January 21, 2026

Blocker Family YMCA

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:05 PM.  

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Jennifer Cordovana, Greta Gustavson, Keith Naumann, Jeff Regan, Gerry Roth, Steve Sigmon, Madeline Sly, Sarah Whiting, and Bruce Wilcox. 

New Residents: Mr. Kavanaugh asked new neighbors present at the meeting to introduce themselves, there were none.

Secretary’s Report:  Minutes from the prior meetings are posted on the website:  https://www.freemasonnorfolk.com/

Treasurer’s Report:  The balance in the account is $2,300.

Police Resource Officer:  No report

Speakers:

Elizabeth Nowak, Historic Preservation Officer with the City of Norfolk, provided background on the Historic Preservation Guidelines.  The guidelines were last updated in 2012 and in the Fall, various meetings were held with residents.  Ms. Nowak and her associate, Faith Hamman, met with Freemason residents in October 2025.  Major points of her comments are noted:

o    Norfolk is a Certified Local Government and the Guidelines are based on those the federal government uses

o    Currently working to update the 2012 guidelines.  The principles are the same, but the plan is to make them more accessible, clarify language, streamline information, and add graphics. 

o    Include Federal Flood guidelines, which were updated in 2021.

o    There is now an entire chapter on the meaning of a repair vs an in-kind update.

o    Guidelines also include links for what to check/review annually.

o    First draft is posted to Norfolk.gov/guidelines.

o    The draft is focused on the text and includes “blanks” for the future addition of photos.

o    The survey includes five questions for which residents can comment.

Ms. Nowak shared that letters are sent to new residents of Historic Districts within a month or so of the real estate records being updated to show the transfer.  In addition, a letter is sent each December to all Historic District property owners.  These letters remind the owner of the guidelines and the procedure for requesting exterior changes. 

Norfolk City Councilman Jeremy McGee, Superward 6, provided what he referred to as various “random” updates.  

·       Crime:  overall, crime is down 16%; it is down 24% in Ward 2.  Gun violence and 

homicides are both down.  The City has 535 officers, which is similar to prior years.  We are losing officer to federal agencies, who are paying a $50M signing bonus.  Salary structure is competitive, but will be reviewed and updated as needed.  There is a 20% vacancy rate for 911 operators, which is an improvement from 45%.

·       Unhoused Population:  Yearly counts are up; Homeless Task Force staff are being placed where they can do the most good.  There are rooms available, but many of the individuals are offered housing, but frequently decline.  Mr. McGee intends to ask for more resources, profiles on the individuals (including veteran status) isn’t known.  If a resident encounters an individual needing assistance, they should call the non-emergency number.

·       Landscaping & Upkeep around the City:  Staff is working to improve medians, sidewalks, in preparation for SailVA250, City staff has been out to assess needs.  Plantings are being changed to provide consistency.  

o   In response to the FSAA survey by Steve Sigmon & Bruce Wilcox, Staff has committed to having trees planted in the vacant tree boxes and stumps ground down by 3/15/2026.  Staff continues to evaluate the repairs and prioritize the process.

o   The FSAA survey identified 36 lights out, some of which are owned by the City; including the string on the walkway to Nauticus.  The City is working with Dominion Energy to repair or replace non-functioning lights.

·       Granby Street Bike lanes:  staff is working to reset the timing on the signals; trash cans are sometimes left in the bike lane.

·       MacArthur Mall

o   City Council recently received an update on the mall from Hg80, the consultant.  The current plan calls for the demo of the mall and reconnecting the street to run through.

o   The land would be sold to the developer, but the City would be responsible for the street infrastructure, which is costly.

o   Part of the parking garages will stay.  Plans are to include 300,000 square feet of retail space, and housing, both owned and rental.

o   Two hotels are proposed, but would be mid-level (not full service) and would cost less per night.  A need to this level hotel has been identified.

o   Several grocers have expressed interest.

·       Military Circle:  redevelopment plans cannot move forward until a deal is struck with a tenant who has a long-term lease.

·       Casino:  No one in the room, except Jeremy, has been to the casino. The revenue projections continue to change; range from $15 to $30 million.  A parking garage will be built behind City Hall and between Harbor Park to provide additional parking spaces.

·       Norfolk Tides:  A renewal contract has not yet been executed, but the City wants the Team to stay.  This is evident in the City’s desire to improve the stadium.  Use of the Tide to get to games was successful

·       Coastal Storm Risk Management Plan:  not a lot has changed since the last presentation.  Army Corps of Engineers states they understand the position of Councilman McGee and Councilwoman Doyle (Ward 2).  The City has received a $25 million grant to provide flood mitigation for individual homes, including elevation.

·       Greyhound Station:  progress continues on develop; expected to start in 2026

·       Schools:

o   Maury High School:  plans have been approved

o   School Consolidation:  The City requested 10 closures, the school board provided nine but recommended three rebuilds.

·       Mayors Commission on Housing:  working to decided how best to use land; need to decide what we want to see.

·       Business Liaison:  We have two new liaisons who will help businesses navigate the process of working with the City.

·       Miscellaneous:

o   Repealed the meal tax bond, working on admissions tax

o   500 Botetourt – no requirement for the building owner to provide off-street parking

o   ICE – Norfolk does not have a cooperation agreement with ICE

o   Speed Limit signs:  Jeremy will check on the status and will report back.

o   Street signs for historic districts – the request for funding to be in this year’s budget; hope to be able to install them this year.

Committee Reports:

Historic Oversight Committee: Gerry Roth thanked Elizabeth and Faith for attending the meeting and reminded residents to review the new design and provide feedback.

Beautification Committee: Steve Sigmon announced the next neighborhood clean-up will be Saturday, March 21st.  

As noted under Mr. McGee’s comments, an itemized list of repairs needing to be addressed (tree boxes, lights, etc) has been compiled and submitted to the City.  This is being done ahead of Sail250 Virginia, which will be in Norfolk June 19 – 23, 2026

Pagoda: Madeline Sly reported that winter maintenance was in progress at the Pagoda and Garden.

Membership Report:  Paid to date are 21 individuals, 0 condo associations, and 4 businesses. 

Business Representative:  No report

Next Meetings:

The next Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on February 18th at Freemason Harbour Condominiums. 

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7 PM on March 18th at the Blocker YMCA 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Gerry Roth

February 18, 2026

Freemason Harbour Condominium

Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:11 PM.  

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Shirley Ward (Treasurer), Penny Powers (Secretary), Robin and Gerry Buergert, Jennifer Cordovana, Greta Gustavson, Karen Doty, Jeff Mitchell, Malia McGee, Gerry Roth, Madeline Sly, Bruce Wilcox, and Sarah Whiting.  A quorum was established at this meeting. 

Secretary’s Report:  Minutes will be available on the website: https://www.freemasonnorfolk.com/

Treasurer’s Report: Shirley Ward announced that the balance in the account is $2,293.20. 

President’s Report: 

Jack Kavanaugh opened the meeting with discussion of speakers for the March general membership meeting: 

·       Alli Pereira, Virginia Arts Festival, to discuss the Virginia International Tattoo, April 16-19, 2026.

·       Norfolk School Board, Ward 2 candidates:

o   Dr. Valeka Gatling

o   Michael Spencer

The following speakers were also discussed for upcoming meetings: 

·       Mayor Kenny Alexander and City Manager Patrick Roberts.

·       Karen Scherberger, Sail 250 Virginia.

·       The Waste Wizard, to discuss trash and recycling issues.

·       The MacArthur Memorial Foundation to provide update on activities.

Mr. Kavanaugh requested a volunteer to take over the newsletter from Gerry Roth; he specifically asked Malia McGee if she could consider taking on this role.  Ms. Roth will do the newsletter through May. 

Membership Report: Dues have been paid by 42 members, 0 condominium associations and 6

businesses.  Ms. Ward will send out invoices to 11 condominium associations and she reminded all board members to pay their dues.

Committee Reports:

Newsletter:   Gerry Roth announced that articles for the next newsletter are due by March 9, 2026.

Historic Oversight Committee: Gerry Roth noted that the draft of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) guidelines which are posted for comment are the same ones that Elizabeth Nowak, Historic Preservation Officer, reviewed in the January meeting. All historic district property owners received a letter notifying them of the proposed changes. Once implemented the guidelines must be followed or fines will be imposed.

Ms. Roth noted that interested historic property owners who attended the information meeting with Historic Preservation representatives found it very helpful. 

·       There is no update on Mr. Waitzer’s lot at 355 W. Freemason. 

·       Ms. Roth mentioned that she met with a member of the Ghent neighborhood association board which hosts a monthly social at different venues. They discussed the possibility of hosting a joint social. 

·       Ms. Roth announced that the Boy Scouts annual mulch sale is coming up. The mulch comes in bags and is delivered directly to each home, so they are easier to manage than large piles; contact her if you would like details. 

Pagoda:  Madeline Sly reported that the Pagoda is busy with their pre-spring cleanup. Lately there have been big groups of Pokémon players in the area.

Beautification Committee: Mr. Kavanaugh announced that the next neighborhood clean-up day will be held on 3/21/26 at 9:00. Volunteers can meet at Freemason Green (corner of College Place and College Cross). Clean up supplies, hot coffee and donuts are provided and all are invited.

Additional cleanups will be scheduled prior to Sail250 events.

Board Member Discussion items:

·       Bruce Wilcox noted that the city has already begun work on the list of issues that he and Steve Sigmon prepared. He credits Jeremy McGee with getting this project expedited.  

o   Karen Doty notes that the bricks are being repaired and some areas have been completed.

o   Some of the brick remediation has required the removal of old trees, one looked to be very old.

o   Prairie fire crabapple and Chinese elms are being planted in the empty tree boxes. 

·       Jennifer Corovana notes that her ring cameras have recorded a lot of nighttime activity and car door checking in their parking area. She has shared this video with Officer Ben Manning. 

·       Parking issues at 500 block of Botetourt are affecting the rest of the neighborhood. 

·       Malia McGee reported that a gas line was punctured during work that was being done in the neighborhood and was repaired.  There are new gas company markings on Bute Street. 

·       The Buergerts note that a pile of bricks remains after completion of the sewer repair by a private contractor on York Street. They will send pictures to Mr. Kavanaugh, who will address the issue.

·       New 15 MPH signs have been put up in parts of Freemason but there are no signs indicating a change.

·       Parking violations continue throughout the neighborhood, especially on Yarmouth and Bute. 

·       Some NOAA employees are speeding and creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

The next Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on April 15 at Freemason Harbour Condominiums. 

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7 PM on March 18 at the Blocker YMCA. 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Penny Powers, Secretary

March 18, 2026

Blocker Family YMCA

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:05 PM

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Penny Powers (Secretary), Robin and Gerry Buergert, Jennifer Cordovana, Greta Gustavson, Keith and Carol Naumann, Jeff Regan, Gerry Roth, and Madeline Sly. A quorum was established.

New Residents: Mr. Kavanaugh opened the meeting by welcoming any new neighbors.

Secretary’s Report:  Minutes will be available on the website: https://www.freemasonnorfolk.com/

Treasurer’s Report:  The balance in the account is $2543

Police Report: Resource Officer Ben Manning reported for 2/18/26- 23/18/26

·      No violent crimes.

·      7 larcenies from (mostly unlocked) vehicles. These included items of value (thousands of dollars in cash, electronics, firearm, etc.). If thieves find valuables they are likely to return to same area.

·      1 package theft; suspect arrested.

·      2 stolen vehicles (one with keys left in; the other was recovered 3 hours later).

Speakers:

Keith Darrow, transportation engineer for City of Norfolk, Kyle Gilmer and Kristen Belfield presents their ongoing study; Norfolk Reconnecting Communities. The goal of this study is to reconnect neighborhoods and destinations such as downtown Norfolk, Norfolk State University, Harbor Park, and Kindred Developments. They have received $1.6 million funding from 2021 Infrastructure Bill to fund this study.

He noted that Interstate 264, created 60 years ago, altered the connectivity of communities in the downtown area. It includes several interchanges that drivers coming from Chesapeake and Virginia Beach have to navigate to get into Norfolk. Previous studies in 2018 and 2022 recommended concepts to improve I264 corridor. 

They are currently soliciting help from residents to present their priorities including-improved transit systems and better routes to navigate from point A to point B.  Attendees are requested to utilize the QR code on the flyer they received to provide information. Alternately they may visit the website https://norfolk.gov/reconnectingcommunities   There is engagement map where you can designate different points and see how they could be better connected to meet your needs. They will use this information to develop concepts. Traffic analysis will occur during the planning stage and will be based on public input. 

Three Phase Project

Phase 1. Planning, Community Engagement, Exploring Alternatives, Refine Ideas. 

Phase 2. Comprehensive Study.

Phase 3. Design implementation to be determined after other phases compete. No plans or timeline yet. 

Questions and comments from the floor:

What is the role of light rail to move people? 

o   All modes of transportation, including light rail will be evaluated. HRT has been included in the discussions.

When they raze the mall will they consider adding an additional lane to Boush/Waterside?

o   Probably not as part of this study but comments such as these should be submitted too because they are trying take all points of view into consideration.

Could they synchronize the traffic lights for better traffic flow?

o   Currently there is a 2–3-person team is working daily to repair fiber destroyed by contractors.

Could they repair the potholes?

o   Report to Norfolk Cares

Make sure that Amtrak is highlighted in the transportation planning. 

Consider how to allow more access to the Elizabeth Rver Trail by modifying the interstate system.

How will you assess the population who come into Norfolk for tourism?

Kayla Lundy, Virginia Arts Festival, reviewed the schedule for new season. She noted that the festival started in 1997 with the goal of bringing tourists to Norfolk during the shoulder season. Ms. Lundy highlighted:

·      Dance Theatre of Harlem.

·      Many classical offerings and other genres such as chamber music, jazz, rock and roll.

·      Theatre festival.

·      International Tattoo.

·      Various events to be held at Perry Pavillion.

Dr. Veleka Gatling, Ward 2 Norfolk Public School Board candidate, introduced herself as Norfolk born and Hampton Roads raised. She shares some of her 30 years of experience in education, manly as an inclusion teacher. 

Her 3 areas of focus are:

·      Student outcomes; she notes a background in State and Federal accreditations.

·      Community values.

·      Effective governance.

Dr. Gatling requests support for her campaign and people’s vote in November.

Committee Reports:

Historic Oversight Committee: Gerry Roth reminded residents of the historic district that if they are planning any changes to their external building or landscaping the oversight committee can help you through the process with the Architectural Review Board.

Beautification Committee: In Steve Sigmon’s absence, Mr. Kavanaugh announced that the next neighborhood clean-up day will be held on March 21 at 9:00. Volunteers can meet at Freemason Green (corner of College Place and College Cross). Clean up supplies, hot coffee and donuts are provided and all are invited.

Membership Report:  To date we have 30 individuals, 2 condo associations, and 5 businesses. 

Presidents Report:

Jack Kavanaugh announced that the nominating committee is putting forth the following slate of candidates for election for a 2-year term (June 2026- June 2028):  Jack Kavanaugh, Mike McCartney, Penny Powers, and Sarah Whiting. Elections will take place at May 20 general membership meeting.

The next Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on April 15 at Freemason Harbour Condominiums. 

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7PM on May 26; location TBD. 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Penny Powers