Norfolk Off-Topic

[Norf Native]

Any updates from the State of the City address?

[BFG]

Mayor Alexander hasn’t spoken yet.

[mintscraft56]

Well? What did Norfolk have to offer in the State of the City address? Im still not able to see it but I hope its good. I also hope its realistic and does not project false hopes.

[Norva757]

4 hours ago, mintscraft56 said:

Well? What did Norfolk have to offer in the State of the City address? Im still not able to see it but I hope its good. I also hope its realistic and does not project false hopes.

I wouldn't expect much....what ever was being projected will either be shot down or watered down

[BFG]

I attended; the projects mentioned were pretty lowkey this year. Off the top of my head:

• Mayor Alexander spoke at length about addressing crime, as well as more cameras downtown. The city also implemented a gun buyback program, which the Mayor wants to continue.
• He talked about resilience plans and the facility opening on Colley Ave., I believe next year.
• Nothing we don't already know about SPQ, although mentioning that Bruce Smith is behind the new apartments across from the Scope got a big cheer.
• Mayor Alexander spoke vaguely about Military Circle, but didn't go into detail.
• Thanks to a budget surplus, Mayor proposed putting $700M into schools over the next 30 years. He said the revenue would come from the new casino and not from tax increases. Speaking of the casino...
• Norfolk plans to break ground on Headwaters this summer, and it should take two years. No word on a temporary casino inside the old boxing gym at Harbor Park.

Hopefully I didn't forget anything, but that's the Cliff's Notes.

[BFG]

Here's an article from the Pilot. I left out the mention of WR Systems - a military contractor - expanding with hundreds of new jobs.

On the travel side, Mayor Alexander also talked about Breeze Airlines and the new routes to L.A. and Vegas. Nothing about international travel. He also mentioned the new Carnival and (I think) Norwegian cruises from Half Moone.

https://www.pilotonline.com/cities/norfolk/vp-nw-norfolk-state-of-the-city-0407-20220407-56aul7e2n5hglhboyb6fm3yooy-story.html

[mintscraft56]

Hmm, not much. At least its realistic for what ever our city is trying to reach for.

[BFG]

I’m ok with it being lowkey. Tired of getting my hopes up for pie in the sky projects that any other city would’ve completed without any issue. Make it happen and then surprise us. 

[mintscraft56]

19 minutes ago, BFG said:

I’m ok with it being lowkey. Tired of getting my hopes up for pie in the sky projects that any other city would’ve completed without any issue. Make it happen and then surprise us. 

Is there a particular reason to why Norfolk has such a hard time with big projects and even is ok with watered down versions or what we know it as the "bait and switch"?

Edited April 8, 2022 by mintscraft56

[BFG]

There was an article a while ago that said out-of-town developers don't take Hampton Roads seriously as a market. I imagine that plays into it, but leadership around here seems to be okay with just the status quo. No one wants to really take a chance on anything.

[mintscraft56]

On 4/8/2022 at 3:05 PM, BFG said:

There was an article a while ago that said out-of-town developers don't take Hampton Roads seriously as a market. I imagine that plays into it, but leadership around here seems to be okay with just the status quo. No one wants to really take a chance on anything.

A friend over the weekend met up with me, we talked alot about the company he works for and he mentioned alot about how developers look for booming populations, booming economy, and booming interest. Honestly Norfolk and our metro has almost none of that however interest in our area is on a slow rise. Richmond metro area was projected to surpass ours in the coming years if we keep on track with what we are doing now. So I can see why we are not in a big developers scope of where to build and expand. Its unfortunate but true. But its only true for the moment as anything can change.

[BFG]

The biggest problem is this area depends heavily on the military for the economy. And with Biden approving more money for defense, it's easy to understand why. But it's an age-old tale and we need to embrace other fields to keep the younger generation here. I think the flood resilience planning and fiber ring could help attract more tech companies.

ORF not offering too many direct routes is why we lost Norfolk Southern, so hopefully Breeze having a hub here is a start.

[varider]

I don’t think NS left because of lack of flights. I think NS left because Norfolk is Norfolk and Atlanta is Atlanta. Better city, more incentives, stronger and more diverse labor pool, more corporate and community partners, etc. We will never be able to compete with ATL. The Sun Belt continues to explode with growth, and we need to find a way to change perceptions and market this region as pro-business and pro-growth. The same effort and energy and resources that are put into support of the military, need to be put into our local companies and any businesses that choose to relocate here. We seem to have momentum when it comes to industrial space, activity at the port, and offshore wind, but that’s really just more of the same old 757 blue collar economy that is great for stability and preservation of status quo, but doesn’t do much of anything for the growth  of our city or to shift attitudes or develop a sense that Norfolk can maintain some sort of corporate presence. We need to find a way to ensure that the next time a Fortune 500 company raises its flag over our Main St, we will be able to grow and retain them here.

“the railroad company is heavily emphasizing technology to increase efficiency on its path to greater freight rail market share, and moving to Atlanta gives it ready access to the city's pool of tech talent” 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2021/11/03/norfolk-southern-moves-into-new-headquarters.html
https://saportareport.com/norfolk-southerns-jim-squires-atlanta-had-a-positive-vibe-for-me/sections/reports/maria_saporta/amp/

Edited April 11, 2022 by varider

[varider]

*double posted 

Edited April 11, 2022 by varider

[varider]

This article discussing Greenville, SC transformation into a mini tech hub describes perfectly how I feel we should be thinking about Norfolk.

“Some elements of Greenville’s transformation aren’t easy to replicate, including decades of political commitment to creating a community that’s appealing to college graduates and high-skilled workers. The city also has access to technology and research talent from nearby Clemson University and state-of-the-art manufacturing plants turning out Michelin tires and BMWs”

“Greenville has excelled at creating an appealing—and walkable—commercial district. The scenic riverfront features a park bordered by a mixed-use development, a waterfall, and a pedestrian bridge.”

“State and local entities have been willing to encourage such efforts, with the goal of creating what economists call innovation clusters.”

“Early stage companies in Greenville can also seek funding from VentureSouth, the local group Pancoast spoke to at the country club. Its 230 angel investors in North and South Carolina have funneled $28 million to 61 companies”

“While pundits focus on the importance of upgrading workforce skills, kick-starting a cycle of wealth-building by attracting and retaining new businesses is a multipronged effort.”

[Norva757]

3 hours ago, varider said:

I don’t think NS left because of lack of flights. I think NS left because Norfolk is Norfolk and Atlanta is Atlanta. Better city, more incentives, stronger and more diverse labor pool, more corporate and community partners, etc. We will never be able to compete with ATL. The Sun Belt continues to explode with growth, and we need to find a way to change perceptions and market this region as pro-business and pro-growth. The same effort and energy and resources that are put into support of the military, need to be put into our local companies and any businesses that choose to relocate here. We seem to have momentum when it comes to industrial space, activity at the port, and offshore wind, but that’s really just more of the same old 757 blue collar economy that is great for stability and preservation of status quo, but doesn’t do much of anything for the growth  of our city or to shift attitudes or develop a sense that Norfolk can maintain some sort of corporate presence. We need to find a way to ensure that the next time a Fortune 500 company raises its flag over our Main St, we will be able to grow and retain them here.

“the railroad company is heavily emphasizing technology to increase efficiency on its path to greater freight rail market share, and moving to Atlanta gives it ready access to the city's pool of tech talent” 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2021/11/03/norfolk-southern-moves-into-new-headquarters.html
https://saportareport.com/norfolk-southerns-jim-squires-atlanta-had-a-positive-vibe-for-me/sections/reports/maria_saporta/amp/

having being a former employee, they stated that ATL airport was a major reasoning for their move because of direct flights. I also believe that at the time most of the people running the show were from the ATL region and wanted it there. Also the stocks jumped after hearing about the move. They also stated that the talent pool was higher in ATL with the major schools in the region as well

[mintscraft56]

Good news, Norfolk is getting thousands of visitors this week and this summer. About half the cities population in tourist is expected to visit Downtown via cruise terminal. https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/thousands-of-visitors-norfolk-cruise-calls/291-206b9236-375b-4f6c-8b54-8db959164e37

[Kevin Cheph Randall]

7 hours ago, varider said:

I don’t think NS left because of lack of flights. I think NS left because Norfolk is Norfolk and Atlanta is Atlanta. Better city, more incentives, stronger and more diverse labor pool, more corporate and community partners, etc. We will never be able to compete with ATL. The Sun Belt continues to explode with growth, and we need to find a way to change perceptions and market this region as pro-business and pro-growth. The same effort and energy and resources that are put into support of the military, need to be put into our local companies and any businesses that choose to relocate here. We seem to have momentum when it comes to industrial space, activity at the port, and offshore wind, but that’s really just more of the same old 757 blue collar economy that is great for stability and preservation of status quo, but doesn’t do much of anything for the growth  of our city or to shift attitudes or develop a sense that Norfolk can maintain some sort of corporate presence. We need to find a way to ensure that the next time a Fortune 500 company raises its flag over our Main St, we will be able to grow and retain them here.

“the railroad company is heavily emphasizing technology to increase efficiency on its path to greater freight rail market share, and moving to Atlanta gives it ready access to the city's pool of tech talent” 

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2021/11/03/norfolk-southern-moves-into-new-headquarters.html
https://saportareport.com/norfolk-southerns-jim-squires-atlanta-had-a-positive-vibe-for-me/sections/reports/maria_saporta/amp/

I agree with this 100% but Norfolk can't do it alone and that's my biggest gripe with VA Beach and Chesapeake. Those are the cities with the land the money and they do little to nothing  to attract businesses into the area. This area absolutely depends and prey upon Norfolk and Portsmouth willingness for industrial, naval, and port buisness. Its's ridiculous and all the while the two smallest cities with the largest tax burden have to shoulder an unfair amount of economic activity including tolls. While the 2 largest cities reap the benefits of homing the blue collar work force, collection taxes on businesses and industries those respective cities don't want!!! That's why the Hampton Roads has been doomed since the 60s, when these large cities started to appear. ATL doesn't have to compete with it's border counties, they understand that Atlanta is the primary city. Around here in Hampton Roads, VA Beach believe it's the primary city and that's where the biggest problem lie. VA Beach  doesn't have anything that would make it a primary city they depend on Norfolk to still be the driving force to bringing business and people to the area. 

So honestly speaking if Hampton Roads wants to move forward our larger cities need to do more or just support Norfolk fully because it is the true primary city. And obviously population doesn't matter because VA Beach is just as large population wise as ATL (the city) but can not compete in any way. 

Annexation laws in VA literally poisoned this area and continue to do so. I'll point to both Norva and Richmond for example those areas are exploding. Norva counties and cities aren't competing but complementing each other. The same is happening in Richmond and that area has potential to surpass HR very soon. If our elected officials can't come together and do what's right by HR I'm afraid it's little to no hope for the area. 

[Kevin Cheph Randall]

Sorry for the rant also cities like Greenville and other Sunbelt cities aren't held down or in competition with any other city locally. I'm sure the county and cities are in lock step and understand how one hand washes the other.

Norfolk a city of only 55 square miles still houses the International Airport???? The airport doesn't even have the land it need to become a major airport someday and no area anywhere can have success without a very large and very busy airport. That is just another example of Norfolk expected too or totally footing the bill for South Hampton Roads.

It's issues like these that let you know Hampton Roads has a very long way to go. A LOOONNG way lol. 

In our current state I think Hampton Roads has reached its maximum potential, now the real question becomes how do we exceed that, and those questions aren't even on the table yet....

 

[brikkman]

4 hours ago, Kevin Cheph Randall said:

Sorry for the rant also cities like Greenville and other Sunbelt cities aren't held down or in competition with any other city locally. I'm sure the county and cities are in lock step and understand how one hand washes the other.

Norfolk a city of only 55 square miles still houses the International Airport???? The airport doesn't even have the land it need to become a major airport someday and no area anywhere can have success without a very large and very busy airport. That is just another example of Norfolk expected too or totally footing the bill for South Hampton Roads.

It's issues like these that let you know Hampton Roads has a very long way to go. A LOOONNG way lol. 

In our current state I think Hampton Roads has reached its maximum potential, now the real question becomes how do we exceed that, and those questions aren't even on the table yet....

 

Maximum potential? Not by a long shot, but it should be way better than and further along than it is, that's for sure. I'm not sure if an airport plays that big of a deal, rather a measure of how well a metro is doing. It's not like if you drop a bigger airport into the area we would experience a boom. In fact, I would argue the fact we have the highest concentration of military on the "PLANET" states we should be better. Twisting that statement a little more, I believe that is the reason why the metro isn't further along.

Boy the questions....

[mintscraft56]

5 hours ago, Kevin Cheph Randall said:

I agree with this 100% but Norfolk can't do it alone and that's my biggest gripe with VA Beach and Chesapeake. Those are the cities with the land the money and they do little to nothing  to attract businesses into the area. This area absolutely depends and prey upon Norfolk and Portsmouth willingness for industrial, naval, and port buisness. Its's ridiculous and all the while the two smallest cities with the largest tax burden have to shoulder an unfair amount of economic activity including tolls. While the 2 largest cities reap the benefits of homing the blue collar work force, collection taxes on businesses and industries those respective cities don't want!!! That's why the Hampton Roads has been doomed since the 60s, when these large cities started to appear. ATL doesn't have to compete with it's border counties, they understand that Atlanta is the primary city. Around here in Hampton Roads, VA Beach believe it's the primary city and that's where the biggest problem lie. VA Beach  doesn't have anything that would make it a primary city they depend on Norfolk to still be the driving force to bringing business and people to the area. 

So honestly speaking if Hampton Roads wants to move forward our larger cities need to do more or just support Norfolk fully because it is the true primary city. And obviously population doesn't matter because VA Beach is just as large population wise as ATL (the city) but can not compete in any way. 

Annexation laws in VA literally poisoned this area and continue to do so. I'll point to both Norva and Richmond for example those areas are exploding. Norva counties and cities aren't competing but complementing each other. The same is happening in Richmond and that area has potential to surpass HR very soon. If our elected officials can't come together and do what's right by HR I'm afraid it's little to no hope for the area. 

Its not that i hate VB or Chesapeake but at the same time I wish they never existed as cities, way to kill off the Primary city. However I feel that Norfolk is bouncing back big time and its only a matter of time I would like to say before something good happens. VA annexation laws suck, and I hope Norfolk is able to somehow take land from either Chesapeake of VB because we cant just stay 55sq miles forever if we want to grow.

I also want to mention. It would be cool if we put in a borough system. All cities under the Norfolk Identity but each borough with is own culture/ mini identity such as  Brooklyn or the Bronx. 

In a more unitarian approach we should all just have the cities work together to benefit needs of the other, we would be so much better off.

Edited April 12, 2022 by mintscraft56

[varider]

https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/military-contractor-to-add-hundreds-of-jobs-in-norfolk/

“Fairfax-based military contractor WR Systems will expand its Norfolk campus, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander announced at the city’s annual State of the City address on Thursday.The Norfolk campus currently houses more than 320 employees and will add several hundred jobs, Alexander said.”

“In January, the city learned it would get $249 million in funding. The funding will be used for the design and construction of a multiphase coastal storm risk management project, that when completed, will help reduce and manage flooding for portions of the city. It will be done with storm barriers, natural and nature-based features, tidal gates, floodwalls, levees, pump stations and other measures. The total funding is now just under $400 million”

“Norfolk-based Embody, a biotech company that will invest $5 million in a 10,000-square-foot expansion and 92 new jobs, mostly in research and development, manufacturing and sales and marketing positions”

“Alexander said the $500 million Headwaters Resort & Casino is set to break ground this summer and take two years to build.”

”Another project on the horizon is CMA CGM Group’s $36 million expansion in Norfolk, creating 400 jobs”

“In October 2021, Norfolk began work on its $2.6 million cruise ship gangway at the Half Moon Conference Center, which will accommodate larger cruise ships, Alexander said. Carnival cruises will start stopping in Norfolk again in May and Norwegian Cruise Lines has 25 ports of call planned.”

“Another transportation project coming up includes the $3.7 billion passenger rail expansion, which will bring a third passenger train to Norfolk.”

“MetroNet, which will bring new internet options to the city, a $90 million investment to build a 100%  fiberoptic network that will be complete in the next few years. He also noted that Cox has $100 million of broadband network enhancements planned for the region and will start the planned work in Norfolk.”

https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/norfolk-cement-company-to-invest-37m-in-new-dome/

“Norfolk-based Titan America LLC, a producer of heavy building materials, announced last week it will construct a 70,000-ton dome in Chesapeake, a project estimated to cost $37 million.”

—————————-————

It’s laughable to say that “Norfolk has reached its full potential.” I know we all want the city and region to improve, but its not unreasonable to think that Norfolk is headed in a positive direction, slowly gaining a momentum to propel us forward to a greater place by 2025 and maybe by 2030 we will finally be one of those “it” cities with actual population growth. 

[mintscraft56]

11 hours ago, varider said:

https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/military-contractor-to-add-hundreds-of-jobs-in-norfolk/

“Fairfax-based military contractor WR Systems will expand its Norfolk campus, Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander announced at the city’s annual State of the City address on Thursday.The Norfolk campus currently houses more than 320 employees and will add several hundred jobs, Alexander said.”

“In January, the city learned it would get $249 million in funding. The funding will be used for the design and construction of a multiphase coastal storm risk management project, that when completed, will help reduce and manage flooding for portions of the city. It will be done with storm barriers, natural and nature-based features, tidal gates, floodwalls, levees, pump stations and other measures. The total funding is now just under $400 million”

“Norfolk-based Embody, a biotech company that will invest $5 million in a 10,000-square-foot expansion and 92 new jobs, mostly in research and development, manufacturing and sales and marketing positions”

“Alexander said the $500 million Headwaters Resort & Casino is set to break ground this summer and take two years to build.”

”Another project on the horizon is CMA CGM Group’s $36 million expansion in Norfolk, creating 400 jobs”

“In October 2021, Norfolk began work on its $2.6 million cruise ship gangway at the Half Moon Conference Center, which will accommodate larger cruise ships, Alexander said. Carnival cruises will start stopping in Norfolk again in May and Norwegian Cruise Lines has 25 ports of call planned.”

“Another transportation project coming up includes the $3.7 billion passenger rail expansion, which will bring a third passenger train to Norfolk.”

“MetroNet, which will bring new internet options to the city, a $90 million investment to build a 100%  fiberoptic network that will be complete in the next few years. He also noted that Cox has $100 million of broadband network enhancements planned for the region and will start the planned work in Norfolk.”

https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/norfolk-cement-company-to-invest-37m-in-new-dome/

“Norfolk-based Titan America LLC, a producer of heavy building materials, announced last week it will construct a 70,000-ton dome in Chesapeake, a project estimated to cost $37 million.”

—————————-————

It’s laughable to say that “Norfolk has reached its full potential.” I know we all want the city and region to improve, but its not unreasonable to think that Norfolk is headed in a positive direction, slowly gaining a momentum to propel us forward to a greater place by 2025 and maybe by 2030 we will finally be one of those “it” cities with actual population growth. 

All good news. Its just how many of these will happen, which of course should be a good amount of them, and when will they happen? Im hoping we see  fortune 500 company come in soon. Norfolk is definitely open for business. 

Also did Mayor Kenneth announce the official start for casino construction or did he just mean summer in general? 

[BFG]

Summer in general. 

[Arctic_Tern]

Norfolk's border's are set, and they aren't going to move for at least 100 years. We can not look towards land expansion as our means of growing our economy. Looking outward for help from Chesapeake or Virginia Beach is a fools errand as well. They do not care if Norfolk or the area grows, they have what they want. Helping Norfolk could change the power structure of the area and they don't want that. Norfolk needs to plan with the mind that only Norfolk will help itself.

Amsterdam has a population of  over 900,000 people, within an area of 64 square miles. It is an international hub and can more than throw its weight around. It doesn't do all that with tall skyscrapers, but with amazing planning with a dense and walkable mindset.

If Norfolk wants to grow, they need to adopt the Amsterdam mindset. No more suburban neighborhoods, or gigantic surface parking lots, but dense, walkable and attractive housing. It needs to find ways to integrate dense low-to-midrise planning into every corner of the city to maximize its potential. They need to remove parking minimums, enact parking maximums, require businesses to implement pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and work on ways to open up the city to all forms of transportation. They need to revise their housing requirements to make it economic and easy for people to build  "missing middle" multifamily housing. There's a lot that they can do to make Norfolk an attractive place to live, but they actually have to start doing it.

Edited April 12, 2022 by Arctic_Tern