Good afternoon!

I hope this email finds you well.  I hope you enjoyed a fun-filled July 4th weekend. We had family visiting including a 2 year old who was a ball of fun and kept us on our toes.  Grady had a permanent friend for the weekend as they were the same height looking eye to eye.  Grady had fun but was exhausted after the visit.

I started writing this email to friends and supporters in 2017 when I first ran for Norfolk City Council. I continued with the monthly email so I could keep you informed of the latest in the city and to share with you how I was staying focused on the four priorities I promised when campaigning — economic development, flooding/sea-level rise, education and safe neighborhoods. I am thankful that over the last four years the recipient list has grown considerably.  I want to THANK YOU for your continued support, feedback, and ideas you have shared with me over the years. You have been steadfast in your support.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve the residents of Ward 2 and throughout  Norfolk.

Today I share with you that I am running again to represent Ward 2 on Norfolk City Council with election day being Tuesday, November 8. I ask for your support and for your vote in November.  I do not have an opponent running against me on the ballot in November. Please know that I will actively campaign and work hard this election season just as I did in the last election. It has been rewarding and humbling to serve.

June was a great month filled with lots of activities.  I felt like Town Point Park was my home away from home celebrating Juneteenth, Pride Festival and running in a 5K as part of Team Norfolk – all taking place at the park.  Most civic leagues are still meeting in the summer and are back in person. I enjoy seeing everyone in person again.

Some highlights from the city in June include:

• Norfolk City Council passed an ordinance allowing for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a new winery to operate on Hampton Blvd –  Waters Edge Winery & Bistro. This is the old TASTE location across from the Larchmont Library.
• As chair of the Hampton Boulevard Traffic Task Force, I again hosted a meeting with stakeholders to discuss ongoing safety improvements and data regarding accidents on Hampton Blvd. The data over the last three years shows we are holding steady with the number of crashes per month by year and by neighborhood. Also, the number of crashes involving a truck consistently ranges between 5%-8%. Median improvements, adding new light signals (Jamestown Crescent and Hampton Blvd), continued use of the red light camera, enforcement and other efforts are underway to enhance the safety along the corridor. This same stakeholder group has been meeting regularly for years.
• Norfolk completed its first cycle of auctioning off city- owned lots in two neighborhoods: Huntersville and Park Place.  Two lots in Park Place (with two more in July) will now have homes built on the property for them to be owner occupied once built.  The city gains revenue on otherwise dormant lots through the sale of the property as well as future real estate taxes.
• Norfolk City Council voted to support the Military Circle Tide (light rail) extension application to VDOT.  This could extend light rail from Newtown Road to Military Circle with bus rapid transit from Military Circle to Norfolk Naval Base.

Summer heat and humidity have arrived. Please stay well and stay cool.

 

Cheers!

Courtney

Hampton Roads Pridefest!

 

Juneteenth!

 

Harborfest!

Groundbreaking for expansion of Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum

 

Our Urban garden. Corn is getting tall!

Grady is one hot dog!