[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6224812,"mediaKeyId","3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918","parentId",3548908,"title","EDA updates: 710 Lincoln sale, High Street demolitions, 934 environmental testing and lease OK for 1117 High Street","audioSeconds",1149,"startMs",292000,"endMs",1441000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918&start=292&end=1441","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918/thumbnail_292000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224812/Portsmouth/Norfolk-County/Virginia/EDA-updates-710-Lincoln-sale-High-Street-demolitions-934-environmental-testing-and-lease-OK-for-1117-High-Street","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224812-c03744b3418b2c533fac5e5ca02ae9b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133657&Signature=g4psJWHOxvaIHzuVjZzZAcRfUDvqOSfkmQTHijZgF9e7tFPVHfPnlXu7vIvN5OeqjLtQeT3KvTW5GJ~XOlcm0oubj-Y3OjnQHa5AeERWU6a6U8MD17kWwDIeG-Y-BPydJVO2S4UutjY5H53e6yRwCD9n7HCmPmInUah1ve2fh7nxuMh2D480Tlf83EJZR95UKaj8qi~wUXAnUQAY0GH~j2KEZerjvhxmJkRE39OK5aXuFeyKlsZ4BlKJrmBsHUIOKGD35zVHvai1AYPzhltfq7mUStLZ3PZm1xl1tdya9jZtOg5NZfiJ2XZQLT2GRmXvllGvVGeI9U7X~0U2IxMLkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Portsmouth, Virginia","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority provided multiple property updates May 20, including a closed disposition, demolition timelines, environmental findings and a short-term lease authorization.

710 Lincoln Street: Staff said the EDA closed on the disposition of roughly a three-quarter‑acre parcel on April 24. The buyer was identified in the briefing as Big Home East (transcript uses variations). Staff said the sale price was $30,000 and that net proceeds were “just under $29,500.” The buyer has plan approvals and permits and intends to develop a youth center and associated apartments, staff said.

High Street demolitions and site prep: Staff updated the EDA on demolition plans for buildings along High Street (including the property identified as 1020/1028 High Street). Preliminary zoning permit approval has been received and the demolition project will be issued to bid once paperwork is complete. Staff estimated the procurement and award timeline will likely make the physical demolition begin roughly within a 60‑day horizon from bidding; the contractor will try to shorten that timeline where feasible. Per the project engineer’s recommendation, staff said the demolitions will remove buildings to the foundation and leave slabs in place to help stormwater management and to reduce immediate site costs; contractors will be asked to grade and make slab edges flush for a tidier appearance.

1117 and 1121 High Street: Staff said roof replacement and interior “vanilla shell” work are in the permit/bid stage. Commissioners requested a committee to develop tenant-use options and community engagement; staff recommended starting with the larger buildings in the Lake District. Separately, the EDA later voted to authorize a short-term lease for 1117 High Street to be used for film-set development (the motion to authorize the chair and staff to prepare and execute the lease carried 7–0).

934 High Street environmental findings and due diligence: A Phase I environmental site assessment delivered to staff flagged a 550‑gallon automotive gasoline tank in the front area along High Street; the consultant reported no evidence the tank had been removed and classified it as a recognized environmental condition. The consultant recommended a Phase II assessment to investigate the tank, sample soils and produce a closure recommendation; the assessment also flagged suspected lead‑based paint requiring management consistent with local rules. Staff told the EDA the transaction’s due‑diligence deadline is June 3 and proposed a 30‑day extension to complete Phase II testing and pursue potential state funding for underground storage tank remediation. EDA members asked staff to pursue grants if eligible and to return with an updated schedule.

Other property matters: Staff described façade redesign options for 1220 High Street, presenting a revised front‑entrance design estimated in the $100,000–$125,000 range (with an additional $15,000 if a tenant later adds a drive‑through). That cost was presented as substantially lower than an earlier $350,000 concept; staff asked the board for consensus to pursue design development and construction documents.

Ending: EDA members directed staff to continue procurement steps for demolition and renovations, pursue environmental testing and any applicable remediation funding for 934 High Street, and to return to the board with timelines and contract/agreement documents. The board voted 7–0 to authorize a short-term lease of 1117 High Street for film-set use.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Portsmouth Economic Development Authority Meeting May 20, 2025 Portsmouth Virginia","oneSentenceSummary","The Portsmouth EDA reported multiple property actions May 20: a closed sale of 710 Lincoln Street, demolition plans for High Street properties that will retain foundations, a Phase I environmental finding at 934 High Street requiring Phase II testing, and authorization of a short-term lease for 1117 High Street.","taxTitle","Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia","taxId",4040,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224816,"Portsmouth EDA adopts budget amendment to boost small-business loan program administration",88,142000,230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918&start=142&end=230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918/thumbnail_142000.jpg","/articles/6224816/Portsmouth/Norfolk-County/Virginia/Portsmouth-EDA-adopts-budget-amendment-to-boost-small-business-loan-program-administration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224816-4f235112209b2ca6587333d8ded0ab54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133657&Signature=UypjH6k-qPASeeN3s0fNj9W5g~gvmZo5x6wyC-uGu2KaRuOTo-zMfbTSpYUH-BQ-NICDtXaL6F9I2KV6FMm96U0-TO1gsXjp3E1kavxDu5dNf8402dn3-9vVRHf7gse3xwgUgVT3Sb4TgxylcRqEyodUJhb1yBKm9PN2PHkzaR8oMAdGHwTScANY~zVGvlO8J4pVqyPZAFiQG9UfzqJQMFv6Ix0bedJAtP2aZfCyevSemi~2FkmnDBKPlUpR40rfJiOj97NWR~QLcr8iE7Xoj-fiX9xwd67TshIybaTsGSk1kIbODUaXGI5ZQcY5e43Btlt4ywxRYS5AJk-Nk-4Zeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority voted unanimously May 20 to adopt its meeting agenda items, which included a budget revision increasing administrative funds for the small-business loan program.

EDA staff told commissioners the only change from the April draft was an increase to the small-business loan program administration and servicing line: from $100,000 to $125,000. Staff said the increase is to cover administration and servicing expenses as the program is prepared for launch.

Why it matters: The EDA indicated the procurement to select a loan-servicing agreement is underway; staff said the purchasing office has completed evaluations and that an agreement for the program should be presented to the EDA at its June 17 meeting for review and consideration ahead of a fiscal-year launch.

Vote and process: Commissioners moved and seconded adoption of the minutes and the budget revision. EDA members voted 7–0 to adopt the minutes and the budget revision as presented.

Staff noted there were no other application changes and said the increased allocation reflects expected costs once servicing begins. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and whether the allocation was an upfront appropriation; staff said it is an incremental allocation anticipating future actual services.

Ending: Staff said they expect to return on June 17 with a recommended agreement for the loan program; the EDA’s vote this session adopted the revised budget and authorized staff to continue procurement work.","The Economic Development Authority approved adoption of its budget including a $25,000 increase in administration costs for a small-business loan program; staff said the extra allocation funds administration and servicing ahead of program launch.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224821,"Portsmouth reports high completion, early contract wins from small-business procurement training",611,1791000,2402000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918&start=1791&end=2402","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918/thumbnail_1791000.jpg","/articles/6224821/Portsmouth/Norfolk-County/Virginia/Portsmouth-reports-high-completion-early-contract-wins-from-small-business-procurement-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224821-dd2522929337bd199b619359022b2565/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133657&Signature=GJfQO1xkD7qXaanNUlkNL5EJ0yPDzrnEWPsFMF7M-4sUBxVmUnADYcKXa-UNcQTw7GVUdbpIUmu5fQLLLu950wB3fJTiT1dL93g7LLEA729j0s-UN0BbEKRMoMJhDjGjXXWPVAkQBWB-3GfqBRQ8evDEmlfaA4blQVLpfSPDNsus5lx7OY94NM-XGtJa96DN1lEy4~oyfjYVViUXDZwPu7hoHvtFU-RqeaUWWger~~8qPRXY8jYbxC49dJoU7ig1b0aFqfTLhT9xYjnq6qUQIygaPsUUfoEplMpdJ9gBd1UEd459lm3Y9bZsAE1XIL6lEvLjGGlkloHFYz4o0qQU8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth Economic Development staff reported that an eight-week Procurement and Contracting Capacity Initiative (PPCI) run this winter produced strong early outcomes for participating small businesses.

The training, held Jan. 9–Feb. 27 and organized by Portsmouth Economic Development in partnership with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC), enrolled 18 businesses; 16 completed the program and 15 returned a follow-up survey, staff said. According to those survey responses, 100% of respondents rated the program’s content “relevant and valuable,” and 92% said they were better prepared to pursue government contracts after the training. Staff told the Economic Development Authority that 85% of respondents have either been awarded a contract or are pursuing contracting leads as a result of the program.

Why it matters: City procurement officials and the Housing Authority participated in the classroom sessions and one-on-one follow-up, which EDA staff said helped graduates win early opportunities. EDA members were told the program expanded the pipeline of small minority-owned contractors qualified to bid on city and housing authority work.

EDA staff said the program is producing follow-up advising for participants at no cost through the SBDC, and that at least one participant has secured a contract with the Portsmouth Housing Authority. Organizers said they will continue to track participants and provide counseling to support competitive proposals and improve application completeness.

The EDA also announced a related public event: the second annual How to Do Business session on May 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., which will include procurement staff from the city, schools and housing authority, private-sector developers and about 30 resource vendors. The program will again offer vendor tables and private-company “match” meetings to allow small businesses to meet prospective contractors.

Organizers asked the EDA to continue supporting the training series; EDA members praised the program’s regional visibility and called for continued follow-up and tracking of participant contract wins.

Looking ahead: Staff said they will keep monitoring the 16 graduates, continue one-on-one advising through SBDC and consider repeating the training later in the year. EDA members asked staff to report back on a 12‑month follow-up tally of actual contract awards from program participants.

Ending: City staff said the SBDC partnership is ongoing and that the program’s written participant testimonials and survey data will be available to the EDA for future reporting and grant applications.","An eight-week procurement training run by Portsmouth economic development and the Hampton Roads SBDC enrolled 18 small businesses; staff reported strong survey results and at least one awarded city contract and one housing-authority award tied to program participants.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224802,"EDA outlines next steps from retreat: Crawford Bay, Lake District branding, RFPs and RAISE grant design work",363,3513000,3876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918&start=3513&end=3876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918/thumbnail_3513000.jpg","/articles/6224802/Portsmouth/Norfolk-County/Virginia/EDA-outlines-next-steps-from-retreat-Crawford-Bay-Lake-District-branding-RFPs-and-RAISE-grant-design-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224802-02ea18058e426fb2d248a960d9557107/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133658&Signature=UQ21D3c-EPXY9ruQE9L3wFV4MYznPEjmBvmZTyeKafF-WIDv3mJL4ftuskuG-LPbCtXdwie9lx9IIkH3i6srZcGg-LUXdksks22eyu3dMxbwfX1MccPiKZwtEvnUJK3VEbeecmPsOQTG7mCmVgCTbDm8Cti3m8tzh2TcszwGAdj9jy-bT8jr-9wZmQbO~FE3GxaqbikYHDPAXMSz1jKuJRdqi8YV7sLEX~mWF0tlNcWYAoKqxeXQxM6~HQOuO9euM4BvAjHuBlCp9JCIgcT-BeOgfvJZFZnU-hfADKuL6WFao8ZnTv7LA4ccyjd32INlZ6i-FiDCN-g4D7e8~t~s6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its May 20 meeting the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority reviewed actions from a recent strategic retreat and outlined next steps for several major initiatives, including Crawford Bay waterfront redevelopment, the Lake District rebranding, a pending real-estate consultant RFP, and design work tied to a federal RAISE grant.

Crawford Bay: Staff reported that City Council appointed two members to the project committee for Crawford Bay — Mayor Glover and a council member (name not specified in the briefing). The EDA will coordinate meetings with the project committee, city attorneys and stakeholders as the initiative proceeds.

RFP and parking coordination: The EDA said proposals for a real-estate consultant are under review in the city’s purchasing office. Staff also reported meetings with the city’s parking authority consultant to provide input into a study of city parking facilities and operations; Harbor Court Garage’s contractual obligation to provide 250 parking spaces to Harbor Tower was noted as part of those discussions.

Transit and private-sector outreach: Staff said it has engaged Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on potential additional bus stops for Crawford Bay and discussed potential ferry ridership impacts. Tidewater Yacht Marina’s owner (Suntex) has been contacted to coordinate project planning.

Lake District branding and zoning rewrite: The EDA’s Innovation District has been rebranded as the Lake District. Staff said they are working with the city marketing office and an agency on a logo, gateway signage and a marketing plan; funding in the adopted budget will support initial efforts. Planning staff are also proceeding with a zoning ordinance rewrite and community input sessions aligned with the district’s goals.

RAISE grant design: Staff said the city has finalized grant documentation for the RAISE federal grant and is entering the design phase. Engineers and designers will be solicited to begin drawings; staff cautioned completion is still likely about two years away from construction.

Entertainment district and Landing Hotel: Staff reported a developer announcement for a Landing Hotel as part of a larger entertainment/casino-area development; staff described the project as a multimillion-dollar investment expected to add rooms and jobs. EDA members discussed coordinating workforce training with local colleges and workforce partners.

Ending: The EDA asked staff to integrate retreat recommendations into the EDA’s strategic plan rewrite, to prioritize a short list of tenants and metrics, and to provide periodic status reports on each major initiative.","The EDA reviewed retreat action items and reported progress: project committee appointments for Crawford Bay, a live RFP for a real-estate consultant, Lake District branding work, design steps for a federal RAISE grant and early coordination with transit and private stakeholders for waterfront redevelopment.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6224807,"Wall Street mural festival draws thousands; EDA staff proposes permanent alley lighting using EDA electrical service",453,1815000,2268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918&start=1815&end=2268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3548908-d245e112eb4aa8d23e09a98b33b07918/thumbnail_1815000.jpg","/articles/6224807/Portsmouth/Norfolk-County/Virginia/Wall-Street-mural-festival-draws-thousands-EDA-staff-proposes-permanent-alley-lighting-using-EDA-electrical-service","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224807-a25cee0fb89f5f2ee5e6efa8e3a22b7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771133658&Signature=Y0POeXLNxu543AnHD~jWMMpWkFsxBeamhCBfA3uK~kaubUJIARiJ2Y3E34kSdbFupcXbW-Gd0DJYjreDxGmjWB0MNUMkBxN4vSv4Icdos0QO8elJdNfMAS-w~BQIV46qisueAElzxeIsWwA7cKU3ljLorTlQm9cjCrqTEt2gmTJ1CLmdkT1pPIQFiYyV0gLiJCZzn56QB7dGvz1QCgcNZCS1pfSq~dYpeQCZY5cNwiTdsF-EBeFfqHZi90H-exx1NYm3HPIsoHfIMrs2uhJpgQUQElqQ9Ln1L1cHBNRIVY-Q-h5GZmfdjXxRr35sZwwvKmxah9s0eg-U3ZWoFWzI2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","EDA members and staff reviewed a recap of the Wall Street Mural Festival (May 10) and discussed follow-up placemaking ideas, including permanent lighting for the mural alleyway.

Event summary: Commissioner Herman and staff reported the festival was well-attended — “over 2,000 people” — and that artists from the Philippines, Spain and elsewhere participated. Organizers added new elements this year, including a fashion show, art show and after‑party; staff and commissioners described the festival as a growing destination that draws tourists and social-media engagement.

Lighting and place-making proposal: EDA staff and a public-art partner described a low-cost concept to string overhead lighting along the alleyway ending at the EDA‑owned parcel at 934 High Street. Staff suggested the EDA could provide electrical service through the EDA meter when the property is acquired to support overhead string lighting on a timer and photocell, creating an evening destination and improving perceptions of safety. Staff said they do not yet have a cost estimate but that property electrical service exists in the block.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said lighting and modest infrastructure (lamps, string lights, gateway signage) could make the mural corridor a day- and night-time destination, help to attract diners and small businesses, and provide a marketing advantage for the Lake District.

Next steps: Staff said they will scope costs and permissions (including property-owner permissions for anchors and attachments), coordinate with Public Art and property owners, and present a cost estimate to the EDA for consideration.","More than 2,000 attended the Wall Street Mural Fest, organizers and EDA members said. EDA staff described discussions about using EDA-owned property (including 934 High Street) to provide electrical service for permanent string lighting to activate a mural alleyway at night.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EDA updates: 710 Lincoln sale, High Street demolitions, 934 environmental testing and lease OK for 1117 High Street

Portsmouth EDA adopts budget amendment to boost small-business loan program administration

Portsmouth reports high completion, early contract wins from small-business procurement training

EDA outlines next steps from retreat: Crawford Bay, Lake District branding, RFPs and RAISE grant design work

Wall Street mural festival draws thousands; EDA staff proposes permanent alley lighting using EDA electrical service