January 17,2024

Blocker Family YMCA

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:02 PM.

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Shirley Ward (Treasurer), Penny Powers (Secretary), Jennifer Cordovana, Greta Gustavson, Malia McGee, Bruce Robertson, Gerry Roth, Tyler Sherwin, Steve Sigmon, Madeline Sly and Robert Wojtowicz

New Residents: Mr. Kavanaugh opened the meeting with the introduction of new neighbors. Victoria Raine, curator of The Locals Marketplace at 271 Granby Street, introduced herself and explained that she envisions the space housing a variety of artisans, vendors, classes, and a grab and go café.

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

Membership Report: To date we have 36 individuals, 1 condo association, and 6 businesses.

Treasurer’s Report: The balance in the account is ~$2000

Police Report: Resource Officer Alan Driskell reported that the crime statistics for 2023 were improved over 2022. No homicides, assaults were down from 17 to 7, and car larcenies decreased from 298 to 130. He credited the improvement to more officers on the streets and fewer problem businesses downtown. He noted that there was a recent shooting at the light rail in which two suspects were apprehended.

In response to questions Officer Driskell stated that:

• Despite a post on Nextdoor about an attempted mugging at corner of Yarmouth and Bute, no such incident was reported to the police.

• Leaving firearms in cars is a bad idea.

• Regarding handling unstable individuals inside a place of business, he noted that the police are familiar with the issues on Granby Street and he will share tips regarding trespassing ordinances which pertain to dealing with the unhoused population.

Speakers:

Sean Washington, Director of Development, City of Norfolk, reported that a retreat in November focused on issues of the flood wall, St. Paul’s development, The Scope, Chrysler Hall and MacArthur mall. They are resuming studies to evaluate the best ways to update our assets. Renovation and modernization of Chrysler Hall, initially planned for 2020, are being reconsidered.

He noted that small businesses are eligible to compete for grant money for rehabilitation projects.

Mr. Washington reported that Norfolk Development Council is working in collaboration with Selden Market to nurture small businesses and to encourage them to stay downtown. They have hired a retail specialist who will be tasked with matching retail vacancies to businesses seeking rental space.

Gensler, a global conceptual and architectural firm, is evaluating options for the mall space and considering a mixed-use concept including residential, hotel and business. They are expecting a plan by February and community feedback will be solicited prior finalization.

In response to a questions Mr. Washington stated that:

• The current mall occupancy rate is 52%, including the theater which has a lease for 1 more year.

• No big box stores are expected. The trend is towards adaptive reuse of current space; one space installed an Olympic pool and another created a pickleball court. Since the city owns the mall and Dillard’s old space, they have complete control of future development.

• There has been interest from a developer in the old Greyhound Bus site. The city wants to integrate this area with the Neon District.

• The floodwall project may require acquisition of additional assets.

• Plans for the Scope are uncertain but the city wants to maximize that asset.

Stephen Kirkland, Director, Nauticus, announced that 2023 was a very successful year with the highest Museum visitation, highest number of cruise passengers and ~72K visitors to Winterfest.

Nauticus is currently closed and scaffolding is in place for a 21.5 million dollar re-imagining of the space that was originally built 30 years ago. With the goal of better serving the community, and the support of the city, they will re-design the entire interior and install modern, experiential exhibits. Nauticus has raised 10 million in donations and very close to meeting its funding goal. Mr. Kirkland noted that the Nauticus sailing program continues to support educational opportunities for Title 1 schools; teaching students responsibility, leadership and pride through their participation in the sailing program.

Mr. Kirkland also announced that beginning in 2025 Carnival will begin year-round service as a home port. To provide better service the Half Moon Cruise Terminal is making the following changes:

• Creating a ramp to move people from 2nd floor to the 1st floor.

• Covering the terrace to increase seating in the terminal by 600 seats.

• Altering the front circle to improve ingress and egress to the ship for supplies and passengers.

He suggested that Norfolk needs to develop a cruise culture and welcome passengers by having businesses open when they arrive. They have hired a consultant to help prepare for these visitors.

Susan McBride and Faith Hamman, Historic Preservation, City of Norfolk, gave an update on Survey NFK. The goal was to get a snapshot of the city as it was at the time of survey (2020) and to include underrepresented histories of the area. As previously presented, the national register of historic buildings and period of significance were expanded to include structures from 1790 to 1972. They are also re-evaluating the Freemason area boundaries and would like to expand them to include some buildings in adjacent areas.

As part of this update, individual property cards are being created for each of the buildings in the district. These records will include construction date and history, alterations, architectural style, tax assessor records, original architect and owner as well as photographs, when available. Two examples of these were presented. These property cards will be available on Norfolk AIR https://air.norfolk.gov

Pagoda: Madeline Sly reported that Dreasan will re-start his Friday night dinners on January 26 and in February Ziggy’s Street Eats will be available at the Pagoda.

Beautification Committee: Steve Sigmon announced that the next bi-monthly neighborhood clean-up day will be held on January 20 at 9:00. Volunteers can meet by Lola, the mermaid at Freemason Green (corner of College Place and College Cross).

The next Board Meeting is will be held at 7PM on February 21 at Freemason Harbour Condominiums.

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7PM on March 20 at the Blocker YMCA

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

Respectfully submitted, Penny Powers

Click Here For: Power Point Presentation

Click Here For: Non Contributing Update

Click Here For: West Freemason Addresses

February 21, 2024

Freemason Harbour Condominium

Board Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:09 PM.

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Shirley Ward (Treasurer), Penny Powers (Secretary), Greta Gustavson, Bill Jatho, Malia McGee, Gerry Roth, Tyler Sherwin, Madeline Sly, Sarah Whiting, Gerry Buergert and Robin Yeuell.

A quorum was established at this meeting.

Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the last meeting are available on the website: https://www.freemasonnorfolk.com/

Treasurer’s Report: The balance in the account is $2004.80.

Membership Report: Dues have been paid by 49 members, 1 condominium association and 3 businesses. Shirley Ward will email invoices to all the condominium representatives.

Guest: Zach Close is the owner and chef of ilo, a new restaurant to open at 509 Botetourt, the space previously occupied by Voila!. Mr. Close is a Norfolk native with 10 years chef experience in New York City and most recently was the executive chef at The Glass Light Restaurant. He is planning a mid-range neighborhood bistro with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. They are finalizing design elements and hope to begin permitting and construction in March and to open for business in July.

President’s Report:

Mr. Kavanaugh solicited suggestions for speakers for the March General meeting; the following were discussed:

• Alli Pereira, Public Relations Director for Virginia Arts Festival, to discuss the Virginia International Tattoo (April 18-21)

• Mark Talbot, Norfolk Chief of Police

• Courtney Doyle, Norfolk City Council

• Sean Washington, Director of Economic Development, City of Norfolk

Committee Reports:

Newsletter:

Gerry Roth announced that the March newsletter will be printed to announce board seat nominations and requested that articles be submitted by Friday March 9. She also noted that articles for the May newsletter will need to be submitted by Friday, April 27 as she will be out of town the first part of May and unable to work on the newsletter after April 29.

Pagoda:

Madeline Sly noted that the Pagoda is currently doing its annual winter clean up. The Little Free Library that sits in front of the Pagoda is in need of additional repairs to make the door more functional.

Ms. Sly also announced that Dreason is resuming his Friday night dinner menu.

Historic Oversight Committee:

Gerry Roth announced that the Pilot House has submitted plans for updated landscaping to the Architectural Review Board (ARB). She also noted that Mr. Waitzer is preparing his ARB packet requesting approval for

construction of a single-family home.

Ms. Roth informed the board that Susan McBride has resigned from her position at the Norfolk City Planning Department to take a position at Ft. Story. Faith Hamman is now the primary contact person.

New Business:

Mr. Kavanaugh requested that the board form a nominating committee to recommend persons for the 4 board positions that will expire this year. Current board members holding those seats are:

Jack Kavanaugh, Mike McCartney, Sarah Whiting and Penny Powers

The nominating committee must be made up of at least two board members and a representative from the general membership. Jake Tobin and Bruce Wilcox have both served as the non-board member representatives in the past. This year the committee will consist of:

Greta Gustavson, Gerry Roth, Shirley Ward and a non-board member.

Gerry Roth suggested Lee Van De Water if the board wants to expand from 8 to 10 elected positions.

Board Member Discussion items:

• NOAA is expected to leave for Newport, R.I. in 2026. The City of Norfolk is expected to take ownership of the property, which is in the historic district.

• Tyler Sherwin has spoken to his contact at the Williams School about problems with school buses holding up traffic and adding to the congestion on Bute Street. The issue is exacerbated by delivery trucks illegally parking in the areas that are designated for buses. In general, the issue of illegal parking around the YMCA continues, especially when there are visiting teams for events. Parents and visitors are encouraged to use the Bute Street parking structure.

• Malia McGee announced that her husband, Jeremy, is running for the seat on the city council that is being vacated by Andria McClellan.

• Penny Powers noted that the number of business advertisements included in the newsletter far exceeds the number of businesses who have paid memberships. She questions the fairness of allowing free advertising to some while others are paying.

• The following issues related to the Memorial Day Picnic were discussed:

o Save the Date notification vs. reservation form for the next newsletter.

o The cost per person needs to be increased to cover the cost of the food and labor.

o Consider a two-tier cost structure with higher cost for reservations after a certain date?

o FSAA pays for chair rental and music. Pagoda has 30 permanent seats and 60 chairs were rented for last function.

o Live music for ~$300 vs. music through the Pagoda sound system

o Reservation cutoff date; Dreason needs to order the food on Thursday prior to the event.

o Better planning for picnic set-up and break-down.

The next Board Meeting will be held at 7 PM on April 17 at Freemason Harbour Condominiums.

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7 PM on March 20 at the Blocker YMCA

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Penny Powers, Secretary

March 20, 2024

Blocker Family YMCA

General Membership Meeting Minutes

Meeting Called to Order by Jack Kavanaugh at 7:04 PM.

Board members present were: Jack Kavanaugh (President), Michael McCartney (Vice President), Shirley Ward (Treasurer), Greta Gustavson, Bruce Robertson, Gerry Roth, Tyler Sherwin, Steve Sigmon, Madeline Sly, Sarah Whiting, and Robin Yeuell/Gerry Buegert.

New Residents: Mr. Kavanaugh opened the meeting with the introduction of new neighbors. Paula Rivera (College Place) and Mary Helen Royal (Botetourt Street). In addition, he announced that Zach Close, the current Executive Chef at The Glasslight Hotel, will open a new restaurant, Ilo, in the space formerly occupied by Voila!.

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

Membership Report: To date we have 58 individuals, four condo association, and eight businesses. Two new businesses members include Ilo, Virginia Cheese Shop, and Crave Baker.

Treasurer’s Report: The balance in the account is ~$2,???

President’s Remarks: Mr. Kavanaugh reported that Jeremy McGee is running for City Council to fill the seat being vacated by Andria McClellan.

Police Report: Resource Officer Alan Driskell introduced Lt. Jaime Carpenter, who was recently promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Green Sector. Lt. Carpenter shared a few comments including that she previously worked with Internal Affairs, but it looking forward to working the Green Sector.

Officer Driskell reported that crimes continue to decline in the City. The following comments relate to Downtown/Freemason:

• January – no violent crimes; but there were a few car larcenies. Seven fewer (33 vs. 40) than the prior year. There was a residential burglary at a condo in Freemason Harbor. The suspect found a condo unlocked, the residents were out of town, and entered. The police had previously been called to the 400 block of Freemason for his behavior but could not arrest him at that time.

• February – mostly car larcenies. Off duty police officers are working in parking garages and can be on site quickly if needed.

• Dirt Bikes – In response to a resident’s question, Officer Driskell shared that efforts continue to stop and apprehend individuals participating in riding dirt bikes on the streets. There is a bill pending in the General Assembly which would allow Cities to seize illegally operated dirt bikes.

Speakers:

Mr. Kavanaugh shared that due to a family emergency, Chief Mark Talbot had to cancel his visit to the FSAA Meeting. As Mayor Kenny Alexander was an unexpected guest, Mr. Kavanaugh asked if he would like to speak. He shared the following:

• Crime is down 24% overall; homicides are down 33%, car larcenies are down 20%.

• Granby Street – Norfolk City Council engaged, educated, and enforced the rules for restaurants on

Granby Street. The closing of restaurants was not taken lightly.

• 911 – Numerous residents complained about delays getting through to 911; as a result, City of Norfolk 911 calls are now back at City Hall rather than being routed to the closet call center, which may have been another City.

• Automatic License Plate Readers – flock cameras will allow police officers to pick up suspicious activity, respond to issues, and make arrests.

• Speeding in School Zones – new cameras have been placed in school zones; for the first 60 days violators will receive a warning; after that they will receive a ticket it the mail.

o A resident questioned why violators are receiving a warning and not a ticket. The cameras went live on March 4th and this is a courtesy. After 60 days, $100 tickets will be sent.

• Economic Development:

o Military Circle Mall is on track to be developed. The City paused the process as Council wanted better proposals that won’t cause an increase in taxpayer contribution.

o Casino – Council voted on an agreement with the developer, but plans have not yet been received and reviewed. The City is putting the developer on notes that time is of the essence.

 A resident questioned how Council could have approved a casino without plans. Mr. Alexander explained that the Residents approved a referendum to build a casino on the particular site, which cannot be changed. The Developer/Operators was then to submit plans, which have changed on several occasions. Nothing has been presented to ARB. Norfolk is one of five Virginia city to receive approval for a casino along with Portsmouth, Bristol, Richmond, and ???.

o MacArthur Mall – The City owns all of the parking and purchased the entire mall for $20 million. Being the sole owner allows the City to make all decisions for the best use for the property and what is best for the City. The mall will eventually be resold.

o Bus Station – Greyhound wanted to downsize as more people started to travel by air and train. The City owns the building, which may be developed into “market housing”. The Mayor supports affordable housing, but the City of Norfolk has more public housing units than all of our neighboring cities combined.

o Chrysler Hall – the upcoming budget includes funds for renovations which include adding a center aisle, updating/adding restrooms. Balcony seating will be expanded to account for the seats that will be lost with the addition of the center aisle.

• Questions:

o Police Staffing – Resignations have slowed and the City is running two academies a year. One class of 15 just graduated; there are 22 in the current academy class. Council supports the police with raises and other benefits.

o DePaul Hospital – a plan has been submitted with plans to redevelop and open as St. Vincent de Paul, a school to help young people. It is being supported by the Catholic Church and Barry Robinson.

o Maury High School – Norfolk School Board has several proposals. The current proposal

o calls for the preservation and conversion of the school into apartments. A new school will be constructed. The School Board needs to come to City Council to request funding.

o Cordish vs. City of Norfolk – Cordish (Waterside developer/operator) contends they had the right of first refusal for a casino and also contend the City would help them get a gaming license. None of the documents support these claims. Two decisions have sided with the City.

Sean Washington, Director of Development, City of Norfolk. As Mayor Alexander addressed the topics he intended to speak about, he declined additional comments.

Allie Pereira, Virginia Arts Festival, did not attend the meeting.

Pagoda: Madeline Sly reported that Dreason is continuing to serve dinners on Friday nights. The FSAA Memorial Day picnic will be at the Pagoda on Sunday, May 26th. The registration flyer is in the newsletter.

Historic Oversight Committee: Gerry Roth shared that the owner of the lot at 355 W. Freemason has submitted preliminary plans and is slated to go before the City of Norfolk Architectural Review Board (ARB) in the next several weeks.

Nominating Committee: Gerry Roth introduced the members of the nominating committee who included Nancy Wilcox, Greta Gustafson, and Shirley Ward. The committee is putting forth the following slate of candidates for election for a 2-year term: Jack Kavanaugh, Mike McCartney, Penny Powers, Lee Van De Water, and Sarah Whiting. In addition, Bruce Wilcox is presented for a 1-year term.

Elections will be at the General Meeting on May 15, 2024.

Beautification Committee: Steve Sigmon announced that FSAA will participate in the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, March 23rd. Volunteers should meet by Lola, the mermaid, at Freemason Green (corner of College Place and College Cross) at 9:00 am.

The next Board Meeting is will be held at 7PM on April 17 at Freemason Harbour Condominiums.

The next General Membership Meeting will be held at 7PM on May 15 at the Pagoda.

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

Respectfully submitted, Gerry Roth