NORFOLK — City Council approved a rezoning measure Tuesday that could set the stage for future development at a Berkley shipyard, despite objections from residents and community members.

Norfolk City Council members voted 6-2 to rezone a portion of the Colonna’s Shipyard property in Berkley, a step toward allowing future redevelopment of the property on Tuesday evening. Mayor Kenny Alexander and Ward 4 member John “J.P.” Paige voted against the measure.

Dozens of Berkley residents and their supporters, most dressed in all black, packed the right side of City Council chambers to oppose the rezoning effort. In public comments, residents said Colonna’s was a bad neighbor and accused the shipyard of perpetuating environmental injustice.

“Once again, a working-class Black community is being

See Full Page