NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander provided an update on the city’s two malls and spoke about the city’s accomplishments over the past year, including decreasing crime rates, while also taking aim at Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi during his State of the City address Friday.
“The lack of prosecution for retail theft is unacceptable,” Alexander said early in his speech. “In Norfolk, we intend to support businesses impacted by shoplifting by passing a city ordinance that enables the city to prosecute shoplifting. Enforcing this crime under city code will allow Norfolk to take action where the Commonwealth has not.”
In the front row, listening, was Fatehi.
Fatehi, asked if he took Alexander’s remarks as a direct attack against his office, said “absolutely, I did. The mayor has been critical of me for years.”
While it is legal for the City Attorney’s office to prosecute misdemeanor cases, Fatehi calls it a power grab.
“I’ve prosecuted hundreds of shoplifters every year,” Fatehi said. “I don’t think that shoplifters who steal an iPhone at 18-years-old should be felons. Perhaps the mayor disagrees with me.”
The mayor is backing Fatehi’s opponent, John Butler, in the June Democratic primary.
Butler, who also attended the State of the City addressed, was asked if it’s right for a separate, but equal branch in local government to take the kind of action the mayor has proposed.
“All I can tell you is what I would do, and what I would do is enforce the law,” Butler said.
Alexander didn’t take questions, and he left before 10 On Your Side could catch up with him. He announced that there would be a new Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center at the former Military Circle Mall, which he noted would be the city’s second combined recreation and library facility.
The mayor said it would serve as an anchor for the redeveloped mall site. However, as 10 On Your Side has reported, the mall’s owner — the Norfolk Economic Development Authority — still hasn’t been able to move ahead with complete demolition.
Alexander also touched on other topics in his State of the City address.
Jobs Coming
Alexander said Norfolk is the most economically diverse job market in the region. To continue leading the charge, he says the city will “triple its footprint” in 2025 to expand capacity to fabricate large steel structures for nuclear aircraft carriers. Fairlead will convert an 80,000 square foot warehouse into a metal processing center to support aircraft carriers. In doing so, it will add over 25 skilled trade jobs.
Norfolk Police Department/Norfolk Fire-Rescue
Forty-three people have transitioned from Norfolk Police Department recruits to officers. It brings the city closer to the goal of 600 sworn officers by 2026.
Norfolk Fire-Rescue has welcomed 25 new firefighters.
There are 845 citywide cameras to help enhance law enforcement response and crime prevention.
Housing
The city of Norfolk invested $1.7 million in down payment assistance, helping 60 families become first-time home buyers.
Here are a few additional highlights from Alexander’s speech:
- Alexander noted that stolen vehicles and nonfatal shootings have declined by 40%.
- To support businesses impacted by shoplifting or theft, an ordinance is being passed that enables the city of Norfolk to prosecute shoplifting.
- Alexander said $1.2 million has been invested at Norfolk Human Services.
- Alexander said the Norfolk Care Center has been integrated into the Office of Citizen Services, which has improved the answer rate by 80%.
Alexander also confirmed the $750 million Norfolk Resort Casino Project, and the $10.6 Neon District Streetscape Project are underway.
10 On Your Side’s Brett Hall was in attendance and will provide more updates. Watch the complete State of the City address below.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.