Kevin Cheph Randall

I worked at ODU for a couple years Hampton Blvd doesn't flood, maybe the under path in Ghent but that's about it. Norfolk will also be heavily funded to mitigate flooding issues. I also can't believe that's a huge issue for HRT, Norfolk still has a enormous rail yard that operates directly beside the river. HRT is doing its best to force a square peg into a round hole. Fort Norfolk also sit directly beside the river and has been expanding fast, even more reason to believe HRT is using lip service if they say anything about flooding.

This part!! The fact that HRT may have light rail to Greenbrier is smfh level failure. Greenbrier is not walkable, the streets are crazy big and fast, and there's nothing that would lend people to explore the area. The light rail being completely in Norfolk is even more head straching. Light rail to South Norfolk then across the Elizabeth to Portsmouth would immediately pay dividends. It would also put multiple large employers on the light rail line Norfolk shipyard in Portsmouth is right across from South Norfolk and employees thousands of people. The shipyards on Norfolk side like BAE would be on the same line, that another massive employer. Effingham in Portsmouth runs from the shipyard directly to the Naval hospital another large employer. HRT is squandering time and money trying to convince people who live suburban lifestyles to choose mass transit it's ass backwards. Build the rail from Navel Station Norfolk down Hampton Blvd to ODU, start the new line from Norfolk State across to Berkeley to South Norfolk to Portsmouth. That would put light rail into the biggest universities and employers in South Hampton Roads also a population demographics that uses mass transit. Downtown Norfolk would sit in the center of it all and I'm sure it would have been a large boom for Downtown Norfolk too with so many people traversing the rail lines.

Wow I didn't know that, WTF were they thinking I knew the tolls were bad but wow I didn't know it was so binding as well. Portsmouth was completely sold out, this only further my stance that the State hates HR, Norfolk and Portsmouth in particular. The state has done so much weird, guinea pig, test tube type governance in this area that has not been successful at all. HR is also a failure on the state as well, the state stopping annexation and allowing cities is the biggest and most fatal flaw of HR. Now it make sense that both cities got a casino SMH the state had to get more cash in to these areas, from previous shortsighted governance. Every other metro and core cities in Eastern VA are doing very good, Richmond and NOVA are kicking ass and HR is just so stagnant it's losing the battle at the #2 metro, Richmond will overtake us very soon. And I honestly point to the city/county relationship that is allowing those areas to flourish. Especially Richmond Henrico and Chesterfield understand that a county is to work in compliment with the city, not compete for competition sakes. Norfolk doesn't have the luxury of being top dog even though it's the only city in the area that can compete on a state and national level. Im just so bummed that HR developed the way it did and continues to live down it potential.

Portsmouth wanted the light rail more than any other city in fact Portsmouth ask the State to allocate money to build a rail line thru the newer side of the midtown tunnel, and the state like always shunned Portsmouth. Instead they tried VB and got burned so as far as I'm concerned the state and HRT are also to blame. It's kinda mind-blowing that Portsmouth got a toll instead of mass transit makes you wonder WTH is up with the thought process of the powers that be. But here we are again trying Greenbrier another car centric suburb that will under utilize mass transit. HRT is really doing its light rail ass backwards, they continue to neglect the "REAL" urban core of the area and force light rail to the suburb? If they want to see the light rail used build it to Portsmouth those are the people who would use it, and HRT knows this they just continue to neglect the underprivileged rider, students, and largest employers in the area. Continue to neglect the urban core and you continue to see and have a outpaced Metro, mass transit included. VB and Chesapeake are suburbs sorry not sorry, they were built as such and mass transit doesn't really make sense in those areas where people make more money and have multiple cars. They have already have too much underutilized transit VB and Chesapeake are full of empty buses

I know it sucks now ,but Richmond will get a casino, the irony will be the casino will probably be located on the Northside of the city exactly where those residents didn't want it. Richmond is the ONLY location left in Virginia who can get a casino per State law. Unless a Indian Casino goes the federal route. People have to vote it's that simple, we all know older white / wealthier population will vote faithfully. It's the more impoverished/ younger/ minority voter who need to understand the importance of voting, it's sad really how many people don't vote. I'm a black guy and I know at the VERY least 35 peers my race who don't vote, couldn't careless about politics. Literally 1000's of residents who wanted the casino didn't care to vote, so yeah there's that too.

But Richmond is still allowed to have a casino in fact it's the only location left, it maybe worth going the federal route so a referendum isn't needed. But this is only a theory so you could very well be right.

I believe per state law Richmond is the only other local in VA that can build a casino. Does this become a yearly thing? How often can a vote be held until a casino is built? This issues isn't going to die, Richmond is still allowed to build a casino per state law.

Didn't the state law allow for casinos in 5 VA cities. Richmond still can have a Casino and I believe Pamunkey owns land in Richmond already, so in theory Pamunkey may still be able to build in Richmond? Maybe? Or would it be another referendum?

https://electrek.co/2021/10/25/siemens-gamesa-us-first-offshore-wind-blade-factory/ Portsmouth chosen to build the US 1st wind blade factory. 200m dollar investment great news for the city, and area. Hopefully the city can get a ornamental windmill to place downtown, it'd be cool.

What are the odds another city in VA gets SITW? Or will he leave VA for another city/State? I hope not that'll sting the most. Btw VA Beach has been taking alot of flack here lately, sheesh. The monkey noise neighbor has made national news as well. Also I know VA Beach take alot of flack here too, but now can sensible residents understand why. Giving the recent developments in news, VA Beach continues the legacy that created it, in 2021 smh.

Yeah this only strengthen my stance that VB continually is not a positive force for change in Hampton Roads. And being AA I can totally relate to the toxicity that Pharrell speaks of in VB. Sad really but not surprised I spoke of this months ago.

The cities boarder kind of do act as a invisible wall, an invisible wall to lock in money for sure. I'm not giving VB credit for SITW that's was all Pharrell if VB had their way nothing would be going on during college beach weekend. When VB gets it's way we end up with no light rail outside Norfolk.

Ok I see I thought the tribe would own the land. So initially Norfolk was going to allow it though? I read the deal with Pamunkey last year was redone. The idea about Pamunkey still building in Richmond came across of Richmond Casino thread. Could Pamunkey be holding out for a better situation in which the can operate a true Tribal Casino? just playing devil's advocate

I guess what I'm trying to say is. What's good for a city isn't good for the region. The things that would benefit the region most aren't popular, especially if it means OUR cities are required to cooperate.

That's kind of what it is though, not stealing the spotlight but not sharing it either. Every city builds with the hope of moving THEIR city along and no city helps the other. So it's hard to be excited about development with no regional benefits in mind. That's how we're here now, every city for itself, with a ton of redundant development. Back on topic, was it ever mentioned the tax revenue the casino would generate for Norfolk? Supposedly the tribe still owns land in Richmond and could build a casino in Richmond. The problem there is the casino would be able to evade alot of taxes. Is the same true in Norfolk? While Richmond Urban One Casino would actually provide taxes to Richmond. Did Norfolk really sign on just to get a casino? That only promised jobs and development? If so that's the kind of shortsighted competition that hurts the region. Portsmouth Casino is expected to generate 7mil for the city, 1500 jobs, as well as opportunity for local and minority business owners to participate. Also looking to partner with TCC to start a hospitality department.

It has alot to do with new tax production, the cities that were chosen are all small independent cities, with a history of money issues. If I'm not mistaken Norfolk Indian Casino wasn't initially a site chosen by the State, that same tribe tried to build in New Kent and Richmond, before choosing Norfolk. I'm almost sure Norfolk wanted a casino, to up-one on Portsmouth which is a huge issue regionally, and may not work to Norfolk's benefit like initially thought. I for one think if Norfolk actually put in real work they could have redevelop Harbor Park area 10 yrs ago. The area literally has a light rail stop, baseball stadium and a train station and the city has done nothing to capitalize. Why the city sells the land, for a Indian casino was weird, instead of mixed development. Portsmouth on the other hand has a state senator that has been pushing for a casino in Portsmouth for like 25 yrs, done the leg work and is ultimately the catalyst for casinos in VA. Portsmouth also didn't make deals with Cordish that is also holding Norfolk up. I wasn't a fan of Portsmouth casino location initially and thought 1 casino should have been built between DT Norfolk and DT Portsmouth. I also felt like the casino should have been based in Portsmouth given Louise Lucas push. Now that things are underway I'm glad Portsmouth didn't choose that location on Crawford Pkwy. It's a tiny space and I'm sure building the casino there would have slowed the process WAY down. Leaving the area without a casino for 2 more years, but it's looking like Portsmouth casino maybe up within a year, and that exciting for the area. I'm not too sure how I feel about Norfolk's casino it maybe MUCH different especially with all the in-between time. It never crossed my mind but MacArthur would of been a perfect location for a Norfolk casino, hell the mall could of been sold to the Tribe, and renovated into a casino. It's close to everything the Cruise port, Waterside, The Main,Sheldon Arcade, Granby, and sits between 2 light rail stops. Hindsight is always 20/20

Portsmouth and Rivers wanted to have the state's 1st casino. It wouldn't surprise me if the Norfolk casino is way late to be built. Supposedly Waterside developers had rights to build a casino 1st in Norfolk. I don't think that issue is resolved yet. Rivers and Portsmouth believe the state should have the leg work done by October. Rivers is set to go vertical come October, the groundwork and concrete base are being laid now. The difference is Norfolk doesn't have a national brand building, it a tribe casino. I would expect things to be quite slow for that reason alone.

Exactly every city/area already has an identity, or at least areas that are uniquely theirs. Nobody would confuse DT Norfolk and the Oceanfront, even DT Norfolk is different from DT Portsmouth.

Why isn't it attainable? Every city would lose it's independent status. Why do independent continually get tied into individuality?

Yes he has spoken about VB positively I think Pharrell is one of the driving forcing in trying to make VB a destination and that's awesome. But on the other hand his unarmed cousin was gunned down by VB Police.... But that's another issue so back to HR as a whole. But yeah I stand very firm that this area needs to lose its borders. No I do not believe these cities will coexist, VB has had multiple opportunities to show better and hasn't. Is it fair that these large cities sit on 200+ Sq miles of land each. While Norfolk and Portsmouth combined are less than 100.You have no issue in keeping 'status quo', somehow now Norfolk need to ' break bread'. Honestly you guys got the kings ransom and have held the region hostage at times. The city council is voted in by VB residence so yes the demographic of your city isn't progressive and the smear campaign worked. It's hard to look past how VB moves. How to fix the issue, the State needs to lose independent cities. It leads to unnecessary competition and elitist attitudes. Every city becomes a county and urban cores are incorporated into a new city call it New Dominion, I guess. Taxes and services will become shared. Break the new city up into equally populated district to elected officials to create a council. Mayor will be voted in by popular vote. The city annex unincorporated divisions every 8 yrs. Diluting the voter base who reside in VB would help move this area along most. Everybody would have a say in transit and infrastructure issue, only way to get that lose the borders. Not breaking bread with each other, somebody always will want more bread. Sorry also can you move to off topic I know this is totally off topic lol my bad.

The creation of Va Beach , Chesapeake and Suffolk ultimately doomed Norfolk and VA Beach continues to act in a un regional manner. Where is the lie? You want to sugar coat a lie as if Va Beach and Chesapeake hold equal weight and that's a lie. That is a continuation of the issues at hand, those 3 cities had no business existing. It's not about breaking bread, this is about moving our region forward. There is nothing that Va Beach or Chesapeake has that can sustain Hampton Roads except their huge tax base. The tax base that should have already been in Norfolk coffers. And VA Beach residence did vote down the light rail, you may not see it or even choose to believe it VA Beach is very much a city that is quite racy( racist). Pharrell and Bruce Smith have both recently eluded that, and I spoke with multiple VB residence who said the light rail would bring the GHETTO to VB......

VA Beach tourism does not support Hampton Roads and is only viable between May and Sept. The military insulations in VA Beach are in direct support of Norfolk's military base. VA Beach has done nothing and has nothing that could save this area. Sorry not sorry. It is very fair and accurate for me to say VA Beach and Chesapeake does nothing, what have they done? Between those 2 locals is over 600,000 people, Chesapeake and VA Beach have absolutely nothing that should or could support 600,000 people. You my friend have been fooled in believing something that just isn't true. Answer this for me too. If Virginia Beach tourism was so important to the region. Why didn't VB want the light rail to the Oceanfront? As I've said before VB is for VB not Hampton Roads and that city has actively crippled this area.

The real issue in this area are the cities of Va Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. Those cities have literally drained Norfolk/Portsmouth of essential tax base. Norfolk has to take unnecessary and calculated risk on a marginal amount of tax money. It quite ridiculous and flat out maddening that these suburb cities are allowed to sit on tax money their cities did not generate. VA Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk have done nothing to help this area no large industry, no real economic development, no higher education opportunities, they just literally STEAL tax money from the real economic engines of this region. Hampton Roads has to lose its borders pronto. Hell yeah VA Beach is the biggest leach of all,nearly 33,000+ residence commute to Norfolk, use Norfolk and take money made in Norfolk to VA Beach it's disgusting the state allows this theft. The smaller cities have to raise taxes just to survive, while these suburb cities take no risk at all in moving the area forward. Honestly smaller independent cities in Virginia should sue the state for forcing and allowing unfair advantages of land locking urbancore cities and historic CBD's. If anything the state should funnel even more money into these communities or redraw district, distributing tax base accordingly. VA Beach has actively crippled this area on multiple occasions and continue to not live up to a city of 450,000 ppl. VA Beach has a negative 20,000 people who leaves the city to work, for a city of that size and money that stat is sickening. Just think about how many billions of dollars have been wasted in this area??? Hundreds of schools, libraries, fire stations, government offices all overlapping populations in two different cities, that is freaking ridiculous as hell. We need more people to understand that Virginia's system of independent Cities and land annexation are flawed as hell and all cities should just drop the independent status and create counties so services can be shared and taxes can be put to better use. It's time for action honestly we need our state official and govern to understand just how flawed independent cities are especially if they can't annex tax base. Hampton Roads will need to be forced probably but it's long overdue. Casino's can not generate enough tax to help, maybe smaller independent core cities can make an argument for more tax money from marijuana sales like honestly the state cut the head off so many communities thru out this state it's just sad. And in all honesty I believe the policy is based in racism, that ran rampant in our state. So don't blame Norfolk place the blame where it need to be directly with the state and these suburb cities.

Yeah its weird phenomenon with Virginia cities, except NoVa only because D.C. cant build but so high. I'm thinking taxation plays a large role, independent cities are limited in how much they can do. I wouldn't be surprised to see the counties surrounded Richmond to build taller, like Va Beach did in HR. They have the growth and the excesses in taxes base, I'm sure Virginia sees the issues this set up present, I also think that's why specific cities are able to get casinos. Those cities were all stunted not being able to annex, maybe Richmond and Henrico can buck that in the future. I wonder if there is a way to change things to have Virginia localities worked more inclusively. Every city is pitted vs another city or county, we need a new approach. Like sheesh how the hell do people living with 45 miles of each other consider themselves apart. These laws mostly went into place in the 70s, maybe its time the state reviews it.

Yeah Richmond seems to be bigger than Norfolk for sure especially with all the development in Richmond lately. I think Richmond numbers are jacked considering the city was kind of mid riot LOL during the census.