gets approval to replace DePaul Medical Center | DePaul Hospital | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Barbara Saunders to kick off her campaign for Ward One City Council seat on March 14th

March 3, 2010

 Barbara Saunders will kick off her campaign for the Ward One Council seat  being vacated by the retiring Councilman Don Williams  on Sunday, March 14th, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ocean View Baptist Church Social Hall located at 9504 Selby Place. There are presently three other candidates vying for the Ward One Council Seat, Attorney Andy Protogyrou, retired police officer Chuck Brewer and Ocean View artist, Paul Trice.

3 Comments | City Of Norfolk, wards corner | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Is the tide changing for Wards Corner?

March 2, 2010

The following is an article written by Jim English, president of the Wards Corner Civic League.
Jim English
Is the tide changing for Wards Corner? Are we finally starting to get the needed attention from City Hall and City Council? Well to begin let me share with you the below quote taken from Mayor Paul Fraim’s State of the City Address given in early February of this year.

“More than $13 million has been invested in the Greater Wards Corner area since approval of the Comprehensive Plan.  Last year, police presence and code enforcement activities were stepped up, surveillance cameras installed in Denby Park, and a neighborhood watch begun with 60 residents participating.  As a result, violent crime in Wards Corner dropped 35% and property crime 6%.

Three residential rehabilitation programs were begun for Denby Park, Oakdale Farms and Monticello Village to assist residents in upgrading their homes.  The programs were so successful that within six months, the first $1 million was committed to 21 homeowners.  Another $1 million was committed this fiscal year to assist 40 homeowners, and there’s already a waiting list for next year.

On the commercial side, the department of development is in active discussions with major property owners in the heart of the Wards Corner business district, and we expect new development opportunities to be identified later this year.”

While we could argue that the points mentioned above were a part of the overall funding to neighborhoods city wide, nonetheless this year’s address marked the first time that Wards Corner was mentioned in several paragraphs and not just in a fleeting sentence in the Mayor speech. That’s progress. While I know we have always been on the radar screen (although even though it may only have been a small blip) maybe this is indicative of a turning point for Wards Corner.

Mayor Fraim has now opened his campaign headquarters in our Civic League area at the corner of Maycox Ave. and Granby Street (in the old Cleaners store). I may be wrong but I don’t ever remember a time when any person running for elected office located their headquarters in the Wards Corner area, at least not those running for city council. Is this a sign of a changing attitude toward Wards Corner? Or is this only a political move to get our vote? I want to believe it represents a changing view of the importance of Wards Corner as a gateway to Downtown. Our area represents a strong, solid and important voting block in city elections. In addition to this, Mayor Fraim will hold his kickoff campaign reelection party at the Hellenic Center in Wards Corner. Is this yet another indication of our importance!?

We have four candidates running for election to fill the council seat in Ward 1. Three of those candidates have mentioned that Wards Corner is a priority for them and one even lives in our Greater Wards Corner area. Are they running on the Wards Corner issue to get our vote or are they sincere? I don’t know about two of them but I know and believe one of them. Andy Protogyrou has mentioned that he wants to be an advocate and champion for Wards Corner. I believe him and I have endorsed him as the best candidate for Ward 1 and Wards Corner. I usually don’t endorse candidates but I am doing so this year for this election because it is so important for our area.
Click here to continue reading this article

3 Comments | Wards Corner Now, Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Kabob House opens in Wards Corner

March 1, 2010

The Virginian-Pilot has an article on the recently opened Kabob House.  It is located in the Northwest corner of Wards Corner in the same shopping center as the AutoZone.

Co-owner Naoufal Bounkhoul, right, and Fahad Khan, center, prepare food at Kabob House in Wards Corner. (Bill Tiernan | The Virginian-Pilot)

Co-owner Naoufal Bounkhoul, right, and Fahad Khan, center, prepare food at Kabob House in Wards Corner. (Bill Tiernan | The Virginian-Pilot)

Highlights from the article:

The restaurant opened in November and touts a menu of specialties from owner Naoufal Bounkhoul’s homeland, Morocco. He and co-owner Hammadi Jbilou offer several varieties of kabobs, including kefta, a combination of ground beef, onions and parsley shaped into pieces suitable for grilling.

It’s a cheap trip to a foreign land – the total for three kabob dinners, which each included sides, was under $30.

The Wards Corner spot, just off Granby Street and near the Interstate 64 interchange, is convenient for folks all over the region. Diners can eat in or take out. Bounkhoul said he recently began delivery to a limited area.

4 Comments | Wards Corner Business District | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Credit Union to Open Wards Corner Branch

February 28, 2010

The following is an article written by Kevin Janney and printed in the January edition of the Suburban (PDF), the Suburban Acres Civic League newsletter:

New Langley Federal Credit Union branch at 7420 Granby St.

New Langley Federal Credit Union branch at 7420 Granby St.

Langley Federal Credit Union plans to open its new Wards Corner branch at the corner of Granby Street and Louisiana Drive by the end of March. Of the six full time employees projected to staff the branch, five of those will be new hires, according to LFCU spokesperson Susan Thrash. “We have been looking for a good location in Norfolk and we took advantage of this opportunity. This location will serve current members, and help us grow on the Southside,” said Thrash. LFCU was established in 1936 and has more than 175,000 members and $1.5 billion in assets.

According to Thrash, LFCU’s Director of Research and Communications, the convenient location and highly recognizable Wards Corner area contributed to the site’s selection, as well as the fact that the building had been
built as a bank, which helped with renovation complexity and cost. The Granby Street location will be LFCU’s
second Southside branch, the other located at Chesapeake Crossroads on Portsmouth Boulevard. LFCU has
sixteen other branches on the Peninsula.

The 7420 Granby Street site is a former Life Savings Bank of Norfolk branch, and was built in the early 1950’s according to M. B. “Mike” Mausteller Jr., Senior Vice President of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate. The Wards Corner location and nine other Life Savings Bank branches reopened as Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T) bank branches after the two organizations merged in October 2003. BB&T closed the branch a couple of years ago in an effort to consolidate area branches. Mausteller says the brick and masonry building “is extremely well built” and anticipates
LFCU will do well at the site because “the Wards Corner area is populated by a lot of loyal customers who enjoy doing business in the local area.”

The renovation project designer is Guernsey & Tingle Architects, with Glenn Development serving as contractor. The property transaction was brokered by Harvey Lindsey Commercial Real Estate of Norfolk.

5 Comments | wards corner | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Help Norfolk determine best use of Waterside

February 27, 2010

Bob Batcher, Norfolk’s Public Relations Manager, has asked that we post the link to the Waterside Market Place Survey on our website. Help Norfolk determine the highest and best use for this public space.

 

3 Comments | City Of Norfolk | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Partnership meeting, Thursday at 7PM

February 23, 2010

The Wards Corner Partnership has a meeting this Thursday, February 25, 2010, at the Workforce Development Center (next to Kroger) at 7:00PM.

1 Comment | The Greater Wards Corner Partnership | Tagged: | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Wards Corner mentioned in Norfolk’s State of the City address

February 20, 2010

Mayor Fraim gave the State if the City Address on Friday, February 19, 2010.  It included the following information regarding the Wards Corner area:

More than $13 million has been invested in the Greater Wards Corner area since approval of the Comprehensive Plan.  Last year, police presence and code enforcement activities were stepped up, surveillance cameras installed in Denby Park, and a neighborhood watch begun with 60 residents participating.  As a result, violent crime in Wards Corner dropped 35% and property crime 6%.

Three residential rehabilitation programs were begun for Denby Park, Oakdale Farms and Monticello Village to assist residents in upgrading their homes.  The programs were so successful that within six months, the first $1 million was committed to 21 homeowners.  Another $1 million was committed this fiscal year to assist 40 homeowners, and there’s already a waiting list for next year.

On the commercial side, the department of development is in active discussions with major property owners in the heart of the Wards Corner business district, and we expect new development opportunities to be identified later this year.

The Mayor had this to say about crime:

We were disappointed and concerned by last year’s increase in the homicide rate.  With that exception, overall violent crime was down 14%.

In a very positive sign, juvenile arrests dropped significantly in selective enforcement areas – 83% in Huntersville; 41% in Denby Park and 14% in the Pleasant Avenue corridor.  Overall juvenile arrests were down 52%.  But the problem is still severe, it affects our children and school safety.  That is why I will ask the city council to establish a task force on youth and gang violence to be chaired by the vice mayor, Anthony Burfoot.

Not surprisingly, the Mayor touted the real estate purchases in Ocean View:

The City and NRHA continue to acquire dilapidated properties in Ocean View for redevelopment.  Recent examples include a 16 unit apartment on First View, a 15 unit apartment in Willoughby and the old Ramada Inn property on Ocean View Avenue.

Successful resolution for use of the property along 5th and 7th Bay Streets now makes it possible to begin thinking about preparing a development plan that includes public open space for this very desirable site.

But the purchase of property in the worst area of the Texas Streets portion of Denby Park continues to move at a snails pace (no properties have been purchased, no offers made).  Remember that the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan’s first listed priority was the redevelopment of those Texas Streets.  From page 30 of the Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan:

We have identified three critical areas for the future of the Greater Wards Corner Area:
1. The Texas Streets portion of Denby Park and related areas extending along East Little Creek Road to the Southern Shopping Center,…

1 Comment | crime | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Mayor’s Wards Corner Taskforce Thursday, February 18th, 8:30 am

February 12, 2010

The rescheduled Mayor’s Wards Corner Task Force will meet Thursday, February 18th, 8:30 am at the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center, 7300 Newport Avenue.

January 2010 Wards Corner Task Force Minutes

February 2010 Wards Corner Staff Reports

Comments Off on Mayor’s Wards Corner Taskforce Thursday, February 18th, 8:30 am | Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Ward One Council candidate Andy Protogyrou’s campaign kick off Monday, February 15th

February 11, 2010

Andy Protogyrou will formally announce his campaign for the Ward One Council seat on Monday, February 15th, 5:30 pm at the AHEPA house behind the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk.  All Ward One voters are invited. R.S.V.P 757-625-1775.

Andy Protogyrou Campaign Kickoff Invitation

Comments Off on Ward One Council candidate Andy Protogyrou’s campaign kick off Monday, February 15th | Norfolk City Council Election | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »