Wins All Around For Norfolk Last Night

For Norfolk residents looking for more a more vibrant downtown, last night was your night.  City Council voted in support of a number of issues including food trucks and the establishment of the Arts District, which should help kick start some action north of Brambleton.

CC Image courtesy of Kelsie McNair

City Council voted unanimously for an ordinance change that official establishes the Arts District in entire area north of Brambleton Ave. all the way west towards Harrison Opera House, the Chrysler Museum and the Chrysler Glass Studio.
According to the proposed zoning ordinance, "In order to confirm Norfolk as preeminent regional center for the visual, performing, and design arts, the D-4 Downtown Arts and Design District includes a variety of uses designed to support creativity, skill and talent in fine arts, creative arts, advertising, architecture, antiques, culinary arts, crafts, design, fashion, live performance, music, publishing, radio and television."

The new zoning will allow for art studios, classrooms, breweries and distilleries, used record stores, antique stores, and many other businesses.  Now that the permitted uses for the district have been updated, potential business owners and developers are free to begin scouting the area.

The other huge win deals with the long-awaited decision on food trucks.  Council passed the measure with a 5-1 vote.  The ordinance allows for the following.

• Push carts would be allowed on designated sidewalks.
• Designated parking spaces for food trucks including two spots in the Arts District, two near MacArthur Square, two at the Freemason and Granby St. intersection, and one at Plume St. Fountain Park.  Vendors interested will enter into a June lottery for the spaces.
• Hours of operation: Sunday 8am to midnight, Monday - Thursday 6am to midnight, Friday 6am to 2am, and Saturday 8am to 2am. 

Here are some of the other items of interest voted on during the Formal Session:

• In an effort to encourage more street events, there was a change to the city's open container policy.  The City Manager now has the authority to allow open containers (for beer and wine) during special events.  This adds more flexibility and streamlines the effort to allow alcohol during street festivals.
• The Cure (a great coffee house in Freemason) received approval to keep its doors open later and host amplified music on weekends.
• Smartmouth Brewery in West Ghent (a personal favorite) which already has a great tasting room, gained approval for outdoor seating.  Can't wait to sit out there and enjoy their new Uber Hefe.