Norfolk Bets Big on the Waterfront: $750 Million Casino Project Breaks Ground Next to Harbor Park

By HRCNN Staff Writer
July 26, 2025 – Norfolk, VA

In a long-anticipated step toward revitalizing its urban waterfront, the City of Norfolk has broken ground on a $750 million casino and resort development that will transform a surface parking lot near Harbor Park into a year-round entertainment anchor. Developed through a partnership between the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and Boyd Gaming Corporation, the project is expected to deliver significant economic returns, enhanced transit connectivity, and a new identity for the city’s east downtown corridor.

“This isn’t just a gaming destination,” said City Manager Patrick Roberts. “It’s a regional anchor—connecting transit, tourism, and long-term development strategy.”

The six-acre site, previously known as Harbor Park Lot D, is being reimagined as a full-service resort complex. Plans call for a 200-room hotel, more than 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, eight restaurants and bars, and a 45,000-square-foot amenities deck. A 1,300-space structured parking garage will support both on-site patrons and broader downtown event traffic. The developers anticipate opening a temporary casino facility by the end of 2025, a requirement tied to the voter-approved 2020 casino referendum. The full build-out of the permanent resort is expected to be completed by late 2027, with construction currently managed by S.B. Ballard Construction and Yates Construction—the same team behind Rivers Casino Portsmouth.

On July 25, 2025, a team from the Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN) visited the active construction site. At present, contractors remain in the early stages of infrastructure development, with work focused on horizontal utilities, underground connections, and initial site grading. Trenches have been opened for electrical, sanitary, storm, and water service lines, and equipment is staged along the site perimeter for ongoing material deliveries and subgrade preparation.

Norfolk’s entry into Virginia’s gaming sector follows closely on the heels of Portsmouth’s 2023 debut of Rivers Casino, which generated more than $15 million in gambling tax revenue in its first year. The proximity of the two properties—just across the Elizabeth River—has prompted questions about regional market saturation. Yet Boyd Gaming executives remain confident in the project’s positioning.

“We see Norfolk not only as viable but as visionary,” said Boyd Senior Vice President Marianne Johnson. “This project balances premium gaming with waterfront recreation and connectivity to rail, ferry, and regional highways.”

Indeed, the site’s adjacency to the Tide light rail system, Norfolk’s ferry terminal, Amtrak station, and the I-264 corridor gives the resort a multimodal advantage unique among East Coast gaming properties. The project is also envisioned as a key economic driver for the broader St. Paul’s redevelopment district.

The casino’s journey to groundbreaking was far from straightforward. Initial concepts unveiled in 2021 proposed a sprawling 13-acre footprint. However, shoreline regulations, FEMA floodplain designations, and coordination with multiple regulatory agencies—including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Norfolk Wetlands Board, and Department of Environmental Quality—led to a significant reduction in the developable area. Ultimately, the buildable site was scaled down to six acres, with adjustments made to align with Norfolk’s $2.6 billion federal floodwall project.

Planning staff and design consultants from VHB and HKS worked extensively to ensure the project met city goals for resiliency and public access. The Elizabeth River Trail will be extended along the waterfront, buffered by lighting, landscaping, and visual corridors to preserve the riverfront experience. Despite a 6–1 vote of support from Norfolk’s Architectural Review Board, some design elements—including building height, wayfinding signage, and indoor smoking areas—remain under scrutiny.

Opposition to the project has not been limited to regulatory boards. Norfolk Councilmember Courtney Doyle cast the sole vote against the revised site plan, citing concerns over public health impacts, design scale, and the project’s symbolic weight on the city’s shoreline.

“There were real questions about what kind of development belongs on our waterfront,” Doyle said during the September 2024 hearing. “This is not just a building. It’s a message.”

Still, city officials point to substantial fiscal and employment gains as justification for the project’s aggressive timetable. According to economic impact projections, the resort could generate upwards of $30 million in annual revenue for Norfolk through a combination of gaming taxes, lease payments, and indirect activity. During construction, the project is expected to support more than 2,800 jobs, with roughly 850 permanent positions once fully operational. Annual wages across all sectors tied to the resort are projected to exceed $58 million.

Jared Chalk, Norfolk’s Director of Economic Development, noted that the casino is not being positioned as a standalone amenity, but as a keystone in a broader strategy to modernize the city’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure. “The fiscal impact is meaningful, yes,” Chalk said, “but just as important is the catalytic effect this project has on surrounding redevelopment and employment mobility.”

Still, for many Norfolk residents, questions remain. Some community leaders have expressed concern about the risk of over-commercialization, traffic spillover into adjacent neighborhoods, and the equity implications of locating a high-end casino near communities still recovering from generational disinvestment. Others are cautiously optimistic, hopeful that new job opportunities and public-private reinvestment will reach those most in need.

“The resort could become a symbol of either vision or division,” said civic activist Andrea Lemieux. “The outcome will depend on who it serves—and who gets left behind.”

For now, cranes continue to rise above the Elizabeth River, reshaping a familiar skyline with steel, concrete, and high expectations. Whether Norfolk’s bet on the waterfront pays off—or busts—remains one of the region’s most closely watched civic stories.

About HRCNN
The Hampton Roads Construction News Network (HRCNN) is an independent editorial platform tracking the intersection of zoning, infrastructure, environmental development, and regional planning across coastal Virginia. We welcome contributions from professionals, civic leaders, and community members who share a passion for responsible growth and resilient design.

To submit a story idea, case study, or opinion piece, visit:
https://earthlyinfrastructure.com/hrcnn-submit-article

Let us help you bring your voice to the conversation shaping Hampton Roads.

Built Safe, Built VA: Building a Stronger Commonwealth from the Ground Up

By Eric S. Cavallo – Licensed Commercial Building Contractor | Member, International Code Council (ICC) | Board Member, Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals | Advisory Committee Member, Virginia DHCD – SB195 Reform | Founder & CEO, Earthly Infrastructure®

Safety has long been one of the defining values of the construction industry. But as our cities grow more complex, our climate more unpredictable, and our housing needs more urgent, the meaning of “building safely” must evolve. Today, it’s no longer enough to focus exclusively on jobsite hazards or regulatory compliance within the fence line. The safety of Virginia’s built environment starts upstream—with land use, planning decisions, infrastructure investment, and the policies that govern them all.

Built Safe, Built VA began as a call to strengthen safety culture across Virginia’s construction sites. From OSHA alignment and VOSH enforcement to job hazard analyses and public interface protocols, the original message was clear: protecting lives and reputations on the job is foundational to ethical construction. But the time has come to expand the campaign’s reach. Safety must also guide how we zone our communities, manage our stormwater, approve our housing stock, and license those who shape our physical environment.

One of the earliest and most overlooked points of impact is zoning. Setbacks, overlays, height restrictions, and access requirements may seem bureaucratic—but they often determine whether emergency vehicles can reach a structure, whether pedestrians and cyclists are safely accommodated, and whether public infrastructure can support private development. As a member of the Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals, I’ve seen firsthand how zoning decisions—good and bad—leave lasting safety consequences. Built Safe means starting at the planning table.

Stormwater management is another critical piece of the safety puzzle. In a coastal region like Hampton Roads, a poorly planned or under-enforced BMP isn’t just an engineering flaw—it’s a public hazard. In next month’s HRCNN feature, Councilman Michael Berlucchi (District 3) offers a civic perspective on how local government can lead in protecting our watersheds and preparing for climate impacts. Erosion, flooding, and sediment runoff don’t stop at property lines. Neither should our commitment to prevention.

Likewise, structural safety must be defended through policy—particularly as we seek to modernize housing. In my role with the Virginia DHCD advisory committee on SB195, I’ve been part of the conversation around single-stair reform in R-2 occupancy structures. This is a question of both affordability and egress. Of innovation and life safety. As we welcome more density in our cities, we must be honest about what safe vertical development looks like—and who bears responsibility when it falls short.

That responsibility should extend to all players in the development chain. In Virginia, contractors must be licensed, tested, insured, and held accountable. But developers—who often initiate, coordinate, and finance the projects that shape our communities—are not subject to the same baseline requirements. This is a regulatory gap that I believe must close. Built Safe, Built VA calls for equal standards across the building lifecycle. If you have the authority to shape a neighborhood, you should carry the license to match.

Public safety also hinges on how construction engages the community during the build. Traffic control plans, signage, fencing, and hazard communication are not superficial details—they are the public’s experience of the construction profession. Whether we're working in a dense urban district or a coastal village, we must treat every project as a public-facing commitment to professionalism. Safety doesn’t end with a passed inspection. It extends to every resident who walks, drives, or lives near our work.

In the months ahead, Built Safe, Built VA will continue spotlighting the people and policies that make Virginia stronger—from jobsite practices and planning board decisions to stormwater initiatives and housing reforms. Through Earthly Infrastructure® and the Hampton Roads Construction News Network, we’re proud to carry this conversation forward—not as critics, but as partners in building a better Commonwealth.

Let’s keep pushing the standard. Because when we build safe, we build trust. We build value. And most importantly, we build Virginia.

Zoned for Concern: Chesapeake Rejects Data Center Proposal in Landmark Vote

By Earthly Infrastructure® HRCNN Staff Writer

As Virginia communities evaluate how to accommodate next-generation infrastructure, the City of Chesapeake has emerged as a case study in zoning governance, public participation, and responsible land use planning. In June 2025, a rezoning application to allow the development of a 350,000-square-foot data center was unanimously denied by City Council following extensive community input and procedural review. The decision reflects Chesapeake’s commitment to evaluating land use proposals through a lens of compatibility, transparency, and long-term community impact.

The proposed project, submitted by Emerald Lake Estates I Inc. and developer Doug Fuller, sought to rezone a 22.6-acre site at the corner of Centerville Turnpike and Etheridge Manor Boulevard from agricultural (A-1) to light industrial (M-1). The proposed use included a two-story data center facility supported by fiber infrastructure from the Southside Network Authority. While the project’s economic potential was acknowledged, residents and stakeholders raised concerns related to noise, water and energy demand, proximity to residential neighborhoods, and lack of clear performance standards or environmental mitigation plans.

In response, the Planning Commission convened a public hearing in May 2025 that drew over 50 speakers, 650 written comments, and a petition signed by more than 450 residents. After extensive deliberation, the Commission voted 6–1 to recommend denial of the application. Chesapeake’s City Council reviewed the matter on June 17, 2025, where it voted 7–0 to reject the rezoning. Two members — Mayor Rick West and Councilmember Daniel Whitaker — were absent or recused due to scheduling and conflict of interest, respectively. The remaining Councilmembers unanimously supported the Planning Commission’s recommendation, citing concerns over location suitability, potential environmental impact, and inadequate buffering between the proposed industrial facility and nearby homes.

Councilmember Amanda Newins and others noted the importance of identifying appropriate zones for data center development while preserving the integrity of existing neighborhoods. Several members emphasized that the decision did not constitute opposition to data infrastructure broadly but reflected a commitment to thoughtful site planning and respect for public input.

This decision aligns with a broader pattern across Virginia and the nation. Communities in Loudoun County, Pittsylvania County, and York County have faced similar challenges in balancing the economic appeal of data centers with land use, environmental, and quality-of-life considerations. Chesapeake’s handling of this application illustrates the critical role that zoning, environmental due diligence, and public participation play in maintaining community trust while enabling strategic development.

Following the denial, the applicant requested that the matter be continued to allow time for further analysis and public outreach; however, Council proceeded with its vote as scheduled. The developer has since indicated that revised plans may be submitted in the future. Should a new application be filed, it is anticipated that additional technical studies and potential adjustments to site location, scale, and impact mitigation will be considered.

Chesapeake’s decision underscores the value of an engaged and informed public, a clear zoning framework, and leadership that is responsive to both innovation and preservation. The city’s process — deliberate, transparent, and aligned with planning best practices — serves as a model for other localities facing similar pressures from industrial-scale infrastructure proposals.

This matter remains active. HRCNN will continue to provide updates on any revised applications, related policy discussions, and community responses. For ongoing coverage and expert analysis on zoning, infrastructure, and responsible development in Hampton Roads, follow the latest at www.earthlyinfrastructure.com/hrcnn.

ENERGY STAR® NextGen Certified Homes: Setting a New Standard for Residential Efficiency

By HRCNN – Hampton Roads Construction News Network Staff Writer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the ENERGY STAR® NextGen Certified Homes Program, an advanced designation aimed at reshaping the future of energy-efficient residential construction. Building upon the proven success of the original ENERGY STAR for Homes certification, the NextGen label introduces more stringent performance criteria, modernized technical requirements, and integrated pathways to achieve net zero-ready status. This initiative reflects a broader national strategy to reduce carbon emissions, enhance grid resilience, and provide lasting energy savings for homeowners.

ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes are designed to meet a new tier of environmental performance by incorporating high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart home technologies, electric-ready infrastructure, and enhanced thermal enclosures. The program mandates independent third-party verification and performance testing to ensure rigorous quality control across all construction phases. By aligning design and construction standards with evolving federal climate goals, the NextGen program positions builders and contractors at the forefront of compliance and consumer trust in the clean energy era.

For builders and contractors operating within the Hampton Roads region, the NextGen certification framework offers a distinct market differentiator. As municipalities across the Commonwealth of Virginia increasingly prioritize climate-resilient growth, ENERGY STAR NextGen homes provide a compliant and future-ready housing typology. Furthermore, this designation may help contractors meet or exceed local and regional energy codes, secure utility incentives, and qualify for potential federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The implications for permitting, zoning, and long-term site performance are substantial. ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes are not merely efficient—they are forward-thinking infrastructure investments that reduce community strain on electrical grids and water systems. By designing for electrification-readiness, builders and contractors help future-proof housing stock against grid instability and prepare communities for an anticipated expansion of renewable energy sources. Additionally, improved indoor air quality and envelope tightness align with public health standards and tenant protections now emphasized in many Virginia jurisdictions.

From a consumer perspective, ENERGY STAR NextGen homes deliver verified energy savings, improved comfort, and lower utility bills—all underpinned by the EPA’s trusted certification mark. As awareness grows among homebuyers and policymakers alike, certified builders and contractors gain a reputational advantage for delivering homes that prioritize both performance and sustainability. In a housing market increasingly driven by transparency and accountability, ENERGY STAR NextGen represents a legally defensible and environmentally responsible certification for residential construction professionals.

Earthly Infrastructure® Building and Infrastructure Development Inc., a proud ENERGY STAR® Partner, actively supports the deployment of certified homebuilding standards across Virginia. This formal partnership was established under the leadership of company founder Eric S. Cavallo, who remains committed to aligning Earthly Infrastructure’s mission with nationally recognized energy performance goals. As a regional advocate for high-efficiency and climate-resilient construction, Earthly Infrastructure® continues to promote ENERGY STAR initiatives through its projects, educational outreach, and the Hampton Roads Construction News Network.

Redesigning the Footprint: How Environmental Site Design Is Shaping Smarter, Safer Development Across Virginia

By Eric S. Cavallo
Founder, Earthly Infrastructure® | Advisor, Virginia DHCD | Board Member, VB BZA

Chesapeake, VA – July 2025
As the Commonwealth faces rising development pressure alongside increasing environmental risk, Virginia builders and planners are being asked to do more than just meet minimum code. They’re being called to design with nature, not against it.

Enter Environmental Site Design (ESD)—an integrated planning strategy that places stormwater site design and open space development at the center of project success. As Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations tighten and public expectations rise, ESD is no longer a niche innovation—it’s the foundation of responsible land use.

“In the Chesapeake Bay watershed, how we plan a site is just as important as what we build on it,” said Eric S. Cavallo, founder of Earthly Infrastructure® and advisor to Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development. “Stormwater can’t be treated as an afterthought. It’s the design driver.”

What Is Environmental Site Design?

Environmental Site Design (ESD), also referred to as low-impact development (LID), emphasizes natural systems and minimal disturbance from the outset of a project. The goal is to manage stormwater at the source, reduce runoff volume, and maintain pre-development hydrology.

Core ESD principles include:

• Stormwater Site Design:
  Techniques such as bioswales, rain gardens, infiltration basins, and permeable pavements slow, filter, and absorb runoff close to where it falls. This helps meet VSMP and SWPPP requirements under Virginia’s Stormwater Management Regulations.

• Open Space Development:
  By clustering buildings, reducing roadway footprints, and preserving vegetated buffers, developers can maintain large portions of undisturbed open space. This not only reduces impervious surface coverage, but provides community access to trails, parks, and natural viewsheds.

• Minimizing Land Disturbance:
  Grading only where necessary and preserving native soil and tree cover helps prevent erosion and sedimentation downstream—benefiting both project budgets and the Bay.

“These are not add-ons. They are fundamental planning decisions that influence everything from stormwater credits to market appeal,” Cavallo said.

Why ESD Matters in Virginia

Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act and Stormwater Management Program make clear that controlling pollution at the lot level is non-negotiable. Any land-disturbing activity over one acre—or within a Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Area (RPA)—must include a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that demonstrates runoff reduction and sediment control.

ESD practices are often the most cost-effective path to compliance. For example:

• Reducing impervious surfaces can lower the cost of underground detention systems.

• Maintaining open space may help meet local overlay or zoning bonus requirements.

• On-site stormwater features can reduce the burden on municipal infrastructure and avoid offsite nutrient credits.

More Than Compliance—A Competitive Edge

Developers and builders who adopt ESD are increasingly gaining faster approvals, community goodwill, and long-term operational savings. In places like Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, where drainage and flooding are constant concerns, projects that incorporate ESD principles are viewed as forward-thinking—not risky.

“Good stormwater design is good business,” Cavallo emphasized. “It reduces liability, enhances site resilience, and aligns with what local governments are actively prioritizing.”

From the Bay to the Boardroom: Leading by Example

At Earthly Infrastructure®, every project begins with three questions:

1. How will this site absorb or deflect stormwater?

2. How much open space can be preserved without compromising density?

3. How can this design align with both regulatory standards and long-term ecological function?

These are the same questions underpinning Virginia’s statewide efforts to modernize zoning, encourage green infrastructure, and meet its Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) targets.

Through the Built Safe, Built VA™ campaign, Earthly Infrastructure® is highlighting how environmentally intelligent site design can coexist with economic growth—setting a new standard for what it means to build responsibly in the Commonwealth.

About the Author
Eric S. Cavallo is a Virginia Class B Commercial Building Contractor, ICC Member, and Founder of Earthly Infrastructure®. He serves on the Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals and advises the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development on regulatory reform, including building code modernization and environmental planning.

WaterSense® Labeled Homes and the Future of Virginia Housing

By Eric S. Cavallo, Founder/President, Earthly Infrastructure® Building and Infrastructure Development Inc. | Virginia Licensed Contractor (Commercial Building) | Member, International Code Council (ICC) | Alternate Member, Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals | Stakeholder Advisor, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), SB195 Stakeholder Advisory Committee

As the Commonwealth of Virginia prepares for the next generation of housing development, water resource management has emerged as a central concern for local governments, regulatory agencies, and the building industry alike. Against this backdrop, WaterSense® labeled homes represent a critical advancement in sustainable residential construction—one that aligns environmental performance with code compliance, affordability, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Developed and administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the WaterSense® program establishes rigorous standards for residential water efficiency. To earn the WaterSense® label, a home must be verified by a licensed certification provider to use at least 30 percent less water than comparable new construction, without sacrificing performance or occupant comfort. This includes the installation of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, pressure-regulated irrigation systems, and conservation-oriented site design strategies—all subject to field verification and performance testing.

At Earthly Infrastructure®, we view WaterSense® compliance not as a marketing distinction, but as a baseline requirement for ethical and forward-looking development. In a coastal state like Virginia—where groundwater depletion, saltwater intrusion, and stormwater system overload are persistent concerns—integrating water-efficient housing into the broader regulatory framework is no longer optional. It is essential.

To that end, Virginia’s housing future must reflect a coordinated policy shift. This includes potential updates to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to more explicitly support EPA-recognized standards, enhanced guidance to local plan review officials, and the development of municipal incentives that reward certified water-efficient developments. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts by encouraging localities to integrate WaterSense® adoption into comprehensive planning, utility coordination, and affordable housing strategies.

As a licensed commercial contractor and a sitting member of the Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals, I have witnessed firsthand how zoning decisions, infrastructure burdens, and permit review processes can either facilitate or hinder sustainable progress. WaterSense® labeled homes offer municipalities a practical, performance-based pathway to reduce utility demand, mitigate environmental risk, and meet housing targets without compromising public health or safety.

Virginia has the opportunity to set a national precedent—one that links regulatory excellence with environmental responsibility. By prioritizing WaterSense® standards within housing policy, zoning reform, and builder education, we can deliver measurable gains in sustainability, public trust, and long-term cost savings.

The future of housing in Virginia must be built not just to shelter—but to sustain.

Built safe. Built in compliance. Built for Virginia.

Chesapeake Bay by the Book: What ESC and SWPPP Really Protect

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, environmental compliance in construction is not a symbolic gesture — it is a legal obligation. Among the most critical regulatory instruments governing land disturbance are erosion and sediment control (ESC) plans and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs). These protocols form the operational foundation for safeguarding the Chesapeake Bay, a nationally protected watershed subject to overlapping federal, state, and local regulations.

Within this framework, construction activities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed must comply with statutory requirements set forth under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law, the Virginia Stormwater Management Act, and the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP). These laws establish mandatory practices for minimizing runoff, controlling sediment transport, and ensuring pollutants do not enter navigable waters, wetlands, or environmentally sensitive receiving channels. Noncompliance may result in formal enforcement actions, civil penalties, stop-work orders, or permit revocation — reflecting the seriousness with which the Commonwealth enforces its environmental code.

ESC and SWPPP best practices are designed to address risk proactively at the site level. These include early stabilization of disturbed areas, phased clearing and grading operations to minimize exposed soils, preservation of vegetated buffers, and strategic installation of structural controls such as diversion dikes, sediment traps, inlet protection, and compost filter socks. Site-specific SWPPP documentation must outline pollution prevention strategies, delineate responsible parties, and provide inspection and maintenance schedules — all conforming to approved design standards and rainfall frequency data as required under the US EPA’s NPDES permitting system.

Eric S. Cavallo, Founder and President of Earthly Infrastructure® Building and Infrastructure Development Inc., has made regulatory compliance a cornerstone of his professional and public service agenda. A licensed Commercial Building Contractor in Virginia, Mr. Cavallo is an active member of the International Code Council (ICC) and currently serves on the City of Virginia Beach Board of Zoning Appeals, where he helps interpret land use decisions with environmental and code-based implications. In 2024, he was appointed to the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Stakeholder Advisory Committee on building code reform, where he contributes to the Commonwealth’s deliberations on construction safety, site planning, and code modernization.

Through these roles, Mr. Cavallo has continually advocated for stronger industry adherence to ESC and SWPPP obligations — not only as technical requirements, but as enforceable ethical standards that shape the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay. He is currently seeking further appointments to Virginia’s regulatory boards and policy committees where his background in construction law, environmental compliance, and code enforcement can support the Commonwealth’s mission to uphold lawful development across sensitive watersheds.

The Chesapeake Bay is more than a scenic asset. It is one of the most complex and monitored estuarine systems in the United States — and the subject of comprehensive protections that require full cooperation from the building industry. At a time when unchecked runoff and overdevelopment continue to threaten water quality, those charged with constructing Virginia’s future must embrace the tools that exist to protect it. ESC and SWPPP plans are not just regulatory artifacts. They are the technical and legal embodiment of responsible building — and for those who work in proximity to the Bay, compliance is not a suggestion. It is a duty.