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Let’s Talk Norfolk
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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?

60 registered responses


What is your zip code?

Response Percent Response Count
23502 3.3% 2
23503 8.3% 5
23504 10.0% 6
23505 13.3% 8
23507 5.0% 3
23508 11.7% 7
23509 11.7% 7
23510 3.3% 2
23513 5.0% 3
23517 10.0% 6
23518 13.3% 8
23523 1.7% 1
Other 3.3% 2

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.

Answered
58
Skipped
2

By 2050, Norfolk will be… (tell us what you think in as many words as you would like!)

Answered
54
Skipped
6

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!

Answered
54
Skipped
6

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!

Answered
52
Skipped
8

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!

Answered
55
Skipped
5

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!

Answered
50
Skipped
10

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!

Answered
49
Skipped
11

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!

Answered
50
Skipped
10

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!

Answered
46
Skipped
14

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!

Answered
42
Skipped
18

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!

Answered
48
Skipped
12

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!

Answered
47
Skipped
13

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!

Answered
44
Skipped
16

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!

Answered
41
Skipped
19
Julian Facenda in Ward 2
February 15, 2024, 6:47 PM
  • What is your zip code?
    • 23508
  • 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.
    • Neighborhoods
    • Schools
    • Historic
  • By 2050, Norfolk will be… (tell us what you think in as many words as you would like!)
    Without visionary leadership, the city is on track to be "another rust belt" city. The city has a very bad reputation for maintaining its assets (buildings, schools, streets). Ideally, Norfolk would be know as a city that provides its residents excellent neighborhoods with well maintained streets, safe sidewalks and strong code enforcement on housing and parking. Schools should be known for their academic excellence and programs that will allow students to succeed whether in college or in the trades. Norfolk needs to embrace its strong naval history and connection to NATO. The city needs to do a great deal more in preserving its historic character.
  • 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!
    • Code maintenance to include housing, parking, sidewalks and streets.
    • A historic overlay for Colonial Place and Riverview.
    • Underground utilities - they will provide better service in climate situations and significantly improve aesthetics.
  • 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!
    • Walkability.
    • Dog friendly.
    • Economically diverse.
  • 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!
    • First, repair the existing sidewalks to make them safe to walk on. I have fallen a couple of times due to uneven surfaces.
    • Ban bicycles from streets with a speed limit over 25 MPH. The typical cyclist does not maintain a speed over 25 MPH and increases hazards for walkers.
    • A fully connected, off-street network of walkways that connect adjoining neighborhoods so that bikers and walkers can traverse the city away from busy roads.
  • 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!
    • Seriously, PUBLIC ART????? Stop wasting our money. The NEON District is nothing but a joke. The focus should be place in developing the 35th Street corridor and surrounding housing with attracting artists and their families to live. This would feed into a better connection to Lafayette Park and Colley Avenue.
    • Once again the Waterside District and Town Point Park places of significant social and family based activities like it once was.
    • Move City Hall to MacArthur Mall and sell the existing property for a high-rise development to bring more people into the area.
  • 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!
    • Restore the vehicular traffic lanes that have been replaced by the seldom used, and poorly maintained bike lanes They merely add to the "rust belt city look".
    • Many Virginia localities have made public transportation free. Why not Norfolk?
    • Well thought expansion of light rail.
  • 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!
    • Ban bike lanes.
    • Create an integrated walking/biking network throughout the city
    • Improved public transportation - free.
  • 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!
    • New leadership. Hopefully visionary.
    • Maintain city property. The city was donated two historic homes that were allowed to deteriorate to a point they had to be disposed of. That's shameful!
    • Code enforcement, maintenance and placing an emphasis on historic preservation. Tearing down Maury High School should have NEVER been a consideration.
  • 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!
    • Restore and renovate Scope and Chrysler Hall.
    • Stop wasting money on the NEON district - it completely lacks any historic character. Create an Arts District along the 35th Street corridor.
    • Reduce the "industrial character" of the 26th/27th Street corridor.
  • 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!
    • You suggest "more public access to the waterfront", but you are building 10 foot high sea walls. Think about it!!
    • A fully integrated biking/walking network that easily connects all neighborhoods.
    • Create a storm water collection network.
  • 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!
    • If "living shoreline" actually work, then definitely expand.
    • Storm water collection network.
    • Identify places where earthen berms or levees will provide the most benefit.
  • 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!
    • Creating business plans and entrepreneurship opportunities is NOT the city's job. Focus on your responsibilities.
    • If you have money for grants, spend it on activities that create HOME OWNERSHIP.
    • Equitable treatment - The veterans who owned Legacy Lounge were screwed, but Armed Forces Brewing got open arms!! UNACCEPTABLE!!
  • 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!
    • Focus on clean energy jobs.
    • Focus on the port capabilities.
    • Provide transportation infrastructure to support the above.
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What is your vision for Norfolk?


Help us shape the next 25 years of Norfolk!

What are your thoughts and ideas for improvement on the following Plan Topics? Housing; Placemaking and Walkability; Mobility and Transportation; Cultural and Historic Resources; Parks and the Environment; Economic Development


Weigh in on any or all topics of interest!

Housing

Housing costs are rising nationwide, and Norfolk is no exception. Where and how could the city develop to accommodate more housing supply? What other policies might help keep residents in place and invite in new Norfolkians?


Placemaking and Walkability

Placemaking and walkability is mainly concerned with what we call “urban design” – the way our city is physically designed to make pleasant, people-oriented places.


Mobility and Transportation

Prompt: As we think about our favorite places, we need to make sure we can get to them. Mobility is not only about cars – it is the whole network for how Norfolkians get around the city to where they work, live, shop, and play. Light rail, bikes, walking, and other modes of travel help us better connect to our city and each other.


Cultural and Historic Resources

Norfolk’s historic buildings, spaces, and landmarks are part of the identity of our city. So are our artists, makers, and cultural producers! How can we best preserve and celebrate our heritage while accommodating future change?


Parks and the Environment

What can we do to combat our increasing citywide issues with flooding, and get smarter about living with water? How can we make Norfolk’s parks even better, and help our neighbors access them more easily? From the individual block, to our neighborhoods, to the whole city, let’s find ways to make sure new growth and development play well with our natural environment.


Economic Development

We don’t just live in Norfolk, we work here too! Are there ways we can think about growing the industries we have to benefit more of our neighbors? How can we make sure jobs in our city benefit those who live here, and bring economic opportunities for all? What support can we give to our entrepreneurs and small businesses?


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