The following questions and answers were taken by Todd Solomon, SDCC Secretary, at the last SDCC general meeting program.

#1 – Will the weight limit of the current Lesner Bridge be reduced?  Jim Wood – No reduction is planned in the next 5 years.  But a reduction after that will be most likely.  There may be Dept of Defense money that can help with repairs and funding of the new bridge since Fort Story uses it.

Question #2 – Will the purchase price of the Norfolk Southern right of way change based on the City’s $8 million appraisal versus the NS $40 million? Louis Jones – VB appraises the potential of the actual land.  NS estimates based on adjacent property even though a business wouldn’t fit on the property.  Plan currently is for VB to pay $10 mil, State to pay $20 mil, HRT to pay $5 mil and VEPCO to pay $5 mil for easements.  If State doesn’t come up with money, VB will condemn instead of a quick take approach.  Does NS pay property tax?  Not sure.

Question #3 – What is the status of the Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment project? Jim Wood – The Army Corps of Engineers has the City’s letter of claimed ownership and is working to place the sand from the 2009/2010 dredging on this site.  The work may not occur until 2010/2011 due to budget issues.  Some property owners have filed lawsuits against the City based on eminent domain issues.

Question #4 – It appears that air and noise pollution will be an issue for 3556 on the Bay owners if the new Lesner Bridge northern alignment is chosen.  Is an impact study being performed to address this? Louis Jones – No decision has been made on the final alignment.  City Council recommendation is for the southern alignment and to place the power lines under the river.

Question #5 – Is there any stimulus money that could be used for utilities instead of road improvements and could it be used toward the Shore Drive projects? Louis Jones – There is $17.6 million in storm water improvement funding which is being paid for by 3 years of storm water rate increases.  No stimulus money for storm water, sewer or fiber optics.

Question #6 – Is the rumor true that the Sandlers will only make good on their $5 million donation for the performing arts center if they get approval for their Indigo Dunes project? Jim Wood & Louis Jones – No truth to that rumor what so ever.

Question #7 – Can any of the storm water fee increase be used to for Chesapeake Bay improvements? Louis Jones – Storm water money can only be used for functions listed in the approved guidelines.  Some functions may be helpful to the environment and in turn help the Bay.

Question #8 – Do you think now is a good time to approach the Sandlers with some type of acquisition plan (cash, land swap, tax deferral, wetland bank creation) for Pleasure House Point (Indigo Dunes)? Louis Jones – The City has approached the Bank about a possible outright purchase of the property.  The Bank is the current point of contact for the property and the City is discussing a possible all cash purchase of the property.  Whether it would all be maintained as open space or some of it sold off for smaller less dense development, would have to be determined after purchase.

Question #9 – What is the status of the dredge transfer station?  Jim Wood – The Lynnhaven Boat Ramp site is not being pursued.  A small amount of land has to be obtained from the school off of VB Blvd., but use of the VB Blvd. location is moving ahead.