January 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/Q5IqGcKMzmM

II. A motion to approve the minutes from November and December 2022 meetings was made and seconded. The minutes were approved without change.

III. Financial/Membership Report—Chris Shields, DNCL Treasurer, reported that as of January 17, 2023, the DNCL had a balance of $1,251.88, 65 individual members, and 14 business members.

IV. Crime Report – Alan Driskell, CRO, Norfolk Police Dept. Larcenies from auto trended downward in December and are still down so far in January. The Granby Street patrol units have been reduced now that the weather has gotten colder and street activity has been reduced.

V. DNC – Mary Miller, President & CEO.

A. DNC Ops Report –Mary Miller presented the DNC Operations report in Audrey’s absence. In a response to a comment about some of the homeless people becoming more aggressive than in the past, Mary noted that the DNC staff work very closely with the Community Services Board and their Homeless Outreach staff.

VI. Guest Speaker – Raymond Stoner, Norfolk Parking Director

A. In response to the increase in property crimes in parking facilities the Parking Division is providing the following enhancements:

1. Providing additional security personnel (Norfolk Sheriff Deputies, roving security patrols, NPD officers, and a new Director of Security in the City)
2. Cameras in all garages. The replacement program was completed earlier this month.
3. Re-lamping the garages with LED lamps. This project will be complete in fiscal year 2024/25.
4. Security Doors are being installed in the Fountain Park garage as a demonstration of this type of security.

B. There is also going to be a new parking solution with three parking platforms. One is LPR, license plate recognition which is in the rollout phase currently. Another is TIBA parking equipment that is used in the garages. This equipment is being installed beginning in February. And lastly a new citation/collection services vendor is coming online.

VII. City Planning Commission Projects/ARB –Preston Carraway, DNCL VP.

A. CUP: Renewal for Brothers Chops, Seafood, and Spirits located at 300 Monticello Avenue (the old Texas de Brazil location) presented by Tony Brothers/Owner.

B. CUP: Renewal for Commune restaurant located at 759 Granby Street presented by Willson Craigie/Owner-Manager.

C. CUP: Legacy Restaurant and Lounge located at 216 E. Plume Street. Restaurant with on and off-premises alcohol sales presented by Crysta Hoyle/Manager and Warren Alvodon/Owner.

D. ARB: Signage for Dong Tay Restaurant located at 435 Monticello Avenue.

E. ARB: Exterior renovations for building located at 127 Bank Street presented by Albert Falk/President, Craft Construction

F. Downtown CUP/Enforcement Status:

1. Culture Lounge and Restaurant has released their space and will not be returning to the NEON District
2. Legacy Lounge is now applying for a CUP as a restaurant with off-premises alcohol sales.
3. Scotty Quixx filed a suit against the city for damage. A jury trial is scheduled for August 2023.
4. California Burrito filed an appeal with Circuit court in October but dropped their suit in December 2022
5. Caior Bistro and Social: Their initial CUP expired and their renewal was not approved by City council due to several non-compliance issues.

VIII. Old/New Business

A. Norfolk 2050 Planning Working Groups: Live NFK, Connect NFK, Green NFK, Build NFK. These working groups are on hold until the City hires a manager for this effort.

B. DNCL 2022 Priorities: Thanks to City Council, City Leaders, and DNC for all of their efforts in helping DNCL address our priorities.

C. DNCL 2023 Priorities. Lelia will be meeting with individual members to prepare the 2023 priorities.

IX. Announcements

A. DNCL January Social: Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub on Tuesday, January 24th, starting at 5 pm.

B. DNCL February Zoom Meeting – Tuesday, February 21 at 6 pm. Guest speaker Dorian Allen/Norfolk Transportation Strategic Planner w/emphasis on the Lime Scooter Program.

C. DNCL February Social: Big Easy aka Norfolk Seaford Co. on Wednesday, February 22nd starting at 5 pm.

D. DNCL Social in April will be at Brother’s new location in MacArthur Center. Date TBD.

X. Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.