THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 31, 1994 TAG: 9410310069
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
There were none of the ``ooohs'' and ``aaahs'' of a fireworks show, but residents of Oakdale Apartments were all smiles nonetheless Sunday night as they looked skyward at the bright lights.
Street lights.
For 51 years, residents of the tidy if aged complex of buildings nuzzled next to Wards Corner off Little Creek Road have endured the dark. In the early years, it may have been little more than an inconvenience. These days, however, the shadows can be downright dangerous.
``People were scared to walk through here,'' said Dorothy Davis, a year-long resident. ``You couldn't even walk to the store.''
So, thanks to a property manager who thinks of tenants as more than rent checks, the city, Virginia Power and Norfolk Southern Railroad each have contributed to help residents see the light.
Charles Brooks, who manages the complex for Frye Properties, arrived at Oakdale in June. Residents didn't need to tell him about their fear of the dark, he saw it for himself. ``You couldn't see in front of you face,'' he said.
He learned of residents years-long effort to gets lights installed and took charge. Needed petitions were gathered and Brooks said that once the ball was rolling, the utility company, city officials and the railroad were helpful and supportive.
In the last month, 27 street lights have gone up along the several blocks that hold the 160-unit complex. Virginia Power even installed street lights for several blocks into a neighboring complex.
Streets that were once pitch black are now bathed in florescence. And trouble makers who favored the shadows have moved on.
``They could hang in mobs on the back corners,'' said Gregory Hamilton, 41, who has lived at Oakdale since 1980. Now even the signs of their presence are gone. ``There are no cans and bottles and stuff like you used to see left around'' the next day, Hamilton said.
There are 10 new courtyard lights, too, installed along walkways between the buildings and near the railroad tracks that are the northern property boundary.
On Sunday night, people were playing cards on picnic tables in the courtyard. A month ago, few would have dared to even venture into that area at night.
The city pays the tab for operating the street lights, the complex gets the bill for the courtyard lights.
City and railroad crews also have cut away thick brush and trimmed trees and hedges, leaving few places where one might hide. Even most of the bums whose bad singing, residents said was once an unwelcome part of life along the tracks have moved on. The spots they camped in are now cut clean.
Police walked the neighborhood with residents Sunday night noting the changes and suggesting more, like putting large numbers up on the sides of the buildings so police and emergency personnel can more quickly find a location.
``The more lights they have here, the fewer hiding places there are for criminals,'' said Cpl. Charles D. Thomas. But the lights also will help build a stronger sense of community because ``people are not trapped in their homes,'' he said. ``They can walk around at night and meet their neighbors.''
The one-bedroom units, renting for $315 a month, are home to a wide mix of people, ranging from military families and civilian workers to single mothers.
``I can actually see my way to my car,'' said Aneita McCune, 27, a Navy radioman stationed at the Norfolk Naval Base. ``I can walk to the 7-Eleven and I can even take a walk around the neighborhood at night.''
She, like many other residents, had high praise for Brooks. ``He's real sweet and he's done so much for the place.''
He's just pleased to see the residents safe and happy, he said. Brooks even organized a courtyard picnic Sunday to celebrate the lights.
Neighbors played football, munched hamburgers, went bobbing for apples and even had a little fun at Brooks' expense. Like a victorious football coach, he was doused with the contents of the apple bobbing barrel.
Others may want monuments or plaques to commemorate their work. Not Brooks.
``No matter how long I'm here, these lights will always be here,'' Brooks said. ``They will be shining long after I'm gone.'' by CNB