THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 2, 1996 TAG: 9606020314
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MIKE KNEPLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 106 lines
Andre Fenwick of Barberton and Peter Shaw of Freemason had never met until they shared the same picnic table at Norfolk's first ``Neighbors All'' community visioning day on Saturday.
There, they discovered they held similar ideas about the need for better mass transit in Norfolk and more funding for libraries.
``The biggest surprise - pleasantly - was how much common ground there was between the different neighborhoods'' on dozens of issues, Shaw said as Fenwick finished his box lunch.
Fenwick, a veteran neighborhood leader who has participated in many community forums, wasn't as surprised but just as pleased. It reinforced his thoughts about Norfolk issues, he said.
Now, he said, he was looking forward to some action from City Hall.
And, for Fenwick, Shaw and the more than 400 residents who attended Saturday's session at Lake Taylor High School, ``Neighbors All'' represented a promising departure from the usual public-hearing format that often pits citizens against city officials.
``It was even more interesting watching the members of the City Council listen,'' Shaw said. ``That's quite remarkable.''
``Neighbors All'' was billed as ``a conversation about our community and its future.'' It featured an increasingly popular style of discussion in which people break into small groups - 10 to 12 people with a facilitator - and swap ideas.
The facilitators try to draw everyone into the discussion. Participants can disagree but are asked not to make personal attacks.
The disagreements - as well as agreements - are recognized, but then the participants are encouraged to move on.
``This is pulse-taking, not brain surgery,'' said Richard McCaffery, a communication and networking consultant from Arlington who helped design ``Neighbors All.''
Many cities around the country are organizing ``community visioning'' programs aimed at reconnecting citizens with local governments, developing shared goals and forging a sense of common purpose.
In Norfolk, the ``Neighbor's All'' day was preceded by a series of other efforts, including open-door visits with Mayor Paul D. Fraim and quarterly ``citizen workshops'' on various issues.
``What we've learned,'' Fraim said, ``is not what people generally believe, that people are necessarily dropping out of society. In fact, what people were looking for was a chance to be heard, a chance to express themselves about the city.
``We found a great spirit of citizenship and folks willing to take responsibility for their city . . . But folks are looking for ways to express it and for ways to get involved. The traditional ways were not working for many people.''
In Saturday's format, the comments from the small groups were reported out to larger assemblies attended by the City Council members and other Norfolk officials. Written versions will be compiled for further study, McCaffery said.
Many comments Saturday reflected long-simmering concerns often heard in traditional meetings.
The most frequently stated issues included schools, libraries, recreational facilities, juvenile crime, teen pregnancy and redevelopment. Citizens urged stronger enforcement of property codes, equity between downtown and neighborhood programs and better efforts to draw businesses with higher-paying jobs.
Concern over the city's sometimes suffering public image triggered calls for marketing campaigns with real-estate agents and demands that the news media present a better balance of positive and negative coverage.
Citizens expressed frustration with incidents of racial discord. Many said it was needlessly stirred by certain leaders and overplayed by the news media.
But citizens also said the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor needed to be narrowed by creating more jobs and more community involvement.
``We need to make sure the system works for the whole city,'' said Nelson Aris of Chesapeake Manor.
Lisa Powell urged programs that teach partnerships among citizens, businesses, schools and houses of worship.
The need for more cooperation between Norfolk and neighboring cities came up often. Many residents said they wanted a better regional transportation system, including creation of light-rail transit.
Jack Bray suggested Tidewater Regional Transit could do a better job of promoting itself to middle-class commuters by running ads of riders carrying briefcases.
Citizens also were asked to discuss Norfolk's strong points and what needed to be preserved.
A long list included affordable and diverse neighborhoods, community involvement, historical resources, museums and other cultural amenities, parks, universities, mild climate and central location.
Christopher Perry said he recently moved to Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood from Virginia Beach because he liked the ``greater diversity and urban atmosphere.''
Downtown development did not spark as many debates as one may have expected. However, many citizens said it was time for equal revitalization in the neighborhoods.
Mayor Fraim promised that citizens who participated will receive an initial report ``within 45 days.'' He also concurred with an idea from Councilwoman-elect Daun Hester that the City Council devise a time-line graphic by which residents can chart the city's progress.
Fraim acknowledged, though, that for the ``Neighbors All'' to build momentum, citizens need progress reports and more decision-making opportunities.
There also will be more forums, although the specific forms have not been decided, the mayor added.
As many citizens shook hands with new friends, the Rev. Dr. H. N. Wiggins of Chesapeake Manor-Mamie Homes looked around at the people. ``Education, recreation, libraries,'' he said, ``I don't feel like I'm out there by myself on these things anymore.'' MEMO: Staff writer Kurt Kent contributed to this report. by CNB