Laura Burns

Laura Burns President's Circle: June 2023

In an effort to show our community what the Civic League does, here is what I have been up to the past few months on behalf of our residents:

  • The Wave: There continues to be issues with The Wave’s patrons being disruptive in our neighborhood. I have talked with folks from Code Enforcement, Zoning, our Councilwomen, our Community Resource Officer and other city officials. It is my understanding that departments are working together to develop a plan of action. In the meantime, please report any disturbances to either the non-emergency police number or 911, as appropriate. The more documentation that is available, the better. This applies for other businesses in the area that are being disruptive. Please report it every time.
  • Riverview Village: There are some exciting updates in Riverview Village! A pizza shop, a gourmet hotdog shop, and a tapas/coffee shop are all in discussions to call Riverview Village home. In addition, the Riverview Theater has gotten some attention from potential buyers. Riverview Village has a lot of great places to visit. We are lucky they are part of our neighborhoods!
  • Colonial Place Construction Update: All water and sewer lines associated with this project have been replaced and are active. The city will repave all the affected areas and construction is expected to be complete by the end of the summer 2023. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Project Manager, Tiba Salim at tiba.salim@norfolk.gov.
  • Advertising Subcommittee Chair: With the launch of our new website, e-newsletter, and Facebook page, we have lots of opportunities for advertisers and the Civic League is looking for a volunteer to help manage them. We have a media kit and business contact list already prepared, we just need someone to execute and manage. This is not a board position so you do not have to attend regular meetings. Having experience with Microsoft Excel and email would be beneficial. This is a great opportunity to get involved with lots of flexibility! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Shannon at media@cprv.net.
  • Riverview Commercial Corridor Pilot Program: Riverview Village has been identified by the Department of Economic Development as one of two areas they are piloting a commercial corridor program. Funding will be provided for façade updates and placemaking. Branding options and marketing materials will be made available! The city will start accepting applications from business owners soon! For more information, please visit: https://cprv.net/commercial-corridor-pilot/
  • Annual Civic League Officer Elections: Our annual election for Civic League officers is held in June. The slate is available in our newsletter and on the website.
  • Advertising: With the launch of our new website and e-newsletter, Media Chair, Shannon Bowman, has put together a media kit for folks interested in advertising with the civic league. If you or someone you know would like to advertise with us, please reach out to media@cprv.net for more information.


The Civic League is here to serve the community. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to contact me (president@cprv.net, 804-690-5047) and anyone from the Board (contact information is on our website).

News & Resources

Bicycle Safety Guidelines

Spring has sprung, and we’re starting to see more cyclists on the road. The following information from the Virginia DMV includes important information for both cyclists and drivers.​

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Civic League General Members Meeting Recap: Monday, April 14, 2025

Our NEW registered agent, Grayson T. Orsini, a Senior Associate with Williams Mullen, spoke at our meeting to introduce himself and talked to the audience about what a registered agent does and how we can support the civic league moving forward.

Officer Brenton Blakeslee, our Community Resource Officer, provided the latest crime report. He talked a bit about a “swatting,” a term used to describe when police are falsely called on a residence/person, in regards to a false call incident that had happened in the neighborhood earlier that morning. He also noted that car break-ins have been on a notable rise this month and to take ensure doors are locked and not leave valuables in plain sight. Officer Blakeslee also spoke about a minors curfew hour of 11pm in effect. Also he shared that while they are aware of the racing motor bikes/4-wheelers, but that they are not permitted by law to pursue offenders once in motion due to safety reasons, making it difficult to make arrests.

Gene Ward, resident of Colonial Place and nominee for Civic League Vice President, introduced himself to the attending members and shared a bit about his background in community work.

Upcoming Social Event: CPRV Easter Egg Hunt | 4/19 at 10am (Delaware/Colonial Circle) – Social gathering and Easter Egg Hunt for kids with some light refreshments provided. See CPRV facebook group page for more event details.

Next Month’s Meeting: On May 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM, we will return to Kingdom Embassy Ministries.

Reminder to Pay Your Dues: If you are interested in being a part of the civic league and want to support the efforts and service we provide to the community, please consider a membership. It is $10 per person under 65 and $5 per person 65+. Click Here to Learn More.

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