Economic Development: Business Development
This information is provided to the citizens of Poquoson in order to give them easier access to the services, departments, and resources available, here, in The City of Poquoson.
Location:
Located along the along eastern seaboard, approximately halfway between New York and Florida, Poquoson is situated along Interstate 64 just 80 miles southeast of the state capital, Richmond, and 150 miles south of the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Poquoson is in the middle of the Hampton Roads Metropolitan area surrounded by the Cities of Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk and Virginia Beach which has a total population of over 1.4 million residents.
Many Federal government and large industrial activities are located within the region. These activities include: 7 DOD bases, Fort Eustis, Langley Air Force Base, Naval Weapons Station, Fort Monroe, Norfolk Navy Base, Little Creek Amphibious Base, and Fort Story. Northrop-Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding is the largest shipbuilding facility in the U.S.A. and employs in excess of 18,000 personnel.
Poquoson is a small suburban city of approximately 16 square miles. A former fishing village with over 84 miles of shoreline on the Chesapeake Bay, it draws residents looking for a small town lifestyle with excellent schools.
People:
The people of Poquoson are active in civic organizations. Volunteers in these organizations participate in many projects that are designed to improve the quality of life for the residents. The population of Poquoson in the year 2000 was 11,556 who resided in roughly 4,000 households. Poquoson residents tend to work in neighboring cities and counties and have a median income in 1999 of over $60,920 annually. This is the region's highest and one of the highest income levels in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Overall Poquoson is a fairly young community with most of its population at working age.
The City of Poquoson enjoys an excellent quality of life with outstanding community services, housing and recreation.
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Police and Fire Protection – City of Poquoson has the lowest crime rate in Hampton Roads. The City Police Department provides 24-hour a day protection and is staffed by 20 full time police officers. The City of Poquoson Fire and Rescue Department, which includes 26 firemen and 10 volunteers, provide fire and Ambulance protection. A new fire and rescue station has been added to insure minimal response times in the event of emergencies.
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Schools – Many regard the Poquoson Public School System as the finest in the Commonwealth with its students earning the highest standardized test scores in the region and over 85% of its graduates moving on to college. The school system includes a primary, elementary, middle and high schools.
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Recreation – Many people choose Poquoson in part because of its recreational opportunities. The park system includes three parks and a municipal pool. The Department also sponsors special community events such as the Poquoson Seafood Festival, Child Fest and various charity events. The 84 miles of shoreline make Poquoson a paradise for boaters, anglers and working watermen.
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Library – The Poquoson Public Library contains over 50,000 volumes and offers area history materials, audiovisual aids and children’s and summer programs. The Poquoson Library has the highest circulation rate in the Hampton Roads region and was rated the 3rd best library in the State.
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Housing - Poquoson provides a wide variety of homes. Large single-family homes are predominant and represent over 90% of the 4,000 dwelling units. Several new subdivisions are currently being planned that will offer interested homeowners with lots from ½ acre to 2 ½ acres. Poquoson is a full service City in the heart of Hampton Roads, but is unique because of its suburban characteristics and small town qualities. The parks, library and schools are centrally located and only a mile or two away from the most remote homes. Poquoson’s commercial district is compact, well defined and does not encroach into residential areas.
The City of Poquoson also enjoys a wide variety of premium utilities provided by surrounding businesses.
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Electricity – Supplied and distributed by Dominion Virginia Power.
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Gas – Supplied and distributed by Virginia Natural Gas.
- Solid Waste – The City of Poquoson collects residential solid waste, which is disposed of at the Hampton/NASA Steam Plant. The City also has a very active curbside recycling program with almost 40% of the City’s residential solid waste being recycled.
- Water – Water service is provided to Poquoson by the City of Newport News, which owns all the water lines and bills Poquoson customers directly.
- Sewerage – Collection of wastewater generated in the City is provided through facilities owned and operated by the City of Poquoson. Sewage is treated by Hampton Roads Sanitation District.
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