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Norfolk council adopts rec center contract, grants and multiple property sales; several items continued
Summary
The Norfolk City Council on March 1 approved a package of ordinances including a public-private agreement for a combined recreation/library facility, multiple property sales from the city's online auction, grant acceptances and leases. Several items were continued for later consideration.
The Norfolk City Council voted on a block of ordinances, leases and property transactions on March 1, approving a public'private agreement for a combined recreation and library facility, authorizing multiple property sales from the city's online auction, accepting several grants and approving short-term leases and transfers.
The package included a comprehensive agreement under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act with MEB General Contractors Inc. for final design and construction of the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center, adoption of grants including a $300,000 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act pass-through from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission for the Meadowlake Improvements Project, and approval of a lease with the Norfolk Senior Center (doing business as Prime Plus) for space at the Titus Town Recreation Center.
Votes at a glance
- R7: Comprehensive agreement with MEB General Contractors Inc. under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act for final design and construction of the combined recreation/library facility (Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center). Outcome: adopted (council recorded individual ayes; no mover/second specified).
- R6: Accept and appropriate up to $300,000 from the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Meadowlake Improvements Project. Outcome: adopted.
- R1: Accept and appropriate up to $5,000 from the Knollful Community Trust for peer recovery services clothing and miscellaneous items. Outcome: adopted.
- Lease (Prime Plus / Norfolk Senior Center): Approve lease terms for Prime Plus at Titus Town Recreation Center, 7545 Devon Street. Outcome: adopted.
- Part 2: Approve lease termination agreement with Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc. for 7300 Newport Avenue and authorize $67,500 in termination fees. Outcome: adopted (Councilmember Clanton recorded an abstention).
- Property sales (ordinances authorizing sale and conveyance perthe city's online real estate auction): 1311 Reservoir Avenue to Roland Investments LLC; 1313 Reservoir Avenue to Around Town LLC; 2334 Burrard Avenue to Kaye Contractors Inc.; 1530 Dungey Street and 851 Johnson Avenue were continued generally. Outcome: sales at 1311 and 1313 and 2334 Burrard adopted; 1530 Dungey Street and 851 Johnson Avenue continued.
- C1: Conditional use permit approving operation of a banquet hall with live entertainment and on-premises alcohol at 255 Granby Street. Outcome: adopted.
- C4: Conditional use permit approving a short-term/vacation rental at 1920 Northview Avenue. Outcome: adopted.
- R3: Transfer of Hampton Roads Sanitation District sewer improvements along Bowling Avenue to the City of Norfolk and authorization for the city manager to execute a transfer agreement. Outcome: adopted.
- R4: Short-term lease authorizing Virginia Arts Festival Inc. to use city-owned green space at 451 Bank Street for the 2025 season. Outcome: adopted.
- Resolution appointing and reappointing 35 members to various commissions, boards, authorities and committees. Outcome: adopted.
Continuances and other procedural actions
- R5 and Public Hearing 7 (parcels referenced during the meeting) were continued generally.
Council members recorded individual votes by voice; where a member stated a conflict or affiliation, that member abstained as noted above. The ordinances were dispensed from the City Charter requirement to have ordinances read twice before adoption, as the council moved the items through the consent and regular agenda.
Several of these approvals implement previously announced budgets or grant awards; others authorize the city manager to execute agreements or modify protective covenants associated with auctioned parcels.
Key details and next steps
- The R7 contract for the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center advances final design and construction under a public-private framework; the council adopted the comprehensive agreement but did not amend or restate the full project financing in the meeting record.
- The Meadowlake Improvements Project funding is contingent on receipt of the IIJA funds through the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and will be added to the FY2025 grants plan if received.
- Sales authorized by ordinance allow the mayor and city manager to execute conveyances and, where applicable, to modify or release protective and restrictive covenants tied to the parcels sold.
- Items continued will return to council for further consideration at a later date.
Council action records and ordinance texts will be reflected in the adopted minutes and ordinance packets on the city's website.
