Posted on March 21, 2022

Downtown Norfolk Civic League

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/tCp5YEPQV7M 

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

III. Tina Wright, past DNCL Treasurer, provided the Financial & Membership Report. As of March 21, 2022, the DNCL had a balance of $1,102.70, 71 individual members, and 17 business members.

IV. Crime Report – Miriam Dillard, CRO, Norfolk Police Dept. Officer Dillard reported on February crime statistics. A great deal of time was devoted to addressing the fatal shooting that occurred at Chicho’s on Friday, March 18. Police Chief Boone spoke to the members noting that violent crime is down 13% year over year and that shootings are down as well. Chief Boone noted that there have been eight homicides “on the street” (as opposed to in residences) this year and that they are occurring in locations that are not expected making it difficult for the police to employ proactive measures. From 2017 through 2021, the NPD has recovered 3,885 guns. 926 of those were recovered from convicted felons but only 313 were ever reported stolen. Chief Boone suggested the shooter at Chicho’s used an illegal gun and that we will be unable to stop this until, as a community, we understand how illegal guns are getting into the wrong hands. Some of the steps the NPD intends to take to overhaul the safety of Downtown include: 1) increased police presence Downtown beginning Thursday (March 24); 2) Using drones, if approved by City Council, at large outdoor events; 3) more surveillance cameras Downtown (if approved by City Council); 4) address the workforce issues the NPD faces.

Councilwoman Courtney Doyle addressed the meeting. She would like to see: 1) a “gun-free Granby”; 2) all conditional use permits downtown reviewed for compliance, first and foremost the CUP for Chicho’s; 3) a hold on all pending CUP’s for downtown until the area feels safe and we’re comfortable with new venues; 4) current CUP’s allowing operation until 2 pm to be dialed back with all establishments closing at midnight; 5) ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) brought to the table to monitor the establishments for compliance; 6) the enlistment of all of the downtown business owners to help ensure that the community is safe.

Councilwoman Andria McClellan echoed Councilwoman Doyle’s sentiments. She added that the outdoor streateries are used after the establishments are closed and something should be done to limit this. She also wants to see a balance between making downtown safe for the residents yet welcoming for others to visit and enjoy.

V. Guest Speakers –

A. Katie Fenimore with the Virginia Arts Festival gave an update on the 25thVirginia Arts Festival which begins on March 25th. Click this link for the Virginia Arts Festival preview video: 25th Virginia Arts Festival

B. Amy Oliver gave an update on Pedego and the e-bikes they sell and rent. She offered a “rent one-get one free” deal to DNCL members good through April 30, 3-hours for 2 e-bikes just $60.

C. Ted Broody with Festevents presented information on the events planned for the 40thanniversary season.

D. Kylie Ross Siebert spoke about the Retail Alliance, a non-profit trade association for all of Hampton Roads that has been in operation since 1903.

E. Mike Anderson presented information about Wave Church. The Norfolk campus is now located on College Place.

VI. City Planning Commission Projects/Architecture Review Board – John Miller, DNCL Past VP

A. CUP: To sell Smoking/Vaping products at the CBD Shoppe. John noted that there is no change in the operation of the existing business, but the City of Norfolk is now requiring smoking/vaping establishments to get a conditional use permit.

VII. Old/ New Business

A. The Downtown Community Garden is progressing and will have a community workday, Saturday, April 23.

B. HeadWaters Resort & Casino update. Jared Chalk, the Economic Development Director presented HKS Architects, the architectural team for the HeadWaters Resort & Casino. The team presented renderings of the project.

VIII. Announcements

A. The Plot Spring Clean-up will be Saturday, April 9 from 10 am – 1 pm.

B. The next DNCL will be April 18 with Raymond Stoner, the City of Norfolk Parking Director, as the guest speaker.

IX. Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.