THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 29, 1994 TAG: 9409280185
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LARRY W. BROWN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
For years Berkley residents have dreamed of having a shopping center in their community. Because many small businesses in the area have closed, residents must travel miles just to shop.
Now, steps are being taken to make their dream come true. Residents recently met with City Council and are waiting for the green light to begin developing a shopping center.
Berkley's Beacon Light Civic League president Horace Downing said neighborhood leaders have been trying to get a mini mall in the area for nearly 30 years.
``This makes us feel good,'' Downing said. ``The neighbor is the watchdog of the community. Each step makes us feel proud.''
Former civic league president George Banks said the shopping center is designed to bring a business district to Berkley. ``In putting this plan together, we tried to bring in the total community by putting out surveys.''
Banks said residents wanted a variety of stores in the center, but a grocery store, gas station, discount store and doctors' offices were some of the main needs.
Neighbors presented the petition to City Council last week. This week, the plan was approved by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Downing said the planning commission will make a recommendation soon.
``I have a good feeling about dealing with City Council,'' Downing said.
Many businesses in the area, such as corner markets and drugstores, have closed in recent years, Downing said. A supermarket would serve a larger area and attract people to the neighborhood, he added.
Banks said the closest food store is about three miles away, while some of the larger supermarkets are no closer than six miles.
He added the civic league tried to get in touch with some larger grocery chains to reopen a store on Campostella Road but to no avail.
``We're in dire need of a food market,'' Banks said.
Because many Berkley residents are retirees and senior citizens on fixed incomes a nearby shopping center is vital, Downing said.
The civic league is hoping the center can be built on the land between South Main and Liberty streets and reaching over to Fauquier Avenue. One of the first steps in the project would be to secure the land and work with a developer, Downing said.
Banks said a current concern is raising money for the project.
``We would like to get the money from the city,'' Banks said. ``We have to do something now to make it possible for that market to come into the community.''
In addition to convenience, the shopping center will bring more jobs for young people, Banks said. by CNB