Catch the Vibe: Norfolk's Safety Success and Cultural Celebrations!

Good afternoon,

Are you enjoying winter, spring and summer all in one week? Welcome to Virginia weather!

Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot gave an excellent presentation to Norfolk City Council last week. He shared information about the significant decline in crime rates in Norfolk comparing 2024, 2023 and 2022. See the chart below with a few highlights. We have 540 active sworn police officers in our ranks today. Recruitment is strong. Part of our hiring success is due to a bonus given to a city employee who refers an individual to the Police Academy. Upon successful completion of the Police Academy, the city employee receives $5000 for the referral. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) continues to be a success thanks to being fully staffed and having access to 845 cameras throughout the city. These camera feeds come from the Flock Camera system and private homes and commercial businesses who allow video access to the RTCC. I am thankful for the men and women who serve us everyday and put their lives on the line to keep us safe in Norfolk.

Have you visited the new Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum? I took a tour of the Perry Glass Studio a few weeks ago. Stunning. The Glass Studio has been around for several years but the Chrysler raised significant funding through a capital campaign to build a new facility adjoining the original smaller building. The City of Norfolk was a significant contributor as we pride ourselves as the cultural hub of the region. While the new Glass Studio has been open for a few months, the grand celebration weekend with lots of activities, tours and demonstrations takes place March 28 – March 31. I encourage you to visit.
The Granby Street bike lane project will soon get underway. Bids for construction were posted January 31, 2025. Once a firm is selected construction is expected to get underway in spring 2025. The project is expected to take one year to complete. In addition to the bike lanes, other safety improvements including installing rectangular rapid flashing beacons at 5 intersections including the intersections of Dumont Avenue, Elvin Road, Fife Street, Oxford Street and Talbot Hall Road. These will enable pedestrians to safely cross Granby by alerting drivers to pedestrians crossing. Here is a link to the full project outline: https://www.norfolk.gov/5030/Granby-Bike-Lanes

Remember it is daylight savings this weekend. Spring ahead.

Cheers!

Courtney