Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will Newport Gardens really keep Park Place residents from being priced out?

And check out Disney On Ice - Mickeys Search Party on the Norfolk Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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Good morning Norfolk! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Newport Gardens really keep Park Place residents from being priced out?
  • How two Norfolk moms turned sweat equity into holiday homeownership
  • Will Norfolk vape shops survive Virginia’s tough new restrictions?

Also on today's calendar: Dueling Pianos with SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL PIANOS and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Norfolkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Norfolkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Some sun, then turning cloudy, with a high of 62 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy; a morning shower, temps: high: 68, low: 29.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high of 53 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Affordable housing complex opens in Norfolk (13newsnow.com) — A new 50-unit affordable complex, Newport Gardens, has opened on 35th Street in Norfolk’s Park Place neighborhood, targeting local workforce incomes of $30,000–$45,000. City leaders say it’s a key piece of the Bring Back 35th Street revitalization effort and a buffer against gentrification for longtime Norfolk residents.
   

2. Habitat for Humanity dedication held for 2 first time homeowners in Norfolk (wavy.com) — Two Norfolk families are celebrating their first-ever homes thanks to a Habitat for Humanity build on Vincent Avenue, done with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The program required sweat equity and homeownership classes, but participants say the payoff is stability, peace, and a fresh start for their children right here in Norfolk.
   

3. Virginia's new vape product restrictions could force shop closures (wtkr.com) — New statewide vape restrictions taking effect December 31 could force Norfolk and Hampton Roads vape shops to pull many products or close altogether, as only items listed in a new state directory may be sold. Industry advocates warn of job losses and a potential black market, while Senator Tim Kaine backs stricter regulation but says rules shouldn’t favor big companies over small operators.
   

4. Gov. Youngkin calls for further tax relief, teacher bonuses in final budget proposal (wtkr.com) — Norfolk readers are getting an early look at Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s final state budget proposal, which he unveiled here before leaving office next month. He’s pitching tax cuts on tips, overtime, and auto-loan interest plus a 2% teacher bonus, while Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger signals she’ll work with lawmakers on affordability when the General Assembly reconvenes.
   

📸 Around Norfolk

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
    FOUND on December 16, 2025 in Norfolk, VA 23510 near Found near Military Highway at Panda Express, moved to our atm (message for our address) … (Nextdoor Park Place-Kensington)
  • I am proud of my sister and her husband against all negative responses from family and friends they allowed their 31 year old son to move back in with them.
    He has been back home for two years. The company he worked for closed down. He has another job and pays the water and electric bill at there house… (Nextdoor Coleman Place)
  • AEG posted a job opening for Ticket Seller|Part-time| Chartway Arena @ Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Apply here.
  • Latitude, Inc. posted a job opening for Staff accountant/Bookkeeper in Norfolk. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Norfolk here.

Ok Norfolk! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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