12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 9 Number 12 Around Hampton Roads


Applicants Needed for City Boards and Commissions in Chesapeake


The Chesapeake City Council is seeking residents who may be interested in serving on various boards and commissions. Boards and commissions provide a vital service to various City departments, agencies and City Council.


Citizens wishing to serve must complete an application form. Applications are due in the City Clerk's office by August 28, 2015. City Council will appoint candidates for these vacancies at its September 22, 2015 meeting. No appointments are made during August or December.


Applications are currently being accepted for the following City Council appointed boards and commissions:


Chesapeake Arboretum Advisory Board — 9 appointments (7 regular members and 2 alternate members) Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board — 3 appointments Chesapeake Bicycle/Trails Advisory Board — 2 appointments Chesapeake Commission on Health and Well Being — 1 appointment Chesapeake Interagency Consortium — 2 appointments (Children/Family Services Representative and parent representative) Chesapeake Youth Committee — 2 appointments Southeastern Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program — 1 appointment Transportation Safety Commission — 4 appointments Transportation Toll Facility Advisory Committee — 2 appointments


(Representative with a technical background such as an engineer or architect and a representative with a financial background)


For more information or to apply, contact the City Clerk's office at 382-6151, or visit Boards and Commissions.


Visitor Attraction Grants Approved for Hampton Venues


July 21, 2015 - The Economic Development Authority approved three visitor attraction grants to local venues. The money for the Hampton Cultural, Athletic and Visitor Attraction Grant come from $1-per-night fee on hotel rooms. Funds for the current fiscal year will go to:


Boo Williams Sportsplex: $184,438 Virginia Air and Space Center: $288,481 Langley Speedway: $15,000


Commissioner of the Revenue Accepting Applications for Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly & Disabled


The Newport News Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue is accepting and processing applications for the Real Estate Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled program available to Newport News homeowners. Those who meet specified eligibility requirements, including age, income, and assets, may qualify for deferral of real estate tax. The deadline for filing a 2015-16 application for Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled is August 31, 2015.


Eligibility requirements are as follows:


Applicant must own and reside in the home and be at least 65 years of age by December 31, 2014 or be permanently and totally disabled.


Total combined income from all sources during 2014 of the applicant, spouse, and all relatives and non-relatives residing in the home shall not exceed $50,000. Some exceptions apply.


Combined assets of the applicant and spouse as of December 31, 2014 shall not exceed $200,000, excluding the residence.


If multiple persons, other than a spouse, are listed on the deed, all persons listed must meet the eligibility requirements.


Application must be filed between January 1 and August 31, 2015.


Real estate tax deferral is provided for property owners who are eligible according to the requirements listed above. Deferral means that the tax is postponed and must be paid upon the sale or transfer of title of the dwelling. Deferred taxes constitute a lien upon the real estate. The eligible applicant may elect to defer less than 100%. Qualified homeowners should consult with their mortgage company regarding the deferral of tax.


For more information or to obtain an application, property owners can contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at (757) 926-3535 or visit the office at either 2400 Washington Avenue or 12912 Jefferson Avenue. Information and applications are also available on the Commissioner of the Revenue’s website.


Old Dominion University Business Gateway’s Women’s Business Center Programs


Norfolk, Va.—Old Dominion University Business Gateway’s Women’s Business Center will present the following programs in August:


Thursday, August 20; 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - WBC Orientation and SBA Website Overview. Get introduced to the WBC at ODU Business Gateway and find out about available resources to help launch, grow and sustain your business. Learn about the WBC and the numerous resources available for women entrepreneurs; get an overview of ODU Business Gateway Programs and meet Center directors, and learn how to navigate the SBA Website and utilize the online tools and classes for business planning. Register at www.wbcorientation- aug2015.eventbrite.com Location: Norfolk, VA 23508.


Innovation Research Park II, 4211 Monarch Way,


Thursday, August 27; 6-8 p.m. - Business Research Workshop. Learn how to access industry reports, market research, competitor analysis, company profiles, articles, trade publications, industry profiles and more! As the premier research institution for Hampton Roads, ODU has access to hundreds of databases, resource materials and a highly trained Business Library resource staff to help you harness the power of information for business success. Fee: $15 (Limited Seating). Register at www.busresearch-aug2015.eventbrite. com Location: ODU Business Gateway Classroom, 4111 Monarch Way, Suite 106, Norfolk, VA


23508. WBC events are listed online at www.wbc-norfolk.eventbrite.com. For more information on any of these programs, contact Sadiksha Nepal, Program Coordinator, at snepal@odu.edu or call (757) 683-7073.


City of Portsmouth Hosts Back to School Community Day


Portsmouth, VA – On Saturday, August 22, 2015, the City of Portsmouth will join together with community members to host the inaugural Working In Support of Education (WISE) Back to School Community Day. The event will be held at nTelos Pavilion from 11 am - 5 p.m. The goal is to provide every school aged child, who attends, with a positive message to encourage academic excellence along with a free backpack and school supplies. This fun filled day will consist of a variety of games, music and free food. The free food will be available between noon – 1 p.m.; a drum line competition is planned from 1 -4 p.m. and games will be taking place throughout the day. The Portsmouth City Council, School Board, and the Portsmouth Schools Foundation are working together to close the achievement gap by instituting higher standards and ensuring a greater distribution of resources for all schools and students in the City of Portsmouth.


Suffolk Ranked in Top 15 Best Cities in America for Veterans in 2015


The City of Suffolk was named the 15th Best City for Veterans in the Nation as a result of its strong economic indicators and robust veteran community according to NerdWallet. A total of 1,286 cities across America were evaluated and examined based on median income, unemployment and poverty rates, percentage of residents who are veterans, and the prevalence of industries that employ more veterans than civilians. Suffolk was one of two cities in Hampton Roads to receive a top 15 ranking, including Chesapeake at number 7.


Using data from the Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, they advised that Veterans make up a large portion of Suffolk residents, at 17% of the total population. This comes as little surprise, given that veterans here experience a low poverty rate of 4.5% and a median income of $51,488 according to data researched. Further, data also shows that industries that employ more veterans than civilians – like manufacturing and warehousing – make up over 27% of the City’s workforce. NerdWallet also went on to note that Suffolk’s healthy economic environment is complemented by an excellent quality of life, citing that residents here enjoy attractions like Constant’s Wharf Park & Marina and the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts.


The rankings can be viewed via this web address: www. nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/top-cities-for-veterans-2015.


Back in April, NerdWallet also ranked Suffolk in the Top 20 in their “Best Cities for Young Families” study.


NerdWallet is a personal finance site for consumers. Their data-driven tools and content enable consumers to make well-informed decisions across a broad range of financial topics, like buying a house, saving for retirement and starting a small business.


August 2015


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