Where have we been since the last framework update?

From 2000 to 2008, the City of Newport News went through a transformative phase of economic growth and development.  It began to actualize the vision identified in the two previous statements of its comprehensive plan, The Framework of the Future.  This was particularly true in the sphere of creating a dynamic, forward-looking community that attracts and creates good-paying jobs and enhances the quality-of-life of its citizens.

Significant events occurring between 2000 and 2008 include:

  • the development of City Center at Oyster Point and Port Warwick;
  • the planning of Asheton, Patrick Henry Place, Huntington Pointe and other new urbanist and neo-traditional developments;
  • the expansions of Christopher Newport University, Mariners Museum, Virginia Living Museum and Riverside Regional Medical Center;
  • the redevelopment of Madison Heights and Orcutt Homes in the Southeast community;
  • the continued blossoming and expansion of the Patrick Henry retail corridor and
  • the announcement of a major advanced manufacturing project at Canon Virginia and
  • the growing corporate headquarters presence of such firms as Ferguson Enterprises/Wolseley North America, Icelandic USA, Langley Federal Credit Union and Specialty Foods Group.

These events all point to the growing integration of economic and community development.

At the same time, the period between 2000 and 2008 brought new challenges for the City and its region. These include:

  • the impact of international economic competition on the local manufacturing base;
  • the decline in business capital formation after the recession of 2000 and the events of September 11, 2001, which has intensified the fierce competition among states and localities for manufacturing plants and corporate offices;
  • threats to programs at NASA Langley Research Center and Jefferson Lab, and
  • threats to the region’s defense sector from the base closure and realignment (BRAC) process; and,
  • stresses in the financial markets.  

By and large, Newport News and the Peninsula have dealt with these challenges, but with difficulty.  These opportunities and the threats will persist as we move into the future.  How well the City capitalizes on its opportunities and overcomes the obstacles to its continued growth and diversification will determine the City’s success in actualizing its vision in the future.

The City will be particularly challenged to:

  • Attract state-of-the-art manufacturing, back office and corporate office activity, while fostering the expansion of its existing economic base;
  • Promote and maintain high-quality mixed-use communities through new development and redevelopment of the City’s scarce vacant land resources in all parts of the City;
  • Provide sites for the expansion of small businesses;
  • Foster entrepreneurial growth of technology-based companies through liaisons with Jefferson Lab, NASA Langley, VASCIC and the VMASC;
  • Continue to strengthen Newport News’ retail sector;
  • Redevelop and revitalize older and less vibrant neighborhoods of the City, particularly in Planning Districts I and III; and
  • Reduce disparities in income, employment, access to retail, and the quality of life that exist between Planning District I, in parts of Planning District III, and the rest of the City.