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!
It was “GAME ON” at the CPRV Community Meetup, at P I X E L S pints & bytes, Saturday, February 15th from 12pm to about 2pm. Neighbors enjoyed a variety of appetizers and refreshments & free game tokens, provided by the civic league’s social events committee and our hosts at Pixels. 👾🕹️
The CPRV Civic League’s Social Events Committee invites you to join them for an afternoon of games and nostalgia at @pixels.norfolk on Saturday, February 15th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm, in a reserved space on the 2nd floor. Neighbors of all ages are welcome! The Social Events Committee will provide light refreshments and game tokens will be provided, in part, by our gracious hosts at Pixels.
We were joined by Guest Speaker Amena Anderson, Bank On Coordinator with the City of Norfolk. Bank On Hampton Roads is a partnership of participating banks, credit unions, and community organizations across Hampton Roads designed to help you take control of your finances. LEARN MORE
Representatives from counsel to McDonald’s Corp. will also attend the Meeting to present their proposed site improvement plans, mainly including their drive-through, parking, and landscaping – see plan and renderings below.
Officer Brenton Blakeslee, our Community Resource Officer, who provided the latest crime report
We were also joined by a special surprise guest Councilwoman Courtney Doyle who shared updates about ATV issues, now being impounded and Sold or Disposed by Norfolk PD at their discretion, MetroNet internet is making progress with installation fulfilment and getting good feedback, reminded us about some new council members, and that the City Manager assured council members that our water treatment plants for Norfolk are partitioned and less prone to a situation such as the one Richmond recently experienced.
Find out about speakers for upcoming meetings, fall in love with February with Valentine’s day cards and local historical facts, events around town and much more!
Looking Back at Uneasy Times in Colonial Place & Riverview – A Tribute to Dr. Norman Pollock by Arlette Claflin and Pat Spriggs
The CPRV Civic League was contacted by counsel to McDonald’s Corp., which operates a restaurant at 4125 Granby Street, with a request to present plans for proposed work to their parking and drive-through.
Representatives from counsel to McDonald’s Corp. will attend the Feb 10th, 2025 CPRV Civic League General Members Meeting at 6:30 PM to present their proposed site improvement plans. The meeting will take place at Kingdom Embassy Ministries, 645 Mayflower Rd, Norfolk, VA 23508. All residents are welcome to attend.
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