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The following is a statement released October 25, 2024, by the Task Force appointed by Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Christopher Newport University President William G. Kelly that is studying decisions concerning the location and growth of the University:
Since our last update in August, we have continued work on two fronts.
First, we are in the process of documenting every piece of property that comprises the approximately 2 square mile heart of the Christopher Newport campus. Our goal is to produce a history of ownership, sale, and transfer of each property starting with the original 50 Shoe Lane land acquired by eminent domain to present. Our aim is to use this data to create a GIS mapping project that will visualize the changes in the area over the previous 60-plus years.
Second, we have begun outreach to directly engage and meet with the families impacted by the expansion of Christopher Newport University. Both of these tasks are ongoing.