Street Sweeping Updates

The city announced yesterday that they have moved to providing only critical services until April 13.

This means city staff will not sweep our street on April 3rd and you don’t have to move your vehicle.

If you are willing and able and you want to get outside for a break, clean up the curb line of any grass and trash. You will help prevent flooding and keep the storm drains clear.

For updates to city operations, visit the FAQ located on the front page of Norfolk,gov and monitor the city website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Beach Closures

The City of Norfolk is closing its beaches to all activities except fishing on the beach and exercise in compliance with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 55. 

Beach patrols will actively monitor beaches. We encourage you to avoid large gatherings and maintain social distancing.  

Staff from the health department and Norfolk police on patrol will continue to disperse any large gatherings of 10 or more people.  

To discourage large gatherings, Norfolk city staff are closing all basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds and soccer pitches until further notice. Several large parks and the Elizabeth River Trail remain open for exercise. 

For a complete list of open parks or the current status of City operations, visit the FAQ located on the front page of Norfolk.gov.

Hampton Roads Transit Reduced Routes

Beginning Tuesday, March 31, Hampton Roads Transit will run fewer bus routes, and buses will run less frequently.

Buses will run 60 minutes apart, except Peninsula Commuter Routes and some MAX routes.

HRT’s goal is to provide transportation between medical centers and other essential destinations. However, HRT is encouraging EVERYONE to avoid unnecessary travel and to practice social distancing. Some seats on buses and light rail trains will be blocked off and unavailable for us. Customers are asked to exit buses using the rear doors.

HRT will continue extensive cleaning of all vehicles and facilities.

The Tide light rail service will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Trains will run 30 minutes apart. The last trains from Newtown Road and from EVMC/Fort Norfolk will depart at 8:45 p.m.

Elizabeth River Ferry service will end at 9 p.m. Start times will not change.

Paratransit service will continue normally.

HRT encourages customers to check the full list of current routes, which can be found at: bit.ly/HRTchanges

Updates to City Operations

March 30 through April 13, city departments will further reduce staff levels and service delivery in response to Governor Northam’s request for people to stay home and practice social distancing.  

Important updates to city operations include:

  • Trash and recycling collection will continue.  All trash must be in the green can with the lid closed.   The driver will not get out of the truck to pick up any trash not in a can.
  • Bulk and yard waste collection will stop. It takes two employees in one truck to collect materials.  City staff maintaining social distancing mandate.
  • Bulk waste requests scheduled during this two-week period will be canceled.  Residents must reschedule their request when city operations return to normal. 
  • Parking garages will open to the public free of charge.  Parking in metered spaces is free for the 1st hour.
  • Police, Fire-Rescue and 9-1-1 will remain fully staffed. 

Read the FAQ on the front page of Norfolk.gov for more information.  Use MyNorfolk online or mobile app for all service requests versus calling Norfolk Cares.  You will experience longer than normal wait times.

NPS CoronaVirus Communications Update

The attached “NPS CoronaVirus Communications Update” includes information about the extended school closure. Some specific topics include:

  • School and Teacher Office Hours and Spring Break
  • NPS’ extended Learning in Place Plan, Grading, and Grade Point Averages
  • Update on Graduation Requirements and Commencement- Advance Placement Courses, Dual Enrollment, and International Baccalaureate Requirements
  • Food Distribution  
  • How to enroll your child in NPS during the closure

Here are ways to stay informed on the CoronaVirus and other important topics impacting our schools:

Vote at Home for the May 5, 2020 General Election

The Norfolk Office of Elections encourages you to vote at home for the May 5, 2020 General Election.

You can request an absentee ballot online from the Virginia Department of Elections https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation

Register to vote or update your voter registration information online, too.

When you vote at home, you help limit the exposure of COVID-19.

Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail for the May 5, 2020 General Election using “My disability or illness” if they do not have another qualifying reason.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28th.

For more information, please visit our webpage at: www.norfolk.gov/elections

Norfolk COVID-19 Community Support Group

Norfolk civic leaders are trying to make sure the elderly are at a minimum are checked on even it is not face-to-face, parents have support, our neighbors feel emotionally supported, and everyone has the essentials.   

If you or someone you know needs help or wants to support during the COVID-19 pandemic, please join the Norfolk COVID-19 Support Group on Facebook and/or fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/N3hFBie3nJWQLgUh9

A Special Message from Mayor Alexander

The outbreak of COVID-19 is putting a major halt to most parts of our everyday life, from schools to health care and work. This is not only a health emergency, but an economic crisis for many of us.

Please see the following links at https://bit.ly/2UC7bkm and https://bit.ly/2WIqFpYhttps://bit.ly/2WKqzy5 for information and resources.

To file for unemployment benefits link to VEC at https://bit.ly/33LB2La or call (866) 832-2363 (please be aware that call volume is high).

More resources and aid are being made available, so please stay tuned.

Let’s check on our family, friends and neighbors and remember to practice effective social distancing by staying at home.

City to Indefinitely Close All Dog Parks and Some Parks at Sunset Tonight

All dog parks, Northside skate park, small neighborhood and school parks and picnic shelters will close today March 26 at sunset and remain closed until further notice.  The City is taking this unprecedented step to discourage gatherings in small, confined spaces in order to maintain the social distancing mandate.

“I did not make this decision lightly.  We must take appropriate action to maintain the health and safety of our residents.  For the time being, our beaches, large open spaces and the Elizabeth River Trail will remain open.  City staff and police on patrol will monitor these areas and disperse any gatherings of 10+ people,” said Chip Filer, City Manager.

Public boat ramps and kayak launches will also remain open.   Large parks that will remain open include:  Town Point Park, Lakewood Park, Northside Park, Barraud Park, Poplar Hall Park and Bay Oaks Park. Closed and open location lists are attached to this message.

Tax Relief Program

Norfolk City Council approved a comprehensive tax relief program during their March 24 meeting that eases financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic.  The program will give taxpayers and business owners the option to delay payment on business taxes and personal property taxes.

Tax revenue is important to the City of Norfolk to be able to provide much needed services, especially in this time of economic turmoil when services are in greater demand. Timely payments will assist the City to keep these vital services operational.

  • Due dates are March 31, 2020 and June 5, 2020 for Real Estate
  • Due dates are June 5, 2020 for Personal Property taxes.
  • Business tax filings are due by the 20th of each month.  Businesses must file monthly.
  • If you are not able to pay by the due dates no late fees will be assessed until August 2, 2020. 
  • Convenience fees for credit/debit cards and e-checks are waived until August 2, 2020.
  • If you do not want to pay any penalty, interest or convenience fees, pay your taxes before August 2, 2020, no exceptions.