Home invasion in Denby Park

June 9, 2015

299661While the City has made great strides in Denby Park by purchasing some of the substandard housing and tearing it down, there continues to be a criminal element plaguing that neighborhood.  This is why Wards Corner Now and the Wards Corner Task Force continue to support the implementation of the Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan which calls for the acquisition and demolition of the undesirable housing and the replacement thereof with a mixed use development, making use of the Uptown Norfolk concept.

According to the Virginian-Pilot, on June 9, 2015:

Two men burst into a home this morning in the 300 block of E. Little Creek Road and stole a man’s vehicle and other items.

The home invasion was reported at 4 a.m., a police news release says.

The resident suffered minor injuries and was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The man’s vehicle is described as a 2002 gray Chevrolet Trail Blazer with Ohio license plates.

No description was given of the two robbers.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Robbery Division at 664-7032, or Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Wards Corner is “A neighborhood rediscovering its pride”

July 31, 2012

Michelle Washington, an editorial writer for the Virginian-Pilot and a Wards Corner resident, wrote an opinion piece about the renovation and rejuvenation of Wards Corner entitled “A neighborhood rediscovering its pride”.

The article can be read in its entirety at the Virginian-Pilot website.

The article mentions the renovations to the shopping center at the northeast corner of Wards Corner, the demolition of the old A.J. Gators, the new Mexican restaurant moving into the old Bobbywood location (Guads @ Granby Street), the arts center at Norfolk Collegiate under construction, and area sewer upgrades as reasons to celebrate the revival of Wards Corner.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

VP Editorial on Wards Corner

January 20, 2012

Michelle Washington, a reporter and editorial writer for the Virginian-Pilot and apparently a resident of Wards Corner, wrote an editorial in today’s edition of the paper about Wards Corner.  The article can be read here.

Selected portions:

Once again, we are all, old residents and new, eyeing the future of Wards Corner with hope.

The city’s confirmation last week that developer Chris Perry would bring a new $18 million Harris Teeter to the southeast corner of the intersection brought me wild imaginings of what else the development might draw. Perhaps excitement about a grocery store is merely a strong indicator of how much time I spend at the grocery store. It could also be an indication that folks nearby will support not only an upscale grocery store like HT, but a number of other restaurants, bars and retailers that would benefit from the foot traffic generated by a supermarket.

Instead of a string of disappointments, Wards Corner residents have recently witnessed a series of victories. Last summer the city bought seven apartment buildings in Denby Park, an area that has long struggled with blight and crime. Norfolk Collegiate School is constructing an $8.5 million arts center on Granby Street just blocks from Little Creek Road.

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Posted by Martin Thomas Jr.

Virginian-Pilot’s Editorial page pushes WC revitalization

August 22, 2011

The article is here.

Notable quotes:

The city found a way to accomplish what it intended for Denby Park, even without eminent domain powers: It negotiated with property owners to buy derelict apartments so it could tear them down.

Wards Corner residents hailed the move as the beginning of change. That’s what it is: a beginning. If tearing down the Denby apartments helps reduce crime, that also removes one more obstacle to investment.

Residents should keep up the pressure on current property owners to improve their buildings, especially in the neighborhood’s commercial core. So should city officials.

Wards Corner’s future depends on using the momentum created by the purchase of Denby Park to accelerate improvement. Don’t coast now and squander that opportunity.

 

1 Comment | The Greater Wards Corner Comprehensive Plan, Wards Corner Business District | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Wards Corner

Wards Corner’s own The Pancake House featured in VP article

June 20, 2011
The Pancake House

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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Posted by Wards Corner

Police looking for Denby Park resident, Mario “Rio” Fox, in connection with Timothy Drive shooting

November 29, 2010

 

Mario "Rio" Fox, image from WAVY.com

Mario "Rio" Fox, image from WAVY.com

Per the Virginian-Pilot:

 

City police are looking for a 26-year-old man in connection with a shooting Nov. 4 in the 500 block of Timothy Drive.

They have a pending warrant for the arrest of Mario “Rio” Fox on charges of robbery, armed burglary, aggravated assault and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Fox is black, 6 feet 4 inches tall and 215 pounds, with long dreadlocks.   Police said he is often seen around his residence on San Antonio Boulevard, along with East Bayview Boulevard and Ben Moreell housing.   He should be considered armed and dangerous, police say.

Anyone with information about Fox is asked to call the Norfolk Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887).

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Posted by Wards Corner

Wards Corner Barber Shop featured

March 22, 2010
15 Barbers

15 Barbers, Courtesy Cindy Clayton- Hamptonroads.tv

The Virginian-Pilot has done a feature on the Wards Corner barber shop, 15 Barbers,  titled “Where were the good old days? They were here at Wards Corner Barber Shop“.

Barber Reggie Minnix worked at the shop for 20 years and owned it for the last 10. Minnix died last summer and left the shop to his children. His son, Dean Minnix, a land surveyor, and daughter, Stephanie Thornton, hope to sell the business to an entrepreneurial barber, like their father.

“Our biggest desire is that it remains a barber shop,” Minnix said. “We want it to keep the nostalgia it currently has.”

Minnix said he has a prospective buyer and is hopeful the business will remain.

A video is also posted here at hamptonroads.tv.

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Posted by Wards Corner

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