Help us shape the next 25 years of Norfolk! What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Norfolk? What are your thoughts and ideas for improvement on specific Plan Topics?
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Norfolk? What would you like Norfolk to be known for? In one to three words, tell us what you envision for the future.
livability
racial equity
waterways
By 2050, Norfolk will be… (tell us what you think in as many words as you would like!)
Norfolk is, in my opinion, the heart of Hampton Roads. In 2050, I hope that we have grown and addressed the challenges facing us and have become one of the South's treasured coastal cities like Charleston or Savannah. I hope we have met the challenges of sea level rise by building infrastructure that works with the changing natural world and climate rather than trying to fight it (the Elizabeth River Project's Resilience Lab is a good start). By 2050, I would like us to be a model for racial equity, having worked through the city's historical injustices to become a place where all of our residents are given the opportunity to thrive (The Urban Renewal Center is doing some of this work.). I hope that we continue to accentuate what makes us distinctive—our warm people, our waterways, our livable climate, opportunities for education and culture—and worry a bit less about trying to emulate Baltimore or Brooklyn or following expensive trends from larger cities that aren’t a good fit for the people who live here.
1. What are your top priorities for housing in your neighborhood in the next 10 years? For example, climate resilient housing; resilient utility assistance; zoning changes to allow granny flats; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Fewer McMansions and greater attention to land use
Climate resilient housing and property--We have a flooding problem. If we keep allowing developers to cut down old trees, do we think that's going to improve the situation? A full grown oak tree can drink anywhere from 50 to 100 gallons of water per day.
Introduce rent stabilization laws. See https://www.nyc.gov/site/mayorspeu/programs/rent-stabilization.page .
2. What is something in your neighborhood that you are proud of, and you would like to see more of in Norfolk? For example, great neighborhood parks; walkability; a very active community; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
bike lanes and walkability
trees and green spaces
access to the river
1. What do we need to add to our streets to make them safer and more walkable? For example, more street trees for shade; more transit options closer to where people live; traffic calming at key intersections; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Better maintained sidewalks--some end suddenly, others are cracked and/or obstructed (see Tidewater Drive)
I'm not keen on this suggestion, but I think more robust traffic ticketing is in order. Drivers--at least on the western side of the city--are jerks who do not share the road well. I walk and ride my bike a lot, and I regularly feel threatened by SUVs. And that includes bike routes like Colley Avenue.
2. What improvements do you think will make Norfolk more pleasant and people-oriented, place to walk around, gather with your neighbors? For example, more meaningful public art on the streets, more youth-oriented spaces, neighborhoods with local retail & services, etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
We really need to address the gun violence in this city.
We also need to share resources more evenly. There are some neighborhoods that are food deserts and lack anchor stores. If there were not dead zones and shabby parking lots, I think some of the gathering would happen organically.
1. Thinking on improvements that can be implemented within the next 10 years, what would help you get around Norfolk and your neighborhood better? For example, improved bus routes and frequency; more incentives for carpooling; safer pedestrian connections; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Please finish the construction on the streets and sidewalks in the new Railroad District. I used to travel by bike to Ghent via the Elizabeth River Trail but have stopped doing so because the area is such a mess.
I know it's a huge expense, but I'd really like to see the Tide extended to the base. My grandmother travelled downtown from Lochhaven by streetcar before WW2, and I think bringing back a tram option would help traffic flow.
2. By 2050, what improvements could help Norfolk become more connected, more walkable, and safer for all users? Where specifically could these projects go? For example, protected bike lanes in certain areas; additional trails; extend the light rail; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Keep working on the bike lanes on Granby Street
As stated above, please extend the Tide.
Add better marked pedestrian crossings on busy streets like Hampton Blvd (e.g. near the hospital and the base).
1. In the next 5 years, how can Norfolk better leverage its cultural and historic assets? For example, showcase Norfolk history; preserve unique neighborhood identities; creative activities for children and teenagers; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
I'd like to see more public information--signage, walking guides--about local history, folklore, natural history, etc. beyond the well-documented history that has to do with the city's early years.
Obviously the old Military Circle site is a major blank space at the moment. I’d be in favor of making the area walkable, similar to what Virginia Beach has done with Town Center and include a modest performing arts venue and/or cinemas in the area as well as sports and wellness.
2. How can we build more opportunities for Norfolk’s artists, makers, and cultural producers into the physical environment of the city? For example, integrate public art into our streets; revitalize historic performing venues & make them affordable, create tours; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Honestly, I say this as a writer who's from Norfolk but lived in NY and LA, if you want to help artists, one of the main things you need to do to attract us is offer affordable housing. Few people can afford to make art these days, because most people are trying to make rent.
The outdoor space in the NEON District is under utilized. I'd like to see more events there.
I'd also like to see more Norfolk Arts funding directed at specific neighborhoods that don't get a lot of arts attention. The Asphalt Arts Initiative murals were a great start. More of this, please.
1. What are some improvements or initiatives that might make Norfolk greener and more sustainable? For example, more public access to the waterfront; expansion of the trail network; more nature-based infrastructure; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Make sure new developments have walkable areas. Encourage walking by offering conveniences--like 7/11s or coffee shops or dry cleaners--within walking distance. It's nice to not have to get in the car to go somewhere.
Plant more trees and shrubs, but make sure the plants are native to our area (not Northern Virginia, not the Northeast) in order to improve our ecosystem. Here's a place to start: https://www.plantvirginianatives.org/plant-southeast-virginia-natives.
2. What are your thoughts on how we can work towards a more resilient Norfolk by 2050? For example, restore living shorelines; improve drainage systems; create stormwater parks; etc.
Give us three ideas!
more permeable pavement
more living shorelines
more native plants
1. How can we better support Norfolk’s entrepreneurs and small businesses in the next 5 years? For example, provide support creating business plans; create entrepreneurship opportunities for young professionals; provide grants to assist small businesses; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
Affordable rent for offices and coworking spaces would be a plus.
2. How can we grow healthy industries that provide jobs to Norfolkians? For example, create mixed-use developments on existing brownfield land; bring transit to target areas; attract businesses that provide specialized training within the first year of hiring; etc.
Give us up to three ideas!
We seem to have a lot of talented musicians in this area. How about creating a recording studio with opportunities for artists and also training programs for recording engineers and sound technicians?
Let’s Talk Norfolk is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Let’s Talk Norfolk is voluntary. The responses in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
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What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Norfolk? What would you like Norfolk to be known for? In one to three words, tell us what you envision for the future.
By 2050, Norfolk will be… (tell us what you think in as many words as you would like!)
Norfolk is, in my opinion, the heart of Hampton Roads. In 2050, I hope that we have grown and addressed the challenges facing us and have become one of the South's treasured coastal cities like Charleston or Savannah. I hope we have met the challenges of sea level rise by building infrastructure that works with the changing natural world and climate rather than trying to fight it (the Elizabeth River Project's Resilience Lab is a good start). By 2050, I would like us to be a model for racial equity, having worked through the city's historical injustices to become a place where all of our residents are given the opportunity to thrive (The Urban Renewal Center is doing some of this work.). I hope that we continue to accentuate what makes us distinctive—our warm people, our waterways, our livable climate, opportunities for education and culture—and worry a bit less about trying to emulate Baltimore or Brooklyn or following expensive trends from larger cities that aren’t a good fit for the people who live here.1. What are your top priorities for housing in your neighborhood in the next 10 years? For example, climate resilient housing; resilient utility assistance; zoning changes to allow granny flats; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. What is something in your neighborhood that you are proud of, and you would like to see more of in Norfolk? For example, great neighborhood parks; walkability; a very active community; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
1. What do we need to add to our streets to make them safer and more walkable? For example, more street trees for shade; more transit options closer to where people live; traffic calming at key intersections; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. What improvements do you think will make Norfolk more pleasant and people-oriented, place to walk around, gather with your neighbors? For example, more meaningful public art on the streets, more youth-oriented spaces, neighborhoods with local retail & services, etc. Give us up to three ideas!
1. Thinking on improvements that can be implemented within the next 10 years, what would help you get around Norfolk and your neighborhood better? For example, improved bus routes and frequency; more incentives for carpooling; safer pedestrian connections; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. By 2050, what improvements could help Norfolk become more connected, more walkable, and safer for all users? Where specifically could these projects go? For example, protected bike lanes in certain areas; additional trails; extend the light rail; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
1. In the next 5 years, how can Norfolk better leverage its cultural and historic assets? For example, showcase Norfolk history; preserve unique neighborhood identities; creative activities for children and teenagers; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. How can we build more opportunities for Norfolk’s artists, makers, and cultural producers into the physical environment of the city? For example, integrate public art into our streets; revitalize historic performing venues & make them affordable, create tours; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
1. What are some improvements or initiatives that might make Norfolk greener and more sustainable? For example, more public access to the waterfront; expansion of the trail network; more nature-based infrastructure; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. What are your thoughts on how we can work towards a more resilient Norfolk by 2050? For example, restore living shorelines; improve drainage systems; create stormwater parks; etc. Give us three ideas!
1. How can we better support Norfolk’s entrepreneurs and small businesses in the next 5 years? For example, provide support creating business plans; create entrepreneurship opportunities for young professionals; provide grants to assist small businesses; etc. Give us up to three ideas!
2. How can we grow healthy industries that provide jobs to Norfolkians? For example, create mixed-use developments on existing brownfield land; bring transit to target areas; attract businesses that provide specialized training within the first year of hiring; etc. Give us up to three ideas!