Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project: Enhancing Our Neighborhood’s Waterfront
Article contributed by Pooya Mohit, CPRV Civic League President
Information provided by Mary Mantey, Elizabeth River Project
In our ongoing effort to improve water quality in Knitting Mill Creek the Elizabeth River Project, the City of Norfolk, the Colonial Place Riverview Civic League, and partnering organizations are taking a significant step forward. We are excited to introduce you to the Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project, an initiative aimed at beautifying the shoreline while enhancing water quality.
This project will involve planting low-growing native vegetation and creating a stone dust walking path along Mayflower Road. The buffer project will kick off at the intersection of Mayflower Road and Massachusetts Avenue, on the East side, and progress along the city property in front of your residences, spanning Knitting Mill Creek in three distinct phases. The first of these phases is scheduled to commence this coming Fall in 2023.
If you’ve noticed that the open area between the road and the shoreline lacks ground cover, you’re not alone. This is largely due to soil compaction that isn’t conducive to plant growth. During heavy rain events, stormwater runoff directly enters Knitting Mill Creek, carrying contaminants from the road with it. However, by introducing a vegetated buffer and suitable soil media for plant roots, we can slow down stormwater, resulting in fewer contaminants reaching the waterway.
The Mayflower Shoreline Buffer Project aims to tackle stormwater and tidal flooding issues on the East end of Knitting Mill Creek. Additionally, it will introduce native grasses and flowering plants, diversifying the plant life in the area and enhancing water filtration. This not only creates a richer habitat for local wildlife but also serves as an educational opportunity to showcase native plants. Our ultimate goal is to highlight the beauty of native vegetation, strengthen the local ecosystem, and boost community resilience.
Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding this exciting project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Mantey at Mmantey@elizabethriver.org or Colonial Place Civic League representative Pooya Mohit at President@cprv.net.
Together, we can transform Mayflower’s shoreline into a thriving, eco-friendly space for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey to enhance our beloved Colonial Place Riverview!
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.
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.
Spring updates, pothole tips, a warm welcome to our new Registered Agent, event recaps, community happenings, kid activities, and volunteer opportunities—all inside this month’s CPRV newsletter!
Attention CPRV Parents & Kids of All ages!! Join the Social Events Committee, led by Riverview Neighborhood Representative and event sponsor Patience McCartney, on April 19th for an Easter Egg Hunt in the Delaware x Colonial circle.
Samantha Miller, Environmental Project Coordinator for Elizabeth River Project joined us to share details about Knitting Mill Creek health and Phases 2 and 3 of the Mayflower Path restoration project coming in Spring 2025. See her full presentation from the meeting below.
Find out about speakers for upcoming meetings, an update on phases 2 and 3 of the Mayflower Path Restoration Project, Spring into March with a kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activity, local events calendar, and much more!
Click on the logos below to learn more about our sponsors.
