PARADISE CREEK INDUSTRIAL
CORRIDOR FUTURE USE PLAN
Portsmouth, Virginia
October 2013
Sponsored by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

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PARADISE CREEK INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR PLAN


mi
INTRODUCTION
The Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor is poised to achieve new economic and
environmental goals. The area north of Paradise Creek represents Portsmouth's
largest industrial district. Anchored by a number of active businesses, this industrial
area has tremendous opportunity to increase economic prosperity by leveraging
proximity to naval operations, rail access and deep water ports.The opening of the
new Jordan Bridge will significantly enhance access to the area, further boosting its
market potential.
In addition, Paradise Creek offers a valuable natural resource for residents of
Portsmouth, especially the nearby Cradock community. A tributary of the Elizabeth
River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, Paradise Creek is the largest riparian
creek habitat in Portsmouth. With the leadership of the Elizabeth River Project and
others, significant restoration efforts have resulted in new habitat and recreational
opportunities all along the Paradise Creek riparian corridor. The new Paradise
Creek Nature Park provides a capstone to this extensive effort. When finished,
it will greatly increase recreational opportunities, access to the creek, and habitat.
With completed cleanups expected at several properties in the near future,
the City of Portsmouth recognized an opportunity to bring local stakeholders
together and develop a unified corridor plan for optimizing the area's economic and
recreational potential.
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Vx
PER
Properties
Center
Annex
Dixxon
Arreff
Terminals
Company
Wheelabrator
AW East
Peck i
& Metal r '
Wheelabrator
chool
South Gate
Annex
Board
Landfill
Vane Marine
Terminal
Cradock
Community
Landfi
Vane
Marine
Terminal
Marine
Terminal
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Enviva
ChesapeaketVA
The Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor is situated along the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. It is characterized by existing industry, active
naval facilities, several Superfund sites, ongoing cleanup and redevelopment, the newly constructed South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, the adjacent
residential Cradock community and important recreational assets.
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Paradise Creek
industrial Cornet
Cradock
Community
Legend	^
		 Primary Roads
New Jordan Bridge
Primary Railroads
Waterways
City of Portsmouth Boundary
The Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor is one of Portsmouth's primary industrial districts.
General Land Use
Navy Industrial within
Heavy Industrial
Light Industrial
Federal Government
Commercial
Institutional / Public
Residential
Open Space
Vacant
PLANNING
PROCESS
During 2012, the City of Portsmouth,
the Elizabeth River Project, the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency convened a focus
group of key stakeholders to identify
goals, strategies and a concept plan
to guide cleanup activities and local
investments.
Following the Destination Portsmouth
planning model, the focus group met
several times over the course of the
year to articulate a vision for the
Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor.
FUTURE USE GOALS
During the planning process, the focus group generated the following goals to guide
concept plan development:
•	Foster local economic development.
•	Spark investment in underused properties.
•	Improve access to and through the corridor.
•	Connect and enhance habitat and recreation opportunities.
•	Improve community access to open space and waterfront amenities.
CONCEPT PLAN OVERVIEW
The concept plan focuses on the following three themes:
1)	Future Land Use & Development
2)	Access and Circulation
3)	Environment & Neighborhood
Detailed plans for each theme are provided on the following pages. The Corridor
Concept Plan is on page 10.
This document summarizes the
outcomes of the process and the
resulting concept plan.The plan reflects
the ideas and recommendations
of focus group participants and is
provided as a tool for the City of
Portsmouth's long-range planning
purposes. Further discussion with
the Navy and property owners in the
area would be needed to evaluate and
refine specific strategies to implement
the plan.
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
2
Introduction
4
Future Land Use & Development
6
Access & Circulation
8
Environment & Neighborhood
10
Corridor Concept Plan
1 I
Next Steps
12
Acknowledgements & Contacts

3

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FUTURE LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
CONSIDERATIONS
•	The Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor is one of Portsmouth's primary
industrial districts.
•	Assets include its proximity to naval operations and the deep water port.
•	The new Jordan bridge will increase access to and through the area.
•	Much of the area is in active or planned cleanup, which may present future
development opportunities.
•	Portions of the area are currently underused.
V/ew of the Peck Iron & Metal Superfund site at the intersection ofVictory and Elm (bottom left);
Jordan Bridge under construction adjacent to the berm put in place as part of the AWI Superfund site
cleanup (middle); view south on Burton Point Road towards School Board property (bottom right).
PLANNING
PROCESS
KICKOFF & SITE TOUR
In February 2012, project partners,
including EPA,VA DEQ, the City of
Portsmouth and the Elizabeth River
Project met to discuss corridor
opportunities and constraints and tour the
area. A brief presentation was also made
to Portsmouth City Council to kick off
the project and outline next steps.
FT*-"
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
PER
Properties
Arreff
Terminals
Wheelabrator
ieeiabr£
South Gate
Annex
ane Marir
Terminal
iurate
Enviva
Legend
New Jordan Bridge
Primary Railroads
Streets
Waterways
City of Portsmouth Boundary
Industrial Land Use
| Navy Industrial
Private Industrial
Marine
Terminal
I Miles
0.4

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CONCEPT PLAN j Future Land Use & Development
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Elizabeth
River
Scott
Center
Annex
PER
Properties
Arreff
Terminals
Wheelabrator
Wheelabrator
School
Board'
South Gate
Annex f
Landfill
Vane Marine
Terminal
Landfill
Beach
Marine
Vane %
Marine
Terminal
Marine
terminal
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Chesapeake, VA
] Parcels
Norfolk, VA
Legend
I 111111 Railroad C
RECOMMENDATIONS
Waterways
Long-term economic viability of the corridor could be strengthened by diversifying industry, co-locating related industries,
and targeting industries that depend on rail and port or naval operations.These economic development strategies could
be supported by the land use strategies below. These ideas were generated during a working session and warrant further
discussion with the Navy and other property owners in the area.
Enhance economic potential of key properties
Consolidate key parcels, (a)
Increase workforce amenities
•	Relocate government parking and storage.1 (BJ
•	Prioritize rail and waterfront access properties.
•	Modify easements and right-of-ways as appropriate to
enhance development potential, (c)
•	Co-locate similar industries.
Upgrade utilities and infrastructure
•	Expand rail down Burton Point Road, (q)
•	Install fiber-optic cables.
•	Underground telecommunications.
•	Modernize water and sewer service (Burton Point
Road expansion completed).
•	Improve drainage to address flooding.
•	Upgrade road infrastructure.
•	Provide additional parking facilities (potential locations
included the Peck Iron & Metal site, the area under the
bridge, the Navy landfills, upgrading existing Navy parking
lot to parking garage, and converting AWI West site to a
paid park-and-ride2). (e)
•	Locate multi-modal development, (f)
•	Provide restaurant in area.
Diversify industry
•	Consider attracting other types of industry to area
that might benefit from available assets.
1	While the South Gate Annex is currently in use for Navy operations, working session participants identified
the annex as highly developable, commercial waterfront property that could be redeveloped should the
property or a portion of the property become available at some time in the future.
2	Participants identified the shortage of parking as a key consideration and suggested potential locations
for additional parking. Further discussion with property owners, including the Navy, would be needed to
determine availability of specific sites. Additionally although AWI West is currently in use, converting the area
into a paid park-and-ride could be accomplished through a land swap if other land was made available.

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PLANNING
PROCESS
WORKING SESSION #1
ACCESS & CIRCULATION
CONSIDERATIONS
•	The Jordan Bridge will increase vehicular, pedestrian and cyclist traffic in
the area.
•	Access is challenged between the new Jordan Bridge ramp and George
Washington.
•	Many roads in the area are in poor condition and lack sidewalks and
designated parking.
•	The City's Master Transportation Plan identifies Victory Boulevard as
part of a multi-modal corridor intended to provide safe access for all
road users.
•	This area is also part of a regional commuter light rail transportation
corridor, which could include a line from Norfolk to Portsmouth in the
future.
'Atctsi
A I I	I	I Miles
0 0.1 0.2	0.4
Victory Boulevard Bridge at Paradise Creek (bottom left). Key intersections in red circle in the above
map are shown below: Elm Avenue and the rail crossing at the Norfolk Naval entrance (middle) and
the intersection at Victory Boulevard and Elm Avenue (bottom left).
Local stakeholders met in July 2012 for a
working session. Participants worked in
breakout groups to identify opportunities
and challenges for each of the three
themes. Meeting materials were also
posted on the City's website for eight
weeks for public comment.
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Scott
Annex
Cradock
Neighborhood
Access and Circulation
Primary Roads
¦ ¦ New Jordan Bridge
1 1 1 1 Primary Railroads
Key Intersection
Navy Industrial
Private Industrial
Neighborhoods
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CONCEPT PLAN | Access & Circulation

Norfolk, VA
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Elizabeth
River
Scott
Center
Annex
PER
Properties
Dixxon
Company
Arreff
Terminals
Wheelabrator
Wheelabrator
school
Board
South Gate
Annex
Landfill
Vane Marine
Terminal
Landfill
Vane ^
Marine
Terminal
;urate Marine
"Term in aU-^
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Legend
I I 11111 Railroad
Chesapeake, VA
Parcels
Waterways
RECOMMENDATIONS
The area is a rriulti-modal corridor that serves vehicular, rail, boat, cyclist and pedestrian movement. Access to and through
the area is expected to increase with the new Jordan Bridge and increased rail activity. The following strategies could improve
both industrial and recreational access to and through the area.
Improve circulation
•	Create alternate route to Jordan Bridge through
Peck Property to either Elm Ave. @ or Frederick
Blvd. (b) (specific alignment or overpass to be
evaluated to ensure compatibility with existing uses
and operations).
•	Create alternate route to Burton Point Road. ©
Improve road infrastructure
•	Bring roads up to standard including sidewalks,
drainage, marked lanes, appropriate width and turn
radii, designated parking and traffic control signage
and signals.
•	Upgrade utilities.
*
*
Create safe and efficient intersections
•	Ideas include bringing intersections up to standard,
creating an overpass at Navy Gate and train alert
with alternate route.
Increase multi-modal transportation
•	Add bike and pedestrian lanes to Victory Boulevard.
•	Upgrade Victory Bridge with sidewalks, bike lane and
appropriate loading, (d)
•	Create safe crossings from Cradock community to
Paradise Creek Nature Park.
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ENVIRONMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD
CONSIDERATIONS
•	The Elizabeth River Project has succeeded in significant restoration efforts
along Paradise Creek, including the Scott Center Annex and the Navy landfills.
•	The corridor includes a number of industries that have demonstrated a
commitment to environmentally responsible business practices (such as River
Star businesses).
•	Paradise Creek Nature Park will include a constructed wetland, trails,
education stations, access roads and parking.
•	Future phases of the park's development will include non-motorized boat
access, enhanced trails and access, and park amenities such as a children's
playground and picnic shelters.
•	There may be opportunities to build on this success to enhance access to the
waterfront and other recreational open spaces nearby.
PLANNING
PROCESS
WORKING SESSION #2 &
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE
Ideas from the first working session were
incorporated into a draft concept plan
and shared with focus group participants
in October 2012.The concept plan was
also shared at a public open house and on
the City's website for an eight-week public
comment period.
Wetlands under construction at Paradise Creek Nature Park (bottom left); Paradise Creek view
toward the Cradock community (middle); an entrance to Cradock community (bottom right).
Cradock
Middle
Ballfield
Cradock
Neighborhood
Manned
-Motorized
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Afton
Park
Elizabethe River
Boat Landing Park
Environment and
Neighborhood
@ Pu bl ic Water Access
Open Space (Rec)
m Open Space (Nature)
Estuarine and Freshwater V\fetland
Landfill (No Access)
Residential
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CONCEPT PLAN Environment & Neighborhood
3JP EHULlilJ UilttU-"
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Elizabeth
River
Scott
Center
Annex
PER
Properties
Arreff
Terminals
Wheeiabrator
Wheelabrator
school
Board
South Gate
Annex
Landfill
Vane Marine
Terminal
Landfill
Beach
Marine
Vane x
Marine
Terminal
;urate Marine
^erminaU-^
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Legend
I III111 Railroad
] Parcels
Waterways'
RECOMMENDATIONS
Significant progress has been made in restoring Paradise Creek. Recreational amenities include the new Paradise Creek Nature
Park and local waterways for boating and fishing.The following strategies could build on the restoration efforts to date and
improve safe recreational access to the creek and new park. In some instances, agreements with property owners may be needed.
Develop signage and educational programs
Place signage along Jordan Bridge celebrating
industrial heritage, (a)
•	Place blueway and health risk signage along Paradise
Creek. (5)
•	Create a task force to educate residents regarding
creek health risks.
•	Create a website to provide news and
announcements.
Improve the health of the creek
•	Conduct a sediment cleanup at South Gate Annex, (c)
•	Remove invasive species, (d)
•	Enhance habitat at Navy landfills.
Promote recreational creek access
•	Build a motorized boat launch.
' Create a non-motorized blueway with access
points along Paradise Creek. (eJ)	_>
•	Create additional access points to the water.
gi Increase multi-modal transportation
•	Add bike and pedestrian lanes to Victory Boulevard.
•	Upgrade Victory Bridge with sidewalks, bike lane and
appropriate loading.
•	Create safe crossings from Cradock to Paradise
Creek Nature Park.
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CORRIDOR CONCEPT PLAN
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Norfolk, VA
Norfolk
Naval
Shipyard
Elizabeth
River
Scott
Center
Annex
PER
Properties
Arreff
Terminals
Company
Wheelabrator
AWI East
eck Iron
& Me
AWI West
Whee abrator
oul
Board
South Gate
Annex
Landfill
Vane Marine
Terminal
Landfill
vane
Marine
Terminal
Accurate Marine
ermina
Paradise Creek
Nature Park
Enviva
Chesapeake, VA
Legend
I I l I 111 Railroad
Miles
Parcels
Waterways
PARADISE CREEK CONCEPT PLAN
Future Land Use & Development
1.	Enhance economic potential of
key properties.
2.	Upgrade utilities and infrastructure.
3.	Increase workforce amenities.
4.	Diversify industry.
Access & Circulation
1.	Improve circulation.
2.	Improve road infrastructure.
3.	Create safe and efficient intersections.
4.	Increase multi-modal transportation. |B
Environment & Neighborhood
1.	Develop signage and educational
programs.
2.	Improve the health of Paradise Creek.
3.	Promote recreational access to creek.
4.	Increase multi-modal transportation.
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NEXT STEPS
During the final working session and open house, participants identified two important
tasks required to move forward with a detailed strategic plan.
~	Conduct Traffic Study
The group agreed a detailed traffic study would help business owners, policy makers
and other stakeholders better understand short-term and long-term circulation
issues in the area.The findings would help stakeholders prioritize how to use available
corridor properties to alleviate congestion and mitigate environmental effects.
Next steps:
•	Determine the timing of existing studies: a traffic study is underway to analyze
traffic at entrances and on campus at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
•	Integrate long-term transportation goals into the study: regional transportation
plans, railroad plans, and the Figg Bridge Company long-term strategy for the Jordan
Bridge can be incorporated into a comprehensive traffic study.
•	Identify and assemble key stakeholders (such as the Navy, the City, Hampton Roads
Planning District Commission, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Norfolk &
Portsmouth Beltline and Figg Bridge) to develop the study's scope and timing.
•	Pursue funding opportunities and develop a request for proposals
~	Strategic Planning at Peck Property
Stakeholders agreed that the Peck property might be developed with critical roadways
and supporting services to ease traffic issues and provide amenities for the area.
Participants prioritized exploring the feasibility and opportunities to phase reuse and
cleanup of the site.
EPA will conduct a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) for the Peck Iron &
Metal Superfund site. An RI/FS characterizes site conditions, determines the nature
of the waste, assesses risk to human health and the environment, and evaluates
remedial action alternatives. Reuse goals can help inform risk assessments and remedial
action alternatives.The RI/FS can also provide information to help establish realistic
expectations for a site's reuse.
Next steps:
' Identify timing and next steps for the RI/FS.
•	Consider evaluating different transportation and mixed-use scenarios as part of the
Rl risk assessment.
•	Incorporate findings from the RI/FS, such as the delineated extent of waste and
areas of concern and remediation options as part of the traffic study to identify
areas that could be used sooner.The RI/FS can also help parties better understand
the cost and feasibility of remediating the site to support specific uses.
A HEALTHIER
CORRIDOR
This concept plan integrates the
key strategies developed during the
community planning process. Specific
priorities are listed below for each
focus area.
Future Land Use &
Development
•	Enhance economic potential of
key properties.
•	Upgrade utilities and
infrastructure.
•	Increase workforce amenities.
•	Diversify industry.
Access & Circulation
•	Improve circulation.
•	Improve road infrastructure.
•	Create safe and efficient
intersections.
•	Increase multi-modal
transportation.
Environment &
Neighborhood
•	Develop signage and educational
programs.
•	Improve the health of Paradise
Creek.
•	Promote recreational access to
creek.
•	Increase multi-modal
transportation.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following individuals and organizations
contributed to the Paradise Creek Industrial
Corridor workshop and outcomes outlined
in this report.
Local Government / Agencies
City of Portsmouth
City of Chesapeake
Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission
Hampton Roads Planning Commission
Virginia Port Authority
Portsmouth Partnership
State & Federal Agencies
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Navy
Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Local Organizations
Elizabeth River Project
Community
Cradock Civic League
Local Businesses & Landowners
Atlantic Metrocast
Wheelabrator
Peck
PER Properties
Vane Brothers Company
Accurate Marine
Enviva
Beach Marine
Navy Shipyard
City of Portsmouth School Board
Figg Bridge Company
Norfolk & Portsmouth Beltline
Fornazor International
FROM CLEANUP TO REDEVELOPMENT
A history of industrial use has led to contamination in the Paradise Creek
Industrial Corridor. The Atlantic Wood Industries (AWI) Superfund site
includes about 48 acres of land along the industrialized waterfront, and 30 to 35
acres of contaminated sediments in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.
The 33-acre Peck Iron & Metal Superfund site on Elm Avenue is characterized
by soil and ground water contamination from former metal recovery
operations.
Cleanup is currently underway at the AWI site. EPA listed the Peck Iron &
Metal site on the Superfund program's National Priorities List in November
2.009 and has started the site's remedial investigation and feasibility study. A
cleanup plan for the Peck site has not yet been put in place.
EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Initiative (SRI) and Conflict Prevention and
Resolution Center (CPRC) and EPA Region 3 sponsored a reuse assessment
and planning process to develop a vision for future land use that can help
inform cleanup and redevelopment efforts in the Paradise Creek Industrial
Corridor. As shown on the map below, the area has a number of sites where
cleanup has been necessary. Outcomes from this planning process can help
ensure that future development in the area is protective of human health and
the environment.
Legend
Navy / Federal Facility Sites
	0 Superfund NPL Sites
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
1927 Disposal Area
Building 195
Scott
Annex
AWI West
Paradise Creek
Landfill
This map is for land use planning purposes only.
The map shows property boundaries; areas of
contamination may be more localized. The
ground water operable unit related to the
Paradise Creek Landfill is not included.
Paradise Creek
Landfill
¦ New Jordan Bridge
Streets
Waterways
City of Portsmouth
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the Superfund sites, please contact:
•	Larry Johnson, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
johnson.larry-c@epa.gov. 215-814-3239
For the City of Portsmouth, please contact:
•	Patrick Small, Director of Economic Development,
smallp@portsmouthva.gov. 757-393-8804
•	Planning Department, 757-393-8836
For more information about the Paradise Creek Industrial Corridor
Planning Project, please visit:
•	http://www.portsmouthva.gov/planning/Paradise-Creek- Industrial-
Corridor-Concept-Plan.aspx
V.
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Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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