A new draft strategic plan for the city of Norfolk seeks to address pressing issues like affordable housing and coastal flooding, among other goals.
The draft NFK2050 plan was unanimously recommended for approval by the Norfolk Planning Commission Thursday. The plan is anchored by four broad guidelines for future city planning: celebrating the community, embracing nature, growing equitably and connecting the city.
In addition to broad goals, the plan also acts as a road map for future land use in Norfolk: a general guide to establishing neighborhoods, commercial centers, industrial areas and other features.
The almost 300-page document goes into greater detail on actionable goals. For example. several resilience-centered goals include shoreline restoration projects, promoting voluntary buyouts of flooding-prone properties and protecting the city’s water supply from natural disasters.
The housing goals are similar to those promoted by housing groups like YIMBY Hampton Roads, which stands for “Yes In My Backyard.” For example, the document advocates for accessory dwelling units — add-on structures like a mother-in-law suite or livable above-garage apartment — which Norfolk recently loosened restrictions on. Other goals include reducing or eliminating minimum on-street parking requirements and incentivizing new housing to be located near public transit.
Norfolk Chief Planner Chris Whitney told the commissioners the plan included elements of Vision 2100, a resilience-focused 2016 report on how to adapt to rising waters, and also built upon the previous strategic plan.
The plan now goes before Norfolk City Council for approval at an upcoming meeting.
Once passed, the plan will include an online progress dashboard showing metrics measuring its success, Whitney said.
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
