Willoughby Civic League Meeting

      October 2008

 

President Don Musacchio opened our meeting with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence with 37 in attendance.

 Officer Warren spoke briefly and said there were 3 arrests for auto larcenies.  He announced the NPD Community Forum to be held 10/25/08 at the Workforce Development Ctr, phone 664-6923 for info.

 Our Featured Speaker was Mayor Paul Fraim who spoke on the regional transportation issues.  As the chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Mayor Fraim supports the 3rd crossing of the bay to start north of the International Terminals to bypass Willoughby and the streets of Ward's Corner.  Sec. of Transportation Pearce Homer will soon report on proposals to widen I64 on the Norfolk side floated by peninsula representatives.  Mayor Fraim was clearly not in favor of that idea as it would mean the demolition of about 60 properties on Willoughby and the huge increase of traffic in Norfolk. The 3rd crossing is projected to take 25% of the traffic from the HRBT and will cost just over $1 billion. 

 Mayor Fraim also explained that the Midtown Tunnel is one of the most heavily traveled 2 lane roads in the US with 30,000 cars daily.  He also projects that, in 20 years time, light rail will connect from Williamsburg to the beach oceanfront.  Mayor Fraim offered to speak again in Nov to our group as the HRBT issues impact our neighborhood like no other.

 Other Updates:

· The next phase of the sewer replacement project from 4th View to Mason Creek is in progress and slated for completion Memorial Day '09.

 · Our Fish Fry had 64 in attendance and good times were had by all.

 · Conservation Chair Brian Martinez updated us on efforts to encourage NRHA to buy high density, deteriorating properties as owners wish to sell. The three on the wish list are the Ocean Dream, The Willoughby Beach House, and The Rosecourt Apts.  We hope to bring the owner occupied percentage from 25% at Willoughby closer to Norfolk's average of 44%.

 · Banner placement is to be on the SE corner of 4th View as our gateway.

 · Oil slicks in Little Bay have been explored and no clear answers beyond sunken boats are evident yet.

  Respectfully Submitted, Peggy Henderson

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Campbell, seconded, and carried.

                                                            Respectfully Submitted, Peggy Henderson 

 

 

 

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