CPRV Updates: Summer Recap from the President – Colonial Place & Riverview Civic League

CPRV Updates: Summer Recap from the President

CPRV Updates: Summer Recap from the President
Pooya Mohit, CPRV Civic League President
September 2023

I’m excited to share a vibrant update on progress in CPRV this past summer season. We warmly welcome new members to our team, infusing fresh energy into our committees. Brace yourselves for the transformative Mayflower Path Restoration & Buffer Extension Project to grace our neighborhood in the coming fall of 2023. We also reflect on the successful Crepe Myrtle Pruning Event this past July. We tip our hats to the Social Events Committee for orchestrating such memorable and seasonable gatherings. To those not yet part of our civic league, your membership can drive positive change. Join us to shape the CPRV you envision and discover how you can contribute to our neighborhood’s growth.

Introducing our Newest Committee Members

I’m delighted to introduce two exceptional additions to our team: John Robertson, who steps into the role of Welcome and Membership Committee Chairperson, and Mark Gallagher, our new chairperson for the Environmental Committee. Your commitment to our neighborhood is invaluable, and we’re grateful for your dedication.

Get Involved.

To all Colonial Place and Riverview residents, if you’re eager to contribute, connect with us at president@cprv.net or explore cprv.net for more information. Your involvement makes a difference! We have a diverse array of unique committees to match every passion; reach out to learn more.

Social Events Shout-Out

A massive round of applause and heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated Social Events committee for bringing boundless joy and connection to our community through their incredible initiatives! From the enchanting Matinee Movie Event at the historic Naro Theatre, featuring the heartwarming film “The Sandlot,” to the vibrant CPRV Fourth of July Parade with not one but two routes, they’ve made our neighborhood pulse with excitement. Their commitment to fostering unity and fun among us all is truly commendable. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to making Colonial Place Riverview an even more vibrant and engaging place to call home! Check out our events calendar.

Community Improvement: Crepe Myrtle Learn & Prune

Under the summer sun of July 1, 2023, the Colonial Place neighborhood experienced a transformative event as Norfolk Master Gardeners led the charge in a Crape Myrtle Prune initiative.

Together with CPRV residents, a dedicated team of 11 Master Gardener Volunteers embarked on an inspiring endeavor, pruning a total of 150 trees in roughly 2.5 hours, divided among three groups. The concentrated efforts focused on Delaware Ave, New York Ave, Pennsylvania Ave, and their intersecting cross streets: Gosnold, Newport, and Colonial.

The collaborative spirit was elevated by Norfolk City Forester Steven Traylor, who expertly guided the process and promptly cleared away the trimmings. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to everyone who dedicated their morning to this impactful event.

Stay tuned for many more opportunities to help enhance our community.

Mayflower Path Restoration and Buffer Extension Project in Colonial Place

A groundbreaking venture is underway in Colonial Place, thanks to a dynamic partnership with the Elizabeth River Project (ERP). We continue to restore and enhance our waterfront with the Mayflower Path Restoration and Buffer Extension project, a transformative endeavor slated to start this Fall 2023.

Imagine a path that starts at New Hampshire Avenue, hugging the bulkhead and scenic views across Knitting Mill Creek as it journeys towards Connecticut Ave. This exciting venture marks the expansion of an existing path, currently stretching from New York Avenue to Connecticut Avenue. The initial phase will begin this fall.

Spanning from New Hampshire Ave to Massachusetts Ave, the first phase will enrich and regrade the soil, install low-lying native plants, and create a semi-pervious path extension made of natural materials. The goal is to help stabilize the barren stretch of landscape, provide a lush greenscape, control stormwater runoff, and help protect our bulkhead’s structural integrity.

But that’s just the beginning! Phases 2 and 3 will seamlessly continue from Massachusetts Avenue, with Phase 2 aiming to start in the fall of 2024 and Phase 3 blossoming in the spring of the same year. The potential is vast, with over $200k in potential grant funds supporting the project and an experienced local partner, the Elizabeth River Project.

This project was set into motion by a passionate team, including myself alongside Jeff Stark, a former CPRV resident, Joe Reiger and Mary Mantey from ERP, and Justin Schafer from the City of Norfolk. With Justin’s valuable assistance, I am working with Joe and Mary from ERP to ensure the project’s momentum remains strong.

We are beyond excited for this remarkable metamorphosis as the Mayflower Path Restoration and Buffer Extension project becomes a reality. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative journey together.

CLICK HERE to see the preliminary proposal from the Elizabeth River Project.

In Closing

As summer winds down, our neighborhood’s vitality continues to thrive. It’s been a season of new beginnings, inspiring projects, and heartwarming connections. The collaborative spirit displayed by our new committee members, John Robertson and Mark Gallagher, embodies the essence of our community. As we anticipate the upcoming Mayflower Path Restoration & Buffer Extension Project this fall, we’re reminded of our collective potential to create enduring positive change. The success of the Crepe Myrtle Pruning Event showcased our dedication to nurturing our surroundings. Thank you to our Social Events Committee for curating unforgettable experiences that bring us together. If you still need to become a member of our civic league, there’s no better time to join. Your involvement amplifies our neighborhood’s growth and vitality. Let’s continue to make a difference, one step at a time. As always, your support and engagement drive our community forward.

Cheers,

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