Introduction
The City of Chesapeake provides opportunities for people to live in many different
environments, varying from the traditional neighborhoods of South Norfolk, to the open
countryside of Southern Chesapeake. The city faces a challenging task of meeting the different
needs of divergent communities with the diverse character of these wide ranging neighborhoods.
The Chesapeake Neighborhood Quality of Life Study was developed as a tool to aid community
residents, elected officials and local government staff. It provides the opportunity to take a closer
look at the critical individual issues that impact different neighborhoods. Collaboration to
develop plans and strategies that meet neighborhood needs and citywide concerns is essential.
The goal of this study is to provide a tool that evaluates Chesapeake’s neighborhoods in terms of
long-term sustainability.
The original study, the 2006 Chesapeake
Neighborhood Quality of Life Study (2006 NQL
Study), was completed after a two year process
that engaged stakeholders from a range of city
departments and that examined over 59 quality of
life variables. At the conclusion of the process, 23
variables were statistically analyzed to assess the
neighborhood-scale livability by Neighborhood
Statistical Areas (NSAs). These research findings
represent a baseline of information and laid the
groundwork for future analyses. The 2006 NQL
Study was intended to serve as a benchmark. It
was the first step in an ongoing effort to monitor
progress toward achieving the goals of sustaining
and revitalizing Chesapeake’s neighborhoods. A
copy of the 2006 NQL Study can be obtained from
the City of Chesapeake’s Human Services
Department or downloaded from the department’s
website
.
The 2006 NQL Study also resulted in the formation of the Chesapeake Quality of Life Cabinet
(Cabinet). The Cabinet, which grew from the original project steering committee, represents a
spectrum of City of Chesapeake staff who work on a broad range of quality of life issues across
the city. Since 2006, the Cabinet has convened monthly to facilitate inter-departmental dialogue
on quality of life issues and initiatives and to guide quality of life investments in Chesapeake’s
revitalizing neighborhoods.
November 2014
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