Norfolk Residents Demand Voice in Shipyard Expansion
NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk City Council is set to vote on a significant rezoning measure that could transform the historic Berkley neighborhood. While many residents support progress, they are calling for a seat at the decision-making table. The proposed measure would enable Colonna’s Shipyard, the oldest family-owned shipyard in the U.S., to proceed with an $80 million expansion, including a new drydock along the Elizabeth River.
Community Concerns Over Expansion
The planned expansion at Colonna’s Shipyard aims to build a fourth drydock capable of lifting up to 25,000 tons, enhancing the company’s ship repair and maintenance capacity by 2028. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office has praised the project as a vital investment in jobs and the maritime industry. However, residents of Berkley, one of Norfolk’s oldest historically Black neighborhoods, express deep concerns about the potential impact on their community.
“I call it my slice of heaven,” said Kim Sudderth, a Berkley resident for seven years. She appreciates the strong sense of community but fears that the expansion could lead to increased noise and environmental degradation. “We have neighbors that have to put up blackout curtains just to get a good night’s sleep,” she explained, highlighting the existing noise issues. Sudderth emphasized that her opposition is not to shipbuilding itself but to the lack of protections for the neighborhood.
Jay Boone, another resident and environmental sustainability advocate, echoed these sentiments. She has witnessed environmental issues firsthand, including debris in community gardens. “We flood very deeply, and when we have all that litter, it goes into our river,” she noted. Boone advocates for equitable treatment of communities like Berkley, emphasizing the need for economic development that prioritizes residents’ well-being. “People over profits overall,” she stated, urging for a balance between industrial growth and community health.
Calls for Inclusion and Accountability
Pastor Robert Green, who leads a local church that serves around 400 families weekly, also expressed concerns about the rezoning. His church is located just feet from the proposed expansion site. “If it’s going to be in our backyard, we need to come together to ensure both sides are cared for,” he said. Green worries about the potential impact of 24/7 operations on his congregation and the community’s quality of life.
Vincent Hodges, a retired sailor and member of Norfolk’s Environmental Commission, is another voice advocating for environmental justice in Berkley. He criticized Colonna’s Shipyard for its lack of communication with residents and called for accountability. “Colonna’s could be the cleanest shipbuilding industry on the East Coast,” he suggested, urging the company to lead by example in responsible industrial practices.
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In a statement, Colonna’s Shipyard has asserted that the expansion will bolster Norfolk’s economy and create jobs, committing to being good neighbors and maintaining environmental stewardship. The rezoning proposal seeks to change portions of land from residential to industrial use, with the City Council expected to vote on the measure soon. If approved, construction could commence within two years, with completion anticipated by 2028.
Despite their concerns, residents emphasize that their message is one of inclusion rather than resistance. “We want to be part of the process,” Green stated, reflecting a shared desire for collaboration. Boone added, “If it’s happening to us today, tomorrow it could be another community. We’re all connected by this.”
