NORFOLK, Va. — The City of Norfolk just shared its plans to crack down on violence in the downtown area.
This comes the same month that five people were shot on Granby Street. Two of the victims — Sierra Jenkins and Devon Malik Harris, both 25 — died. Norfolk City Manager Chip Filer outlined these plans on Tuesday.
"Norfolk Police Department has increased patrols and presence in the City's entertainment districts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights," a city spokesperson wrote.
Aside from that, there will also be a slew of unannounced visits from the Planning Department, Fire Marshal's Office, Departments of Planning and Neighborhood Services and the City Attorney's Office.
At night, these agencies will be stopping by nightclubs and restaurants to provide "visibility," make sure all businesses have proper licenses and ensure no city codes are being violated.
"The goal of this action plan is to build a system whereby the business owners, operators, and the City of Norfolk have shared responsibility for creating a safe environment for all who live, work, and visit our restaurants and nightclubs," said Filer.
The city plans to continue the random inspections for at least the next three months.
"You then build a rapport, whether it's the fire marshal, the police or health department so that you can work with them if you have any issues that need to get taken care of," said Baxter Simmons, owner of Baxter's Sports Bar and Lounge.
Some business owners think of the frequent check-ins as misdirected punishment. However, Simmons told 13News he sees no problems with it.
"They're coming by to check on you to make sure you're doing the right thing," Simmons added. "If you're operating in the right manner, keeping your capacity in line and you're trying to run your security like you can, then you're fine."
Filer is seeking the City Council's approval for $450,000 of funding to form a business compliance unit.
"The compliance unit is a necessary step toward our process of changing the brand, the culture and the image of Downtown Norfolk," Filer said.
Moreover, city leaders and stakeholders may choose to create a body that would manage the entertainment district, require security measures as part of Conditional Use Permits and change building occupancy based on time and other conditions.
"The goal is to get business owners and operators to a state where they are self-regulated, self-policed, and self-managed, with city support," the announcement stated.
Joy Owens, who works in Downtown Norfolk, told 13News Now she doesn't come to the main strip at night anymore due to the violence and overcrowding.
"I just wonder if it's going to be safe for me or my sister, who I live with, to come downtown," Owens said. "No one should fear going out with their friends and having a slice of pizza."
Owens said it's a relief to know the city is at least addressing the problem. She said if she starts to see a difference following the increased security, she might be more willing to go out Downtown with her sister and friends.
Mike Kindle, the owner of Bonaire Custom Clothiers and Coffee Bar, said the initial action plan is good but has room to be more robust, with the regular assignment of at least two patrol officers.
"Every day of the week, not Thursday, Friday, Saturday, there should be a presence down here. Business owners and residents should know the police officers down here," said Kindle.
He suggested stricter policing and enforcement of other crimes, like traffic or theft-related, to send a strong message, "that you need to be a law-abiding respectful citizen or there will be consequences."
In the next two weeks, Norfolk city officials also plan to check on business licenses and taxes.
Additionally, Filer mentioned the goal of outfitting downtown parking garages with all-new cameras by the end of the year.