Author Archives: Todd Solomon

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Nov. 30th

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.30.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday November 30, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 Program/Presentation –  None

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-

Lesner Bridge Update – Project update from City Project Manager Chris Wojtowicz.

Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) – Update from FOLO meeting, results from discussion regarding the creation of a Live Oak Task Force. Also, FOLO is planning a tree give-away this Fall. Contact Lindsay Konchuba at LKonchub@vbgov.com if interested.

New Business –

Shore Drive Phase III Presentation – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will provide a presentation on SD Phase III at the January 25th, 2016 SDCC meeting.  Mr. Wilson will discuss the projects plans for road, bike, pedestrian and storm water improvements.  As with all the SDCC meetings, this is open to the public, so please invite all those that would be interested.

Bayfront Advisory Commission News – 98 tons of sand transferred from Lessner Bridge Boat Ramp site to Chic’s Beach to help repair beach accesses.  Safety poles will be returned to merge lane heading east as you come off North Hampton onto Shore Drive.  They were temporarily removed to allow oversized sections of new bridge to be delivered.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Civic Opportunities – Local and Citywide

  • VB Arena Proposal – Deadline to submit comments online at VB Virtual Town Hall is Wed. Dec. 2nd at 11:59pm.       Council is scheduled to vote on Tues Dec. 8th.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 21st (week early due to holidays)

Cape Story Oyster Roast – Sunday November 8th from 1-5pm at O’Leary’s Parking Lot

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2015 Oyster Roast Flyer

Click Here Button

The longest running and best oyster roast in Va Beach!

The 37th Annual Cape Story Oyster Roast at O’Leary’s in Marina Shores Shoppes of Great Neck Road supports Cape Story Civic League, Cape Story Fireworks,and other Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association events.

$35 get’s you all the beer you can drink, oysters, clams, BBQ, Hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, hushpuppies, chili, gumbo, clam chowder, home made side dishes and much, much more.  $45 at the door.  There will be raffle tickets for sale for the usual big give aways, and the band this year is INTANGIABLE CATS!!!. Please purchase your T Shirt ($18 or $25 at the Door) online as well as join our Cornhole Raffle Ticket event supporting CAPE KIDS-Raffle tickets sold day of.

Any questions concerning the event, or sponsorship or volunteering please contact Bill House 757-615-0968 or house2732@verizon.net.

As always have a great time and we appreciate you support Cape Story by The Sea.

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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trolley 2

Mark you calendars and bring your friends to this interesting presentation scheduled for the upcoming SDCC meeting on Monday October 26th at 7:30pm

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

Mr. Brian Chenault from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Transportation Planner will present the results from their study of a possible bus loop between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. Mr. Chenault and Mr. Shea will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. Brief background: The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) asked for the study and the SDCC ran a survey that collected almost 400 responses.

Click here to read the study results presented to the BAC – Shore Drive Shuttle Service Analysis FINAL2

Click here to see the SDCC survey results – http://sdcc.info/2015/07/22/385-survey-takers-provided-input-on-a-proposed-shore-drive-oceanfront-trolley/

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Oct. 26th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.26.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 26, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation –

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

Mr. Brian Chenault from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Transportation Planner will present the results from their study of a possible bus loop between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront.  Mr. Chenault and Mr. Shea will hold a question and answer session after the presentation.  Brief background: The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) asked for the study and the SDCC ran a survey that collected almost 400 responses.  Details of the study and survey results can be found at www.sdcc.info

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-

NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – This is the program that will save 10%-15% off your flood insurance once implemented. SDCC is working with the City to see if the estimated 3 year process can be shortened. Details of the City’s plan to implement can be found at www.sdcc.info

New Business –

Storm Water Issues – How did your neighborhoods make out during the recent flooding events? SDCC would like to gather data to help with ongoing conversations with City engineers. This will help ensure all trouble areas are identified and projects are being planned to help. 

Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) – FOLO is planning a tree give-away this Fall. Contact Lindsay Konchuba at LKonchub@vbgov.com if interested. The next FOLO meeting will be held on Monday Nov. 23rd at 3:30pm at the Brock Center.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Elections – Tuesday November 3rd from 6am to 7pm.       Virginia State Senatorial and Delegate races. Please exercise one of your basic civil duties.
  • Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association Oyster Roast – Sunday Nov. 8th from 1-5pm at O’Leary’s parking lot area.       More information can be found at www.sdcc.info

 

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 30th

City move forward with Community Rating System application

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City staff is moving forward with the application to add Virginia Beach to the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS).  Once part of the CRS, residents who pay flood insurance could see a savings of 10%-15% on their premiums.

Here is the City document supporting the policy and discussing the process being followed to submit the application.

Click here to read the document – 4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport

Shore Drive area welcomes a 2nd craft brewery

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Commonwealth Brewing Co

Commonwealth Brewing Co. opens up in old Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Fire & Rescue.  Check out the VA Pilot article here http://hamptonroads.com/food/764843/2015/10/virginia-beach-brewery-opens-old-fire-station

This is the 2nd brewery to open in the Shore Drive area.  Pleasure House Brewing is located at the intersection of Shore Drive and Starfish Road.

Monday Sept. 28th SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  9.28.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 28, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – No Presentation. Shore Drive Phase III project presentation postponed due to storm water analysis.

Proposed discussions –

  • City Manager Qualifications Input Request from City Government. What qualities should the new City Manager possess?
  • VB Public Libraries need suggestions for topics of discussion for their upcoming 2016 Community Conversations program. Do we have any topics to suggest?

Officer’s Reports 

Secretary – David Williams

Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak

Vice President – Wally Damon

President – Todd Solomon

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on program and questions as to why it takes so long to implement.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – VB Project Coordinator, Brian Solis, has been asked to attend an upcoming SDCC meeting to brief us on the Hampton Roads Transportation (HRT) report. He has tentatively agreed to come to our October meeting.

Shore Drive Bike Path Project – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Oneil Clarke, provided a copy of the project drawings. The project will not include sidewalks, only bike paths. Minimal road widening and closures will be required. Drawings will be available at the SDCC meeting and photos of critical areas will be posted on the www.sdcc.info website.

New Business –

Admission Tax Exemption for Civic Organizations – The Commission of Revenue is working on a change to the City Code to allow 501c4 Civic Organizations to be exempt from having to pay the 10% Admission Tax fee. This would allow all our Civic Leagues to keep monies made from Oyster Roasts and other fund raisers and use them for community projects. Cape Story loses $1000 a year to this tax.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.
  • Lynnhaven River Now Candidate Forum – October 14th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the VB Central Library.       All State Senatorial and Delegate candidates have been asked to participate.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 26th – Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service Presentation. City Project Lead, Mr. Brian Solis, will present the HRT report results and discuss the recommended route details.

SDCC Sept. 28th Shore Drive Project Presentation Postponed

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Unfortunately the Shore Drive Project Presentation scheduled for Monday Sept. 28th has been postponed.  City Engineers are having difficulties planning the storm water improvements that are part of this project and won’t be able to provide details until the storm water component is complete.  Storm water outfalls and piping has a big impact on the road work components that are part of the project along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and Great Neck Road.

City Engineers expect the details to be finalized in the next 2 months, so a presentation is expected to take place in November or December 2015.  Stay tuned and we apologize for any inconvenience this rescheduling may have caused.

Todd Solomon, SDCC President

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming SDCC Meeting Presentations

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We have two very interesting presentations scheduled for the next two SDCC general meetings.  So mark your calendars and I hope to see you there.  And remember, SDCC meetings are open to all, so spread the word and bring a friend.

Monday August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd., Mr. O’Neil Clarke, City of VB Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Wilson, City of VB Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling. 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Aug. 31st at 7:30pm – Special Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 8.31.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday August 31, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Oneil Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Officer’s Reports 

Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – City Staff has sent an official Policy Report to Council stating their intent to move forward with applying for the CRS program by late 2016. Public Works and Planning endorsed the policy and stated the necessary actions they will be taking over the next year to make this happen. They also informed Council that they will need to create/hire a new CRS coordinator for program oversight.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – SDCC has asked Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit for updates. Stay tuned and check www.sdcc.info for updates.

Storm Water Sluice Gates Project for Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Story – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Mike Bumbacco, stated that the project start has been delayed and the construction time increased. The contract is now scheduled to start Dec. 2015 and finish Dec 2016.

New Business –

Neighbor Dredging Program – June 2nd City Council briefing presented plans for the Dix Creek neighborhood. The alternate spoils transfer site recommended was the Crab Creek Municipal Wharf. This is the temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp currently being used for the Lesner Bridge replacement project that is contracted to be removed after the bridge is completed.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival – Sat. Sept. 19th, 11am to 3pm at Pleasure House Point and the CBF Brock Environmental Center. Fun and Family friendly events and activities.
  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

Monday July 27th @ 7:30pm – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday July 27, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – No Presentations for August.

However, please mark your calendars for these upcoming presentations:

  • August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell.
  • September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams, Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak, Vice President – Wally Damon, President – Todd Solomon

Old Business–

Bishard Development Approved – City Council approved the development on the old Baylake Pines school (between Citgo and Leaping Lizard). 30 homes and 1 commercial building. 8 homes can have a 12 foot individual pier into Lake Joyce.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC has sent support letter to City. The City Manager is reviewing staff’s proposal. SDCC will post updates on our website and ask for community support if required.

New Business –

Bay Beach Grooming – Mark Johnson, City Public Works, is responsible for scheduling. He can be reached at 385-1470 or MAJohnso@vbgov.com Believe it or not, but the following paragraph was part of the 2002 Beach Management Plan (last plan the City created) and still no dedicated funding stream.

“Routine beach grooming is limited to the Resort Area. We recommend its expansion to all beaches. All non-resort area beaches should be groomed at least weekly during the summer months, immediately prior to summer holidays, and after major storm events to remove seaweed, storm debris and reshape the beach. To accomplish this objective, additional resources need to be created or contracted for non-resort area beaches.”

Marine Enforcement Contact – Call the Virginia Marine Police at (800) 541-4646 to enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents and conduct educational programs

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Final results of survey have been posted on www.sdcc.info and sent to Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit. Thank you to all that took the time to voice your opinions.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others? 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 31, 2015

385 Survey Takers Provided Input on a Proposed Shore Drive – Oceanfront Trolley

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In an effort to help the City of Virginia Beach and the Bayfront Advisory Commission research the possibility of a Shore Drive – Oceanfront trolley, the SDCC ran a one month online survey.  385 survey takers provided valuable input as to why and why they wouldn’t use the service.  The results are posted below and have been shared with the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City of Virginia Beach Staff, City Councilmen Jones, Wood and Uhrin and Hampton Roads Transit.  Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your opinions.

Q4 image

Click on the image to read

Click on the documents below to read:

Contact Virginia Marine Police for Marine Violations and Emergencies

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At tonight’s SDCC meeting a member asked who should be contacted to report illegal crabbing on the Bay.  The following may help with this issue as well as other marine violations or emergencies.

Virginia Marine Police check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents or conducting educational programs.  They also conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.

For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646.

For more information, check out the Virginia Marine Police website by clicking here

Upcoming SDCC Meeting – Point Chesapeake Update & Interim Trolley Service Survey Results

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Join Us Monday June 29th at 7:30pm to learn/talk about the following topics:

  • Point Chesapeake Update – Mr. Tuck Bowie of The Terry Peterson Companies will talk to us and answer questions regarding the Point Chesapeake development planned for the old Duck-In property.

  • Proposed Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service – Interim survey results will be presented and discussed.  Time permitting an Issues Framing session will also be held to identify any information that the survey may have missed.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday June 29th @ 7:30pm

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 Click Here for a Printable Version of the Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday June 29, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – Mr. Tuck Bowie, President of The Terry Peterson Companies, will provide an update on the Point Chesapeake development project located on the old Duck-In property.  

Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon 
 

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s June 2nd meeting on proposed development between Citgo and Leaping Lizard.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC voted at May meeting to support the CRS program for Virginia Beach. City staff is working on the policy and City Managers are reviewing. This program has possibility to reduce flood insurance policy costs by 10% or 15%.

New Business –

Pedestrian Crossing Improvement near OPVRS – City Traffic Engineers plan to improve pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford/Roanoke Ave.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Interim survey results.  Time permitting, we will also hold an Issues Framing session to talk about advantages/disadvantages of this proposed service.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?   

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • July 4th Fireworks Shows – Ocean Park Barge Show west of Lesner Bridge. Cape Story Show at First Landing State Park east of Lesner Bridge. 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 27, 2015

Lesner Bridge Presentation Sat. June 20th, 9am at Dockside Restaurant

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Lynnhaven Colony Civic League is hosting a talk plus Q & A  on current / future updates on the Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Chris Wojtowicz, City of VB Project Manager, will be the guest speaker.  The session will be held this coming Saturday, June 20,  9:00 a.m. at Dockside Restaurant on Vista Circle.

For those of us that live and drive over the bridge we need to be aware of upcoming lane changes, open walking areas and bike routes.

Guests are welcome.

 

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Survey – We Want to Hear What You Think

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survey

SDCC has created a short 5 to 10 minute survey regarding the possible Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley loop.

Please take a moment to give us your thoughts and to pass the survey link on to others that may be interested in providing their input.

Click here or on the “take survey” icon above to begin the survey.

 

Possible Trolley Loop between Shore Drive and Oceanfront – Virginian-Pilot Article

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trolley 2

Trolleys from resort area could help Chic’s Beach lure tourists, group says

By Kathy Hieatt
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 15, 2015

The Shore Drive corridor along the Chesapeake Bay is a gateway to the Oceanfront for lots of summer visitors, but many simply bypass the area on the way to the Atlantic and don’t return until it’s time to leave.

To read the rest of Kathy’s article, click here

 

May We Always Remember Those That Serve

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On this day and every day,

May we always remember those that help keep our Country

the best in the world.

Cape Story Flag

Big thank you to Bill House for maintaining the flags on Shore Drive.  Bill is always looking for volunteers to help with the flag service.  If you interested, please email me at todd@sdcc.info for more information.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday May 18th at 7:30pm *** (One week early due to Memorial Day)***

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 5.18.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday May 18, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – No presentation planned.

Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s May 5th review meeting was deferred. New date is expected to be June 2nd. Baylake Pines Civic League is meeting with Mr. Bishard to discuss changes/proffers. City Traffic Engineers informed that sidewalk will be installed along Shore Drive, a turn lane will be installed at the existing median cut across from gas station to allow westbound cars to “U-turn” to head eastbound, stacking should not be a problem.

Lesner Bridge Replacement– New animated construction video posted on www.sdcc.info. Walkway protection to be added to east side of bridge to prevent restaurant parking from blocking sidewalk.

New Business –

Proposed City Tree Task Force – SDCC is working with City Staff/Arborist to create a task force to discuss ways to help protect the City’s official tree (Live Oak) and maintain residential property rights.  Roadway encroachment lead to the planned removal of trees (200+ years old) at Shore Drive & Kleen St.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • June 9, 2015 Republican Party primary election for the Virginia Senate in the 8th district (East of Lesner Bridge). First use of new optical scanner voting machines

NEXT SDCC Meeting – Monday June 29th at 7:30pm