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.
Parks/Dog Parks
The Environment
Inclusivity
By 2050, Norfolk will be… (tell us what you think in as many words as you would like!)
By 2050, Norfolk will be known as a progressive city that has become nationally known for its environmental stewardship, numerous City Parks, and bike-friendly streets. By 2050 the citizens of Norfolk are enjoying their outdoor spaces/venues in great numbers. Consequently, our population is healthier. The Elizabeth River Trail has greatly expanded and many new City Parks have been added, including Lambert’s Point City Park, which has the best views of the Elizabeth River bar none. The Norfolk City Council was never more popular and highly-regarded than when they unanimously voted for Lambert’s Point City Park! The HRSD has been highly praised in all quarters, and has received several civic awards, in part because they have ceded back some of the land they acquired from the City so that the views of Lambert’s Point City Park could be so incredibly marvelous. A grateful City loves the HRSD! There are expansive dog parks where dogs have room to really run. Dog park acreage is now ample enough that over-tramped patches of dust are no longer the norm. Our dog parks are green! We have now matched other progressive cities and counties in this regard, such as Dane County, Wisconsin. Other municipalities look to innovative Norfolk as a model. We are known as a green city and have addressed our infrastructure so that flooding and sea level rise have been mitigated. Many changes large and small have assured our place as a leader in environmental stewardship. The vast majority of our citizens care deeply about the future we are leaving for our children and children’s children, so we all look for ways to do our part. Many social issues have been addressed, such as educational concerns. Our schools are healthier and stronger than ever. Summer programs are very popular. Again, we care about our children and it shows. Food deserts have become a thing of the past. Sensible gun laws are now the norm. Our marvelous police department has been rebuilt and is also stronger than ever. Because of their increased numbers, police officers had the time to dispense quality of life citations for things such as tailgating, running red lights, failure to use directional when turning, and excessive noise. Consequently, this is a significantly safer community. Road rage has significantly diminished as well. People seem to be so much happier. A few folks were sad when the Armed Forces Brewing Company closed its doors in 2025 in the Park Place neighborhood, but the vast majority of Norfolk’s citizens were more than happy to support the brewery that has been thriving in its place for the past several decades. The gay couple who own the brewery (both veterans) are model corporate citizens. HUZZAH!
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!
The national historic district of Winona should become a City historic district, so that the historical charm can be maintained.
Help with more living shorelines.
Enforcement of blatant code violations. Historic homes should not be allowed to fall into serious decay.
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!
Our water access is wonderful: the steps on Ashland, the bulkhead view on Norway, and the water view on Norway between Winona and Lafayette Shores. I would like to see more ADA compliant kayak launches.
There is an impromptu "sand box' with toys on one of our street corners. I would like to see it moved to a safer, nearby location. Perhaps there could be a sandbox in the park at 3400 Norway Place.
Norfolk definitely needs more parks. I think the land of the Lafayette Residence Park could be better used. There is a dog park and a playground. There is ample room to double the size of each. The dog park is far too small.
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!
Our neighborhood suffered from too many unmarked intersections. Now it has the reverse problem. Rather than first trying two yield signs, and then moving to two stop signs, we jumped straight to 4-way stop signs atfar too may intersections. There had been a outcry that something be done, but this was excessive/extreme.
Please install cameras at intersections and implement a ticketing system like the one in Virginia Beach. Too many people don't stop and run red lights. A few tickets could solve this problem.
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 need to increase public library hours to pre-pandemic levels. Many branch libraries are still closed on Saturdays. Many are not open past 6pm on weeknights.
I would like to see a bench or two at the Norway Place bulkhead in Winona.
We could perhaps do more to enlist master gardeners for public spaces, or to form neighborhood gardening clubs, which used to be strong in Norfolk. For example, a master gardener or gardening club could take over the two small square gardens at the water's edge on Ashland Ave.
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!
More bike paths & lanes, and expand the Elizabeth River Trail.
I've been puzzled by this ever since I moved to Norfolk: People walk in the streets even when sidewalks are present. They even do this at night when visibility is low, and they do it with children and even baby carriages. I do not know what the solution is, but sidewalks are safer than streets for pedestrians.
As you drive north on Tidewater Drive there are two entrances to 64, one east, one west. The signs are usually blocked by foliage, making this section of road very unsafe. Accidents are common.
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!
The Elizabeth River Trail should expand along the area set aside for public access at Lambert's Point City Park. That's a no-brainer. I wonder why the ERT hasn't been granted this yet.
Norfolk should revitalize and restore historic Sewells Point Golf Club for public use. See, guest article by Ed Ware, here https://www.pilotonline.com/2023/12/14/opinion-norfolk-should-tee-up-sewells-point-golf-club/
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!
The national historic district of Winona should become a City historic district, so that the historical charm can be maintained.
Other historic neighborhoods should also become legal City historic districts.
In New York City a movement to save hostoric buildings, such as Grand Central Terminal, only gained steam when Penn Station came down. Let's not lose our historical treasures.
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!
No response.
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 Lambert's Point City Park a reality! If we want more public access to the waterfront (and we do!) then what are we waiting for on this one?!
The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) should expand along the area set aside for public access at Lambert's Point City Park.
Create more living shorelines and permeable surfaces (also known as porous or pervious surfaces).
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!
The Elizabeth River Project (ERP) has been our local leader in many of these areas. I'd ask them for more partnerships.
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!
No response.
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!
No response.
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!)
By 2050, Norfolk will be known as a progressive city that has become nationally known for its environmental stewardship, numerous City Parks, and bike-friendly streets. By 2050 the citizens of Norfolk are enjoying their outdoor spaces/venues in great numbers. Consequently, our population is healthier. The Elizabeth River Trail has greatly expanded and many new City Parks have been added, including Lambert’s Point City Park, which has the best views of the Elizabeth River bar none. The Norfolk City Council was never more popular and highly-regarded than when they unanimously voted for Lambert’s Point City Park! The HRSD has been highly praised in all quarters, and has received several civic awards, in part because they have ceded back some of the land they acquired from the City so that the views of Lambert’s Point City Park could be so incredibly marvelous. A grateful City loves the HRSD! There are expansive dog parks where dogs have room to really run. Dog park acreage is now ample enough that over-tramped patches of dust are no longer the norm. Our dog parks are green! We have now matched other progressive cities and counties in this regard, such as Dane County, Wisconsin. Other municipalities look to innovative Norfolk as a model. We are known as a green city and have addressed our infrastructure so that flooding and sea level rise have been mitigated. Many changes large and small have assured our place as a leader in environmental stewardship. The vast majority of our citizens care deeply about the future we are leaving for our children and children’s children, so we all look for ways to do our part. Many social issues have been addressed, such as educational concerns. Our schools are healthier and stronger than ever. Summer programs are very popular. Again, we care about our children and it shows. Food deserts have become a thing of the past. Sensible gun laws are now the norm. Our marvelous police department has been rebuilt and is also stronger than ever. Because of their increased numbers, police officers had the time to dispense quality of life citations for things such as tailgating, running red lights, failure to use directional when turning, and excessive noise. Consequently, this is a significantly safer community. Road rage has significantly diminished as well. People seem to be so much happier. A few folks were sad when the Armed Forces Brewing Company closed its doors in 2025 in the Park Place neighborhood, but the vast majority of Norfolk’s citizens were more than happy to support the brewery that has been thriving in its place for the past several decades. The gay couple who own the brewery (both veterans) are model corporate citizens. HUZZAH!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!
No response.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!
No response.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!
No response.