Dear DNCL Members,
The end of 2008 provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to the upcoming year.
I think that the DNCL’s major accomplishment in 2008 was getting our arms around the issues that are common to residents, businesses, and visitors of Downtown Norfolk. The guest speakers and open discussions at our monthly meetings contributed greatly to the clear vision that we have as we enter 2009.
With an eye toward 2009, the Board of Directors met in November to develop a list of priorities for the upcoming year.
o Elimination (or reduction) of BID tax for residential property owners
o Installation of surveillance cameras in parking garages
o Trash collection enforcement/hours
§ Enforcement of existing collection hours (7:00 AM)
§ Later collection hours (8:00 AM M-F and 9:00 AM on weekends)
o Extend NET Bus north of Opera House to 21st Street (and through Ghent)
o Review of metered parking policies
§ Elimination of Saturday enforcement
§ Reinstitution of residential on-street parking
o Installation of bike racks throughout downtown
The above issues are the direct result of suggestions by civic league members. They have been reviewed with Councilwoman Whibley and she is committed to working with the civic league to meet our needs. To that end, progress reports for each of the above issues will be given at DNCL monthly meetings. Additionally, monthly speakers will be selected on their relevance to the membership’s priorities.
In addition to the 2009 priorities, the DNCL membership has expressed an interest in the following long-term issues:
o Construction mitigation
o “Authentification” of Granby Street
o Development plan for north of Brambleton
o Increased open/green space
o Reinvention of Waterside
o Extension of NET Bus to link downtown with Ghent and ODU
o Bike trails linking Elizabeth River Trail, Ghent, ODU, and Ocean View
o Increased public art
As your President, I am committed to ensuring that the civic league plays an increasingly active role in addressing issues that impact the residents of Downtown Norfolk. I appreciate your passion and willingness to work for a better neighborhood.
Best wishes to you and your families in 2009!
Sincerely,
Kevin R. Murphy
President