Monthly Archive: March 2009

Mar
31

A Voice for Hampton Roads

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by James F. Babcock

“Who Speaks for Hampton Roads?”

This excellent question, raised by Louis Guy in a Virginian-Pilot (V-P) Dec. 27, 2008 op-ed, is especially pertinent now as the region faces a perennial crisis in transportation funding, the possible loss of an aircraft carrier, a decline in tourism, a weakened economy, and budget cuts all around.

The answer is, “No one entity ─ it depends on the issue.” Numerous private regional associations exist to speak out for particular interests: the Retail Alliance for retailers, HRACRE for commercial realtors, the Chambers of Commerce for business in general, the Cultural Alliance for the arts, and so on.

On public issues, however, where the right to answer for the general public depends on legitimacy conferred by election, the only regional organizations that can speak for the region are those in which the region’s legislators or its mayors and county chairs serve. These include the Legislative Caucus, Planning District Commission, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Mayors & Chairs Caucus, and Hampton Roads Partnership.

Each of these entities was created at a different time for a particular limited purpose. None can be said to do an especially effective job of involving the public in its decision making. And each suffers limitations that would not apply, say, to a full-blown regional government, which the public doesn’t want. As a result, as Mayor Paul Fraim observed in his year-end V-P op-ed, “No one is in charge.”

Over the past few years, the Future of Hampton Roads, a volunteer organization, through its Regional Structure Project, has sponsored conferences and study groups to produce thoughtful recommendations for improving the performance of these regional organizations without either merging our municipalities or creating a regional government. Detailed reports have been submitted in the past year to the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hampton Roads Partnership, and Mayors & Chairs.

One study group report soon to be submitted to the elected leadership specifically deals with the urgent need identified by Mr. Guy to create an authoritative voice for Hampton Roads. Based on successful regional models elsewhere (Metro-Dade, Twin Cities Metro, etc.) but adapted to our region’s unique circumstances, the recommendation is to obtain a state charter for a Hampton Roads Metropolitan Council.

The proposed Metro Council would undertake key tasks not now being performed. It would:

  • oversee the regional aspects of economic and tourism development;
  • direct periodic updating of a comprehensive regional vision;
  • coordinate preparation of an annual regional legislative agenda; and
  • strengthen regional decision-making.

Supported by Planning District Commission staff, the proposed Metro Council would establish working relationships with the other regional organizations. For example, an updating of the regional vision every five to seven years might best be performed on behalf of the Council by the Hampton Roads Partnership. Also, the Council could engage the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement to assist in creating essential public participation in basic decisions.

An alternative to creating the Council might be to refashion one of the present regional organizations. In any case, having a Metro Council with definite power to make decisions on a short list of key regional issues would provide a vehicle for more assertive regional leadership and to fill the present gap in high level policy formulation.

The huge challenges the region now faces warrant serious attention to implementing this structural improvement. We should accept Louis Guy’s advice. Let’s get organized.

Mr. Babcock, retired Chairman and CEO of First Virginia Bank Hampton Roads, is a founding member of the Hampton Roads Partnership, Vice Chairman of the Future of Hampton Roads, Inc. (FHR) and manager of FHR’s Regional Structure Project, whose reports are posted on http://www.fhrinc.org.

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Mar
31

A citizen speaks: WE WANT MASS TRANSIT AS A SOLUTION

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by Troi Lewis, a public transit evangelist, City of Hampton resident and frequent online commenter and forum participant; Troi is looking forward to the day when he can use public transportation all the time.

Currently, we need to realize a cost effective alternative to the transportation issue. While it is true that new tunnels and roads are needed, it is still in our best interest to implement mass transit. If you don’t agree, please consider the following: Whatever decision is made, it has to be paid for somehow.

I say this because there are concerns as to the cost of the starter light rail (LRT) line in Norfolk. There’s also concern about Virginia Beach’s purchase of the remainder of the Norfolk Southern (NS) line to eventually bring LRT to the Beach. But the truth of the matter is: it’s the start to an alternative.

Notice that it’s called a “starter line”. It’s not called the “only line”, or “Norfolk’s exclusive-customized-one-of-a-kind-light rail line; it’s called a “starter line”. It’s the beginning to a light rail system that could stretch all over Hampton Roads and beyond. You probably would also say: This doesn’t seem cost effective.

On the contrary, compared to what a new tunnel or crossing would cost, piecing together a light rail system with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Street Car systems would be a lot less. No matter the cost, we need something that would bring a lot more to the table then just more tunnels and more roads.

If you look at TOD (Transit Oriented Development) as something that only feeds the developers’ pockets, you’re not looking at the big picture. Look at the convenience of having some form of rapid transit within walking distance of where you live, work, shop, school, etc. While interstates and expressways are good for business and those close to them, they don’t bring property value up like rail or rapid transit does.

There’s also a very large financial return that comes from TODs. This could help fund other transportation projects.

You also need to think about the environmental effect this can have, specifically on our health. Think of your children and your other loved ones that have asthma, allergies, or any other forms of respiratory problems.

So I say to you Hampton Roads: Support your city and their decision to bring mass transit (whatever the form) to the region. This will be supporting all of Hampton Roads.

The General Assembly (GA) is not providing solutions. The MPO has worked on bringing a solution to the traffic and travel time through this Plan: www.HamptonRoadsTransitPlan.com

Again, many of the cities are already working on implementing these ideas. So it’s going to take all of Hampton Roads to come together to make this into a reality. For those of you who agree on these ideas, please, PLEASE show that you are in support of what’s being planned. This way the GA will see that something like this needs to be funded and not put on the back burner like it has been for the past 20 years. I, myself, would rather pay taxes for something that I know can actually bring benefit and make a change, then for something that will be outdated before it’s even finished.

So, in closing, we have to put our voices together on this one and tell the GA: WE WANT MASS TRANSIT AS A SOLUTION!!!!

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Mar
29

Senator Jim Webb’s 2008 Annual Report for Virginia

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Addressing the Commonwealth’s Transportation Needs

There is no question that traffic is a quality of life issue and a potential obstacle to economic growth. In last year’s transportation bill, we were able to secure more than $61 million in appropriations for community development grants, Amtrak, and transportation projects in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. This bill allocates crucial funds to ease severe congestion throughout the Commonwealth, including improvements to interchanges affected by increased Army presence at Fort Belvoir, Dulles Rail Extension, and Norfolk light rail.

For the complete Report, visit webb.senate.gov.

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Mar
28

Military-Related Legislation

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Learn more about Military-Related Legislation enacted during the 2009 Virginia General Assembly:

  • Department of Veterans Services; processing of disability claims.
  • Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
  • Constitutional amendment (first resolution); property tax exemption for certain veterans.
  • Department of Veterans Services; burial vaults at state-operated veterans cemeteries.
  • Virginia Retirement System; members disabled or killed while in the military.
  • Individual income tax; subtraction for Virginia Military Family Relief Fund.
  • Income tax; honorably discharged veteran job creation tax credit.
  • Special license plates; disabled veterans.
  • Homestead exemption; veterans.
  • Certain honorary diplomas.
  • Public employment; nondiscrimination.
  • Motorcycle classifications.

Courtesy of:

For complete details in a downloadable spreadsheet, click here. Click on “Full” to view full screen; click on “Download” to download the presentation to your own computer.

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Mar
27

The Digital Age

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Remember when color TV was introduced in the 1950s, black and white TVs still got a signal? With the digital transition of 2009, analog TVs don’t get digital TV signals without assistance (cable, satellite, converters, etc.).

You already receive digital channels if you subscribe to cable or satellite television services whether you have a new digital television set or not.

If you still receive an over-the-air analog signal (aka “Rabbit Ears”), though, you’ll need a properly installed DTV converter box.

So, why the conversion? In the works for many years, the conversion of 2009 allows for the television spectrum to be used by wireless providers for development and use of the next generation of wireless products, etc. This means exponential new resources in America’s quest for global economic competitiveness.

The switch to digital channels also brings more choices on your dial, for example: WHRO TV-15 now includes WHRO HD 15.1, WHRO World 15.2, WHRO KIDS 15.3 and WHRO Create (Cox Digital 109). Note: WHRO turned off its analog signal on February 17th. Most commercial broadcasters in Hampton Roads are waiting until June 12th to coincide with the congressional delay.

For more information, see “A Strong Communications Infrastructure is Key to Economic Success” presentation provided in April 2008 by Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/speeches/2008/Baker_MassTech_080417.html

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Mar
26

Unparalleled Success in Uncertain Times, Newport News State of the City is exceptional

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Newport News experienced a year of stunning, positive economic investment announcements totaling nearly $2 billion in the city.

“The message here is we are not going to be as severely impacted like other places because of the investments we made in bringing in these industries and bringing growth to the community,” said Newport News Mayor Joe S. Frank.

Mayor Joe Frank and Governor Timothy Kaine were joined by a panel of business and community leaders for the State of the City Summit. Panelists included Dr. Larry Filer, Associate Professor of Economics and Research Fellow for the Old Dominion University Economic Forecasting Project; Takayoshi Hanagata, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canon Virginia, Inc.; William H. Hudnut, III, former four-term mayor of Indianapolis and Congressman, author, public speaker, and TV commentator; Brigadier General Brian R. Layer, Commanding General, Fort Eustis; Dr. Hugh Montgomery, President of Jefferson Science Associates and Director of Jefferson Lab, Jefferson Lab; Mike Petters, Corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News; Kregg Wiggins, Senior Vice President, Powertrain North America, Continental).

In April 2008, Canon announced a $623.5 million expansion of its local plant, generating more than 1,000 jobs over several years. AREVA Newport News, the nuclear reactor collaboration with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, also said it would invest $363 million in its new Newport News plant and create 540 jobs. In December, Continental AG, a fuel injection production company, announced its transfer of 318 jobs and $194 million investment to Newport News from South Carolina.

What’s the secret?

Newport News offers a unique mixture of consistent, long-term planning that creates a solid pro-business environment that includes many long-standing relationships, he said. In addition, urban perks such as good schools, work force training, medical, recreational and cultural facilities like the Ferguson Center for the Arts add to the city’s appeal, Mayor Frank said.

“All these things give people a sense that Newport News is an attractive place to work, live and raise a family,” Frank said.

Like other localities across the region, Newport News is wrestling with rapidly shrinking tax and state dollars. “These projects didn’t just happen overnight. It’s taken a long time,” Florence Kingston, Economic Development Director, said. “It’s more than just a piece of real estate or an incentive package (to attract these businesses).”

During the Newport News Summit, Mayor Joe Frank also announced that Pepsi is investing in a $20-million dollar expansion to their existing business in Newport News. It will be a 16,000 sq. ft. expansion that will create 15 new jobs.

Also at the Summit, ODU Economics Professor Larry Filer explained the results of his study showing a ripple effect from that job growth. “The initial job creation of say 3,360 jobs may generate somewhere around 3,200 other jobs in the region maybe as many as 600 more jobs in the City,” says Filer.

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Mar
25

Get your “America’s First Region” Poster

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Direct POSTER LINK

Remembering “America’s First Region”

In the past, the Hampton Roads Partnership supplied colorful posters to area schools describing historical events that occurred in “Hampton Roads, America’s First Region” over the past 400 years. If you would like to receive the large 24″ x 26″ color poster for your 4th grade classroom, please let us know.

By participating in this educational initiative, you are providing your students with important information about where they live and the contributions our region has made to the history of our nation.

From April 26 to May 14, 1607, three English ships sailed and explored Hampton Roads from Cape Henry (today’s Virginia Beach) to Jamestown, our nation’s first permanent English settlement.

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Mar
24

Hampton Roads in Northeast’s 2050 Mega Region

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Click on the Map for a larger, downloadable version.

from http://www.America2050.org

The Northeast Mega Region is a powerhouse of density and economic output, producing 20 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product with 18 percent of the population and only two percent of the nation’s land area. Over the next generation, the Northeast will add 1 million new residents. This population growth will demand infrastructure investments and economic growth to accommodate these new residents while preserving quality of life.

Location: The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic seaboard – From Northern Virginia to Southern Maine, bounded by the Appalachian Mountains to the west by the Appalachian Mountains to the west.
Principal Cities: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C.
Population 2000: 49,563,296
Percent of U.S. Population: 18%
Population 2025: 58,124,740
Projected Growth: 18%
2005 GDP: $2,591,075,000,000
Percent of US GDP: 21%

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Mar
23

America’s First Region Community Support Recognition

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VIDEO LINK

The Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP) launched the brand “America’s First Region” in 2006. Since then, a number of organizations and businesses have and continue to actively promote it. HRP honored them with a resolution of appreciation for their support at the March 2009 Board Meeting.

HRP Board member: Mr. Bill Crawford, Regional President, Wachovia Bank, sponsored billboards throughout the region. Other supporting community organizations and their representatives in attendance:

  • Mr. Ben Giancola, Assistant General Manager, Norfolk Admirals and Norfolk Tides posted the brand on the Scope Arena message board during their hockey season and on Harbor Park’s outfield digital message board during each Tides home baseball game;
  • Mr. Doug Davis, President & General Manager of WAVY TV- Channel 10, produced the award winning “My Hampton Roads” series profiling individuals and organizations region-wide working to preserve area treasures;
  • Mr. Ken Scott, Executive Director, Norfolk Airport Authority, welcomes visitors and all those returning home to “America’s First Region” with a prominent digital sign in the airport;
  • Mr. Dennis Heuer, Hampton Roads District Administrator, VDOT broadcast the brand in their 610 AM radio advisories;
  • Ms. Elaine Cayton, President AHR Communications, Inc./AdMobile, features the brand on their mobile billboard delivery trucks traveling throughout the region;
  • Mr. Doug Lister, Community Relations Director, Adams Outdoor Advertising, provided valuable billboard space for businesses to display our brand on the Peninsula and Southside;
  • Mr. Steve Goad, Manager of Government Relations, Cox Communications, sponsored the “America’s First Region” history poster which is distributed to fourth grade classrooms in both public and private schools throughout Hampton Roads;
  • Mr. Michael Townes, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), continues to display the brand decal on their entire bus fleet.

Featured in the video are:

  • ABNB Federal Credit Union
  • Adams Outdoor Advertising
  • AdMobile
  • Cox Communications
  • Dairy Queen
  • Farm Fresh
  • Franklin-Southampton Economic Development
  • Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)
  • James City County
  • Norfolk Admirals/Scope
  • Norfolk International Airport
  • Norfolk State University
  • Norfolk Tides
  • The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center
  • Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
  • Verizon idearcMedia
  • Virginia Department of Transportation, Hampton Roads District
  • Virginia Governor Tim Kaine
  • Virginia Natural Gas
  • Wachovia Bank
  • WAVY TV 10

There are many more promoters of “America’s First Region”.
What’s yours!

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Mar
22

MODSIM WORLD 2009

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MODSIM WORLD is an International Conference & Exposition for the exchange of modeling & simulation knowledge, research, and technology across industry, government, and academia.

This year’s conference, the third annual, focuses on 21st Century Decision-Making: The Art of Modeling & Simulation. Speakers, educational tracks, presentations, and product demonstrations will center on using modeling and simulation tools and practices in emerging & innovative operating environments.

Attendees will learn about new applications and practices and have an opportunity to network with other industry professionals.

October 14-16th at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

For updated information, schedules, and opportunities to take part, visit MODSIM World 2009!

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