City plans next phase to fix flooding in Christopher Shores neighborhood
Plus, summer reading challenge; women philanthropy leaders' lunch and more
The City of Newport News is inviting bids for the second phase of a project to replace the aging stormwater system in the Christopher Shores neighborhood, according to a solicitation issued by the city’s Office of Purchasing. The bid document states the subdivision, built in 1949, relies on a deteriorated drainage network that cannot handle current runoff or meet modern stormwater standards, leaving residents prone to street flooding. The new system is designed to handle a 10 year storm event.
Christopher Shores sits in south Newport News, stretching from 16th Street to Shore Drive and from Marshall to Orcutt avenues. Popular real estate website Homes.com describes the neighborhood as an affordable, established community in south Newport News, close to Hampton, the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, and Newport News Shipbuilding. The site notes the neighborhood’s gridded streets with single-family homes built from the 1930s to 1950s.
Newport News Public Schools notes the area became home to Dr. Charles Waldo Scott, one of the first African American surgeons, after he settled there in 1965, drawing other Black surgeons due to its proximity to several hospitals. The neighborhood has also been home to Congressman Bobby Scott, Delegate Marcia Price and former Mayor McKinley Price, the school district says.
Under the bid timeline, questions from contractors are due July 15, with bids due July 31. The city says it will award the work to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with construction expected to take roughly two years to substantial completion.
In other news:
Newport News Public Library launches summer reading challenge through July 31 Newport News Public Library has announced its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, running through Friday, July 31, with the theme “Unearth a Story.” The annual program invites readers of all ages to discover new books, track reading minutes, and earn rewards while promoting literacy and lifelong learning.
Virginia Peninsula Chamber hosts philanthropy lunch featuring women leaders The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is holding its Pink Bag Lunch event scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The program, titled “The Power of the Purse,” will explore how women are redefining philanthropy in the region. Lunch and networking begin at 11:30 AM, with the presentation starting at noon.
Local events this weekend offer community connection and entertainment Newport News Parks and Recreation reports on two upcoming community events designed to bring residents together through entertainment and local engagement. The Roots and Rhythm Marketplace takes place Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Denbigh Community Center, while the Tech Center Summer Concert Series continues Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Drillfield at Tech Center.
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