Culture is on the docket for the 4/26 Norfolk Planning Commission to be approved for a conditional use permit to operate a nightclub at 814 Granby Street in the heart of the NEON District. See application here. We are concerned about the impact this will have on the NEON District and if you feel the same way then please sign our petition below:

Dear City Planning Commission,

It has come to our community's attention that Culture will be before your commission with it's application for adult use special exemption for an entertainment establishment. After reviewing the application, the project itself, and the individuals behind the project, we believe Culture's application should not be allowed to move forward.

We are eagerly supportive of attracting and growing businesses in the NEON area, however, the evidence available to us indicates that Culture intends for this to primarily operate at late hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Many people forget that NEON is a growing residential area (759 Granby - 4 Units, 801 Granby - 7 Units, 800 Granby - 1 Unit and the upcoming Museum Apartments 40+ Units). As the buildings on Granby were not built to be venues (no sound proofing), the noise levels from previous clubs, both music and patron street noise (entering/leaving) have caused significant issues. Lack of assigned parking and drunk driving is also a major concern for this type of establishment. The NEON district, with significant investment from DNC and other parties, is only starting to come out of the shadows of its past. We are concerned that this is a step backwards.

We would much rather have a neighbor who adds to the foot traffic in the neighborhood, to support other businesses and who portrays a vibrant presence at all hours of the day. Furthermore, the submitted application indicates the intent to charge a cover fee every night of the week which would be prohibitive to the welcoming atmosphere we hope to project. Similarly, other than the name 'culture' we have seen no indication of a willingness to engage in the art or creative-centric focus of the neighborhood. Given the fragile state of development in the NEON area, we must be intentional in our permitting process and deliberate in preserving our brand.

We believe that the above concerns about the impact of any nightclub in NEON are more than ample reasons for us to recommend denying this special exemption.