Faced with the challenges of equitable development, the risk of displacement, and the desire for a vibrant, inclusive community, the future of this central district is being shaped through the collaborative efforts of its residents. Midtown Norfolk, surrounded by neighborhoods like Villa Heights, Park Heights, Lindenwood, and the Railroad District, is poised to become a thriving urban hub that reflects the aspirations of its community.
Midtown’s transformation began with an extensive five-month engagement process led by UDA with teaming partner, WPA, bringing together residents, business owners, and city officials. Through sixteen stakeholder meetings, eight community Zoom sessions, and a final in-person engagement weekend, the Midtown Norfolk Plan was crafted to ensure that development aligns with community goals and promotes equitable opportunities.
This plan emphasizes the importance of collaboration, building on existing community efforts, and creating new opportunities that integrate seamlessly with the existing fabric of the neighborhood. The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and continuity, ensuring that new developments benefit everyone and prevent displacement.
Midtown’s strategic location offers a unique opportunity for growth and connectivity. Historically, this area has been a cultural and economic center, with a rich legacy of Black-owned businesses and community events. However, like many urban districts, Midtown faces challenges such as traffic safety, poor sidewalk conditions, insufficient parking, and the need for more green spaces.
The Midtown Norfolk Plan addresses these issues with a focus on five core principles:
- Make Midtown a Destination: Developing new public spaces, retail options, and amenities to create a vibrant community center.
- Enhance Connectivity: Improving infrastructure to facilitate better access and connections within the district.
- Introduce New Residential Options: Expanding housing availability to meet the needs of both current and future residents.
- Ensure Equitable Development: Accommodating a variety of development scales and types to promote inclusivity.
- Maintain Mixed Uses: Creating a district where residents can live, work, and play harmoniously.
Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping this vision. Residents highlighted Midtown’s strengths, such as its engaged community, strategic location, and development opportunities on city-owned sites. They also voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for safe streets, better sidewalks, clear area boundaries, and solutions to prevent displacement.
The vision for Midtown is clear and ambitious. Residents imagine a mixed-use neighborhood with increased density, a safe and attractive environment, and a commitment to addressing historical inequities. They envision homeownership opportunities, affordable housing, essential retailers, and public spaces for community events. Connecting to existing parks and trails and developing job training programs in partnership with local businesses are also key components of this vision.
The Master Plan Framework provides a detailed roadmap for Midtown’s future. It includes a variety of amenities and programming, such as passive spaces, gardens, playgrounds, exercise equipment, gathering areas, community gardens, shade trees, and public facilities. The conceptual framework features the Greenbelt, a continuous green space; the Central Park, a focal point for community gatherings; and the String of Parks, interconnected green spaces that enhance walkability and connectivity.
Unique to Midtown’s plan are several key features:
- Collaboration with existing businesses and residents to ensure new developments build on community strengths.
- Focus on equitable development to prevent displacement and promote inclusivity.
- Emphasis on enhancing connectivity through improved infrastructure.
- Commitment to expanding housing options to meet current and future needs.
The Midtown Norfolk Plan is more than just a blueprint; it’s a promise to create a thriving, inclusive, and well-connected community. This visionary roadmap sets the stage for a vibrant future where everyone can live, work, and play. For those wanting to delve deeper into this transformative vision, the full Final Midtown Report, April 2022, offers a comprehensive look at the plans and community feedback shaping Midtown’s exciting future.
