Mixed Reaction to Norfolk Arts District

 The prospect of an arts district encompassing properties on Granby Street has drawn mixed reviews from local merchants, many of whom have only heard about the proposal and not been approached personally or seen a proposal.

Some like the idea, though they question how it will be managed and who will manage it, while others have been skeptical.

The skeptics are worried that property values might plummet if new zoning is imprinted on the area.

They also fear that their customers might flee and never return if they are offended by the parade of art and entertainment offered.

The optimists view the proposal as a chance to see their Granby Street turf transformed. They see potential customers strolling comfortably down the blocks, browsing storefronts and buying hats, clothes, jewelry, musical instruments and furniture while stopping in for a tattoo.

Even so, the vision may be easier to grasp than the reality, especially for property owners and merchants that have been on Granby Street for decades.

But the offhand comment of a clerk at Bob's Gun Shop may characterize some of the thinking.

“People are more interested in survival than in the humanities,” he said. 

Read more in the January issue of Veer Magazine, which hits the racks today...

Another Bill Stirs the Port Pot
Wagner’s bill, SB 1305, would throw up more roadblocks to the sale or lease of the state’s port facilities.

Senator Frank Wagner, a Republican who represents Virginia Beach, would add the CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to the Virginia Port Authority’s 11-member board of commissioners.

It would also add the VPA’s executive director to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, whose members are appointed by the governor.

To blunt the governor's authority, the measure provides that members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board may be removed by the governor only for misconduct, and not at his pleasure.

Three firms have pitched bids to lease and operate the state-owned ports located in Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Front Royal.

Gov. Bob McDonnell and Secretary of Transportation, Sean Connaughton, are expected to decide in early Spring whether to reject all the bids or accept one of them.

Meanwhile, Joe Dorto, CEO of Virginia International Terminals Inc., has announced his retirement, effective March 31.

His announcement follows statements by two Republican legislators, vilifying Dorto's compensation, which they deemed excessive.

Gov. McDonnell rejected previous bids during the first year of his administration.