City seeks to grow waterfront tourism; DeLong facility and trade outreach progressing

Councilman Hugo reported on a Nov. 1 tour of the American Patriot and said the city is exploring land-side tourism opportunities for cruise passengers and working with cruise operators and public works on utilities and access. He said the cruise line agreed to change some marketing materials that list Norfolk as the port of call.

"Very impressive," Hugo said of the American Patriot tour and urged the city to develop activities that keep visitors domiciled in Portsmouth rather than transported elsewhere. Councilman Dawson suggested the city list offerings on tourism platforms and noted a local operator is preparing activities that could be marketed to cruise passengers.

Hugo also updated the commission on a proposed DeLong agricultural transloading facility on CSX property. He said DeLong's engineers are finalizing site layout and pile locations so pile-driving and foundation work can begin; the company has applied for grants and has obtained similar grant funding elsewhere, but staff said no construction timetable was provided.

Staff recounted the October International Trade Symposium in Norfolk, where the economic development office was a lead sponsor and staff returned with new business contacts and leads. The commission announced a business appreciation event scheduled for Dec. 11 at Rivers Casino and said a save-the-date will be distributed.

Staff introduced Phyllis Drake as the commission's new grant administrator; Drake said she joined the office the prior day, will oversee EDA and PPIC grant programs and support pursuit of state and federal opportunities, and described herself as a Portsmouth native and Portsmouth Public Schools graduate.

These items were delivered as information and discussion; no formal actions were recorded because of lack of quorum.