Harbor Homes and Dickerson Courts and Their Demolition: Difference between revisions

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* [https://www.pilotonline.com/2011/10/22/public-housing-reducing-its-footprint-on-the-peninsula/ Public Housing Reducing Its Footprint on the Peninsula, ''The Virginian-Pilot'', October 22, 2011]
* [https://www.pilotonline.com/2011/10/22/public-housing-reducing-its-footprint-on-the-peninsula/ Public Housing Reducing Its Footprint on the Peninsula, ''The Virginian-Pilot'', October 22, 2011]


=== Resident complaints and response ===
=== Resident Complaints and Response ===


* [[:File:Air Complaint 23512127.pdf|Complaint from Ms. Gerline Avston (Massey Terminal), May 9, 1983]]
* [[:File:Air Complaint 23512127.pdf|Complaint from Ms. Gerline Avston (Massey Terminal), May 9, 1983]]
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* [[:File:Response to Complaint 49393532.pdf|Letter from Ramon Minx (APCB) to Mrs. Gloria Tabb, October 11, 1983]]
* [[:File:Response to Complaint 49393532.pdf|Letter from Ramon Minx (APCB) to Mrs. Gloria Tabb, October 11, 1983]]


=== Municipal documents ===
=== Municipal Documents ===
* [[:File:Zoning4ft.pdf|Newport News Zoning Map, 2016]]
* [[:File:Zoning4ft.pdf|Newport News Zoning Map, 2016]]
* [[:File:CPC Minutes 5.2.18.pdf|City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, City of Newport News, May 2, 2018]]
* [[:File:CPC Minutes 5.2.18.pdf|City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, City of Newport News, May 2, 2018]]
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* [[:File:Newport News Planning Commission - Nov 03 2021 - Minutes - Adopted.pdf|City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, City of Newport News, November 3, 2021]]
* [[:File:Newport News Planning Commission - Nov 03 2021 - Minutes - Adopted.pdf|City Planning Commission Meeting Minutes, City of Newport News, November 3, 2021]]


=== Interviews referencing Harbor Homes, Dickerson Court, and their demolition ===
=== Interviews Referencing Harbor Homes, Dickerson Court, and Their Demolition ===


* [[:File:Donquitta Clements.mp3|Donquitta Clements]], East End resident and organizer, June 28, 2023
* [[:File:Donquitta Clements.mp3|Donquitta Clements]], East End resident and organizer, June 28, 2023

Revision as of 18:19, 16 January 2026

Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court were apartment buildings constructed in the 1940s and 1950s and located between Jefferson and Terminal Avenues adjacent to the coal export terminals in Southeast Newport News. The residences were demolished beginning in 2010.[1] City Council subsequently rezoned the land under Harbor Homes as M2 Heavy Industrial[2] and under Dickerson Court as M1 Light Industrial.[3]

The Harbor Homes land was sold to S23 Holdings for a ship repair business and the Dickerson Court land was sold to IndieDwell for emergency housing unit assembly.[4] During public comment, residents of nearby homes reiterated concerns about coal dust pollution and expressed worries that pollution from any new industrial facilities at these locations would further exacerbate air quality burdens.[3]

Mrs. Gloria Tabb, President Tenant Council of Dickerson Courts and Harbor Homes, filed a complaint with the State Air Pollution Control Board (APCB) concerning coal dust on May 9, 1983 and wrote a letter to the APCB on October 11, 1983 that received a reply from Region VI Director Ramon Minx. Former residents of Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court have described coal dust pollution as a severe and persistent problem, with many people reporting the kinds of health impacts that are associated with particulate matter and coal dust exposures.[3][5][6]

While there is no record in government documents or official statements, although some have eluded to it,[7][8] many former residents of Harbor Homes and Dickerson Court and residents of Southeast Newport News more widely maintain that the apartments were demolished at least in part because of the adverse impacts of coal dust on health and quality of life.[3][9]

Documents

Media

Resident Complaints and Response

Municipal Documents

Interviews Referencing Harbor Homes, Dickerson Court, and Their Demolition

References