THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996 TAG: 9608170156
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANAHITA WAGER-SMITH, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 123 lines
Bromley is a Norfolk neighborhood putting the power of community involvement into action.
Faced with a rising crime rate and declining sense of community, the residents of this traditionally blue-collar neighborhood did what too many others fail to do - they took action.
Beginning with the establishment of a Civic League in 1994, the Bromley residents banded together to improve and protect their neighborhood.
``The Civic League has helped the community spirit, we used to only know the people down the block now we know people all over our neighborhood, there is strength in numbers,'' says Nelson Smith, the League's current president.
Their simply stated goal sums up their mission: ``We want a safe, clean, wholesome environment in which to work, live, relax and raise our children.''
With a ``get-things-done'' attitude the league's determination to make a difference in their neighborhood has produced lasting benefits.
Positive changes in the community include a renewed sense of community, a feeling of greater security and an improvement in the neighborhood's appearance.
In partnership with the city, the league works to beautify the area in order to instill a sense of pride in the residents. Efforts include the planting of trees and shrubs, and a monthly neighborhood cleanup.
To encourage neighbors to keep up their yards, the league has developed a ``Home of the Month'' designation, presented to the most aesthetically pleasing home as well as a ``Home of the Quarter'' designation for the most improved home.
A block security program has also been implemented with the City's PACE (Police Assisted Community Enforcement) program to encourage neighborhood awareness and involvement and cooperation with police.
The residents also are involved in social and fund-raising activities that include car washes, blowing parties, monthly spaghetti dinners, softball teams and a yearly craft show.
Smith is the current league president. His wife and teammate, Terry Smith, has owned her home on South Lakeland Drive for the past 16 years. The couple and their two boys are a vital part of the community. According to Terry, a systems officer with a local bank, ``one of the things that sold me on my house was the potential regarding remodeling the homes.''
Nelson is a supply officer for the commander of the Naval Base in Norfolk. Originally from Martinsville, Va., he was stationed at the Naval Base in 1971 and has lived in the Norfolk area ever since. He moved into his current home in 1987.
Kay Simpson, a historian for the League has been a resident of the area for the past 26 years.
She recalls when Norview was a two-way lane and when people walked out to the airport to catch their flights. Although she has seen many changes over the years, one she appreciates is the fact that people are taking pride in their homes.
``A lot of people have put a lot of effort into keeping their homes beautiful,'' Simpson says.
Located at the end of Military Highway and resting on Norview Avenue, Bromley is a quiet, well-established family-oriented neighborhood.
Most houses were built in the 1950s, when the flight to the suburbs was underway and $11,000 would buy you a comfortable suburban home. The homes were built by Bromley Inc. in two floor plans: the four-bedroom, two-bath, two-story cape cod and the three-bedroom, one-bath one-story ranch.
The neighborhood is centrally located a half-mile off interstate 64, near the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, close to major shopping and 10 miles to the Naval Base. It's the first neighborhood seen when leaving the Norfolk International Airport.
The residents are varied, and range from retired to young families and from professionals to blue collar workers. Several original owners still reside in the area, the majority of them being retired military personnel. Most of the homes are individually owned, and turnover is low.
The area's aesthetic appeal includes its proximity to the water; about a third of the homes are on water. The yards are well-manicured, and the streets are tree-lined.
The league meets once a month and is always in need of dedicated and concerned involvement from area residents. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by Anahita Wager-Smith
"The Civic League has helped the community spirit," says Nelson
Smith, Bromley Civic League's president. "We want a safe, clean,
wholesome environmental in which to work, live, relax, and raise our
children"
Terry and Nelson Smith, who have two boys, are busy in the Bromley
community. The Civic league works with the city to beautify the area
in order to instill pride in the residents. Efforts include a
monthly neighborhood cleanup and the planting of trees and shrubs.
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ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public Schools:
Tanners Creek Elementary School
Rosemont Middle School
Lake Taylor High School
Hospital:
Sentara Memorial Hospital
DePaul Medical Center
Shopping areas:
Bromley Shopping Center
2 miles to Military Circle and Janaf Shopping Center
Recreation:
Tarrallton is 5 miles away
Barron Black Library
Assessments:
The city assessor's office reports a range from $53,000 to
$117,000 with an average of $73,500.
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public Schools:
Tanners Creek Elementary School
Rosemont Middle School
Lake Taylor High School
Hospital:
Sentara Memorial Hospital
DePaul Medical Center
Shopping areas:
Bromley Shopping Center
2 miles to Military Circle and Janaf Shopping Center
Recreation:
Tarrallton is 5 miles away
Barron Black Library
Assessments:
The city assessor's office reports a range from $53,000 to
$117,000 with an average of $73,500. by CNB