Good afternoon!
Are you enjoying the pollen as much as I am? My goodness, I have never seen pollen hit so intensely as it has in the last 2 weeks. Hopefully, as early as it has come it will quickly depart.
I have two great updates related to projects in Norfolk, Ward 2.
The Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) is iconic. The ten miles of trail that parallels the Elizabeth River is used daily by runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, dog walkers, commuters, and more. The trail winds its way through neighborhoods, downtown, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University. I don’t think there is a day that I don’t touch that trail in some fashion. There is a stretch in the West Ghent neighborhood along Redgate Avenue near the Fergus Reid tennis courts where the asphalt has been severely upended by tree roots from the nearby pine trees. It is not great for anyone using that section of the trail. Fortunately, Norfolk has identified funding in this current fiscal year. The ERT Foundation is aware of the plan, which involves replacing this section and shifting it closer to the Norfolk Southern fence line and away from the tree line. I hope to see this happen this summer.
Secondly, Westover Memorial Park in the 1400 block of Westover Avenue is slated for a brick wall replacement. One of three sections of the wall came down in 2024 while the city was attempting to do some repair work. And, the two remaining brick wall sections were deemed faulty. New playground equipment and overall park clean-up will take place starting this fall. This is a truly unique park given there is a 350+ year live oak tree that was dedicated in April 1923 to World War 1 veterans.
Norfolk City Manager Pat Roberts introduced the FY2026 budget in March to take effect July 1, 2025. It is a strong budget with focus on public safety, transportation enhancements, upgrades to public facilities, support of Norfolk Public Schools (including $220M for the new Maury High School), expanding tourism and our visitor economy, and salary increases for all on Team Norfolk. Norfolk City Council officially votes on the budget in May.
Enjoy your spring. Cheers!
Courtney
Chilly bike ride with folks from Bike Norfolk
Riverpoint Civic League
Grady checking on my work from the kitchen bench.