NORFOLK
As city leaders took steps this week to hand over eight vacant lots for redevelopment, council members said it is time to review a program that has left Norfolk holding roughly 450 properties that could be on the tax rolls.
The Virginian-Pilot revealed this month that the GEM program, which originally was touted as a way to once again collect taxes on delinquent properties, had become bogged down in red tape and political pressure.
From 2004 to early 2006, the city seized hundreds of small and oddly shaped lots for back taxes. But since 2006, the city hasn't sold any of them, despite a waiting list of willing buyers.
The council agreed this week to host a public hearing on a plan to transfer eight Park Place GEM lots to the city's housing authority.
The authority hopes to combine the lots on 27th and 30th streets with others that it already owns and build roughly a dozen homes.
Mayor Paul Fraim asked City Manager Regina V.K. Williams to schedule a broader discussion about GEM on Dec. 9.
Over the past 14 months, the city's Neighborhood Design and Review Center has recommended that the council approve sales to 43 buyers. They range from residents who'd like to have a larger yard to developers. The housing authority's applications are the first to be heard by the council.
City officials differ on the GEM program, with some saying its intent was not to immediately sell the properties but to hold on to them in the hope of eventually redeveloping larger areas of neighborhoods.
"I think it's a shame the press is dictating what we do with those GEM lots," Councilwoman Daun Hester said.
Meghan Hoyer, (757) 446-2293, meghan.hoyer@pilotonline.com
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The Press
Love it or hate it, the press keeps them honest. It is the investigating ability that exposes issues like this to the People! Remember city council, you work for the People. Don't be upset when you are called to be accountable for your business.
8 our of 450 lots??????
Now that's what I call progress. Way to go City Council you're on a roll now. Can't wait to see my property taxes go down.
You getem', Daun
"I think it's a shame the press is dictating what we do with those GEM lots," Councilwoman Daun Hester said.
Yeah you better stop them now, as the next thing you know the press will be deciding who gets elected president.....
Daun Hester
Daun Hester shoud go back to making feel-good speeches about youth violence, but wait..... they didn't make any sense either.
WHAT!!!!
Here we have an official that is in a position to represent the people of Norfolk saying the press is pushy. I see the residence of Norfolk speaking out. The press is just a way to get them to listen since they don't listen at the open sessions.
Also, now they decide to release just a few properties. What a minute, the city is in debt, jobs are being lost, programs are being cut, but the council is the ones driving all this. How is their job security.
And see if you can swallow this. Just days ago the city council approved overwhelmingly to purchase land off of Compestello at almost $3 million. More land in the cities pocket. It is time to clean house and put some real down to earth people on the city council. These people are running our city in the ground. We will soon be the pooriest city in the U.S. if we leave these in one day longer without reminding them that they are suppose to be voting for the citizens and the city, not their interests.
So, what would happen
if all those Virginian Pilot haters who think the paper deserves to fold had their way....
It's this kind of story/information we will never get if the paper is not supported!
Thank you Virginian Pilot for keeping us informed and being the watch dog we need!!
OH....
...I almost forgot to blast NRHA...for that on again-off again Park Place project...you know...had you stuck to your guns 25 years ago the citizens of Park place would have been a done deal generations ago!!!...but no...you stuck them on the back burner to deal your "pet" projects...and NOONE from my generation will reap the possible success from that project...I pray for our grandchildren that you can finish it by then!!!...and if you think about it...how about planning something in Ocean View and Wards Corner for our Great-great Grandchildren...but then again...with global warming...we may be in a flood plain by then!!!
A Shame....
The shameful thing IS those lots could be ON the tax rolls not collecting trash and weeds! It is a shame that WE the citizens have to resort to "using" the power of the press to shed light on the problems in Norfolk. It is called supply and demand in case City Council needs a refresher....oh wait that only applies to our tax rates rights? Norfolk demands and the taxpayer supplies that is the usual mode of operation.
I think it's a shame...
...that our City Council caters to the 2%...and cares less what the masses think. These properties should be gone by now and a non issue...Lawdie...I can wait until election day!!!
Is this woman for real?
"I think it's a shame the press is dictating what we do with those GEM lots,"
The press, for a change, has simply made people aware of this ridiculous quagmire and people are asking council to fix it! This councilwoman hasn't a clue! What an embarrassment.
Where do they get these names from? GEM? How about SMEGMA!
GEM Lots
Norfolk will sell 8 lots....Wow, what a breakthrough..those Norfolk city council people are really Einstein’s. Aren't we proud of them.
What I Would Do ...
If I were the City Mananger, and I had a $20 million shortfall in my budget, and had excess real estate along with a list of buyers; what would I do? I believe I would sell the property to the ready and willing buyers for cash and add the property to the tax rolls thus creating a perpetual cash stream for the city.
Why does the city own property that's not in the public interest
The city shouldn't own property for development and competition with private business. What happens is the city politicians use these properties to better their own interest or for favors to their friends and relatives. We would solve a lot of these problems by invoking term limits on all seats of public office. Instead we tolerate thoughts like, "I think it's a shame the press is dictating what we do with those GEM lots, Councilwoman Daun Hester said." Seems Hester doesn't understand that it's the PUBLIC that is "dictating" or finally speaking up, that enough is enough and we want the governments (city, state, federal) to stop the foolishness.
not the pilot's shame
" "I think it's a shame the press is dictating what we do with those GEM lots," Councilwoman Daun Hester said."
What IS shameful is the deliberate action by the city council to create a situation where the the taxpayers have to pay for upkeep of properties that could be generating tax revenue.
The answer is "term limits" - say two three-year terms in a lifetime.
Simply Amazing
I am simply amazed that the city of Norfolk can react so quickly after being exposed as ineffective administrators by the pilot. It appears that they can get the job done quickly when embarrassed. The question is, why did it take this long? It is simple! The city manager is inefficent, ineffective and too busy trying to save her position with the city to properly manage the city. Why have we not heard anything of her lately? She is busy hiding out, shunning publicity, hoping that no one asks any questions about the local governments inaction on specific programs. This is only one example of programs that are not being administered properly, and there are several more. It is still time to get rid of Ms. Williams and put someone in that can properly run the city! Let us not forget that the mayor and council fully support her. Please vote accordingly.