12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 12 Number 3 Around Hampton Roads


Chesapeake School Board Notice of Public Hearing – December 11


At a specially scheduled meeting on Monday, December 11, 2017, the Chesapeake School Board will hold a public hearing to seek input as it moves forward with the selection of a new superintendent. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit public opinion on the desired qualifications residents most want to see in their next superintendent. The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the School Administration Building, 312 Cedar Rd. Persons who wish to address the Board on the Superintendent’s Search may register to speak by calling the Office of the Clerk of the School Board at 547-1047 or register to speak prior to 7 p.m. on December 11.


Online Presentation, Survey Available on New Recreational Vehicle Storage Ordinance


An online presentation and survey is now available for Hampton residents who want to weigh in on proposed changes to city regulations regarding the storage of recreational vehicles. The current regulation allow recreational vehicles on residential lots only when they are:


No greater than 28’ long, 8’ wide, and 10’ tall Meet accessory structure setbacks


Not parked in a front yard, except when loading or unloading (max 48 hours)


The online version of a recent presentation on recreational vehicle storage is now available at hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19611. The presentation includes several questions being raised before a new ordinance is created. You can also tell us what you think by taking an online survey that is open to all Hampton residents at www.surveymonkey.com/r/N3DPCCG.


A final decision on changes to the recreational vehicle ordinance is not expected until the summer of 2018. For more information, please contact Steve Shapiro, acting zoning administrator, at (757) 727-6246, or sshapiro@hampton.gov.


Can Your Fines in Newport News The city of Newport News Public Libraries will sponsor a “Can Your Fines “ Food Drive from November 27 through December 31. All Newport News Public Library branches will be participating in our annual Can Your Fines food drive, benefiting the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula.


Instead of paying cash for overdue and late renewal fines during this period, patrons can “pay” with cans of nonperishable foods and some nonfood items. Simply bring donated items to your library of choice. A library staff member at the service desk will look up your account and give you credit for the items you donate. One food or personal item will take care of one fine for overdue materials. Items can ONLY be used for Overdue Fines and Late Renewal Fines.


We can accept non-food items as well, such as toothpaste, diapers, and shampoo (unopened, of course). No alcoholic beverages or sodas can be accepted.


For a wishlist of items from the Foodbank, please visit www.hrfoodbank.org.


Rabid Raccoon Found in Norfolk Neighborhood


NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Department of Public Health reports that a raccoon, found in Forest Park, has tested positive for rabies. A raccoon collected on November 16, 2017 in the 1200 block of Sheppard Avenue has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was sent for testing to the Virginia Department of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA. It tested positive for rabies on November 17, 2017. If you have recently been bitten or scratched by a raccoon in this area, please contact Norfolk Public Health at 757-683-2712.


Rabies is preventable if vaccine is given early and as recommended. Dee Franklin, Environmental Health Supervisor with Norfolk Public Health, said it’s important to note that in the event of any exposure, all animal bites should be reported immediately to local health departments. Incidents occurring in the City of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division, Norfolk Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387.


The following precautions are recommended to reduce rabies exposure:


• Warn adults and children not to approach or feed animals not belonging to them and to report any animal bites or scratches.


• Do not handle or touch stray or wild animals. • Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations. • Keep pets confined to the home and yard. •


Minority & Women-Owned Business Conference in Portsmouth


Portsmouth Public Schools will host a Minority & Women-Owned Business Conference on December 1, 2017 at 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel located at 425 Water St., Portsmouth, Va. 23704. The event is Free and open to the public. Register and get more details by calling 757-393-8261, Ext. 14140.


Welspun to Establish Operations in Suffolk’s Virginia


Regional Commerce Park


SUFFOLK, Virginia (October 11, 2017) – Welspun USA Inc., a subsidiary of the India based Welspun Group, will occupy 200,000 sq. ft. of space at Virginia Regional Commerce Park’s Building B, the new, recently completed speculative building by Panattoni Development. At the Suffolk facility, Welspun will manage distribution of linens and towels for their US retail and hospitality customers, taking advantage of the nearby Port of Virginia resources. Investment in the operations will total over $1,000,000 in equipment and will provide employment to 16 people.


Welspun USA sells home textiles such as bath towels, rugs, decorative bedding and robes. Shoppers can find their products at global retailers such as Costco, Walmart, Macy’s, Bed Bath and Beyond and Kohl’s. The Welspun project location in Virginia was a well-coordinated effort that included location assistance by Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate, CBRE Hampton Roads, Panattoni Development, Port of Virginia, City of Suffolk, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and Virginia Economic Development Partnership.


Welspun was represented by Charles Dickinson of Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate and the landlord was represented by CBRE Hampton Roads.


City of Virginia Beach to Hold Public Meetings About Flood Risks and Resiliency


The City of Virginia Beach, Public Works Engineering, and the Old Dominion University Resilience Collaborative have scheduled a series of seven citywide public meetings so that citizens can provide input about flood risks and planning for the future.


Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, or ASERT, is an interactive public engagement process led by a team from the Old Dominion University Resilience Collaborative. Led by this team, there will be a series of seven public ASERT meetings across the city during December and January at local public schools in Virginia Beach. The schedule and locations for these meetings and other information can be found at www.vbgov.com/pwslr.


These meetings will give the public an opportunity to help develop priorities regarding the City's resiliency programs.


Information gathered from the public at these


meetings will help the City better understand the existing flood risk management and public viewpoints regarding flood risk management and adaptation options that address future flood conditions.


The ASERT meetings will be from 6 – 8 p.m. and will have a number of stations where citizens participate in activities that involve:


• Mapping and understanding risks • • •


Assessing vulnerabilities and tolerances to flooding Adaptation and flood proofing options Building a preparedness kit


The primary goal for the meetings is that citizens will be involved and provide information that can help in the long-term resiliency planning.


To learn more about ASERT Program meetings go to www.vbgov.com/government/ departments/public-works/storm-water/Documents/Sea%20Level%20Rise%2011- 9-17/asert-pub-mtg-sched-11-14-17.pdf


December 2017


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Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals. • Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.


Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.


For further information, please contact the Environmental Health Division, Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712.


Call the Hampton Roads Messenger at 757-575-1863


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