January Meeting Minutes
Ghent Neighborhood League Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2024
Approximately 30 current and prospective members and speakers attended the November 15, 2023, GNL meeting held at the Williams School.
The agenda included the following topics. Shown with discussion highlights:
Welcome and Introductions: Kicked off the meeting with introductions of key members of our organization.
Jason Edelman has stepped down as the GNL Communications Board Chairman to concentrate on his business and family. Rebekah Knable will assume the GNL Communications Committee position.
Keynote Speakers: Speakers included the following (PLEASE NOTE: Officer Dreer was out sick, there was no Crime Report for this meeting. Statistics for January 2024 will be presented during February's membership meeting.)
Treasury Report: Bob Kelly presented the monthly treasury report. Currently hold approximately $7400, plus an additional $2800 reimbursement for the “Big Dig’.
On the “Big Dig” topic, Bod added that another effort may be scheduled for Spring 2024—planting more bushes, trees and grass up to the Hague seawall.
Public House Signage Proposal: John Yarrington of Talley Sign Company presented a short briefing for new signage for the Public House tavern and restaurant at 1112 Colley Ave.
Two signs are proposed: This first over the entrance will have ‘push through” back lit lettering and the second, similar to a previous steakhouse restaurant sign, will run along the front of Public House facing Colley Ave. The second sign will be lit with gooseneck lights that will not interfere with traffic or the ambience of the neighborhood. The attending GNL members and board “approved’ the sign proposal.
Adding to this topic, Nat McCormick, Chair of the GNL Project Review Committee, stated that occasionally the Committee will bring presentations to the GNL general meeting to address key architectural and other project proposals/decisions that the league may should be familiar with. As requested, the Project Review Committee will provide advisory letters to support the Norfolk Architecture Review Board and Planning Commission. Additional details on the GNL Project Review Committee and how it can help you with your projects can be found on the GNL homepage.
Colley Community Center: Christy Moore provided a presentation on the soon to be inaugurated Colley Community Center. The center is a non-profit organization that offers bi-monthly workshops focused on cultivating knowledge, creativity, & connection among Norfolk residents of all ages. It goal is to provide meaningful content rooted in the needs and interests of Ghent and to empower community members to develop practical skills and artistic abilities. Additional information to join, support and the calendar are available at colleycommunitycenter@gmail.com
Norfolk 2050: Chris Whitney designated Chief Planner (chris.whitney@norfolk.gov) presented the initial efforts of Norfolk2050.
NFK2050 is the process to create a new Comprehensive Plan for Norfolk, replacing the existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan. It will create a framework for how the city will grow and evolve over the next 25 years.
The plan includes numerous opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide input on the future of our city. This comprehensive plan relies heavily on public input to ensure the vision, goals, strategies, and actions contained in the plan represent a unified direction from the community.
Norfolk Library Van Wyck Branch: Mathew Thompson, Library Branch Manager provided a brief presentation addressing marque programs at the Van Wyck branch. These include “Story Time” presentation every Tuesday (ages 0-3) and Thursday (ages 3-5) at 10:30 am, and programs for teenagers in knitting and yarn on Wednesdays. English as a second language is also being explored. Please contact the Van Wyck Branch directly for details.
