2022 Year in Review
By: City of Newport News
| If we had to choose one word to describe 2022 in Newport News it would be “breakthroughs.” Last year: Businesses launched and expanded, adding jobs and opportunities; Housing options increased, particularly in the city’s Southeast Community thanks to the Choice Neighborhood Initiative;Groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings took place throughout the city, symbolizing growth and transformation;City events provided opportunities for people to have fun and experience new things; andNew services were created to offer support and hope to those in need. In November, the city launched a dynamic new brand – Newport News: Built on Breakthroughs. We look forward to working with the community to bring this brand to life in 2023. In the meantime, enjoy this recap of the ways we built and broke through in 2022! |
| We started off 2022 with the announcement that Mercana Furniture and Décor, a Canadian manufacturer and wholesaler of home goods across North America, is investing $8.5 million to establish its first U.S. warehouse and distribution operation in Newport News. The company is using a 124,000-square-foot facility to serve its East Coast and Central U.S. customers, housing thousands of items across its full lineup of art, furniture, lighting, and accessories. A few months later, the city struck oil – olive oil, that is. Certified Origins, an Italian-based company focused on providing fresh and authentic extra virgin olive oil, announced an investment of $25 million dollars in Oakland Industrial Park as the site of its first U.S. production facility. In the spring, both Muhlbauer and High Liner Foods announced expansions and reinvestments in their operations in Oakland Industrial Park. |
| For those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, the Four Oaks Day Services and Training Center is a beacon of hope and opportunity. Early last year, Four Oaks launched a “Bike to Work” initiative, where the center collects new or gently used adult bicycles to help those receiving services get to work. And in March, two nonprofit organizations, The Heart of Giving and the Woman’s Club of Newport News, teamed up to expand clothing offerings to homeless men, women, and children at the center. The Clothing Department at Four Oaks is the largest clothing closet in Virginia offering items for people of all ages. |
| A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the School Board and the city outlines the roles of each in the design and construction of the replacement Huntington Middle School. The new 600-student school will be situated in the Southeast Community Resource Area (SECRA), an area bounded by 28th Street, 35th Street, Wickham Avenue, and Orcutt Avenue. Once completed, the facility will be owned, operated, and maintained by the School Board. The MOU ensures that the School Board has the necessary input on the design and construction to meet the standards and expectations of the School Board. In addition to the new school, master planning for SECRA includes a library, recreation center, and a community program area. |
| The Newport News One City Marathon returned to in-person races in 2022 with some exciting changes. Races took place over two days instead of one with the former 8K reconfigured based on participant input into a 5K and moved to City Center along with the Nautical Mile/Kid’s Fun Run, both of which took place on Saturday. The marathon, half marathon, and marathon two-person relay took place Sunday, with family-friendly celebrations happening both days. Registration is now open for the 2023 races at www.onecitymarathon.com. |
| Redistricting is required every 10 years following the Census for localities that elect candidates from a district or ward system, which Newport News does. Shifts in the city’s population between 2010 and 2020 created the need to redistrict to ensure that representation is in proportion to the populations of the North, Central, and South districts. After holding multiple community meetings and receiving feedback from citizens, City Council approved a new map for electoral districts, which was then approved by the state Attorney General’s Office. The new map applied to City Council and School Board elections held in November and will be used going forward. Information on the redistricting process can be found on the Planning Department’s website. |
| In March, the city launched a two-phased approach to addressing gun violence in Newport News. The first phase was a comprehensive Gun Violence and Community Safety Assessment to help understand the most pressing concerns around safety, as well as the root causes and effects of violence in the community. The second phase included a grant program for qualified community-based organizations that demonstrate the capacity to reduce gun violence and create safe and stronger neighborhoods. Over $1.7 million was awarded to 19 organizations through a competitive application process. Details on the grant awards can be found on the city’s website. |
| The Virginia Department of Health’s Peninsula Health District is moving to a new facility at 836 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News, the former location of Stratford University. The new site is being renovated to meet the health and wellness needs of Peninsula residents and businesses, providing modernized and streamlined operations. Until the new location opens in the fall, the health district will continue to operate at its facility next to Riverside in Newport News. |
| Through our regular Business Now section, we introduce you to various local businesses that you might not know about. Last year we featured Kandi Coated Med Spa; Vicky’s Fashion & Fabrics; Colony Animal Hospital; 757 ROC; Southeast Community Pharmacy; Rosetta Home Healthcare; Cure Cofffeehouse; Axsom Martial Arts; and The Bead Store. We will continue to highlight local businesses, so look for more Business Now features throughout 2023. |
| The city’s successful inclusion into the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (CRS) makes Newport News residents and businesses eligible for a 15% savings on flood insurance premiums. The CRS program provides incentives for communities that exceed the minimum requirements for floodplain management and protection; pre, post, and during disaster plans; resilience programs; and community outreach and awareness. |
| The city introduced new special events in 2022. February welcomed a Winter Carnival with free ice skating, carnival games, children’s crafts, music, and more. The new Outdoor Enthusiast event was held in April with much success and featured a hot air balloon; paddle boat, kayak, and canoe rides; a rowing regatta; parkour station; rock wall; lumberjack shows; volleyball; yoga; inflatable obstacle courses; axe throwing; nature walks; and much more. The 2022 Juneteenth celebration was expanded with additional events to commemorate the holiday, including a parade along Jefferson Avenue in the Southeast Community. To learn about special events our Parks and Recreation Department is planning for 2023, visit www.nnparks.com. |
| With phone numbers in the 757 area code being exhausted, the State Corporation Commission launched a new area code for the Hampton Roads region. The new 948 area code serves the same geographic region as the old 757 area code, and those seeking new phone service are now assigned a number with a 948 area code. Also, we now have to use all 10-digits of the phone number to place a local call. |
| It was a stellar year for local student-athletes – especially females! Christopher Newport University (CNU) had two women’s teams win national titles, as both the women’s soccer and softball teams are national champions at the NCAA Division III level. The Heritage High School Girls Indoor Track Team won the state meet to be able to call themselves state champions, and the Menchville High School Girls Basketball team also won the state championship. Representing the male student-athletes is the Apprentice School baseball team, who won the World Series for their national association, the USCAA. |
| Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) began an on-demand pilot program in the summer in select areas of Newport News, offering residents an easy and affordable way to get around. HRT OnDemand is a unique service that allows customers within designated service zones to request a shared ride using a smartphone app. The pilot program is exploring how on-demand transportation can be used to expand the region’s access to flexible, equitable mobility, and make it easier for residents to connect with existing public transit options. For complete information, visit gohrt.com/OnDemand. |
| Newport News and THR Cycling joined forces to hold a new competitive sporting event last year. The Newport News Twilight Criterium, an elite amateur bicycle racing event sanctioned by USA Cycling, took place in July on city streets in The Yard District. Roughly 300 beginner to elite cyclists took part in the inaugural event that included eight races for men and women of varying ages and expertise, including a free Kid’s Fun Race for children 3–9 years of age. The one-kilometer course included eight turns, starting and ending at City Hall. Newport News TV was on hand and captured the entire event. The 2023 criterium will be a three-day event taking place April 14-16. Follow the Facebook page and stay tuned to Newport News Now for more details on events and registration. |
| It’s easier to purchase compost and mulch from the city’s Recovery Operations Center (ROC) as we are now accepting credit cards for payment. Customers can use VISA or MasterCard to purchase high-quality, affordable organic mulch and/or compost products. All residents and the general public may purchase compost and mulch products. For a product price list, visit the Department of Public Works website. |
| Residents and guests in Newport News will soon have another reason to visit the newly established Yard District, as the city is undertaking a project to offer connections to the downtown waterfront. Work has begun on the James River Strand Project, which includes improvements to Christopher Newport Park, a multi-use connection to Victory Landing Park, and amenities that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. A significant portion of the project includes a walkway connection from 28th Street and Christopher Newport Park to Victory Landing Park, allowing guests closer access to the James River. Plans also include an outdoor amphitheater with terraced lawn seating, hardscape areas, lighting, and electricity to support small-scale performances and special events. |
| The World Arts Celebration at City Center at Oyster Point celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Sister Cities program in Newport News, while exploring cultures from around the world with international vendors, performers, artists, interactive education stations, as well as cosmopolitan food and beverages. Learn more about Sister Cities of Newport News at sistercities-nn.com. |
| For two years, Sister Cities of Newport News (SCNN) has been working toward a formal partnership between Carrigaline, County Cork, Ireland, and Newport News. Together with a similar committee in Carrigaline, SCNN explored connections between both citizens and government officials and identified areas where an official “Sister City” partnership could be beneficial, including cultural programs (music, art, etc.), youth programs, and business exchanges. And in October, City Council approved the extension of an invitation to Carrigaline to enter into a Sister City relationship with Newport News. You can learn more about Sister Cities on its website, and you can learn more of the back story in South Cork’s newspaper The Carrigdhoun. |
| In October, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg broke ground on two 3D-printed homes in the Southeast Community of Newport News. These are the second and third houses being built using 3D printing technology, a cost-efficient, sustainable option that relies on concrete to print the walls of the homes, saving up to 15% per square foot in construction costs. The 1,200 square foot, three bedroom, two bath homes are being sold to local families who are putting in 300 hours of volunteer sweat equity to be eligible to purchase a house. |
| Avelo Airlines began serving Newport News Williamsburg Airport (PHF) in the fall with exclusive nonstop service to Florida’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give customers the flexibility to pay for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin. Customers may choose from several seating options, including seats with extra leg room, as well as pre-reserved window and aisle seating. Learn more at aveloair.com. |
| Recognizing the importance of bees, the city announced that Newport News is now a Bee City USA affiliate. As a Bee City USA affiliate, Newport News is working to become more “P-C” (pollinator conscious) and expanding on our pollinator-friendly community, while encouraging residents to follow the four simple steps to bring back pollinators – grow pollinator-friendly flowers, provide nest sites, avoid pesticides, and spread the word. To celebrate the designation, the first of many Bee City USA signs was installed in the fall at the Newport News Green Foundation’s Chatham Trail. |
| The City of Newport News, Peake Childhood Center, and Virginia Peninsula Community College broke ground on a new project to enhance early education outcomes and transform the lives of young people and their families in Newport News and beyond. The three organizations are partnering to create the Newport News Early Childhood Center, which will serve approximately 200 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years of age throughout the region. The Peake Childhood Center will be responsible for the programming and daily operations of the facility, which is expected to open in the summer of 2024. To learn more and donate, visit www.peakecc.org. |
| Former Newport News Mayor Joe S. Frank passed away in October. A lifelong Newport News resident, Mayor Frank was a devoted leader who served the city with honor, ingenuity, and compassion for over 22 years. Elected to City Council in 1988, he became the city’s first directly elected Mayor in 1996 and served in that role for 14 years. He is the city’s longest-serving Mayor. During his time in office, Mayor Frank dedicated himself to building the city’s economic base. Through his leadership, Newport News grew significantly, and City Center became a thriving site of business and commercial activity. |
| City Council and School Board elections were held in November, and the results bring a mix of old and new faces. Phillip Jones has been elected mayor to replace McKinley Price, who did not run for a fourth term. Each City Council district has a new representative, with Curtis Bethany winning in the North District, Cleon Long in the Central District, and John Eley in the South District. Four spots were up on the Newport News School Board and incumbents Douglas Brown, Lisa Surles-Law, Terri Best, and Gary Hunter all won re-election. All of the elected officials assume their new roles this month. |
In November, the city featured its newest public art and celebrated the growth of The Yard District with a community block party. In partnership with Provost Construction and the WINDSdays clean energy campaign, the event featured live music, a variety of free activities (including axe throwing), and free giveaways, along with food and drink vendors. The city’s new kinetic wind art sculpture, Fluidity, by U.K. artist Will Carr was officially dedicated at the block party. |
| Mayor McKinley L. Price delivered his final State of the City address in November at the Ferguson Center for the Arts on the campus of Christopher Newport University. With the theme “Our Stage is Set,” his speech celebrated both the city’s recent achievements and exciting upcoming initiatives. To commemorate his 12 years in office, Mayor Price detailed 12 areas that have been critical to us as a city that break through and defying expectations. They include city-wide transformation; investments in neighborhoods; business growth; workforce development initiatives; diverse programs that support residents; public safety activities; positive engagements with youth; a dedicated team of city employees; and more. You can view the 2022 State of the City in its entirety on the NNTV website. At the State of the City, Mayor Price also debuted a vibrant new city brand, strategic message, and brand video. In 2021, the city launched a strategic initiative to uncover the community’s brand. The goal was to discover what is distinct and authentic about Newport News and develop messaging that conveys the city’s unique story. After a thorough process involving over 1,000 residents, business and community leaders, and other stakeholders, the city launched a dynamic new brand message – Newport News: Built on Breakthroughs. A place where collective ideas come together without limitations, Newport News is on the move, constantly changing and always creating. Our breakthroughs are built to change today and impact tomorrow. We smash atoms and build nuclear aircraft carriers – anything is possible in Newport News! |
| The second phase of housing for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) is underway. The project began in early 2022 with the demolition of the former Ridley Place Housing Community, which closed in 2021. A public event was held in February to commemorate this project and the rich history of the site. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the fall for the project, which will be a mixed-use development with new homes of varying sizes, commercial spaces, community amenities, and recreational opportunities. The CNI project is transforming the Marshall-Ridley area in the Southeast Community, creating new housing options, community services, parks, and more while revitalizing an historic neighborhood. And in December, Sentara Healthcare announced an $11 million investment in the CNI project to serve as financial support for loan financing to complete Phase Two of the project. |
| While we are starting on Phase Two of housing for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the conclusion of the first phase of construction of new housing. The Lift & The Rise on Jefferson is a vibrant mixed-use development that blends affordable and market-rate living spaces. This residential area is reinvigorating economic growth in Newport News and creating a strong and thriving community. Offering 81 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and six townhomes, the complex includes a variety of amenities including a community room, fitness area, community terrace and lounge, outdoor seating, play area, in-unit washers and dryers, controlled access doors with security cameras, and on-site management and maintenance. |
| The city’s NlightN Holiday Event Series was another popular event this year. With events, lights and activities from one end of the city to the other, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Sponsored again this year by Ferguson, NlightN featured three main events – the classic Celebration in Lights at Newport News Park, the magical Lights at the Fountain at City Center, and the art- and technology-focused ARTech Lights at Brooks Crossing – along with additional happenings to bring the spirit of the holidays to every neighborhood. To make the holiday season even brighter, the city partnered with the team at City Center at Oyster Point to provide a unique and special holiday experience – the Wave-Field interactive art and seesaw exhibit along Fountain Way. This world-famous interactive art installation consisted of eight musical and light-up seesaws, ranging from 16 to 24 feet in length. |
| To have the best possible outcome and limit the time animals spend in the shelter, the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter (PRAS) moved to a managed, or scheduled, admissions process for owner-surrendered pets. With thousands of animals coming through the shelter’s doors each year, space is limited. A managed admissions process allows for owner surrenders to be done by appointment based on the shelter’s capacity to provide humane care and assure the best, most appropriate outcome for each animal admitted. A Pet Resources booklet is also available with surrender alternative options, information, and resources to help you make the best possible decision for your companion animal. |
| While researching what assets and qualities make Newport News unique in the area, we discovered that a lot of you like to brag that Newport News has the most beautiful sunsets in the region. And we couldn’t agree more – Newport News is the best place to take in breathtaking sunsets! |