Arial view over the Elizabeth river looking into the Norfolk Freemason
community. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Visionary plan adds more green space, innovative land use concepts
A team of planners, engineers and architects from the Netherlands studying flooding in areas of Hampton and Norfolk presented their ideas for long-term solutions.
After evaluating some of the challenges within the Tidewater Drive District in Norfolk and Newmarket Creek watershed in Hampton and Newport News, participants proposed multilayered solutions such as starting a regional sea level rise compact, with frontline city managers and business alliances, working together to address regional concerns.
Norfolk faces ongoing flash flooding throughout the Downtown area.
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Other solutions proposed include adding more wetlands, in addition to preserving the quality of those that already exist and implementing multi-use roadways that incorporate walking and bike paths. As well as, creating "bioswales" or landscaped retention areas; adding green roofs; and using rain barrels to retain water and reduce demand.
“The Norfolk site team has given us an aspirational approach that creates connectivity, economic opportunity and environmental responsibility while addressing our water management issues.” said Norfolk City Manager Marcus Jones. “We have our work cut out for us, but it is exactly what we hoped for.”
Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting said Hampton is willing to "embrace the challenges that are before us," but as opportunities, not just problems. "When we face these challenges, we get to provide social opportunity, recreational opportunity and economic opportunity for our localities," said Bunting. Bunting pledged to work with Norfolk City Manager Marcus Jones to "be leaders in advancing this on the regional agenda." To review Dutch Dialogues: Virginia presentations, plans and pictures go to, www.lifeatsealevel.org
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