Mobilization and construction for the HRSD Ghent Area Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project will begin within the next two weeks. Details follow.
Westover Avenue near Colonial Avenue
The contractor will place dewatering systems in advance of performing a trenchless crossing on Westover Avenue at Colonial Avenue. This will require closure of Westover to through traffic on both sides of the intersection but the Westover/Colonial Avenue intersection will remain completely open throughout. This work will take 14 work days to complete, weather permitting. Crews will work from sunup to sundown Monday through Friday only. Crews will not work on the weekends, since parking is adversely affected in this area.
Westover Avenue between Llewellyn Avenue and Granby Street
The contractor will also begin work on Westover Avenue between Llewellyn Avenue and Granby Street. This work will take 14-30 work days to complete, weather permitting. Crews will work from sunup to sundown Monday through Friday and some Saturdays since parking is not adversely affected in this area.
City Staff for the project are:
Public Works/Right-of-Way (24-hour construction and stakeholder concerns) – Inspector, Tammy Gillikin, 621-6454; Supervisor, Herb King, 635-4514; 24-hour construction hotline 664-7220
Norfolk Utilities – Inspector, Michael Gillikin, 646-2835; Engineering, Chad Edralin, 664-6736
HRSD Project Update February 2012
Posted in Announcements | Leave a Comment »
The city of Norfolk is looking for residential input for the PlaNorfolk 2030. Please click on the following link PlaNorfolk 2030 Comments
Posted in Announcements | Leave a Comment »
The attached letter is GNL’s submission to Planning Commission regarding an additional 7-11 to be allowed the special exceptions to have 24 hr retail and alcohol sales. This is in addition to the recent converted convenience store located at Monticello & Princess Anne.
On two occasion representatives of the 7-Eleven Corporation presented their proposal to establish a new store on the corner of Granby Street and 21st Street in the Ghent neighborhood. At both presentations the plan was met with overwhelming opposition from the community. Objections by the resident’s revolve around two basic issues: 1) concerns over operations at existing locations within the neighborhood and how that may predict what to expect from a new addition; and 2) a basic belief that the neighborhood is already saturated with 24-hour type convenience stores and the addition of one more is not in keeping with the character of this historic neighborhood.
The most frequent complaint from residents was over the persistent loitering, pan-handling and the general harassment often experienced on and around the current stores. Whether alcohol or homeless related is not the issue, but rather the failure of the stores to maintain a safe environment supportive of their neighbors. It was not until the current 7-Eleven proposal met with neighborhood resistance that there was an effort on 7-Eleven’s part to attempt to address these issues. While 7-Eleven’s corporate representatives now say they “are going to resolve those issues”, they have a long history of failing to provide the kind of environment appropriate for a neighborhood such as Ghent.
The addition of one more 24-hour a day convenience store offering the sale of alcohol for off-premise consumption is another neighborhood concern. The location of alcohol sales should take into account both the number of existing licenses and the proximity to schools and community services. As can be seen in the figure below pulled from the 7-Eleven website, there are seven stores located within an approximate 1 mile radius of the center of the Ghent neighborhood and the proposed store location.
Ghent Area 7-Eleven Locations
In addition, there is an elementary school, a high school, a daycare, a halfway house, Salvation Army Shelter and other social services all within a couple blocks of the proposed location.
Based on the history of activity on and around existing stores and the general lack of action by store employees, managers and owners, there is no reason to believe they will act any better in the future as good neighbors. Residents’ made it clear that they have grave concerns over the possible negative impact to the character and safety of the Ghent neighborhood. As such, we have asked that the Planning Commission recommend denial of the two requested special exceptions.
Posted in Announcements, Zoning & City Planning | Leave a Comment »
On Saturday, 28 April 2012, the City of Portsmouth will host the Historic Home Improvement Show at I.C. Norcom High School from 10 am until 2 pm. For additional vendor and attendee innformation please see the attached flyers.
Historic Home Improvement Show Historic Home Show – Vendor’s Flyer
Posted in Announcements | Leave a Comment »
The minutes of the January 2012 GNL monthly meeting were approved at the February meeting and are posted below.
Posted in Meetings, Minutes | Leave a Comment »
For information on efforts regarding homelessness issues in and around Ghent or to request aide for individuals or families please contact Sarah Fuller from the City of Norfolk, Office to end Homelessness: (757) 664-4488, homelessness@norfolk.gov. The link to the city’s homelessness webpage is located in the right column under “Ghent Resources.” Report any criminal behavior to the police.
Posted in Announcements, Neighborhood Safety | Leave a Comment »
The 800 and 900 blocks of Brandon Ave are closed to through traffic for a short time. You can still drive on Core Ave.
A electrical transformer was leaking fluids. Dominion Power are on-site to make repairs and an Emergency Response Team is waiting for the clean-up.
Please avoid the area if possible and remember you can still pass through on Core Ave.
Posted in Announcements | Leave a Comment »
