Council approves Ward Boulevard sidewalk acquisitions, concurs on Mercy Health bond issue and appropriates $4.07M for pedestrian projects

Newport News City Council approved several measures on March 11 that advance pedestrian infrastructure and allow local concurrence on a health-care bond issuance. All votes were unanimous, 6-0.

The council adopted an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents to make offers to acquire—by voluntary sale or condemnation—portions of property needed for the Ward Boulevard sidewalk (Lucas Creek Road to Warwick Boulevard) project. There were no public speakers on that item; the council closed the public hearing and approved the ordinance on a 6-0 roll call.

Council also approved a resolution of concurrence for up to $600 million in aggregate revenue bonds to be issued by the Henrico County Economic Development Authority for the benefit of Mercy Health, Mercy Health Incorporated and affiliates, and specifically for Mary…