PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Businesses and residents in the Olde Towne area of Portsmouth want an end to the violence that’s fostering concerns that the area is unsafe.
11 shootings in past month in Portsmouth, including 3 Sunday
It’s scenes like the shooting that took place early Sunday morning on High Street that has caused just the latest concern.
By dawn’s early light, the violence could not be mistaken, as the sound of 12 gunshots fired were unmistakable from video of the area, along with people running and trying to duck for cover.
On Monday, about 18 business owners and residents gathered at Trinity Episcopal Church to talk about the issues while preparing to deliver a cohesive message that the city, led by City Council, needs to do a better job in the name of safety.
“There was a plan to redo downtown 25 years ago and nothing ever occurred,” said business leader Curtis Lyons. “So there have been plans, but nothing has ever happened.”
Lyons and his supporters have identified a number of areas they want City Council to address to make the High Street/Olde Towne area safe.