Residents have an opportunity to comment on potential plans for commercial development in the Shore Drive corridor. Proposed plans include mixed use development, pedestrian friendly connectivity, storm water prevention. If interested, please attend or submit comments at the links below

Public Meeting on Commercial Area Pattern Book and
Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit Set for June 30

​VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 17, 2022) —​ ​A public meeting for the community to provide input on concept drawings and illustrations for the Commercial Area Pattern Book and Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at the Planning and Community Development Office, 2875 Sabre St., Suite 500.

The Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development, in partnership with consultant Work Program Architects (WPA), introduced these projects to the public in February as “Community Revitalization Guidelines.” This two-part project evolved into the Commercial Area Pattern Book and Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit. WPA will present preliminary concepts based on the public input received in February and March for each project. Upon assessment and comment of the concept drawings and illustrations, drafts of both documents will be developed for further public review.

When completed, the Commercial Area Pattern Book will identify neighborhood compatibility strategies and develop design concepts based on community patterns, vision, and market trends within the strategic growth areas (SGA) and suburban areas of the city. The Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit will provide guidance, flood resiliency strategies and best practices for residents in the Bow Creek area, which could be adapted to other areas of the city.     

For more information about the project, contact Mark E. Shea, AICP at meshea@vbgov.com or visit www.VBgov.com/revitalization.

At the time of this post, no contact has been received from any Council Member, VBED, VBDA or City Staff.

Follow-up email sent May 24, 2022

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

I wanted to send this follow up email to confirm someone in the City is actively working on providing answers to the questions submitted last week.  To date, we haven’t received any reply to the request.  Excluding a blank email from Council Member Wilson, which I took to be a notification that she can’t discuss this issue due to her conflict of interest.

The community is aware that this 2^nd round of Pass-Through Bonds was approved on consent with a 7-0 vote (2 COI, 2 Not Present), however, answers to the questions would go a long way to clearing up confusion that may be present in the community on this subject.

I assume the VBED department would be the ones to answer and if so, maybe Mr. Adams can send me the point of contact.  I will be happy to follow up with them rather than reply via these large distribution emails.

Thank you for consideration and action,

Todd Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition President

Original email request sent May 17, 2022

From: Todd Solomon [mailto:todd@sdcc.info]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 1:20 PM
Subject: City Council Agenda – May 17, 2022 Item J(7) – Resolution to Approve $164mil Bond for WCCB
Importance: High

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

I am passing on some concerns and questions that have been raised by the Shore Drive community regarding today’s upcoming agenda item J(7) -Resolution to APPROVE the issuance of Residential Care Facility Revenue Bonds up to $164-Million re Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay.

We would greatly appreciate replies to the items below to help us better understand the details behind this resolution request. 

1. Will WCCB be exempt from property taxes or will they still be required to pay taxes during the bond period?  It is my understanding that with Industrial Revenue Bonds/Passive Activity Bonds (IRB/PAB), the City becomes the deed holder until the bond is paid off.  Bonds of this type usually exempt the developer from property taxes.  WCCCB has stated it needs no help with this project, waving property taxes would be considered help. 
2. What are the VBDA’s rates/structure and what are the fees associated with this bond issuance?  Most municipalities charge a fee or have a fee structure to manage these types of bonds.  Example, Alexandria VA charges 25 basis points per bond amount and Loudoun has a structure Bond Financing Fee Schedule – Loudoun County Economic Development, VA  
3. Doesn’t the City hold some risk albeit very small?  The City has stated that there is no risk to its bond rating for this request. If WCCB defaults on the bond payment and the bank covering the request isn’t able to sell the property or if the bank is no longer in existence, wouldn’t the City via the VBDA be next in line to cover the bond requirement? 
4. How can the VBDA/CC justify approving an additional $164mil bond pass through request for the Independent Living (IL) tower until several key issues are resolved? The previously approved $110mil bond issuance supported WCCB’s Memory Unit construction.  This current request supports the IL tower which is still in litigation at the State Supreme Court.  The designs for the tower also require the relocation of the existing beach access which needs a super majority Council approval.
5. Will the City/VBDA be asked to supply an additional bond for the remaining $140mil in the future?  The Fitch Bond Rating review below states that WCCB will need $400mil in debt service to complete the full campus expansion.  The previous $110mil approval plus this $164mil request still leaves $140mil.  https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-downgrades-westminster-canterbury-on-chesapeake-bay-va-rev-bonds-to-bb-outlook-stable-18-02-2022
6. Where can I obtain a copy of the Bond Application submitted for this request?

Thank you for taking the time to educate us on this somewhat confusing method of financing development projects.

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon Shore Drive Community Coalition President

Email sent May 25, 2022

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

I recently read on the City’s website that City facilities will light up blue in remembrance of the victims of the May 31, 2019 tragedy. 

“Love For VB” Around Town

• The Love For VB symbol is displayed in the “Love” sign at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center.
• The forget-me-not flower will again be painted at Mount Trashmore on the front façade of the hill below the City seal. Weather permitting, it is scheduled to be completed around mid-May.
• Remembrance flags, featuring the Love For VB forget-me-not flower, will be flown at more than 40 locations throughout the city.
• City facilities including Building 30, the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center will light up blue in remembrance, May 23-31.

However, I would argue that one of the City’s signature structures was left off the list, the Lesner Bridge.  The $100 million signature structure was designed to be a beacon of welcome to residents and visitors.  The LED lighting was one of the few upgrades added to put the “Signature” in signature bridge.  The first year after completion, the lights followed a well thought out schedule.  After this time, the schedule was scrapped and the lights were set to permanent blue/white scheme. 

Recently it took a City Council resolution to have the lights changed to a Blue/Yellow scheme in support of Ukraine.  So it is possible to have the lighting colors changed, although it doesn’t seem easy to get approval.

I would like to pass on two requests that have been mentioned by Shore Drive residents and hope you will be able to take action on both.

1. Can the Lesner Bridge lights be changed to all blue (matching the blue on City facilities) on May 31^st in remembrance of the victims of the May 31, 2019 tragedy?
2. Can the original lighting schedule be approved and reinstated for year round celebrations?  The first opportunity would be the Red/White/Blue scheme for Memorial Day, which I know may be too quick a turn around, so maybe July 4^th?

I have attached a link to the previous lighting schedule for information if needed.  What’s up with the fancy lighting on Lesner? Check out the plan. | #WeLoveShoreDrive

Thank you for consideration of this request.  I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition President

SDCC Meeting Dates for 2022 – Meeting starts at 7:30pm at the Ocean Park Rescue Squad Hall

Monday February 28th

Monday June 27th

Monday October 24th (a week early due to Halloween)

Due to the resurgence of COVID, we have decided to adjust the planned in-person meeting schedule for 2022. Our first in-person meeting is planned for Monday February 28th. The additional meetings for 2002 are set for a 4 month interval and will be scheduled for June 27th and October 24th. The meetings will still be held at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad and will start at 7:30pm. The new meeting schedule is in accordance with the approved By-Law amendment approved here. Emergency meetings will still be possible when need arises, so check the website periodically and sign up for the enewsletter.

SDCC future meeting schedule dates

The City of Virginia Beach discussed and voted to prohibit all future STRs in the City except for Oceanfront tourist zoning (ORD). Residential neighborhoods expressed opposition to unrestricted by-right usage of residential homes for daily STR rentals. The proposed Senate Bill created by Bill DeSteph recommends that localities have no authority over STRs and that they should be allowed in all areas per local zoning without restrictions. This appears to allow STRs to be created in all residential zoning with no restrictions. The SDCC opposed unrestricted STRs in the Bayfront for fear of impact to neighborhood living. Allowing unrestricted by-right usage of all residential homes for STR would in essences make the neighborhoods large hotels where tourists can rent homes on a daily basis with no oversight or limit. If you would like to comment on this proposed Senate Bill, please use the following link to express your concerns.

The following is the link to the proposed SB602 with the opportunity to comment.

https://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2022/sb602/

Here is a story from WAVY 10 regarding the SB602

Here is an article from the Virginian Pilot regarding the SB602

https://www.pilotonline.com/business/consumer/vp-nw-short-term-rental-bill-0126-20220125-qbk3q4snsvazdowbgkqs7efxpe-story.html

The City of Virginia Beach plans to dredge the Keeling Drain in April 2022. It is estimated that 60% of the material will NOT be beach quality sand. So that means about 1000 dump trucks worth of spoils will have to come through the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp transfer site. That equates to about 1 truck every 5 minutes for 10 working days (8 hour period). It is unknow if there are any planned restrictions for noise and traffic impacts for this industrial operation. It is worth paying attention to see how this operation works in case the City tries to use the LBR site for future neighborhood dredge transfer operation. Around the clock operation at the LBR is not a good idea. Stay tuned and voice your concerns as this project progresses.

VMRC Agenda Link – https://mrc.virginia.gov/Commission_Agendas/ca20220125.shtm

A. CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, #21-1817 Requests authorization to maintenance dredge (by mechanical means) approximately 32,500 cubic yards of State-owned submerged bottomlands from within the Keeling Drain portion of the Eastern Branch of the Lynnhaven River City Channel. Dredging will attempt to achieve maximum depths of minus eight (-8) feet at mean low water. Sandy dredged material will be offloaded at the City’s Lynnhaven Beach and Boat Ramp facility, located at 3576 Piedmont Circle along Crab Creek, and utilized for future beach nourishment projects. Offloaded dredged material that is not beach quality sand will be contained and transported to an approved upland disposal site.

Shore Drive will now fall under 3 Councilmembers, 1-Norfolk to Lesner Bridge, 2-Lesner Bridge to State Park, 3-State Park to Atlantic Ave.

City Launches Website to Help Residents Understand Redistricting Changes

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 25, 2022) – ​The City of Virginia Beach Communications Office has launched a new webpage designed to assist residents seeking information about changes to the local election system and redistricting. Available online at www.VBgov.com/vb10, the webpage features:

• A tool that allows residents to research in which of 10 new voting districts an address is located
• Answers to 10 frequently asked questions related to the impacts of redistricting
• An explanation of the redistricting process and why these changes are happening
• Access to more information about the court case on which the changes are based
• Contact information for questions that may not be addressed on the page
• A link for neighborhood association and civic organization leaders to provide contact information for future communications
• A video from the Jan. 11 City Council meeting in which City staff provide an overview of where the City is in the redistricting process and how these changes will impact voting

Additional material will be made available over the next several weeks to include community organization toolkits and updates to the FAQ section.

Residents with specific questions may email vb10@vbgov.com.

Click here for a printable version of the agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 27, 2021 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd

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

Special Presentation – None

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic

Vice President – Empsy Munden

President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-

• Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council approved in November 2020.  Update on lawsuit filed by adjacent homeowners.
• Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach.  This project was approved by City Council.  Residents filed suit against the City.  Update on lawsuit.
• Short Term Rental Overlay Districts – City Council voted to remove Cape Story by the Sea as an STR overlay.  Council voted to prohibit all future STRs from the city except for the Resort Tourist Area at the Oceanfront which will still allow approval of new STRs using the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process.

New Business –

Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 197 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project was opposed by the Bayfront Advisory Commission and the SDCC.  The project received approval from the Planning Commission and will now be heard by City Council for final approval.  Ocean Park Civic League is leading the opposition.  Updates on this project will be discussed.

City of VB Stormwater and Flood Protection Program Bond Referendum – The City is placing a bond referendum on this November’s ballot asking for approval to issues bonds to raise money to expedite projects that will help prevent and protect neighborhoods from stormwater and flooding problems.  The only planned in-person public information meeting is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 30^th at 6:00pm in Municipal Center Bldg. 19.

Next SDCC Meeting – TBD

Click here for a printable version of the agenda –

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

July 15, 2021, 3:30 pm

Ocean Park Rescue Squad, 3769 E. Stratford Rd.

.

CALL TO ORDER OF MEETING

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 6/17/2021

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

          Mark Shea

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon, Joe Bovee (volunteer)

Communications – Vacant

          Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Vacant

PRESENTATIONS

Housing Resource Center programs presentation – Erin Walker

Remote Participation policy – Kay Wilson

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Click here for printable version of agenda 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday May 24, 2021 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd

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

Special Presentation –

 Eastern Shore Drive Stormwater Improvements (CIP 7-151) – Mr. Brad Vanderwarker, City of Virginia Beach City Project Engineer, will update us on the progress of the stormwater upgrades east of the Lesner Bridge. 

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon

Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic

Vice President – Empsy Munden

President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Proposed Developments –

• Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council approved in November 2020. Residents pursued legal opposition and jury has heard and will pursue based on May 2021 presentation.
• Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – Approved by BAC, VBPC and VBCC. Additional 50 units will require a traffic study at intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.
• Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project was approved by City Council.
• Beach Building Group, Inc., 2332 Pleasure House Road, Conditional Change of Zoning from R-7.5 Residential to A-16 Apartment District. Opposed by BAC.  Reevaluation on May 20^th.
• Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 197 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project was opposed by the Bayfront Advisory Commission on April 15th.

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create a STR overlay district in Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association voted on Nov. 9^th to oppose any STR overlay district in its neighborhood.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. 19^th meeting on a STR position for the Bayfont.  The Planning Commission approved an alternative suggestion to allow an STR overlay in Cape Story.  City Council will follow the suggested approval schedule:

May 25 – City Council workshop to discuss regulations

June 1 – Public Hearing on STR ordinances

June 15 – City Council vote on STR Ordinances

New Business –

Future Operations of SDCC

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 28^th, 2021