The South Norfolk Civic League has had a busy few months!

---

Gateway property

We recently received some fantastic news from the city regarding the Gateway property. It would appear that they have agreements in place and a tentative closing date to purchase the remaining land in order to move forward with their plans for the property.

---

CPD reports

Captain Dunlap and Officer Johnson were present to share that crime continues to trend downward in the 2nd Precinct but they wanted to remind residents that larceny, particularly from vehicles, is always an issue, especially with the onset of warmer weather.

They advise everyone to keep vehicles locked and clear of all valuables.

---

Food Truck events

Our foods trucks have started out with a bang, raising almost $450 dollars for our scholarship fund in the first three weeks. We look forward to their continued success over the course of the summer. It’s always a good time and we look forward to seeing more of our neighbors there.

Food truck events are held on the second and fourth Thursdays in every month from 5 p.m. to sunset through September. Food prices range from about $5 to $20. You may bring your own food and drink if you like, however, alcohol is prohibited.

Music, games and fun are led by a DJ. More food and non-food vendors each time. Bring chairs or a blanket, or you can sit at picnic tables in the park shelters.

Fishing is free from the fishing pier at the Elizabeth River Park!

---

Cleanup day huge success; next is planned for June 22

The Civic League, in cooperation with a number of community partners held a neighborhood cleanup day in April – to great success. Almost 100 volunteers from the Civic League, the Neighborhood Watch, Gateway Community Church, South Norfolk Martial Arts, and the Ruritans teamed up to collect 230 of bags of trash, filling two dumpsters.

Breakfast was generously provided by Gateway Community Church and the South Norfolk Ruritans closed out the event with lunch at Elizabeth River Park. The event was such a success that we’ve tentatively planned another for June 22nd in advance of the July 4 Parade and Celebration in the Park.

---

Fourth of July Parade and Celebration has new sponsor

Speaking of July 4, we are pleased to announce that Chesapeake Regional Healthcare will be our presenting sponsor. This is a first for the event and we look forward to a continued partnership.

We are still seeking sponsors to help us host this celebration for the City of Chesapeake. Thousands will attend! Sponsors get special perks and you can still get listed on the back of the hand fans for only $25. See forms in the menu at top.

Community Groups, Crafters, Food Vendors can still sign up for 10×10 booth spaces in the park for the Fourth of July Celebration.

See forms in the menu at top.

---

Sign up for the Parade! It’s free!

Parade slots are filling up, so sign up today! See forms in the menu at top.

---

City Plans and Progress

Always of interest are the plans and progress the city is making on infrastructure and utility repairs the city is making in our community.

While we know these are often moving targets, the city does appear to be making some significant progress. We do know these projects will affect a number of our residents so we will continue to follow up with the city for updates.

• 22nd St Bridge – Progress ongoing. Test piles are being installed and earthen wall installation should begin within the next two weeks. The contractor is still on schedule and no time extensions have been requested or issued.
• Virginia, Redstart, and Westgood Avenue Sewer Renewal – Construction is expected to begin in late June.
• Edgewood Avenue – Pipe replacement is complete, there are still some liners to install as well as some manhole rehabilitation to be completed but road work has been completed. Public Works will be resurfacing the road under a separate contract.
• 18th St Sanitary Sewer Renewal between Seaboard Ave. and D St. – Construction expected to begin Fall 2019.
• Decatur St. Sewer Renewal between Guerriere and Holly – Construction expected to begin Late Fall 2019.

---

Neighborhood Watch & Community Garden Update

We also had an update from the Neighborhood Watch.

There are still a couple of boxes available at the South Norfolk Community Garden (a project of the Neighborhood Watch) and cameras have been installed to deter theft and vandalism.

Green Thumbers, you are needed in the South Norfolk Community Garden! Everyone is invited to join and volunteer to help in the garden and with garden events throughout the year.

The garden is located at 1014 Jefferson Street  in South Norfolk.

Of note, all Neighborhood Watch board positions will be available this coming October.

Visit the South Norfolk Neighborhood Watch’s website for more information on the watch and the community garden.

---

SN Library hatches chicks; works with city to offer high school diplomas online

Exciting news from the library – they have chickens, eggs and chicks to be exact! Even more exciting is the news that the city is launching an initiative, through the library, to allow individuals to receive a high school diploma via an online class.

Visit the South Norfolk Memorial Library Facebook page, HERE.

---

Hope to see you at our next meeting!

The next meeting of the South Norfolk Civic League will be held at 7 p.m. June 10, at the South Norfolk Community Center, 1217 Godwin Ave., in Portlock.

---