Betting for the Tide

by Wayne Carter, 13 News

Posted on March 29, 2010 at 10:08 PM

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NORFOLK — Granby street residents and business owners met with city leaders monday night to discuss the next phase of construction in the light rail project. In coming days, workers will begin laying tracks for the Tide train, across Granby Street at Charlotte. The project is scheduled to shut down the intersection for up to 60 days, and will essentially remove Baxster’s Sports bar from the remaining bars on Granby street. ” It’s going to

require you to go down a side street or even behind the building it’s going to be tough for pedestrians to figure out if they don’t come down here on a regular basis.” said owner Baxster Simmons, Jr.

Those living in condos above the sports bar say the noise from the current construction is already making it impossible to sleep, but they still are welcoming the Tide.

Resident David Wright said, “It’s going to be great to hop on and go to harbor park or a football game at ODU.”

Managers of 456 Fish say they will offer Valet service so customers can still drive right up to their door and walk in for fine dining like they usually do. In fact the restaurant has gone a step further and offered to valet cars for all the restaurants in the area.

“We’ll survive this, we have to partner up and help one another and hopefully it’ll be good, having the light rail coming in.” said 456 Manager John Mollozzi.

City leaders point to a new garage opening on Bank Street as well, they say there are plenty of ways to come downtown and never see a single construction site.