Committee of ex rel. Taylor v. City of Norfolk

By Judge Junius P. Fulton, III

The current litigation raises concerns regarding the right of citizens to a referendum and the City of Norfolk’s power to establish zoning classifications. In the balance rests the ultimate disposition of what is widely considered to be a historically significant property dating back to the earliest years of the City, Talbot Hall.

Between 1799 and 1802, Solomon Talbot built Talbot Hall for his son, Thomas. On the property, Thomas planted two tree lines to align with the position of the sun on the summer and winter solstice yard. Subsequently, in 1954, the Talbot…