But for all the building of hopes and bright futures, the city has several projects to tackle. Many of those historic neighborhoods, including Cradock, Truxtun, Park View and Port Norfolk, need new roads, drainage and street lights. Some old, abandoned houses need to be demolished. For one of Hampton Roads' oldest cities, settled in 1752, a good part of its future is a cycle of repairing, renovating and sometimes ripping up the old to make room for the new. But the city's historic character is the foundation for Portsmouth's future success, city leaders agree.
Improvement is also necessary.
The average Portsmouth resident has an income 20 percent lower than peers in Hampton Roads, and is more likely to be unemployed, according to recent state statistics. During the past 10 years, Portsmouth has lost about 12,000 residents. City leaders have taken several steps in recent years to focus on improving neighborhoods, restoring the city to solid financial ground, and building a base for economic development. In addition to maintaining historic communities, city leaders have chosen several projects they expect will pay long-term dividends. Days later, officials celebrated the partial completion of The Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center on Water Street.