To build up South Norfolk, tear-down is in the works

Chesapeake

In the mid-1980s, the Chesapeake Redevelopment & Housing Authority leased a chunk of South Norfolk land to a private company that was supposed to offer affordable housing.

Over the past few years, however, housing officials say, the apartment complex off Grady Crescent became a nuisance that was in such disrepair that the building was boarded up. The last residents moved out in the fall.

Now, under pressure generated by the redevelopment of South Norfolk, the complex owner plans to raze the building and build 24 new housing units, city officials say.

The Grady Crescent situation has become a small but telling example of how revitalization in one part of South Norfolk is bringing pressure on other properties that have caused image problems and public safety concerns.

There is no official word on when the project will begin. Councilwoman Rebecca Adams said at last week's council meeting that plans could be submitted this month or next month, and that building could begin in six months.

Brenda G. Willis, the housing authority's executive director, said the agency is working through a final agreement with Baylor Corp., the Norfolk group that has been running the property since signing a 50-year land lease with the housing authority in 1985. James E. Baylor Jr., a top official with the company, did not return several phone calls from a reporter.

The Grady Crescent apartments have been a "problem area" for at least 10 years, said Frank Lilley, president of the South Norfolk Civic League.

"Now, it's getting the focus that it should," Lilley said. "It really needs to be addressed."

Willis said Baylor Corp. agreed to redevelop the property after the agency began asking the company to make repairs. The pressure increased as momentum built for nearby projects such as Gateway at SoNo, a 133-condominium development under construction steps away from the complex.

"With the resurgence of South Norfolk, it was really beginning to stick out and be a sore thumb out there," Willis said. "The property's really been a concern for us. We started getting after them to do a little better."

Willis said there will be no government subsidies for the project. The housing authority will manage the site, she said.

Until the worn beige complex is torn down, Baylor is allowing the Chesapeake Fire Department to use it as a training facility. Firefighters were there last week lowering a dummy from a second-floor window to simulate rescuing an injured person.

"It's a pretty unique opportunity for us," said Fire Department training officer Rich Batzel. "We get to tear it up, break holes in walls and windows - all of the things we don't normally get to do."

Lilley, who has not seen the plans for the redevelopment, said the Grady Crescent area will be one of several problem zones that a civic league focus group will address. Replacing the building would be an important part of the redevelopment effort, he said.

"It's just another piece of the puzzle," he said.

Mike Saewitz (757) 222-5207, mike.saewitz@pilotonline.com