Newport News Economic Development Authority announced the selection of a firm headed by acclaimed NFL quarterback, Aaron Brooks, to develop the Southeast Commerce Center, a 14-acre tract located in the predominantly African-American Southeast Community of Newport News. Brooks, a Newport News native, returns to his community with a dramatic vision for its revitalization that includes for-sale townhomes and new commercial development, including a grocery store. The site is located off Interstate 664 along the Southeast Community’s historic commercial downtown street, Jefferson Avenue. The NNEDA will sign a pre-development agreement with Brooks’ firm, Tidewater Partners and Property Development, to guide the project during its preliminary stage.