Norfolk · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Norfolk public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lambert's Point Pedestrian Bridge
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation presented the proposed pedestrian bridge, after holding four community meetings. Neighbors' early feedback centers on trees and landscaping, parking and land use, and long-term design and maintenance.
Church Street Area Plan
A new small-area plan for the Church Street corridor from Brambleton to Princess Anne Road would guide redevelopment, multimodal streetscapes, and safer pedestrian crossings, building on the St. Paul's transformation.
Faith-based housing by-right amendment
A new state law effective 2027 lets churches and nonprofits build mixed-income housing by right on land they've owned for five years, with at least 60% affordable. Norfolk is writing the local standards — 45-foot heights, 20 units per acre — before the October 22 initiation.
MacArthur Memorial Archive Addition
The Memorial Foundation is building an archive addition to protect its historical collection to museum archival standards, and this meeting sorted out the exterior cladding material and window design. The change from synthetic to traditional stucco keeps the historic district look intact.
Granby Street townhouse development (former DePaul site)
Stanley Martin Homes wants to build 68 townhouse-style condos on the vacant former DePaul medical office parcel. Councilman Smigiel is worried about density, school capacity with Granby Elementary closing, and traffic near the new bike lanes.