Latest news with #KennyAlexander
The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Polmont community hub garden in the running for £30k transformation grant
Run entirely by unpaid volunteers, the hub has already become a lifeline for the community, serving hundreds of local residents each week. Organisers want to expand that reach even further by investing in outdoor spaces and infrastructure that support community resilience, education, and sustainability. Kenny Alexander, the hub's volunteer sustainability manager, said: 'Our vision is rooted in the idea of people looking after each other and the planet. Whether it's growing food, offering a space to connect, or creating a place where people can learn new skills, we're focused on building something long-lasting and meaningful. This is about future-proofing our community.' The funding would support groundwork and growing space development across two acres of open land behind the hub. Volunteers have already set up composting facilities and are working with local volunteers to plan social gardens, outdoor classrooms and seasonal events like turnip carving at Halloween. The Community Bloom Fund was launched by off grid energy distributor Certas Energy to support impactful grassroots projects across the UK. Winners will be decided through a public vote. Richard Billington, managing director of Energy Solutions at Certas Energy, said: 'The team at Polmont Community Hub stood out for their passion, determination, and commitment to sustainability. The way they're combining climate action with community wellbeing is genuinely inspiring. This kind of project shows just how much can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.' With more homes being built in the area and demand for community services growing, volunteers say now is the time to invest in spaces that bring people together, promote resilience, and build for the future. Kenny added: 'This is about so much more than a garden. It's about growing hope, connection, and resilience in our community. With support from the public and Certas Energy, we have the chance to create a lasting legacy that nourishes both our people and the planet for years to come.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk mayor will not seek another term, appointed to community college position
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander said he will not seek reelection in 2028, and will leave office after three terms. The news first came in an announcement that Alexander had been appointed as vice chancellor for strategic partnerships for the Virginia Community College System. VCCS Chancellor David Doré announced the appointment on Tuesday. 'His visionary leadership and deep commitment to innovation and opportunity will help drive strategic initiatives that change lives and elevate Virginia's workforce,' Doré said in the announcement. In an interview, Alexander said he would serve out the remainder of his third term through 2028. Last year, he defeated Tommy Leeman and Giovanni Dolmo. Alexander was first elected to the position in 2016, becoming Norfolk's first Black mayor. A longtime politician, Alexander previously served in the House of Delegates from 2002 until 2012 and the state Senate from 2012 to 2016. When asked why he was not running again, Alexander noted his long history of public service, including his time in the Virginia House and Senate and almost 10 as mayor without missing a City Council meeting. In the new role, VCCS said Alexander will advance the school system through public and private resource development, legislative engagement and system-wide communications. 'I am looking forward to joining the Virginia Community College System and working to further Chancellor Doré's vision because I strongly believe that access to education empowers communities,' Alexander said in the announcement. 'Higher education is a pathway for economic growth and social mobility, and I am enthusiastic about using my experience to enhance partnerships that will benefit our students and industries across the commonwealth.' Previously, Alexander was employed as chancellor of 20 private community colleges, including Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Centura College and Tidewater Tech. Alexander is also president of Metropolitan Funeral Service. Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345,
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Spirit of Norfolk returns to Hampton Roads after 2022 fire
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – After a near three-year hiatus, the Spirit of Norfolk returns to the seas as the boat was christened Wednesday morning. The boat had been out of commission since June 2022, after a fire broke out on the cruise ship while a whole bunch of school children were onboard. No one was injured but the boat burned for three days. Carnival cruises brought the ship Mount Vernon to Hampton Roads, which acted as the primary cruise ship until the Spirit of Norfolk's return. 10 On Your Side's Regina Mobley said that Norfolk's mayor, Kenny Alexander, was a part of the festivities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk mayor announces MacArthur developer, plans for Military Circle library and fitness center
Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander announced updates to two long-planned redevelopment projects Friday, though several details about the projects still remain unclear. A new library and fitness center is planned for the former Military Circle mall site, and Alexander announced a new lead developer for a mixed-use project at MacArthur Center. Alexander made the announcements at the annual State of the City event Friday in downtown Norfolk. The Military Circle facility, called the Norfolk Fitness and Wellness Center at Military, is being designed by the Fairfax office of Lose Design, Alexander said. He said the facility would feature a state-of-the-art library with the latest technology and services to support learning, research and community involvement. 'This facility will serve as an anchor for the planned mixed-use development at the site of the former Military Circle mall,' Alexander said. He said community and stakeholder engagement for the project would begin immediately. It's unclear who would finance the project or if the facility would include ice rink facilities, as suggested by a sports tourism consultant hired by the city last year. A city spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions following the address. The city has been attempting to redevelop the former mall site for years. The Norfolk Economic Development Authority purchased most of the property in 2020 and issued a request for development proposals. After announcing three finalists, the City Council began negotiations with a group led by Pharrell Williams before shelving the proposal in late 2023. Alexander also said Hg80 Real Estate had been chosen as lead developer for a mixed-used project at MacArthur Center first announced at the 2024 State of the City address. He said Hg80 had over two decades of experience in retail and mixed-use developments, including Bethesda Row in Bethesda, Maryland and Pike and Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland. The planned development as presented by Alexander last year includes a 400-room military-themed hotel, more than 172,000 square feet of retail space and a pedestrian street promenade. In November, Norfolk Economic Development Director Sean Washington said the city had met with several developers about the project. For both sites, some City Council members, including Alexander and Tommy Smigiel, have said they are against using significant public money to fund the redevelopment. MacArthur Center, like many malls in the country, has been declining in value and losing major retailers for years. Norfolk spent $18 million to buy most of the mall last year and another $4.1 million to buy out Dillard's remaining lease. Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345,
