Updated traffic signals coming to Wards Corner Business District

March 8, 2015

There is a new traffic signal and a number of upgrades to traffic signals coming to the Wards Corner Business District.  The most obvious is the traffic signal on E. Little Creek Road entering the parking lot of the new Harris Teeter.  The signal has been installed but is not yet operational.

According to City engineers:

Prior to putting the signal into full operation all of the pavement markings need to be in place which include the stop bars on Little Creek Rd and the crosswalks.  Due to the weather we have not been able to get the contractor to complete this last piece so that we can then power the signal, perform a final punch list, take care of any issues from that and then place into full operation.  We do know that there has been a long delay, or what is perceive to be a delay in getting this operational and we will work to push our contractor once the weather breaks for good.

Additionally, money has been appropriated by City Council to upgrade the

This is the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Taussig Blvd. The traffic signals hanging from wires are scheduled to be upgraded to mast arm poles.

This is the intersection of E. Little Creek Road and Taussig Blvd. The traffic signals hanging from wires are scheduled to be upgraded to mast arm poles.

traffic signals at E. Little Creek Road  and Taussig Blvd.  The upgrades include switching from signals that hang from wires to signals that hang from mast arms.  Pedestrian signals will also be installed.  The same upgrades are planned for the intersection of Granby Street and Taussig Blvd.

Mast arm poles are superior to the wire hung signals as they are better at withstanding storms and require less maintenance.

Comments Off on Updated traffic signals coming to Wards Corner Business District | Uncategorized | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

WC Business Association meeting – March 17th at 8:30am

March 5, 2015

The following letter was received regarding the Wards Corner Business Association meeting.  Please attend if you can! 

 

 

wcba

Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association
301 Suburban Parkway
Norfolk, Virginia 23505-4224
757-587-7975

Dear Wards Corner Business Owners & Associates:

Come join the Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association Tuesday, March 17th upstairs in the meeting room of FARM FRESH, 230 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA. 23505. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:30 a.m.

Since a light breakfast will be served, it is requested that you please RSVP gwcaba@cox.net or call me and leave a message at 587-7975 by March 13th, 2015.
Our guest speaker will be: Sara Parker, Assistant Director, Marketing Department of Development for the City of Norfolk.

Due to all of our past severe snowfalls the city has made the following request of all of the businesses in the Greater Wards Corner Business Area:

In the event of future snow or ice storms, is it possible for the businesses in the area to shovel sidewalks on Granby Street and East & West Little Creek Road? During this last storm, many pedestrians and handicapped individuals in wheelchairs traversed in the traffic lanes to get where they were going because they couldn’t navigate the sidewalks. This was extremely hazardous for them and for the drivers of the vehicles who barely missed them. The city was dealing with clearing roadways and bridges and didn’t have the resources to clear sidewalks on city property. Perhaps businesses could extend their area of kindness and responsibility to make Wards Corner safer for all. Thanks so much.

The continued growth and improvement of your business area is crucial and depends on you and your involvement and the effort you are willing to commit. There is strength in numbers and that is why it is so important to have a strong Business Association, working together as one. Mark your calendar, come and join your fellow business partners. We have a lot to discuss.

Respectfully,
Elyse Kalfus, President
Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association

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

Meadowbrook School update

March 2, 2015

A quick update with regard to the future of the Meadowbrook School site.  It is expected that the next budget will include money to demolish Meadowbrook School and to build a new fire station on the western portion of the site.  The remaining site will be left as open space to be used as a dog park or otherwise as may be decided in the future by the neighborhoods.

Once the budget goes into effect this summer, the City will begin the process of designing the fire station.  Designs for both the fire station and the park will be in collaboration with the neighborhoods and civic leagues in the Meadowbrook area.

It is expected that the entire project will be complete within 2 years of when the budget goes into effect on July 1.

4 Comments | Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

“Wards Corner envy”

February 20, 2015

The below Letter to the Editor was printed in the February 19, 2015 Virginian-Pilot.  Let’s continue to work to make Wards Corner a model of revitalization for the City!

Wards Corner envy
Is it possible for the Norfolk City Council to take over the corner of Fisherman’s Road and Chesapeake Boulevard to make a nice shopping area, as was done at Ward’s Corner?There could be a coffee shop, Wendy’s, a nice grocery store, hair and nails salon, etc. It would make life more pleasant and convenient for residents.

Barbara M. Medlin
Norfolk
Link to the article 

Comments Off on “Wards Corner envy” | Uncategorized | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Planning Commission to consider alternatives to prevent vehicles being parked in lawns

February 12, 2015
Robert Tajan, Principal Planner with the City of Norfolk, presents to the Planning Commission on 2/12/2015 with ideas to curb parking in the lawns along W. Little Creek Road

Robert Tajan, Principal Planner with the City of Norfolk, presents to the Planning Commission on 2/12/2015 with ideas to curb parking in the lawns along W. Little Creek Road

For years the Wards Corner Task Force has complained to city staff and police about residents along W. Little Creek Road parking their motor vehicles in the grass and in their yards.  Civic League presidents and Council members alike have complained of the grass parking and the answer has always been to hand out tickets and take the violators to court.  This has been met with some success in the short term but usually within a few months the violations return.

Now, at the request of the Task Force, the Planning Commission and planning staff will work to come up with new regulations that will allow residents along busy thoroughfares in Norfolk to park their vehicles in a manner that will be both legal and allow for the safe ingress and egress of the properties.

The Planning Commission will vote at their February 26, 2015 meeting to initiate zoning changes.  That vote will allow planning staff to begin working on options and recommendations.  Those options and recommendations will be discussed at the Planning Commission meeting in mid-March and the results thereof will be brought to the Wards Corner Task Force for comment and input before being adopted.

 

2 Comments | Code Enforcement | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Denby Park demolitions expected to be done by first week in April

February 8, 2015
Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties are to be purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.

Denby Park properties to be purchased by City of Norfolk. YELLOW highlighted properties were purchased in 2014. RED highlighted properties were purchased in 2013. BLUE highlighted properties were purchased in 2011.

I received the following update on the demolitions in Denby Park:

The subject properties which represent 88 units were officially turned over to the City for demolition by Norfolk Housing and Redevelopment Authority (NHRA) on December 16, 2014 once the Right of Entry was signed by the City. Since the buildings were going to be demolished by the City of Norfolk, we began the bid process in preparation for demolition. The bids were sent to the contractors on January 14, 2015, with a scheduled walk through the week of January 20th.

The bids from the contractors were received on January 29th at 4:30pm and were opened on Friday, January 30th 2015. After evaluating the bids, the “Award Notices” were sent out to three winning contractors on February 5, 2015.

The remaining timeline for the demolition is as follows:

1. Expect contractors to sign their contracts the week of February 9th. Staff will then hand carry contracts through the signing process to expedite.

2. Expect contracts to be signed by Finance, Legal, Administration and Clerks Office by February 20th.

3. Expect contractors to be given “Notice to Process” by February 28th, which gives them 30 days to complete the Demolition.

4. Our expectation, barring any unforeseen glitches, is that the buildings will be demolished by the first week in April.

The City will continue to ensure the buildings are secured and trash and debris are removed.

Comments Off on Denby Park demolitions expected to be done by first week in April | Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Mattress store to replace BP gas station at Wards Corner

February 4, 2015

MattressFirmThere have been a few emails coming in asking what is being built at the northeast corner of Wards Corner.  The BP station was torn down from that location last year and they are currently building a new retail store that will house a Mattress Firm.

The likely tenant type was mentioned at the Wards Corner Civic League meeting in March of 2014 and most comments were negative as there was already a mattress store at Wards Corner.  That store was, and still is, Sleepy’s.

Since that time, The Original Mattress Factory announced they will be opening in Wards Corner as well.  They plan a March 2015 opening date and are currently under construction in the Midtown Shopping Center at the northeast corner.

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

Uncle Louie’s Restaurant, Wards Corner, Norfolk, VA

January 18, 2015

Many thanks to Louis Eisenberg for digging up some old photos of Uncle Louie’s Restaurant which closed almost 10 years ago at Wards Corner.  More can be found at the Uncle Louie’s Restaurant Alumni and Friends Facebook page.

You can read a copy of the Uncle Louie’s Restaurant Menu from March 2005 here (PDF).

Entrance to a great time!
Entrance to Uncle Louie’s Bar and Grill from the Dining Room
The famous prop table in the front window of Uncle Louie’s. At times, we had to get that table so we would have seating for two more guests. Uncle Louie’s had 450 seats, The business that Uncle Louie’s would do on some days was absolutely amazing.
Teresa Boyle did a fantastic job creating the chalk menu boards
Uncle Louie’s dining room set for dinner service
Uncle Louie’s dining room set up for lunch service
Uncle Louie’s Banquet and Conference Room was a favorite of local politicians.
The best table in Uncle Louie’s bar and grill overlooked Uncle Louie’s dining room. This was Benjamin Clymer’s favorite table. Ben Clymer was Old Dominion University’s Reference Librarian from 1960 -1981
Art Deco Mural by Bev Sell and Teresa Boyle
First Colony Coffee seal. We served and sold over 100 varieties and flavors of First Colony Coffee.
Uncle Louie’s had one of the best Jewish Delis south of New York City
Uncle Louie’s Desserts were some of the best served in Hampton Roads
Suzy Daffron Allen, One of the Great Uncle Louie’s Bartenders

4 Comments | Uncategorized | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Updated Apartment and Townhouse designs from Collins

January 16, 2015

Please remember to come to the meeting on January 20, 2015 at the Fitness and Wellness Center at 6:30pm to view the designs and provide input. This will likely be the last chance to provide input before the project goes before Planning Commission and City Council.

The apartments and townhouses are planned to be constructed on Newport Ave, just north of Granby Elementary.

SOME CHANGES FROM THEIR LAST PRESENTATION:

1.  The max height of the apartments is going from 47ft to 49ft

2.  The max height of the Condominiums is going from 43’8″ to 49ft.

illustrated siteplan

Apartment Amenities

Apartment Amenities

Community Gathering Space

Community Gathering Space

Main Entrance and Pocket Park

Main Entrance and Pocket Park

Wooded Trail and Pool Area

Wooded Trail and Pool Area

Trail Connection

Trail Connection

Revised Apartment Elevations

Revised Apartment Elevations

Exterior Finish Materials

Exterior Finish Materials

The entire PDF packet can be seen here.

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

Collins to present final proposal at special meeting on January 20 at Fitness and Wellness Center

January 11, 2015
Proposed Site Plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Proposed Site Plan including apartments to the bottom right and townhouses to the left

Collins Enterprises will present their final version of their apartment / townhouse / condo plan to be constructed on Newport Ave just north of Granby Elementary.

The meeting will be on January 20, 2015 at 6:30pm at the Fitness and Wellness Center.  The meeting is a joint meeting of the Wards Corner Civic League and Talbot Hall Civic League.  The public is invited to attend.

The meeting starts at 6:30pm and each civic league will take a vote during the meeting to advise the planning commission and city council on their support and concerns about the project.

Updated designs will be posted to Wards Corner Now prior to the meeting.  Please attend and let your concerns be known.

 

Comments Off on Collins to present final proposal at special meeting on January 20 at Fitness and Wellness Center | economic development, wards corner | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

WC Business Association meeting – January 20th

January 9, 2015

wcba

Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association
301 Suburban Parkway
Norfolk, Virginia 23505-4224
757-587-7975

2015
January 9th, 2015

 Dear Wards Corner Business Owners & Associates;

           Come join the Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association Tuesday, January 20th in the upstairs meeting room of FARM FRESH, 230 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA. 23505. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. an end at 9:30 a.m.

          January’s meeting is a Membership drive, and we will be having a fabulous breakfast buffet, so please RSVP gwcaba@cox.net or leave a message at 587-7975 to let me know how many will be attending by January 18th. 2015.

           The continued growth and improvement of your business area is crucial and depends on you and your involvement and the effort you are willing to commit. There is strength in numbers and that is why it is so important to have a strong Business Association, working together as one. Mark your calendar, come and join your fellow business partners. We have a lot to discuss.

 Respectfully, 

 

Elyse Kalfus, President

Greater Wards Corner Area Business Association

 

1 Comment | Wards Corner Business District | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Reminder: Wards Corner Task Force meeting 1/8/15

January 6, 2015

The Wards Corner Task Force meeting is this Thursday, 1/8/15 at 8:30am at the Fitness and Wellness Center.  Agenda below:

1. Police Reports – 2nd and 3rd Patrol Updates

2. Parking along the grass W. Little Creek Road – Leonard Newcomb, Director, Zoning

3. Development Updates – Mike Cutter, Business Development Specialist

4. Riverfront Infrastructure Plan Update – Richard Broad, Assistant Director, Public Works

5. Reports

  • Utilities
  • Community Updates
  • Wards Corner Business Association Update

6. New Business

The next task force meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 8:30 a.m. at the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center

Comments Off on Reminder: Wards Corner Task Force meeting 1/8/15 | Wards Corner Taskforce | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Sewer replacement work in Wards Corner

January 5, 2015
titustown

Titustown Pump Station, Phase 3. Project construction is currently 15% complete. Project includes constructing new sanitary sewer and water mains along Hughart, Wilingham, and Wilmington Streets.

 

titustown4

Titustown Pump Station, Phase 4. Construction to start this winter. Project includes the construction of new sanitary sewer and water mains on Hughart, Matthew Henson, Hannah, and Baltimore Streets.

 

virginian

Virginian Drive 16″ Water Main. Project is still in design phase. Construction to start in Spring 2015. New replacement water main will be installed along Virginian Drive.

 

wardscorner3

Wards Corner Sewer Replacement, Phase 3. Construction along N Shore Road is now 100% complete.

 

wardscorner4

Wards Corner Sewer Replacement, Phase 4. Construction to being this winter. Construction will include new sewer mains along Little Creek, Burleigh, and Maycox.

 

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

K&K Square Holiday Event

December 8, 2014

christmasSuburban Management Group will be hosting a holiday event at K&K Square Shopping Center on December 21st from 12 noon to 3 pm.

There will be a Santa touring the property and visiting with the patrons and tenants.

In addition, a Dickens-attired holiday vocal quartet will be walking the property. The management group will also have a table set up at Starbucks to pass out coffee and cocoa to the community.

The entire Wards Corner community is invited!

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

VNG to mill and repave W. Little Creek Road

November 18, 2014

vnglogoVirginia Natural Gas has completed 8 Greater Wards Corner area pipeline  and service line replacement projects in the past 2-3 years which equates to approximately $8 million in infrastructure improvements and upgrades.

A concern was raised at the most recent Wards Corner Task Force meeting regarding the work that Virginia Natural Gas has done in the Wards Corner area which has resulted in a large number of patches in the  asphalt.  As a result the roadways, especially W. Little Creek Road, have become less than smooth for drivers.

Freda Burns, the Right of Way Administrator for the City of Norfolk, has been in negotiations with Virginia Natural Gas and their contractor, Southeast Connections (SEC), to remedy the bumpy roadways.

SEC has a bit more work to do before the roadways will be fixed.  They play to install a new gas main within the verge of W. Little Creek Road and install the 56 service lines for that same side of the street. This installation will be done between Hampton Blvd and Armfield Road.

After completion, Virginia Natural Gas’ paving contractor will mill and repave the westbound inside lane of W. Little Creek Road from Colonial Ave to Hampton Blvd.  The paving must be done in consistent 53 degree weather and therefore may be put off until March 2015, depending on the weather this winter.

Ms. Burns has requested that Virginia Natural Gas send notifications to customers about the repaving plan.

Many thanks to Freda Burns for helping resolve these issues.

Comments Off on VNG to mill and repave W. Little Creek Road | Infrastructures | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

« Previous Entries
Next Entries »