NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- The American Planning Association (APA) announced that Norfolk's Colley Avenue won the "People's Choice" designation as one of the Great Places in America in 2015.
For the second year in the row, APA asked the public to nominate their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street. Suggestions were then collected throughout October via social media outlets. Five finalists were selected out of the nearly hundred suggestions that were received. The public then voted for their favorite through APA's website during the second part of October.
Stretching for 18 blocks through the core of Norfolk's historic Ghent neighborhood, Colley Avenue forms the spine of a classic 19th Century grid-pattern street network, connecting residential blocks lined with a mix of stately historic homes, apartments, and townhouses, with its restaurants, both trendy and traditional, retail, office, and institutional uses.
"Norfolk is a vibrant, historic port city, filled with authentic, diverse neighborhoods and Colley Avenue in Ghent is just one the many gems our city has to offer." said Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim. "We are honored to have won this recognition, and excited to be able to share this special and unique place."
Colley Avenue was the clear favorite for this year's "People's Choice" designation. Other finalists up for consideration included Downtown Florence, Ala.; Gallivan Center, Salt Lake City, Utah; South Bend Farmer's Market, South Bend, Ind. and Union Square, Somerville, Mass.
