DATE: Wednesday, September 10, 1997         TAG: 9709100549

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B3   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Public Life 

                                            LENGTH:   64 lines

YESTERDAY

NORFOLK:

IN THE MONEY: Norfolk property of all types is worth more this year than last, reversing a recent trend in declining values and meaning the city will get an additional $2.1 million in property taxes. See Page B9.NEW DIGS: The city plans to replace the ferry landing at Waterside with a $250,000 two-berth pier. Federal and state grants will cover $220,000 of the cost. In addition, the city will spend $70,000 to build a handicapped-accessible ramp from the rear of the Waterside marketplace.

PORTSMOUTH:

STRANGE NAME: Local golf legend and touring pro Curtis Strange will lend his name and expertise, for $75,000, to Portsmouth as it upgrades the Bide-A-Wee golf course. The course, in the middle of Fairwood Homes, is viewed as an economic development engine. It will also be home to a new program to get minorities and women interested in the game.

STOW IT: Faced with stiff protests, a developer withdrew his application to put storage facilities in a narrow piece of property behind West Norfolk Road and the Western Freeway. See Page B7.

ROAD WORK: City officials said Tuesday they are working to make West Norfolk Road safer. They will be looking for public suggestions and were also considering drainage improvements on the road between Cedar Lane and Churchland Boulevard. Planning Director James Gildea suggested more commercial uses be put into the Airline Boulevard Corridor, and Mayor James W. Holley III asked that the city pay close attention to improving Victory Boulevard as well.

VIRGINIA BEACH:

DESIGNING DONE: The Beach's Design Advisory Board, charged with beautifying the city by improving developers' architectural plans, was dissolved Tuesday by the City Council. Council members complained that the group handed out arbitrary recommendations, created obstacles for new businesses and scared at least one developer out of the city. See Page B1.

NO COMMENT: The Beach City Council's invitation for citizens to make comments on the proposed Comprehensive Plan fell flat on Tuesday. No citizens showed up. Councilwoman Barbara M. Henley said the city should better advertise the hearings. The next one will be held Sept. 23. The council is expected to take a final vote on the plan by November.

CHESAPEAKE:

EXPRESSWAY CHANGES: The City Council decided to redesign the Chesapeake Expressway, changing elements of the bypass to chronically clogged Route 168 and reconfiguring its route near the intersection with Ballahack Road. The changes could mean delays and possible cost increases. See Page B1.

SHOOTING AFTERMATH: Mayor William E. Ward apologized Tuesday night for his comments about an investigation into the shooting of a Fernwood Shores woman last month. See Page B6.

GRAFFITI CRACKDOWN: The council passed a resolution making it a crime to deface public property. The law was strengthened to help battle the city's graffiti epidemic.

SUFFOLK:

The City Council does not meet this week. It will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

UPCOMING:

SEWER POWER: The Planning Commission tonight will be asked to decide whether a revised route for a new sewer main fits within the city's Comprehensive Plan. If approved, it could eliminate one roadblock to development in southernmost Chesapeake. See Page B6. KEYWORDS: CITY COUNCIL

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