April 17, 2023

I. Lelia Vann, DNCL President, called the meeting to order at 6 pm. The recording of this meeting is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2gNAhrt-QS8

II. A motion to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting was made and seconded. The minutes were approved without change.

III. Financial & Membership Report -- As of April 17, 2023, the DNCL had a balance of $1,481.88, 88 residential members, and 20 business members.

IV. Crime Report – Alan Driskell, CRO, Norfolk Police Dept. Officer Driskell reported that the crime statistics are trending downward as compared to this time in 2022. There was one robbery of a business, Towne Bank on Main Street, but the suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident.

V. Downtown Norfolk Council Report – Mary Miller reported that the DNC has begun its strategic planning process and a survey will be distributed to downtown residents as part of that process. Mary asked respondents to be thoughtful in their responses and to share the survey with neighbors who may not have received one. Rachel McCall presented information about Bike Month which will begin in May. There are 30 days of events put on by the City of Norfolk with support from DNC, HRT, Traffix, and the Elizabeth River Trail. Amy Oliver, owner of Pedego, noted that Pedego is offering downtown residents 50% off bike rentals during Bike Month. Rachel also thanked Councilwoman Courtney Doyle for her assistance with opening the ERT by the Hampton Boulevard underpass. Audrey Fussell, the DNC Ops Manager, has been working with Waste Management to address some of the issues with trash in the alleys. Additionally, the DNC Ambassadors have been keeping an eye on the unhoused population downtown so they can report issues to the Community Services Board. Lelia thanked Mary and the DNC for the after-work party DNC hosted on Thursday, April 13 at Towne Bank Park.

VI. Guest Speaker – Councilwoman Courtney Doyle. Courtney gave updates regarding economic development, transit, safety downtown, outdoor dining, and the Business Compliance Unit (BCU), the casino, and Metronet.

A. The city’s Economic Development Department made five announcements (2nd best in the state), reported 410 new jobs (2nd in the state), and reported capital investment of $29.95 million (5th best in the state).

B. In the Transit Update, Courtney noted that the Boush Street pavement marking and flashing beacon are nearing completion. She also noted that the NEON District Streetscape project is continuing with some items on schedule and others delayed due to redesign.

C. Three items have been addressed to improve safety downtown: Enhanced police patrols on Granby Street, increased patrols in city garages and parking lots to combat larcenies, and Lime scooter/e-bike operations improvements. Additionally, increased security and traffic control for cruise ships and downtown festivals will be in place.

D. New outdoor dining guidelines are being developed by the Planning Department. The BCU has a dedicated staff of five new city employees to perform inspections, inform businesses of regulations, and get them into compliance.

E. Regarding the Casino, the Tribe and the developer are creating a redesign for the city to consider.

F. Metronet is coming to the Downtown and Freemason areas in late 2023 with internet service available in May/June 2024.

VII. City Planning Commission Projects/Architecture Review Board – Preston Carraway, DNCL VP. No items were presented at this meeting.

VIII. Old/ New Business

A. Update of Micromobility Safety, Operational Challenges and Proposed Solutions. Dorian Allen/Norfolk Transportation Strategic Planner. Dorian addressed improper parking, riding, and storage of Lime scooters and e-bikes and the adjustments that have been made to address those problems. The city is also starting the RFP process to renew the city’s share/mobility contract. This RFP is an open request for bids for new vendors for the Micromobility program.

IX. Announcements

A. Introduction: Nate Sandel/Nauticus Director of Education & Public Engagement.

B. DNCL April 20 Social: Outside Hokkaido at 233 Granby Street starting at 5 pm, Thursday, April 20.

C. Downtown Norfolk Community Garden Birthday Bash: April 30 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new seating area at 12:45 pm. Food for purchase, music, and cupcakes.

D. DNCL May Zoom Meeting: Tiffany McClain and Marie Amt/HRT: Light Rail Safety. Monday, May 15 at 6pm.

E. DNCL May Social: Brother’s starting at 5 pm. Date TBD.

X. Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 pm.