The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Waterside's fate will be determined by the end of this year, the City Council pledged Monday.
The council approved a proposal from City Manager Regina V.K. Williams to appoint a panel of experts, including urban planners and commercial real estate specialists, to make recommendations on the facility's future. The panel will be guided by a recent survey of more than 3,000 residents.
The council will then make a final decision on the marketplace by Christmas.
The plan could include razing the once popular destination or renovating it. Most council members did not address the issue during a brief debate.
Built in a public-private partnership in 1983, Waterside helped spark the revival of downtown, but is now more than half vacant and in need of repair.
Three business groups, including the Downtown Norfolk Council, suggested late last week that tearing it down may be the best option.
Several council members, including Councilwoman Theresa Whibley and Mayor Paul Fraim, said they are frustrated that the process has taken so long. This is the third council retreat in which Waterside has been discussed.
"Honest to God, how many retreats are we going to sit here and talk about Waterside?" Whibley said.
"You asked for the public to be involved," Williams responded.
Whibley replied: "I did, but I didn't ask for it to take a year."
Whibley expressed dissatisfaction that while Waterside could ultimately be torn down, the city is spending millions of dollars in maintenance costs.
"I think some people think that we are just plodding along," Fraim said. "I don't want this to be a hasty decision, but I don't want it to be months and months."
Councilman Barclay C. Winn said he hopes the panel will work closely with the private sector.
"I don't want to paint this gorgeous pipe dream that nobody in this economy can
pull off," he said. "I want something that's achievable.
"I want to see somebody step up to the plate who has a track record for pulling this off."
Councilman Paul R. Riddick suggested that the entire waterfront, from Freemason to Harbor Park, be part of the study.
"Our waterfront is a non-performing asset," he said.
Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com
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Crime was not rampid when
Crime was not rampid when Waterside first open..Any gathering of crowds now a gun may go off..Tear it down...No place for kids to hang out no !!
I know...
I don't think he'll go for it, but I hear that the Portsmouth City Sheriffs Department has a bulldozer. Do you think he'll let Bob use it?
Just admit it.
Waterside would be an ideal facility for 2, maybe three casinos. Talk about a tax base!
Come on guys. we have to put
Come on guys. we have to put something there that will really draw customers. How else can we expect the LRT to survive?
It's going to be the terminal for the LRT, the High speed train, and HRT. Just think of all the taxi service we will need.
Fate...
Waterside's fate was already decided when the city closed down Bar Norfolk and Have a Nice Day. Jillian's saw it coming and moved to Greenbrier Mall.
Non performing asset
You want to resolve the issue with Waterside? Put it up for sale and find out what the real market value is! It should not be a city owned property, or is it? I think I remember every time there is problems there the politicians all say the city doesn't own it. Sell it and let private enterprise resolve the issues. Probably sell quickly!!!!
Christmas Trees and Plenty of Parking
Whatever the decision is on Waterside come December can we finally get a real Christmas tree down there? Especially if this is the last Christmas for Waterside. I've been stationed in Norfolk three times since 1983 and recall waiting in long lines for Waterside restaurants like Phillips when Waterside was happening. Fast forward to 2010 and every time I eat at Hooters there are no lines and ample parking in front of Waterside. I'm not complaining just saying enjoy it before it goes away.
And a Menorah and whatever
And a Menorah and whatever else the other groups need.
The council
actually expected the City Manager to expeditiously and efficiently do something to save money for the city? If my performance matched that of the City Manager, I would have been fired a long time ago.
Fiscal responsibility/innovative thinking
Tearing the structure down as a remedy is just ridiculous when you think about the costs of the building, how easily renovation would be and what could be done there. Unless there is intention to create open space to extend the park, the citizens of Norfolk should not allow the building torn down because then its to sell to a favored developer no matter what is said by council.