City staff seek approval for Pump Station 129 upgrade near Harbor Park Stadium

Planning staff told the Norfolk Planning Commission that a project to upgrade Pump Station 129 at 101 Park Avenue, immediately across from Harbor Park Stadium, is moving forward to address expected higher flows linked to nearby development.

Staff said the existing facility will remain and the project adds a bypass pump housed in a masonry enclosure matched to the current structure. To create space for the new equipment, two on‑site parking spaces would be converted to the pump enclosure. The new structure will be screened with landscaping, and staff said the enclosure will be flood‑proofed because the location is in a flood area.

The city review board reviewed the design earlier in the month and voted 8–2–0 to recommend approval to the Planning Commission, according to staff. During the commission discussion, a commissioner asked whether mechanical or utility boxes in front of the site — referred to in the meeting as “Dominion” boxes — were within the utility company’s responsibility or the city’s. Staff said they would follow up to determine ownership and see whether the boxes could be cleaned up as part of the streetscape improvements.

Staff emphasized that the upgrade is being driven by “increased flows anticipated for this area due to the new casino development.” The presentation showed the bypass pump located to the left of the existing facility and noted new landscaping to screen the enclosure.

No formal vote on the project was recorded in the portion of the transcript provided; staff presented the board’s recommendation and responded to commissioners’ questions about floodproofing and adjacent street fixtures.

If approved by the commission and any required permit authorities, staff said final shop drawings will be reviewed before permits are issued to confirm dimensions and compliance with zoning and flood regulations.