Blog Changes and Additions

SBC Blog Changes

Greetings All,

I hope everyone had a safe and pleasant holiday.

I have made some changes to our blog in order to make it more useful
and entertaining.

First you will notice Google Ads which feature local businesses that
may be of use to us should we need their services.

There is also a Google Search Box at the top of the page for your convienience.

I have added two "gadgets" which I believe will prove to be very useful.

First is "Got Free Cards". Here you can create brief animated free eCards
for almost any occassion or holiday, and send them by email to whomever
you wish. You can even upload photos and sound from your computer to add
to the cards you make. Click on the picture in the box to get started.
this site will open in a new window.

Then, there is "Watch Shows Online" this gadget gives you access to
the webpage of six popular news orgs. ABC, FOX, CWTV, NBC, CBS, and,
Comey Central which is good for catching that Chocolate News broadcast
you may have missed. Sometimes the channel icons in this gadget may not
load right away so just rest your cursor on the empty space and look to the
bottom left of your browser window to see where the link will take you.

When you click the Google Ads you will be taken away from our blog.
So remember to click your browser's back button to return. Also other sites
you go to will have Google Search boxes and ads.
Come back to our site and use the search and ads there.

There are thousands of gadgets available on the internet and I will be
changing ours around for variety unless your feedback dictates otherwise.

You can also email me at sbccivicleague@gmail.com with suggestions.
If you dont have the name of a specific gadget, just tell me the topic
you are interested in and I will find something for you.

I am also planning a Stonebridge Crossing toolbar that you can install on
your computer. This will allow you to access our blog and many gadgets
and features quickly, for free, no matter which site you may be on.
It will be virus free and secure.The toolbar may not be available until
next year.

Enjoy,

Edward L. west

Recap of Civic League Meeting and Community Forum

Greetings Fellow SBC Residents,

At Monday's civic league meeting Mr. John James
was elected as our new civic league president.
Congratulations Mr. James.

We were informed by NPD Officer Lewis that new
police recruits will be graduating from the police
academy in mid-November which should result in
more police patrols in our community.

The issue of a sound wall was discussed by Mr.
James. It now appears that there are "right of
way" problems regarding Va.Dominion Power's
accessability to the power lines that run along the
Interstate. More info to come.

After the meeting we attended the Community
Forum held in the fellowship hall downstairs at
Second Calvary Baptist Church.

The forum was well represented by many city
officials who answered questions posed by
members of the surrounding communities.

Many issues were discussed including gang
presence in Norfolk, convicted felons being denied
the right to vote after serving their time, parents
needing to spend more time with their children,
the need for a community center where children
can go to engage in wholesome activities, and
many other topics.

It was asked how we can vote early in Norfolk .
Here, in Norfolk,Va., you may use the Absentee
Ballot voting option by casting your vote at the Voter
Registrar's office located on the 8th floor of the
City Hall building.

Park at the garage on Union St. or any other city
parking facility and bring your parking ticket to the
Registrar's office for validation.

You do not need to provide proof of your reason
for using the absentee ballot, but you must state
why you cannot vote on Nov.4th. For example,
doctor's appointment, medical reason, out of
town, etc. You must also provide identification
such as a driver's license or government ID card.

The registrar personnel are very considerate and
respectful, you will not be interogated, so just go
vote.

You may also vote early at your local Virginia
Department of Motor Vehicles Office (DMV).
Commissioner of the Revenue Sharon McDonald
stated that there is a DMV office at the City
Treasurer's office in City Hall.

According to Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick,
you may be better off using your local Voter
Registration Office.

In Virginia you may cast your vote using the
absentee ballot by mail until October 28th.
In person until November 1st.

I encourage you to take advantage of the option
to vote early using the Absentee Ballot as the expected
high voter turnout may affect your individually planned
"window of opportunity" to vote on November 4th.

You will not be the only one who planned to vote
on the way to work, during lunch, or on the way
home from work, but before,or after, picking up
the kids or grand kids.

No matter how you plan to vote, just vote.
Here in Virginia you cannot wear T-shirts, ballcaps,
buttons, etc. that promote a candidate or party.
You will be turned away from the polls unless you
cover or remove those items.

After the Community Forum ended citizens had the
opportunity to Meet and mingle with the various
officials.

I have placed a link to the New Journal and Guide
newspaper in the links column. Free copies were
passed out at the forum. This is a very informative
publication and for $35.00 a year it's also a good value.
(my opinion)

Well, that's a wrap. Please feel free to comment on any
post.

Edward l. West

HRT hasn’t addressed concerns about light-rail project, Norfolk officials say

Thanks to Mr. Gregory Underwood for providing this article from the Sunday Sept. 28 Virginian Pilot.
===================
Published on HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com (http://hamptonroads.com)
HRT hasn’t addressed concerns about light-rail project, Norfolk officials say

NORFOLK

City leaders say that Hampton Roads Transit has failed to inform them about cost overruns for the $232.1 million light-rail system and has not properly explained the project to residents and business owners who will be affected by it.

During a City Council meeting last week in which half a dozen residents voiced frustrations about HRT, Mayor Paul Fraim termed responses to residents from HRT "unacceptable" and "symptomatic of ongoing problems with HRT."

"They just don't get it," he said.

He later tempered his remarks by saying he has since learned more about the issue and "was probably too tough on them."

Councilman Barclay C. Winn said he's been asking for figures on the city's share of the project for seven months. The numbers are scheduled to be presented to the council Monday at its retreat. But as of late Friday, Assistant City Manager Stanley A. Stein said he had not yet gotten updated numbers from HRT.

The city, federal and state governments are combining to pay for the light-rail system, which will extend 7.4 miles from Eastern Virginia Medical Center to the Virginia Beach border. It is scheduled to open in 2010. Norfolk is slated to pay for cost overruns and to subsidize the rail service.

HRT, a regional public body that provides mass transit, primarily bus service, throughout most of Hampton Roads, is overseeing construction of light rail and will operate it. The agency is funded primarily by federal, state and local governments.

City Manager Regina V.K. Williams said the city, not HRT, will be "held accountable by residents and businesses for how the project is managed.

"We're only going to do this once, and we need to get it right," she said.

Councilman W. Randy Wright, a member of the HRT board who led efforts to attract light rail, said he wants to review all future communication between the agency, residents and businesses.

"We can do a better job than we're doing, but I don't want to get into finger-pointing," Wright said. He said some of the angst can be traced to muddied lines between the city, the transit agency and its contractors.

Overall, Wright said, "I think HRT is doing a good job."

Michael Townes, HRT president, bristled at the criticisms. "We are doing this on behalf of the citizens, we're not doing something to them," he said. "I think our efforts have been substantial, yet I'm also one who knows things can improve."

City officials say they have had problems over other issues, too.

Light rail has generated far more scrutiny because it is the largest public infrastructure project in the city's history and will change the lives of residents who live near it.

Many Ingleside residents said they fear that light rail will bring crime, noise, congestion and commercial activity into their neighborhood. They've repeatedly expressed frustration over not getting answers.

Fraim said HRT does a good job running mass transit, and, he assumes, is doing well at managing the construction of light rail.

"Communicating with the public is something they just don't do very well," he said.

City officials said the agency sent a series of letters to Sture Sigfred Jr. and his wife, Barbara Zoby. The family owns and operates four downtown restaurants and owns two others.

HRT needed easements through some of their properties, including a 7-inch stretch along the property line of 456 Fish, an upscale Granby Street eatery.

City officials asked HRT officials to contact the family before writing so they could meet with him to explain what they needed.

HRT sent the letters before meeting with the family, however. As a result, the family thought the agency wanted to condemn one of the restaurants.

"It was a very bureaucratic letter," Williams said. "It was confusing."

Alarmed, Sigfred and Zoby asked for a meeting with Fraim.

"These are issues we shouldn't have to be dealing with," Fraim said.

Wright and Townes said they sent form letters, which are required by federal authorities for acquisition using federal money. After learning of the confusion, they said a cover letter explaining their intent will be sent in the future.

Greg Underwood, a resident of Stonebridge Crossing, an upscale community near Norfolk State University, complained about a response to his request for information on whether there will be a buffer between light rail and his neighborhood.

"We're going to do landscaping and hopefully more out there," Williams said.

"We are right up on people's property out there," she said. She said she's been asking HRT officials "to put yourselves in the shoes of the residents."

The council informally agreed last week to build a berm to shield the neighborhood from noise.

Business owner Howard Forbes was forced to move his ProTime Automotive repair shop from the space he was leasing on Newtown Road to make way for a train station. Delays in the acquisition resulted in Forbes operating two locations, including the new one in Virginia Beach, for several months in order to qualify for relocation assistance.

Although the Norfolk shop closed in July, Forbes has not received a relocation payment despite what he said have been weekly promises from HRT.

"The biggest problem with all this is I spent a ton of money moving this place... and I can't get anything back and I can't get an answer," he said. "It's not been good. I've had sleepless nights."

HRT admitted that getting Forbes his money is taking longer than expected. Tom Holden, HRT's public affairs manager, said Forbes is the first to claim relocation money and delays occurred while the agency set up the new process.

Harry Minium, (757) 446-2371, harry.minium@pilotonline.com

Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com



--
"Cooperation is the key to our community's success"

Visit our blog: www.stonebridgecrossing.blogspot.com

Light Rail Ballentine Station

Side-platform station located on the LRT alignment, just west of Ballentine Boulevard.

Serves the east end of the Norfolk State University campus.

Serves the Middletowne Arch, Stonebridge Crossing, Chesterfield Heights, and Broad Creek Renaissance residential neighborhoods.

Includes a 97-space park-and-ride lot.

Bus Routes servicing the station include: #18 and #64.

Thanks to fellow resident Mr. Gregory Underwood for providing this info.

A Resident's Letter To City Council Re: Light Rail

June 9, 2008


RE: Light Rail Sound Wall – Stonebridge


Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and Council Members:

My name is Gregory D. Underwood and my wife’s name is Gracie. We live at, and moved to, 3039 South Lakebridge Drive in Norfolk in 2002, and we both work for the city of Norfolk.

I write this letter as a concerned citizen, taxpayer and consumer of goods and services provided by the city of Norfolk.

As such, I would first like to congratulate Councilman Randy Wright and the entire council for your efforts in bringing light rail to Norfolk.

It was like scoring a touchdown for the city.

I write because my property is on the 10-yard line, if not closer to the proposed light rail tracks.

Recently, I was preparing for work one morning and as I was dressing and drinking coffee, I was standing a few feet away from my kitchen window. A construction worked passed by driving a truck where the old tracks used to be. To my surprise he waved at me, and of course, I waved back. It became abundantly clear to me that he could clearly see inside my house.

It is equally obvious that the interior of my home will be visible to anyone riding light rail.

When we moved here several years ago, the builder assured us that the city was going to install a sound barrier/wall to help reduce the noise coming from the highway.

I understood that money from the state was appropriated for such a project and was advised that all other communities that are adjacent to the highway have sound walls.

The sound wall issue has been the subject of much debate at our Stonebridge Civic League meetings.

With the highway at my backdoor and light rail at my doorstep, the city council has a unique opportunity to show its leadership and score another touchdown by addressing our concerns, building a sound barrier, and planting trees between the tracks and the properties of the many resident taxpayers who live along the light rail route.

I invite each of you to visit my home and neighborhood to get a first hand look at what my wife, I and many of my neighbors see in our backyards.

We can be reached at grace.greg@verizon.net and by phone at (757) 627-1579.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you all at the next city council meeting.

With warm regards I remain,

Sincerely,

Gregory D. Underwood


cc: Richmond Baker, President, Stonebridge Civic League

Regina Williams, City Manager

Delegate Algie Howell

Senator Yvonne Miller

Leave Your Comments About Our Community

Residents please leave your comments expressing your concerns about our community. They will be discussed at our June 24th meeting and presented at an upcoming City Council meeting.

After you click the comments link, sign in using the anonymous button. You can identify yourself in your comment if you want to. We need input from all of you.

Foot Extraction and Recap of May 19th Meeting

I will begin this post by trying to extract my foot from my mouth.

I made some erroneous comments in my post on May 10th regarding our
city council representatives. I stated Mr. Paul Riddick was not our
representative when, in fact, he is. He represents Ward 4 of which
our community is a part. Daun Hester represents Superward 7.
Ward 4, ours, is in Superward 7.

Ms. Hester informed me at the May 19th meeting that she did not attend
our April 21st meeting because she was not asked.

I sincerely apologize to Mr. Riddick, Ms Hester, and all residents for
the incorrect statements.

Our meeting on May 19th was well attended and very informative.

Norfolk Police Department Officers Lewis and Ball gave contact info and
patrol procedures for our neighborhood and provided tips on keeping our
homes and cars safe from break-ins.

Mr. Richmond Baker stated he wants us to start making our presence known
at city council meetings. More info on organizing this effort will be made
available soon. Please contact him via our email address to inform him of
your interest in participating.

It was pointed out that ours is the only neighborhood in Norfolk along
the interstate that does not have a sound wall. Money was appropriated
for one, but it is no longer there.

Ms. Hester said she will find out where the money went.

Fellow resident Mr. John James informed us that ours is not the only
neighborhood whose landscaping appears to be neglected by the city.
He personally visited other areas and observed that some of them are less
well maintained than ours.

Many residents asked questions and participated in a lively discussion
which helped to make for an interesting and successful meeting.

I have placed several new links in the links column. One each to the web
page of Paul Riddick, Daun Hester, The Alexander Community Center and one
to HRT construction info.

Our next civic league meeting will be held on June 23th. Please try to
attend and make your voices heard and offer new ideas and suggestions.

Edward L. West Sr.

Civic League Meeting on May 19th

The Stonebridge Crossing Civic League will meet Monday, May 19th
at Second Calvary Baptist Church.

Topics include sound wall update, vehicle break-in and vandalism,
and city council meetings.

Guest speaker will will be Malachi Hernandez, Security Advisor for
fire and safety.

Richmond Baker-President

Walter Hunt-Vice President

Luvond James-Secretary

Cynthia Stanfield-Treasurer

Prepare For Light Rail Construction Coming Soon

Greetings Fellow Residents,

The railroad tracks and wooden rail ties have been removed
from the path of the light rail course.

Those of you whose properties abut or will otherwise be
affected by the coming construction can expect to experience
noise levels and ground vibration far beyond the annoyance
of the traffic on I-264, Ballentine Blvd and the train passings.

This will be especially true when the piles are driven for the
overpass of Ballentine Blvd. You have my sympathy if you are a
"day sleeper" because you work at night.

Those of us who live farthest from the construction should not be
complacent and feel we can rest easy. Just as the sound of the train
can be heard by the residents of Middle Town Arch and the Haynes Tract
homes, so will you hear the piles being driven for the over pass.

Now is the time for you to make your OWN video and photographic
recordings of the interior and exterior walls of your homes and
especially the exterior brick skirting with the date and time
stamped on the recordings.

Focus on where the walls meet the ceiling and floor. You may have to
pull out your furniture, but you may be glad you did if proof of
damage is needed. Get this done BEFORE the piles are driven.

Also, contact the insurers of your homes and get them to do the same.
Don't just call them and express your concerns, write to them and send
your correspondence via registered mail, and keep your receipt.

It is of the utmost importance that you act now on this matter.
The City of Norfolk, HRT, and their contractors will deny any and all
responsibility for damage done to your homes as a result of their
construction activities.

I refer you to Broad Creek Shores and the reconstruction of the
Broad Creek Bridge in the early 2000's and the resultant damage caused
to the homes facing Va. Beach Blvd. in that neighborhood.
Contact Ms. Gloria Stevens Clark at:
glo4peace100@yahoo.com for specifics.

Our civic league met on April 21st, and it was well attended by the
residents. Councilman Paul Riddick was there and he is not our city
council representative, Dwight McDowell who was running for our
representative on the city council was there. He did not win the race
for that seat. His opponent, Daun Hester, who IS our representative was
NOT there, yet she handily won another term on the city council.

She is the one to whom we should be expressing our concerns about our
neighborhood issues.
Maybe, one day, she will make time to grace us with her presence and not
just listen, but DO something for our community.

Councilman Riddick made an interesting statement when he said the city
loves "our kind of residents who pay our taxes and don't make our voices
heard" (that was a paraphrase).

He also gave us the meeting schedule for the city council as follows:

First Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. Business meeting, formal docket.
Public can address Council on new business provided they have followed the
sign-up policy.(see below)

Second Tuesday: 2:30 p.m. Business meeting, formal docket.
Public can address Council on new business provided they have followed the
sign-up policy.

Third Tuesday: 2:30 p.m. Business meeting, formal docket.
Public can address Council on new business provided they have followed the
sign-up policy.

Fourth Tuesday: 7:00 p.m. Business meeting, formal docket.
To the extent possible, public hearings and planning-related items will be
scheduled during these sessions.

Guidelines For Speakers

If you wish to address the City Council, you must register to speak.
The City Clerk or an assistant will take down your name, address and the
subject you wish to speak on, including the agenda number if applicable.

Requests to address items not on the agenda are considered new business,
and will be taken up at the conclusion of the agenda.

If you have a complaint or a question about a city government operation
or service, it may be advisable to take it up with the city department
involved or the City Manager's Office (across the hall from the council
chamber) before bringing it to the attention of the council.

If you are with a group of people, you may want to have a spokesperson
present your position to the council and have others in agreement
recognized by standing.

Council will always try to hear everyone who wishes to speak on a subject.
If a previous speaker has stated your position, you may make that known by reference. (for example, "I agree with the position stated by Mr. Jones and
have nothing further to add.")

Speakers are generally limited to one appearance of three minutes, although
council can allow exceptions at its discretion. Please limit your remarks to
the subject under discussion.

When your name is called, please follow these steps:

Come forward to the speaker's lectern. State your name and address.
State your position and give facts and other data.

If you represent a group or organization, ask the others to rise and be
recognized. If you have a written statement, give it and other supportive
material to the City Clerk for the record.

These guidelines are intended to encourage the greatest possible participation
by citizens at council meetings.

Edward West Sr.

Tornado In Suffolk

Our prayers go out to the residents of Suffolk and Driver ,Va. whose communities were devastated by the tornadoes that struck today April 28, 2008.

This can happen to our community as well.

If you'd like to help those in need, you can make a donation with a credit card over the phone by calling 757 539-6645 or by mailing a check to the American Red Cross Suffolk Chapter: 157 North Main St., Suffolk, Va. 23434.

The red cross asks that you do not send clothing or furniture donations. They say the best way to help is to donate money so they can get what they need.

Also, please do not travel to those areas at this time as additional traffic will impede necessary services and there are still live electrical wires exposed and you could put yourself at risk of injury,or death.

Below are links to videos that show the damage these storms caused. Although many
were injured no deaths occurred as reported earlier.

Aerial Video Footage of Suffolk Tornado Damage

More Tornado Damage In Suffolk on 04/28/08

Meeting On April 21st

The Stonebridge Civic League will meet on

April 21st, at 6:30 pm. at the
Second Calvary Baptist Church on
Corprew Ave. Second floor, Rm 26

There will be two(2) speakers:

Mrs. Maravia Ebong, Community Outreach Coordinator,
Norfolk Police Department and,

Norfolk City Councilman Paul Riddick who will
update us on matters of interest.

Also, the "Light Rail" construction begins soon
behind our homes. This will be discussed also.

Please make plans to attend this important meeting
and become informed. Don't be left out on these
issues that will affect you.

Questions? Call Richmond Baker, 6222555

Get The Most Out Of Your Tank Of Gas

Here are a few timely tips to help you get the most out of
your gas purchases. These suggestions come from a long time
employee of the Kinder-Morgan Pipeline in San Jose, California.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning
when the ground temperature is still cold.

Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks
buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the
gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in
the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly
a gallon.

In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature
of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum
products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature
is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not
have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle
in the fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has
three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should
be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are
created while you are pumping.

All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping at
the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes
vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the under-
ground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank
is HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in
your tank the less air occupying its empty space.

Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage
tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero
clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the
evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every
truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon
is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the
storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely
the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered,
and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the
bottom.

Hopefully, this information will help you get the most out of your
gas dollars in these times of skyrocketing gas prices.

February Civic League Meeting

The Stonebridge Crossing Civic League will meet
Monday February 18, 2008.

Time: 6:30 pm.

Location: Second Calvary Baptist Church
2940 Corprew Ave

We will be discussing matters that affect our
neighborhood and ways to add visual appeal to
our properties. Your ideas and information can
help to make our community better.

Please take time to come out and support your
community.

President: Richmond Baker (757)6222555

Vice President: Walter Hunt

email:sbccivicleague@gmail.com

Happy New Year SBC

Greetings fellow residents!

Here's hoping everyone has a happy and prosperous new year,
and that you are succesfull in acheiving at least one of the
resolutions you made.

Now is the time to get all of your tax documents together for
filing your returns as early as possible. Try not to be one of
those who drive to the post office at 11:00 p.m. on April 15th.

During the display of your holiday decorations,did you have
the outdoor electrical cords gnawed on by small animals?
Most likely the culprit was a raccoon.

We lost two extention cords and one decoration cord as a result.
On the upside, one raccoon was electrocuted. Check your GFI reset
buttons if you have lost power to an outlet over the holidays.

Please leave a comment regarding this matter so that it can be
determined how pervasive this problem is.

Finally, check out the recent issue of Norfolk Quarterly, page 2
for info on The Citizens Police Academy, Community Response Teams,
Neighborhood University, Home Security Survey, and Norfolk Alert.

These are valuable free programs that can help you and our community.

Thanks for reading,
SBC