Sky06

Here's the web site for The District. Damn, I wish they had that when I went there. The District

It's a matter of time before ODU goes to 1-A. Whe that happens, 30k isn't enough. If expansion is feasible in increments, fine. Otherwise, I'd say, let's go straight to 40-45k.

I peeked in last night and the lobby looks impressive. Much more open and bright than before. Also, there's art everywhere, in almost every window downtown. Hope it's not just temporary.

If people pay attention and obey the laws, they'll be just fine. Uh . . . OMG, what have we done!!!!!!

It's moving in where the Wine bar was. Still need to do something about parking.

Sweet.

I took my survey.

Cities like Chesapeake and VB need to blame themselves, not Norfolk. Why? They're afraid of change. They're afraid of angering a few narrow-minded people. They're indecisive. They'd rather waste money on studies because it makes them look like they're doing something without really making a decision or committing to something. They look for excuses, something to justify their inability to move forward or make tough decisions. Look at VB. They're so afraid someone will threaten to vote them out of office that they can't see the future. Everyone wants to build more roads instead. I GOT NEWS FOR SUCH PEOPLE. HAMPTON ROADS DOES NOT NOW, NEVER HAS, AND NEVER WILL GET IT'S FAIR SHARE OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS. Thank goodness Norfolk had the foresight to see that the Federal government was willing to hand them $$$ for this project.

People love their cars in DC too. Just look at the roads. But that doesn't mean that people here, as they have in DC, will begin to see the value, the convenience, the hassel-freeness of public transportation. No driving around looking for a spot. No exorbitant parking fees. No worrying about being towed. No other drivers pinging your car. No worries about the drive home.

I've said it a thousand times. People here are among the most uninformed individuals west of Baghdad. IMO, the blame rests with the Virginian Pilot. They make no effort at all to clarify things or give readers the full facts. They're more interested in stirring up controversy. I believe as long as they get a hundred posts on line, even if the comments are stupid and irrelevant, they feel they're valid.

This plan has nothing to do with condemning whole nieghborhoods. And it has to do with much more than ODU.

Concur. Of course, there's nothing preventing UP'ers or DNC for submitting an unsolicited recommendation.

A new men's store has opened on Granby, near Hell's Kitchen. Looks pretty nice. Big window overlooking the street.

Not a restuarant but a shop. Little to no effect.

I frequently hear people ask about rental rates in DT. Obviously, there's interest.

These people don't read the articles; they just read the sensational headlines and react, not knowing the facts or even caring about them. Somehow, these people are convinced that the money's coming out of their wallet. Or that the money could be better spent on something else--even though the money is earmarked solely for this. Or that light rail will somehow create more crime. Or that the next thing that will happen is the government will take their homes or guns away from them. Or that . . . well, you get the point.

Not sure I agree with that. It seems to me the previous leadership hid a lot of the facts from the board. I hardly think anyone wanted the costs to spiral out of control like this. Look what it got Townes.

From the Big Blue Club: FRIDAY, FEB. 19, 2010 Dr. Camden Wood Selig named Athletic Director at Old Dominion University NORFOLK, Va. – Camden Wood Selig, athletic director at Western Kentucky University, has been named the new director of athletics for Old Dominion University, President John R. Broderick announced today. Selig, who will succeed retiring athletic director Jim Jarrett, will be introduced at a news conference on campus Friday, Feb. 26. A native of Norfolk, Selig (pronounced SEE-lig) has spent the past 11 years directing the Hilltopper program, which has won 65 Sun Belt Conference championships since 2000 and a national- record 19 crowns over the past two years. He was a key figure in garnering support for the WKU football program’s move from NCAA Division I-AA to I-A in 2007, and he spearheaded more than $100 million in new construction and renovations of Hilltopper facilities. “Our athletic program, under Jim Jarrett, has enjoyed incredible success over the last decades,” noted Broderick “The appointment of Dr. Selig ensures that we will not only maintain that success, but also provide our program with the direction it needs to continue to grow and prosper. His experience as a strong fundraiser, along with his personnel and business leadership abilities and his background in sales and marketing, made him a solid choice for our search committee. “I would like to thank the committee members for their time and effort in conducting a successful search that ultimately recommended Dr. Selig.” Selig’s appointment concludes a several-months-long national process by the search committee, chaired by Vice President of Development Alonzo Brandon. Committee members included: President Emeritus and Board of Visitors Professor of Economics James V. Koch, Board of Visitors members Marc Jacobson and Barry Kornblau, Intercollegiate Foundation trustee Carlton Bennett, Vice President for Human Resources Glenda Humphreys, NCAA Faculty Representative Janis Sanchez-Hucles and Senior Associate Athletic Director Debbie White. Prior to arriving at WKU, Selig spent 11 years at the University of Virginia, the last five as associate athletics director for external operations. He began his athletics career in 1985 at Virginia Commonwealth University as an assistant athletic director and director of ticket operations. A graduate of Norfolk Collegiate School, Selig grew up in Norfolk less than a half mile from the ODU campus. “My family and I cannot wait to join the Old Dominion family and play an active role in the continual and rapid transformation of the university and ODU athletics,” said Selig. “We sincerely thank President Broderick and the many members of the search committee for the confidence they have shown in me via this appointment.” Since his arrival on the WKU campus, the Hilltoppers have been a mainstay atop the Vic Bubas standings, which ranks the Sun Belt schools based on their finish in the conference’s 19 sports. WKU has claimed four Bubas Cups (2002, 2003, 2006 and 2008) and finished no less than second over the last eight years. The Hilltoppers have also won more individual Sun Belt academic honors than any other league school over the last five years, and every men’s and women’s athletic team currently exceeds the NCAA-required 925 Academic Progress Rate. Under Selig’s leadership, the WKU athletic budget grew from $5.6 million in 1999-2000 to more than $18.5 million in 2009-10. He has directed fundraising projects that have resulted in a $5 million naming rights gift, eight endowed scholarships for women’s basketball and four consecutive annual fund drives exceeding $1 million each. Private giving to athletics grew to more than $2 million per year during his tenure. Capital projects for facilities under Selig’s watch included a $50 million football stadium renovation and expansion, a $33 million renovation to the basketball arena, $3 million in baseball facility renovations, $2.5 million toward a track and field complex and the opening of a Student Athlete Success Center, featuring computer labs, breakout rooms and study areas for WKU student athletes. “In recent years, while tracking ODU athletics from hundreds of miles away, I could literally feel the excitement and energy level surrounding it reach an entirely different plateau with the introduction of football,” Selig said. “This heightened level of energy and support surrounding ODU athletics was very appealing to me personally and professionally. Coupled with the numerous nationally recognized men's and women's intercollegiate athletic programs, the future for ODU athletics is exceptionally vibrant. I look forward to building upon what Jim Jarrett and the thousands of successful coaches and student-athletes representing ODU over the decades have established as a rock-solid foundation for our future at ODU.” Selig is a current member of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee and has served as chair for both the Sun Belt Conference Athletic Directors and the Men’s Basketball Committees during his tenure at WKU. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Lee University, a master’s in sports administration from Ohio University and a doctorate in education leadership from the University of Virginia. Selig will receive a three-year contract with ODU, and an annual salary of $250,000, beginning June 10. Selig and his wife, Ellen, have three children, Lex, 12, Nick, 10, and Julianna, 6. Here’s what people are saying about Dr. Wood Selig Craig Littlepage, athletic director University of Virginia “Wood Selig is a creative thinker who puts himself in a position to learn something every day that will help his program and the institution. He is an innovative administrator who will build on the foundation of integrity at ODU. Furthermore, he’ll bring energy and fresh ideas to the athletics director’s position at Old Dominion. His familiarity with the Hampton Roads region will provide him with an advantage from the start and it’s hard for me to think of a better person to lead the ODU athletics program.” Tom Yeager, CAA Commissioner “I have known Wood for many years and he is recognized as a leader among his peers for his innovative programs, sound management style and his tireless support for student-athletes. He is the perfect hire for ODU”. Bruce Hornsby – Recording artist “Wood Selig’s coming home to be the athletic director at ODU is one of the best things to happen to the university and community as he knows the Hampton Roads scene so well. I’ve known Wood since his days at the University of Virginia and know he will bring great energy to this job.” Doug Woolard, athletic director University of South Florida “Old Dominion is very, very fortunate to have recruited one of the top, bright young athletic administrators in the country for its athletic director position. What Wood has done at Western Kentucky certainly deserves a great deal of credit as he moved that program forward by leaps and bounds.” Dan Shoemaker, Vice President Collegiate Development, ESPN/ESPN regional TV “I have known Wood through our association with WKU and the Sun Belt Conference and found him to be a very aggressive negotiator and a bright administrator. This is a great, great hire for ODU.” Sue Donohoe, Vice President NCAA Div. I Women’s Basketball “I have worked with Wood for four years as a member of the Division I Women’s Basketball Committee. He is a man of vision and energy and has the ability to look at the big picture and affect change. He has worked hard for the good of game on our committee and is a great fit at Old Dominion.” Jim Jarrett, retiring athletic director, Old Dominion University “I feel very good about the selection of Wood Selig as athletic director and am confident in his abilities to keep the ODU athletic program moving in a positive direction. I look forward to working with him during this transition period.” Dr. Wood Selig ………….. “Growing up in the shadows of the campus, I can remember watching many talented student-athletes and great men's and women's basketball teams regularly play to packed crowds in the Field House. I also enjoyed ODU baseball games and practices after school at the Larchmont Elementary field before biking home. I was always thrilled whenever I might see these same student-athletes out in the community and impressed with how approachable they were. I know firsthand what a tremendous impact ODU athletes and athletics can and does have on the youth and families of this area. We will continue to fill the role of being exceptional role models for the young boys and girls in our community by being visible and fielding a well run program in which our community can take considerable pride in supporting.” “Championship facilities attract championship student-athletes and coaches. From my observations, ODU has been able to construct some exceptional athletic facilities while also enjoying tremendous support from students, alumni, friends, and corporate partners. Few programs nationally can claim such visible and financial backing. We will certainly want and need to continue to grow and expand our footprint of support for all Monarch programs if we are to continue to enjoy success on the playing field and in the classroom.” “It will be imperative for everyone associated with ODU athletics to give a "Championship Effort" if we are to maintain the high level of national success we all desire from our ODU intercollegiate athletic programs. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I join the Monarch ranks. I cannot wait to get started.”

I don't know if this has been posted before, but it gives an overview with renderings of the Central Hampton Blvd improvement area. This is a very ambitious and long-range plan that could easily serve as a model for the rest of HR. this is what we mean by improving neighborhoods, making communities livable and walkable, etc. Click here for plan. Revision dtd 1 Feb. Courtesy of norfolk.gov. Some quotes: "A walkable university district that brings the ODU community and the larger community together around expanded retail, housing, entertainment, and recreation options." "New housing that offers more lifestyle choices, frames improved walking streets connecting existing neighborhoods, and respects traditional neighborhood scale." "A new park drawing neighborhoods together and creating a setting for new housing—in place of incompatible existing industrial uses." "Inviting destinations and pedestrian environment linking the study area to Ghent and other adjacent neighborhoods." "Colley Avenue improved as a walkable neighborhood spine with distinctive retail areas, park access and new housing." "A mix of higher-value housing, retail and commercial uses reviving lower Colley Avenue as a signature neighborhood center and entrance point." "Implement the Hampton Boulevard Improvement Project to improve through traffic flow, turns, pedestrian crossings, recreational mobility and commercial parcel access." "Create a network of on- and offstreet bike and multiuse paths to add new recreational opportunities and encourage more walking, biking and transit usage instead of driving for everyday transportation." "Build planned multiuse path along Hampton Boulevard linking to the Elizabeth River Trail network." "Create distinctive entrances from Ghent on Colley Avenue and on Hampton Boulevard." "Create a public park that serves as a unifying centerpiece for the entire planning area, using industrial land that will be transformed for public and residential use." "Encourage neighborhoodoriented retail, such as a supermarket, in the southern phase of University Village." "Protect neighborhoods from impacts of traffic and adjacent higher-density development. Preserve and enhance the existing sidewalk network, street trees and other valuable streetscape elements."

Everything we say on here that we'd like to see costs money. But clearly, there are times when spending money is critical and not just a luxury. (Listen to me, I think the city should do everything!) Case in point: Although the airport has undergone extensive expansions and improvements (positive ones in my opinion), one thing seems to leave travellers with a sour taste. The main corridors surrounding the airport, whether Azalea Gardens Rd, Mil Hwy, Norview Ave, or other places, are kind of beat down and lack the wow factor that visitors need to see upon arriving. I know not every airport in the country has beautiful surroundings, but it's essential that Norfolk (and all of HR) puts its best foot forward for first impressions. Given tax breaks, no-interest loans, or the like, would people owning homes nearby be receptive to a little curb appeal? What about business and shopping center managers?

I really believe these problems are temporary. Due in part to a difficult economy (Granby St, Norfolk, HR, certainly is not alone in having these problems), massive construction due to light rail and other projects, to businesses that were clamped down on by the city for not meeting the laws (personally, I think this is a good thing). But just with virtually every other place that has gone by the boards, something always replaces it. I think 25% is way too high, but regardless, I'll bet anyone on here things will improve considerably down the road. I'd have to agree with you on the walkability point. I think the city is far better on that than it used to be. But I believe there needs to be more destinations, meetup places, for people to walk to. I know everyone would love a 40-story building on the corner of Freemason and Monticello. But I think there's room for a building someday and a permanent destination point today. Grand fountain? Permament ice rink (that you could cover in the summer with a stage for concerts)? Pooch park?

Not bad, but I miss the flatiron building. Shame it was left to deteriorate.

lol

I also did B&B (excellent prime rib) as well as Todd Jurch's and Snappers. Heading out for some old school Hungarian tomorrow night at the Monastery. I'm getting psyched about Jack Quinn's. Assume they'll be open for St Patrick's Day.

I'm all for building a 20k-25k seat arena in DT Norfolk. But who's going to pay for it? People around here whine about the cost of mass transit, something that affects everyone. Imagine how they'd feel about a "luxury" building many will never use. Before arguing with me, I'm not one of those who feel that way. But if you listen to the posters on Pilotonline and elsewhere, I'd have to believe you'd have a riot on your hands. I still think it's a good idea, even if we just broke even, but I'm afraid you'd have a hard time convincing most people, particularly in this economy. It's just not a simple matter of cities coming together and doing it. I wish it were that easy.