THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 6, 1995 TAG: 9508040180
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Norfolk is organizing to entice Navy families to elect to live in Norfolk rather than in one of the suburban areas. Portsmouth should follow suit.
For years, Norfolk and Portsmouth have been battling a negative image that seems spread around the world among Navy folks. By the time they arrive here, they are brainwashed against living near their work, opting instead for the commute from other cities.
That certainly has been the case with the Naval Hospital here. Within the hospital there is a negative perception of Portsmouth that goes round and round and people stationed there frankly say they have been told not to live in Portsmouth. Real estate people often tend to back up that warning.
Mayor Gloria Webb and others have met with hospital commanders, who have promised that they will work on the problem. Still the gossip within the hospital persists and continues to propel Navy medical personnel out of town.
Some families eligible for housing on the Naval Shipyard grounds in the past have eschewed quarters on the base to avoid living in the city.
Portsmouth is not the place most Navy families are led to believe. Some people who do take the time to get to know Portsmouth express amazement that the reality differs so much from the rumors.
Like Norfolk, Portsmouth needs to mount a campaign to reach the Navy folks before they make a commitment to live elsewhere.
Videos and personal contacts before they move here are important. Portsmouth actually has many residents who are retired Navy and Coast Guard personnel. Perhaps several of them would work with a welcoming committee to provide first-hand knowledge from their own experiences.
Getting to prospective residents is but one important piece of the picture.
The city must woo with facts the folks at the bases who have early contact with newcomers. Furthermore, the city must confront real estate people who lead people out of town. In addition, the city must deal with absentee landlords who own disreputable property near the hospital and the shipyard.
Every consultant, including those who developed Vision 2005, has recommended that the city create waterfront access and encourage infill housing on the Northside specifically designed to attract people from the Naval Hospital.
In addition, they all have recommended stricter codes enforcement and police protection to enhance the area as a good place to live. Working with current residents of neighborhoods near the hospital, the city will have to take better control of the area.
The city also needs to pay attention to some of the rental property in Olde Towne, which should be a prime location for people stationed at either Naval facility. Obviously, if ``for sale'' and ``for rent'' signs are any indication, there are plenty of available places to live in the historic section of Downtown.
It will take a combination of a lot of efforts to entice Navy folks to take a new look at Portsmouth. But we should make it a priority.
Our reputation around the world is only as good as our reputation with the Navy.
Norfolk is already moving. Shouldn't we do likewise? by CNB