Today’s Pilot has an interesting article about the debt of the city. While it is no where near the debt ceiling, Norfolk has committed to some pretty major downtown projects:
New courthouse: $100 million. Light rail line: $39 million. Cruise ship terminal: $37 million. Conference center: $33 million.
Don’t see any money in there for neighborhoods? Don’t expect any. Once again, it seems that council has forgotten who is paying the bills. Plans for neighborhood improvements will likely be put on hold.
I know the problem with the courthouse has been delayed for years. I’ve heard the grumblings. But it seems that the very last on the list of investment by our fair city is the neighborhoods. I think that is wrong.
Norfolk council should commit to an allocation of resources for neighborhoods each year. I believe they should have a fixed percentage of the capital budget allocated. Our neighborhoods are as important as any other part of the city and our investment in them is critical. Downtown investment over the years has always taken precedent over the neighborhoods in the nearly 30 years that I’ve lived here. It is past time for the citizens to stand up to council.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
Vivian,
Politics these days is about taking care of your constituents: your cash constituents. Ain’t nobody concerned about neighborhoods until too many colored folk move in. Ya Dig.
Vivian,
The Norfolk Tea Party is back! The first meeting of the Norfolk Tea Party II will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23rd at 9am at “the Banque” on E. Little Creek Rd. We are going for a $.19 real estate tax cut in 2008! Let’s give the windfall back to the taxpayers!!
I got the flier on my door. Who is involved in this? Shoot me an email.