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

General Members Meeting | April 8, 2024

We are joined by: 

Courtney Doyle, Norfolk City Councilwoman for Ward 2 gave updates on infrastructure projects in our neighborhood, a safety report on improving rates across our area, implementation of new speed cameras in school zones and more. The presentation was followed by a brief Q&A session. 

Jeremy McGee spoke about his candidacy for Norfolk City Council Ward 6. Mr. McGee spoke about his background, move to Norfolk, local business ownership, civic involvement in Ghent Civic League, Norfolk ARB and now Norfolk Planning. The presentation was followed by a brief Q&A session. 

Aleksandra Prouty joined us to introduce her new restaurant coming to Riverview
Village – Leila’s International Cuisine at 4136 Granby Street (next to Pittie Dog Grill)

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Gosnold Ave – Gravity Sewer Repair

The City of Norfolk’s Department of Utilities has hired East West Construction to repair and rehabilitate the sewer line in your neighborhood along a section of Gosnold Ave. The project area is shown on the map on the back [see below images].

Planned Start of Construction: March 2024
Anticipated End of Construction: June 2024
Access: Access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout construction with detours around the work zone. The City and our contractor will do our best to minimize the unavoidable disruptions associated with construction.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the city’s on-site construction inspector, Charles Davis. He can be reached by cell phone at (757) 647-9940 to respond quickly. You may also contact the project manager, Tiba Salim at (757) 266-9491.

For more info visit: www.norfolk.gov/utilitiesimprovements.

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General Members Meeting | March 11, 2024

Tommy Leeman, candidate for Norfolk City Mayor, spoke about his background and platform followed by a brief Q&A session including his thoughts on redevelopment of MacArthur Center, Military Circle Mall and the forthcoming Casino project.

Representatives from the Colley Community Center gave a presentation on their mission, initiatives timeline and how the many ways the community can contribute.

Jason Im spoke on behalf of Riverview Shell, pursuing an ABC permit in compliance with the façade grant recently awarded by the city. A motion to vote was brought forth from the floor, seconded and put to vote with all voting parties in favor and no parties vocally against

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General Members Meeting | February 12, 2024

Norfolk City Mayor, Kenny Alexander, and Norfolk City Manager, Patrick Roberts spoke about the recent updates from the city. Following the Mayor and City Manager’s engaging presentation, a brief Q&A session allowed for further discussion. Watch the entire meeting below. Congratulations to the new Secretary of the Civic League Board. – Stephanie Clark.

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Life is sweet because you live here!

Starting the first day of February, a “love note” from Cupid will magically appear on random doorsteps to kick off this heartwarming event. Inside the note, you’ll find a “Heart” sign and simple instructions to join the fun. For those familiar, this is the same idea as getting Boo’d at Halloween.

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