Hoffler Tower

[rusthebuss]

I sense that it could be a while before this project matures. The initial sketch was very crude and unprofessional, but not all bad. Sometimes when you see sketches like that, nothing else follows.

It could be 6 months to a year before we hear anything else unless it falls through.

[vdogg]

I have a feeling this is the excuse that they need to bulldoze the housing projects there.

Here is a satellite photo of this projects location in relation to the projects. I typed in the exact property address into google earth and this is what showed up. The address belongs to a dentist office (which I assume will be demolished, but there are some other buildings also in the footprint. Anyone know what these are? It appears at least from the overhead that some of the projects may indeed be demolished to make way for this tower.

[rusthebuss]

thats not where its going its going on the other side of the street

its going next to norfolk florist. The projects will not be touched for this project. Its directly across from the post office and next to the wholesale florist

[vdogg]

thats not where its going its going on the other side of the street

its going next to norfolk florist

On the other side of the street as in the other side of Brambleton (downtown side)? Are you sure about this? I thought part of the fanfare about this project was the fact that it was actually extending development across Brambleton. Describe to me where this would be on the photo so I can update the pin location

[rusthebuss]

On the other side of the street as in the other side of Brambleton (downtown side)? Are you sure about this? I thought part of the fanfare about this project was the fact that it was actually extending development across Brambleton. Describe to me where this would be on the photo so I can update the pin location

On the corner of Brambleton and Church. Directly across from the post office.....Google map tulip lane and it will show the back side of Norfolk wholesale florist

[vdogg]

I put in Tulip Lane and zoomed in on where it said Norfolk florist. Is this the correct location for this project?

[urbanlife]

those buildings are all poorly built section 8 housing.

[rusthebuss]

I put in Tulip Lane and zoomed in on where it said Norfolk florist. Is this the correct location for this project?

No directly across the street. The florist is not in the projects

[vdogg]

those buildings are all poorly built section 8 housing.

i.e. projects. Let me rephrase my previous question then. I am trying to ascertain whether any low income housing is scheduled to be demolished for this tower. If so, that could become an issue later in the year when they go up for final approval.

No directly across the street. The florist is not in the projects

So you are saying that google put their dot in the wrong location, and it should be on the downtown side of the street, correct?

[rusthebuss]

Norfolk Wholesale florist is to the right of the cluster of trees

http://www.norfolkwholesalefloral.com/directions/index.shtml

[vdogg]

Norfolk Wholesale florist is to the right of the cluster of trees

http://www.norfolkwholesalefloral.com/directions/index.shtml

Ok, so the directions given clearly put it on the downtown side of Brambleton. I'll have to make an updated image later tonight.

[rusthebuss]

Ok, so the directions given clearly put it on the downtown side of Brambleton. I'll have to make an updated image later tonight.

Yeah they are going to tear the building down directly across from the post office from my understanding. I think its blue 4 story building that its going to replace

[vdogg]

Yeah they are going to tear the building down directly across from the post office from my understanding. I think its blue 4 story building that its going to replace

Ok, I think I got it. The schematics orientation was fooling me a bit. Is this the appropriate location.

[tombarnes]

How about getting rid of the housing project too?

[rusthebuss]

How about getting rid of the housing project too?

I've heard for a couple years that this is in the works

Also the ones by the post office will have to go cause they are trying to push DT to Tidewater dr. and they are in the way

[vdogg]

How about getting rid of the housing project too?

In time, i'm sure. But my thing was they made a point to say nobody would be displaced by this project a few months ago and then I had google maps telling me something completely different. That issue has been resolved though. I am all for getting rid of those projects too but what are we gonna do with the people in them? They have to go somewhere, some assistance would need to be provided. Whichever development becomes the first to displace people from those projects will have a controversy surrounding it, of this I am sure.

[rusthebuss]

Well that could be a subject they don't want on this forum!

[tombarnes]

Sorry to have brought that one up. I was just wondering if the city had anything in mind for the land.

[rusthebuss]

Sorry to have brought that one up. I was just wondering if the city had anything in mind for the land.

No i was referring to vdoggs post! I was referring to moving them to new places.

[urbanlife]

I would like to see Norfolk do something positive for its lower income residents because if the city doesn't do anything, who will?

Norfolk's current state of section 8 housing is such a horrible way to treat people.

[vdogg]

No i was referring to vdoggs post! I was referring to moving them to new places.

I was simply making a statement of fact Rus. Just like with the wedgewood development issues people have to go somewhere. When you displace people, however they got there, it always causes controversy. I was not making any political statement, which I believe is the way you took it. Nor am I trying to get in such a discussion. I was merely speculating on one thing that may have held the project up if it came to that. It is a moot point now anyways because, as you pointed out, the tower is on the other side of the street.

[Former Resident of HR]

I would like to see Norfolk do something positive for its lower income residents because if the city doesn't do anything, who will?

Norfolk's current state of section 8 housing is such a horrible way to treat people.

I think that you are mixing up public housing and Section 8 housing. Two different things. Section 8 means that the renters find their own place to live and that the government gives them vouchers. Public housing is run by the city (the buildings, rent, etc.) and is usually all grouped together.

Public housing is a nightmare and should be abolished. Section 8 would be better for people without means because at least they have some choice in the matter.

If the projects are bulldozed, I hope that they are doing "mixed income" areas to replace it and not super expensive yuppie havens (read: East Ghent). Pushing poor people out en masse just forces them to some other area/municipality but it never goes away.

[rusthebuss]

I think that you are mixing up public housing and Section 8 housing. Two different things. Section 8 means that the renters find their own place to live and that the government gives them vouchers. Public housing is run by the city (the buildings, rent, etc.) and is usually all grouped together.

Public housing is a nightmare and should be abolished. Section 8 would be better for people without means because at least they have some choice in the matter.

If the projects are bulldozed, I hope that they are doing "mixed income" areas to replace it and not super expensive yuppie havens (read: East Ghent). Pushing poor people out en masse just forces them to some other area/municipality but it never goes away.

I think the money could be spent better by education to be self sufficient. I have a bad taste in my mouth with this due to comments over the years being made to me. I'm tired of people trying to play a system that i pay into. I say spend the money to educate and make people earn their place. People get comfortable and moan and complain to get more for free. I don't want someone that doesn't work living in the same type house that i go and bust my @ss everyday for. Thats not fair and I know this is going to start something but I don't mean to offend anyone but its just my feelings.

[urbanlife]

I think that you are mixing up public housing and Section 8 housing. Two different things. Section 8 means that the renters find their own place to live and that the government gives them vouchers. Public housing is run by the city (the buildings, rent, etc.) and is usually all grouped together.

Public housing is a nightmare and should be abolished. Section 8 would be better for people without means because at least they have some choice in the matter.

If the projects are bulldozed, I hope that they are doing "mixed income" areas to replace it and not super expensive yuppie havens (read: East Ghent). Pushing poor people out en masse just forces them to some other area/municipality but it never goes away.

You are right there is a difference, I was thinking those buildings were just section 8 developments I didn't realize they were public housing.

Public housing only really works in Socialist governments, which is a shame.

sorry rus but I have to disagree with you simply because I have seen how mixed income housing works and the possitives from it. When you group all your poor in one location it tends to lead to a ghetto like area. Plus in a city that has a high collection of poor place residents, it would be better for them to live in mixed income housing because it would lessen the tensions of seperation and racism.

I do agree Norfolk's public school need help (the money that could go to a stadium would be great for this, too bad it doesn't work that way). I have been in a few of Norfolk's schools including the one by these units and it is just sad to see the state of the school and what the teachers are forced to work with.

[rusthebuss]

Maybe I will open my eyes up once I see that broad creek isn't a failure. See I went to BTW and I grew up in a run down lower middle class area so I know what its like but you have to want to get out and alot people don't want to or I should say have the drive.