Author Archives: Todd Solomon

SDCC’s Short Term Rental Overlay District Opposition Letter to City Council

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Click here for a printable version of the SDCC letter – SDCC STR Opposition Letter

Additional opposition to STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea:

Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association – CSBTS_BACLetter_STR_11192020signed

Bayfront Advisory Commission – BAC STR Overlay Opposition Email

SDCC Opposes STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea and Anywhere Along Shore Drive Corridor

December 31, 2020

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), a 20 year old organization made up of local civic groups representing residents in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach, formally requests that the Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay District, randomly created by Vice Mayor Wood, for the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood (East Shore Drive) be removed immediately from the proposed STR ordinance change.

Similar to the official opposition positions taken by the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association and the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the SDCC voted unanimously at its November 23rd meeting to “Oppose the creation of a STR Overlay District in the Cape Story by the Sea (East Shore Drive) neighborhood as well as any future STR Overlay Districts in the Shore Drive Corridor.”

The Shore Drive Corridor Plan states, “The Shore Drive area is first and foremost a residential community, comprised primarily of residential neighborhoods…It is envisioned that this predominance as a residential community should continue to form the backbone of land use for the area.”

The Shore Drive Corridor, the most densely populated section of the City, consists of small lots sizes of 5000 and 7500 square feet narrow streets that don’t allow for on-street parking.  These conditions result in area that is not appropriate for the uncontrolled proliferation of “by right” STR business zoning that will be created by the overlay district that is being proposed.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

 

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

 

Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop – Thursday Jan. 7, 2021 at 6:00pm

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The City’s Planning Department will be holding a virtual workshop regarding the newly proposed ordinance to create Short Term Rental Overlay districts that will allow “by right” operation of STRs for all homes located in an overlay.  Shore Drive East (Cape Story by the Sea Neighborhood) is one of the proposed overlays.  For more information and to register for the workshop, see links below.  SDCC has also asked for an additional workshop to be scheduled since the mailer identifying the December workshop didn’t arrive in time to support that event.

City website for information on Short Term Rentals – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/Pages/Short-Term-Rentals.aspx

 

STR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2021
6PM-7PM

The next scheduled Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop is January 7th, 2021.

TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE

PRESENTATION FROM CITY STAFF — PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

 

SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Crime Improvement – Mon Nov. 23rd at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.23.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday November 23, 2020 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 – 

Neighborhood Crime and Improvement Survey – Officer M.R. Torrance, Virginia Beach Police Department Third Precinct will update us on neighborhood crime issues and discuss a Neighborhood Improvement Survey his precinct is currently running.  He would also like to hear any additional concerns the residents may have and discuss ways to help.

 

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 and the City were officially served on Nov. 13th. They have 21 days to reply from that date.  The Go Fund Me campaign has raised $22k of the $30k goal.
  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.  This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.

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. 9th to oppose any STR overlay district in its neighborhood.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. 19th meeting on a STR position for the Bayfont.  SDCC will be discussing and voting on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront.

 

New Business –

City Council Policy for Public Outreach and Engagement – City Council is proposing a new policy for civic engagement for development applications.  Council voted to indefinitely defer the approval of this policy to allow time for adequate public engagement to be held and gather citizens input.  It was suggested the Bayfront/Shore Drive be a focus area for input.  Oh the irony…

  

Next SDCC Meeting – No meeting in December.  Happy Holidays

SDCC Monday Oct. 26th Membership Meeting Agenda 7:30pm at OPVRS Hall

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.26.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 26, 2020 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-
Proposed Developments –

  • Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council approved the expansion on Sept 22. Ocean Shore Condos filed a lawsuit vs City Council on October 20.  A Go Fund Me campaign has been created to help pay for legal fees.  To date, $15k has been raised of the $30k goal.  SDCC requested City Council to reconsider their approval, but no reply was received from them.
  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This application is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in November.  The Bayfront Advisory Commission did not support the request to remove the existing condition that limits density to 24 units/acre.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. The developer cancelled a presentation at the Oct. Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.

 New Business –

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed for Ocean Park and Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create STR overlay districts in Ocean Park and Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  At the City Council Oct 20 meeting, Ocean Park residents showed up in opposition and Councilman Jones removed the Ocean Park overlay from the ordinance.  Councilman Wood has left the Cape Story overlay in place as a challenge to the residents to oppose if they want his overlay removed.  If not, then 50% of Cape Story will be “By Right” STR.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. meeting on a position for the Bayfont on STR.  It is recommended that SDCC vote on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront and it’s proposed that all overlays be prohibited from the Bayfront.

November SDCC Meeting – Officers from the 3rd Precinct has asked to come to a November meeting to discuss a community policing plan for Ocean Park and other neighborhoods that are experiencing vandalism and break-ins.  They plan to do a survey of neighborhoods to gather input on issues.  SDCC is working with them to create and promote an online survey.

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Meeting Agenda for Thurs. Oct. 15th at 3:30pm. Councilman Jim Wood has been asked to speak on his Short Term Rental Overlay Ordinance

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Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 15th at 3:30pm at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

Councilman Jim Wood has been asked to speak on his

Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay Ordinance

Residents of Cape Story by the Sea and Ocean Park (locations of proposed overlay districts) may want to attend since this may be the only public discussion opportunity other than upcoming Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.
***UPDATE – Both Councilmen Wood and Jones have confirmed their attendance per BAC Chair email***
From: Phil Davenport, BAC Chair
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:43 AM
Subject: RE: Tomorrow’s BAC meeting
Both CC members, Jones and Wood, are planning to attend today’s BAC meeting. 
Also, because at least one of them needs to leave by 4:30, I will likely move the SRT issue to the first item.
Thank you.

 

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – BAC Agenda 10.15.20

SDCC asks City Council to Reconsider Vote on Westminster Canterbury High Rise High Density Development

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Official email sent to City Council asking for reconsideration of vote to approve Westminster Canterbury high rise high density expansion.  Click here for printable version Request to CC to Reconsider WC Vote

Supporting documents:

Failure to provide HUD affordable housing;

1998 acknowledgement of 165ft senior housing height limit

=========================================================================

Dear Mayor Dyer and Council Members Berlucchi, Wooten, Tower and Henley,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), as voted at our September 28, 2020 meeting, formally requests City Council at your October 6th meeting to reconsider the approval vote of the Westminster Canterbury (WC) application heard on September 22, 2020.

It is our understanding that Council has a 2 week period to reconsider votes made at formal Council hearings.  There are a multitude of reasons the vote for the WC application should be reconsidered, several of them are listed below.  It is our hope that at least two of you will agree to reconsider your erroneous decision.

Reasons why Council needs to reconsider the WC application vote of September 22nd:

  • Council Member Abbott should be allowed to vote. Abbott was unable to attend the vote due to a family emergency, but with only 8 members able to vote as a result of conflict of interests, allowing all qualified voting members a chance to participate is a necessity.  Decisions like the WC application that are based solely on Council’s opinions need to have all voting members participate.
  • Council Members Berlucchi and Wooten should explain their reasons for support. Since the approval of the WC expansion was based solely on Council opinion, all the members provided explanation for their votes except Council members Berlucchi and Wooten.  A decision that changes the future of the Bayfont demands that they explain why they ignored the community’s concerns and voted in favor of the project.
  • WC’s claim that a density of +255% over code is needed to eliminate the approaching silver tsunami is irrelevant. This high density development will not provide enough housing for all the seniors that will be part of the tsunami, nor is it this project’s responsibility to do so.  A larger City approach should be taken.  One that requires all development to stay within the codes, plans and guidelines.  In fact there are over 1000 new units being built or planned within a 5 mile radius of WC.  New Millineium Senior Living – 250 units; Burton Station Senior Housing – 40 units; Overture Senior Apts – 150 apts; The Pearl – 260 apts; Marlin Bay – 230 apts; Marina Shores expansion – 60 apts;  Reducing the number of units for the WC expansion to be equal to the current campus density won’t adversely impact the senior housing market.  If the supply is there, the developers will come.
  • There are zero affordable housing units in this expansion. The Senior Housing Design Guideline allows density increases above code only for HUD defined affordable senior housing.  This type of allowance is common practice and shows up in California State laws as +20% for senior housing and even Alexandria Virginia as a +30% increase.  The City’s Senior Housing Advisory Committee identified the lack of affordable HUD housing in this project and requested WC to supply documentation as to how they are meeting this requirement.  None has been produced.  Allowing increased density because a business plan needs it to maximize profit is not allowed.
  • Maximizing tax collection is not a valid application review parameter. There is no requirement in the City codes, plans or guidelines that says tax revenue is more important than maintaining the character of a neighborhood.  A smaller scale project allows the characteristics of the area to be maintained and also allow an increase in taxes over what is being collected now.
  • Ignoring City codes, plans and guidelines will set precedent for future development in the Bayfront area. For the past 20 years, it has been the general opinion of the community that the development along Shore Drive has been too boxy and dense, but the residents have understood the overlay requirements and made sure projects didn’t violate them.  The WC project you approved ignores the height restriction of 165ft that was adhered to for the 2nd WC building.  The density of the 22 story tower site is 255% over the 24/units per acre code.  The Senior Housing Guidelines require the site to be a minimum of 3 acres, yet it is only 2.56.  The guidelines also require the project to have a mass and scale that doesn’t adversely impact the surrounding community’s character.  Approving a project that ignores all of these requirements will provide the legal precedent for all future developers to ignore codes and ask for approval based on conditional use similar to this one.

The City’s lack of civic engagement for a project of this magnitude and impact is appalling.  The Bayfront residents pride themselves on civil discourse and the ability to work with the City to find compromising solutions.  The fact that we were never given the chance to discuss our concerns is not acceptable.  All of you ran election campaigns that championed improved civic engagement for the citizens.  We demand that you take the opportunity at your October 6th meeting and reconsider your vote of September 22nd.  Denying the proposed WC development will allow the necessary City facilitated civic dialogue to take place needed to make an informed decision of this importance.  A smaller less dense development would be an acceptable compromise that will keep future development of the Bayfront in accordance with codes, plans and guidelines and also allow WC residents to enjoy their new amenities and City Council to enjoy an increase in tax revenue. Keeping the approval of the high rise high density project will lead to a Bayfront that resembles Town Center and result in the loss of our neighborhood character which is the main reason we all love this area.

 

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition President

 

 

Oct. 6th City Council Hearing – City Marina Lease of 24 Parking Spots to Chick’s

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PUBLIC HEARING
USE OF CITY PROPERTY

The Virginia Beach City Council will hold a PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed leasing of City-owned property on October 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall (Building #1) at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia. The purpose of this hearing will be to obtain public comment on the use of the following City-owned property:

24 Parking Spaces at the Lynnhaven Municipal Marina located at 3211 Lynnhaven Drive (GPIN: 1489-98-2246) to Chicks Marina Properties, LLC (a/k/a Chick’s Oyster Bar)
If you are physically disabled or visually impaired and need assistance at this meeting, please call the City Clerk’s Office at 385-4303; Hearing impaired call 711.

Any questions concerning this matter should be directed to the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation, 2154 Landstown Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757) 385-1100.
_______________________________
Amanda Barnes, MMC
City Clerk
Beacon: September 27, 2020

 

 

September 22nd Update – Per the notice above, a new Public Hearing for the potential lease of parking spaces at Lynnhaven Municipal Marina has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th, at 6:00 pm.  The Terms of the potential lease have changed slightly – the parking lease consideration remains at 24 parking spaces at the north end of the Marina, however per the image above, the 11 parking spaces located closest to the slips could not be utilized by Chick’s until after 4:00 pm daily.  Other potential Lease Terms remain the same – additional info in previous emails below.

 Please let me know if anyone has additional questions.

Thanks,

Rick Rowe

Park Events, Programs, and

Special Use Facilities Coordinator

 

SUMMARY OF TERMS

CITY: City of Virginia Beach (the “City”)
USER: Chick’s Marina Properties, L.L.C. (a/k/a Chick’s Oyster Bar)
PROPERTY: 24 Parking Spaces Located at the Lynnhaven Municipal Marina (in the locations as shown on Exhibit A)
TERM: April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, with the option to renew for (4) additional six-month terms
The Use Agreement will only be effective for the months of April through September of each year, with the User having the option to expand the use on a month-to-month basis, on written request and mutual consent.
USE FEE: $50.00 per space, per month
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF USER:
• Parking spaces to be used for vehicle parking for User’s employees (only)
and for no other purpose
• Use of the spaces to be non-exclusive and subject to availability
• 13 spaces may be used anytime through the day and 11 spaces may be used daily after 4:00 p.m. only.
• Provide a certificate of insurance, naming the City as additional insured, with combined single limit coverage in the amount of $1,000,000.
• Indemnify and hold the City harmless from of all claims related to the Property.
• Comply with all federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and regulations.
• Keep the Property free of all trash and debris.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY:
• City will be responsible for normal and routine maintenance of the paved area of the Property.
TERMINATION:
• City may terminate upon giving seven (7) days’ written notice to User in the event of default of the terms of the agreement or if the property is needed for any public purpose.
• User may terminate for any reason upon giving seven (7) days’ written notice to the City

 

 

Here is an additional letter that was sent to all the boat slip owners.

Dear Marina Slipholder,

As a current Slipholder at Lynnhaven Municipal Marina, I wanted to make you aware of a consideration to potentially lease Chick’s Oyster Bar 24 car parking spaces at the north end of the Marina.  After we recently completed the replacement of the collapsed bulkhead area behind the west mooring area at the Marina, Chick’s formally requested to lease parking spaces for their employees on an annual basis.  If approved, the City would be paid a monthly fee per space for the 24 parking spaces as part of the lease.  Additionally, the use and lease would be subject to terms and conditions, and would be renewed on an annual basis for a period not to exceed five total years, should all terms and conditions continue to be met.

Attached for your information is the Exhibit Area at the north end of the Marina where the leased parking spaces are located, along with the Notice of Public Hearing scheduled for July 14th.  The tentative plan would be for City Council to vote on the parking space lease on July 21st and if approved, execute the lease with Chick’s in August 2020.

We are also notifying the adjacent Condo and Civic Associations.  Please let me or Mike Parkman know if you have any questions.

Thanks, Rick Rowe

Parks Coordinator, City of Virginia Beach

Sent of Rick’s behalf

Mary Overstreet

Park Events, Programs, and Special Use

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

 

Park Events, Programs, and Special Use | 2154 Landstown Road | Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

Phone 757-385-8235 | Fax 757-416-6747 | moverstr@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/parks

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday September 28th at 7:30pm at OPVRS Hall

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 9.28.20 SDCC Agenda

This will be a socially distanced and mask wearing meeting.  It’s been 7 months since our last in person meeting, thank you for your patience and we hope to all of your wonderful faces (at least eyes) again.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 28, 2020 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 – Update and discussion of City Council vote to approve on Tuesday Sept 22nd.  What are possible next steps?  Can anything be done have Council reconsider the vote?  Can the Condo Owners and Residents take the City to court and have the decision changed?

Sand Replenishment of Bayfront Beaches – On Sept 22nd City Coastal Engineers briefed Council on a plan to use dredged material from the Thimble Shoals Channel Deepening project.  This would delay the scheduled Ocean Park replenishment until November 2021, but will save the City money and allow for all Bayfront Beaches to be replenished at the same time.

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed for Ocean Park and Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood have asked for an ordinance change to create STR overlay districts which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  The goal is to reduce the number of STRs Council has to review via the Conditional Use Permit process.

Leasing of Lynnhaven Municipal Marina for Commercial Use – A Public Hearing for the potential lease of parking spaces at Lynnhaven Municipal Marina has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th, at 6:00 pm.  The Terms of the potential lease include – 24 parking spaces at the north end of the Marina and 11 parking spaces located closest to the slips that could not be utilized by Chick’s until after 4:00 pm daily.

“Your Speed” Sign – A sign was installed in the median of Shore Drive just to the east of the intersection of Shore Drive and Kendall Street for cars coming out of the State Park heading west.

New Business –

Proposed Developments –

  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartments tennis courts are currently located. This application is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in November
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. The developer will present to the Bayfront Advisory Committee on Thursday Oct. 15th.

SDCC Donation to Ocean Shores Condo Legal Fee Fundraiser –  We will have a discussion and vote to make a donation from the SDCC Legal Fees/Special Account to help support work in the opposition of WC high rise high density expansion.

 

City Council Votes 5-2 to Support Westminster-Canterbury’s 22 Story High Rise High Density Application

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The Shore Drive Community Coalition would like to thank Council Member John Moss and Council Member Aaron Rouse for their leadership and understanding of the community’s concerns.  They made their decisions based on citizens input, adverse impact to neighborhoods and violations of existing codes, plans and guidelines.  They didn’t let the allure of tax dollars and promises to solve the perceived problem of the approaching silver tsunami of retires influence their opinions.  Please remember to thank them for their efforts.

The SDCC would like to thank all the members of the community for their emails, phone calls, letters and for speaking in opposition at hearings.  Your dedication and efforts spent the past 10 months fighting this precedent setting project were truly heroic.  As we see now, the lack of City civic engagement wasn’t by accident.  With more civic engagement, it would have been harder for those that voted in favor to justify their support of a high rise high density project.

The following table shows how each Council Member voted on the application.  This information may be helpful for future dealings with City Council.

Red – Voted in favor of the application (Dyer, Wooten, Berlucchi*, Henley, Tower**); Green – Voted against the application (Moss, Rouse); Yellow – Conflict of Interest (Wilson, Wood, Jones); White – Absent from Vote (Abbott)

*-Made motion to approve, **-2nd motion

 

A Call a Day Keeps the High Rise Away – Call City Council Campaign to Deny Proposed Westminster Canterbury 22 Story High Rise Development

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Dear Shore Drive/Bayfront Residents,

It’s been 9 months since the community first learned of Westminster Canterbury’s plans to build the monstrous 22 story, 217 unit precedence setting high rise structure in the Bayfront neighborhood.  Next week, on Tuesday September 22nd at 6:00pm, City Council will hold the final hearing and vote on this application.  Mountains of information has been obtained by SDCC and the adjacent impacted residents.  This data be reviewed here https://weloveshoredrive.com/category/wccb/

Suffice to say, it can all come down to the votes of 7 Council Members.  With 3 of the 11 members recusing themselves due to Conflict of Interests, the remaining 8 would require a 5 to 3 vote in favor to approve the application.  A 4 to 4 tie vote fails.  So the goal to stop this proposed plan is to get 4 “NO” votes from the remaining 8 members.  One member, Mr. John Moss, has gone on public record as voting “NO”, so that leaves 7 members and the need to gain 3 “NO” votes.

With 7 days remaining until the hearing, we are asking all Bayfront Residents to call a different Council Member each day and ask them to vote “NO” to this proposed application.  Seven days and seven Council Members, pretty easy.  The list of Council Members and their contact information is provided below.

It’s pretty simple, just ask the Council Members highlighted in YELLOW below (in person if they answer or on their voicemail) to vote “NO” to the proposed WC High Rise.  Tell them the development doesn’t comply with any of the CIty’s codes, plans or guidelines and ask them to facilitate a civic discussion with the residents, developer and City Staff that can work towards a smaller and less dense compromise that isn’t precedent setting.

Here is the list of Council Members and their phone numbers.  If you don’t feel comfortable calling them, please send them an email.  You can send the entire City Council an email by using the following address, CityCouncil@vbgov.com

Ocean Shores Condominium Board Fundraising for Legal Fees to Oppose Westminster Canterbury Proposed Expansion

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The following letter is from the Ocean Shores Condominium Board requesting support to help cover costs for legal fees to help them oppose the current proposed 22 story tall expansion of Westminster Canterbury.  Ocean Shores Condos are located directly to the east of the proposed high rise and will be impacted the most by the massive structure.  If you believe the proposed iconic landmark hire rise is not in keeping with the neighborhood character of the Bayfront area, Please help by donating and/or forwarding this post to others.

Ocean Shores Condo Legal Fees Fundraiser Letter

 

Dear Shore Drive Community members:

We are writing you concerning the expansion of Westminster Canterbury.  Most of you have gone to meetings opposing the expansion of Westminster Canterbury, or have expressed personal interest against the expansion as it stands now.

This letter/email is from The Ocean Shore Condominiums.  We are a 63 unit condo directly to the east of Westminster Canterbury on Ocean Shore Avenue.

The board of Ocean Shore Condominium, has been fighting to mitigate some of the most egregious design plans of Westminster Canterbury’s expansion since the details were presented to Ocean Shore Condominium owners December 17, 2019, by WC management; the expansion plan was presented as final.   We have attended many meetings, written numerous letters to the planning commission, and made presentations to that commission March 11, 2020.  Now we are actively in contact with the City Council and are prepared to attend their meeting on September 22, 2020, in order to voice our concerns.  Beginning with the Dec. 17, 2019, presentation, Ocean Shore hired an attorney and an architect to help represent us and the community through this entire process.  Many of us have attended meetings with the attorney, and she helped voice our opposition in front of the planning commission.  In addition, she will be making a case against aspects of the expansion plan at the City Council Meeting.

To date, we have spent over $19,500 on legal fees and another $6,000 for the advice and representation we have gotten from our architect.  We have more costs coming as our attorney and architect will be representing all of us at the City Council Meeting upcoming on September 22, 2020.  We are trying to protect the housing values and the wonderful lifestyle of the entire Shore Drive Area and therefore we are all in this together.

We are asking you to help support us financially.  Please consider contributing to our bills in the quest to get Westminster Canterbury to change their expansion.  If you are an individual and can afford $10, $25, $100, or any other amount we would appreciate your help.  If you represent an association or a civic league and you have the same passion as Ocean Shore to continue this fight, then we ask you to financially support us as a community with as much as you deem appropriate.  Ocean Shore Condo is fighting for the entire Shore Drive Area.  We need your financial help and cannot continue to fight without your help.

 

To contribute, please write a check made out to Ocean Shore Condominium and forward it to the address below:

Ocean Shore Condominium

Attn: Jay Frieden, Treasurer

2416 Ocean Shore Crescent #401

Virginia Beach, Va. 23451

 

Whether you contribute financially or not we still need your support.  Please keep contacting the City Council, your Congressional representative and the Governor to keep the pressure on our City Council.  We want to protect everyone in The Shore Drive Area.

Very Truly Yours,

Ocean Shore Condo Board

City’s Community Rating System (CRS) Continues to Save Citizens 15% on Flood Insurance

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The City’s Community Rating System Coordinator, Ms. Whitney McNamara, recently sent the above letter to all homeowners living in flood prone areas of our City.  The CRS is a national program and almost all of the cities in Hampton Roads are participants.  One of the requirements of the program is civic engagement.  The outreach letter contains a lot of helpful information, so please read it and its reference documents if you live in a flood prone area.  Being part of the CRS program also brings along benefits for citizens in the form of reduced flood insurance premiums.  The % saving is based on a points scale based on what actions the City is implementing.  Virginia Beach is currently at a 15% savings rating and is continuously working towards improvement and more savings.  You can click on the link below or the image above to read the entire letter.

2020-PLN-CRSOutreachToResidents-LTR

City Council Plans to Reschedule Hearing of Westminster Canterbury Proposed Expansion to Tuesday Sept. 22nd

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Tuesday September 22nd will be the new scheduled date for City Council to hear Westminster Canterbury’s proposed expansion application.

***PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF HEARING DATE***

City Council at their Tuesday briefing agreed to move ahead with a motion to defer the upcoming August 25th advertised hearing of the WC application to the new hearing date of Tuesday September 22nd.  The September 22nd City Council hearing will still take place at Convention Center at 6:00pm.

The following is an official email from Mr. Mark Stiles, City Attorney, confirming the decision of Council to defer and reschedule.

From: Mark Stiles
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 3:18 PM
To: Todd Solomon
Cc: William R. Landfair
Subject: Re: Westminster Canterbury Hearing Deferral Documentation

Mr. Solomon,

Yesterday the Council agreed to defer the Westminster item to a special meeting on September 22.  A formal vote to that effect will occur next Tuesday and the published agenda for next week will show that it is on for deferral to that date.

Best wishes,

Mark Stiles

 

The main reason for the requested change in hearing date was to allow this item to be the only Planning Item on the agenda which will create a more manageable meeting.  The August 25th agenda contains 28 Planning Items and is scheduled to be a joint City Council and Planning Commission hearing which potentially doubles the time for each item to be heard.  A brief excerpt from the City Manager’s letter to City Council is shown below explaining this in more detail.  The entire letter can be read by clicking below

CM letter to CC re Deferral of WC to 9.22

City of VB installs new Your Speed Radar Sign on Shore Drive

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The City of Virginia Beach listened to the community and has installed a “Your Speed” radar sign on Shore Drive to help slow motorists coming out of First Landing State Park.  The sign is located in the median just as you exit the State Park and enter the Cape Story by the Sea Neighborhood.  The sign is solar operated and permanently mounted.  It shows speeds up to 45mph.  Anything over, it will post a “Slow Down” warning.  This is a big step toward the community request to have several of these types of signs that are portable and can be set up and moved in a random pattern to keep focus on speeding issues.

 

Westminster Canterbury Expansion Update – City Council Member Status

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As you all know, the City Council hearing for the proposed Westminster Canterbury expansion is now scheduled to take place on Tuesday August 25th.  The following is a brief update on what City Council Members positions/interest is to date.

3 Council Members have recused themselves from discussing, commenting and voting on this application due to conflict of interests.  Those members are Jim Wood – Lynnhaven District; Louis Jones – Bayside District and Rosemary Wilson – At-large.

Out of the remaining 8 Council Members, 7 have yet to meet with residents or attend a civic meeting where this expansion was discussed or presented.

1 Council Member, Mr. John Moss, has publicly made the decision to oppose the expansion.  His Facebook post is shown below.

 

City Council Still Plans to Hear Westminster-Canterbury Expansion on Aug. 4th – Community Input Needed

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On Tuesday City Council decided to move ahead with the scheduled Aug 4th hearing of the Westminster-Canterbury proposed expansion plans.  The hearing will take place in the Convention Center and start at 6:00pm.  We have been told this site will allow adequate social distancing even with the recent reduction of allowable group sizes from 250 to 50.  You can also participate virtually if you are in a high risk category.

The Shore Drive Community Coalition is asking the residents of the Bayfront Community to provide City Council with your opinions on this proposed development.  This is a once in a lifetime decision that can cause adverse ripples for many years to come.  Here are several ways you can let your voices be heard.

 

  • Sign up to speak (in-person or virtual) at the Tuesday Aug 4th hearing.  Call the City Clerk at 385-4303 or email her at ABarnes@vbgov.com and inform her you wish to talk on the Westminster-Canterbury item.

 

  • Send an email to City Council and the Staff Planner.  It can be a short few sentences of what you think about this project or it can be several paragraphs of stories or analysis.  Any email is welcomed.  Send your emails to the following:  City Council – CityCouncil@vbgov.com and City Planner Bill Landfair – WLandfair@vbgov.com

 

For reference, the official letter of opposition from SDCC to City Council is included below.  Feel free to copy and paste information from this letter into your emails if you need.  City Council Deny Request Letter for WC22

 

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), we formally request that City Council “DENY” the subject request from Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (WCCB) for a modification of conditions to build a 4 story parking garage with 22 story tower senior living facility and a 7 story memory unit facility connected by enclosed elevated pedestrian bridges over public roadways.

The SDCC is a 20 year old umbrella civic organization representing many neighborhood civic leagues, condo and homeowner associations along the Shore Drive corridor.  At our February general meeting, we unanimously voted on the following motion regarding the current proposed WCCB development,

“The Shore Drive Community Coalition opposes the Westminster Canterbury expansion proposal as it is in violation of the Shore Drive Overlay density restrictions and the Business 901 height restrictions”

The proposed project defined as “Housing for seniors” violates the following City codes and plans.

  • Shore Drive Corridor Overlay Section 1704- Density requirements of maximum 24 units per acre. The proposed 22 story tower lot size is 2.56 acres.
Density Design Units/acre % over code Total Units
Shore Drive Overlay (24/acre) 24 0% 61
Other States Codes for Affordable Housing 28 +20% 73
Existing Westminster Canterbury Campus Density 50 +40% 86
Proposed 22 Story Tower 85 +255% 217

 

  • Business District Section 901(a) – Senior housing building height restriction of 165 feet. The 22 story tower has a height of 250 feet.  This City code requirement appears to have been created to allow safe evacuation of elderly residents in case of emergency.

 

The SDCC understands that Council will be using “City Code Section 235 – Housing for seniors and disabled persons” to approve random densities for these types of projects, however, this code also requires Council to evaluate the project with the following guideline.

The mass, or overall size, and height of the structure should be appropriate to the surroundings.

Based on numbers alone, it seems the proposed 22 story tower fails on height and mass.

The SDCC is also concerned that this project will set a harmful precedent for future development requests of high density taller tower structures in Business B2 and B4 zoning that would be incompatible with the surrounding residential and lower density multi-family dwellings that make the Shore Drive Corridor unique.

 

Thank you for your consideration in denying the subject application,

Todd Solomon – SDCC President

City Council Hearing for Westminster Canterbury Proposed Expansion Officially Set for Aug 4th at the Convention Center

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City Council’s official agenda notice for their Aug 4th Council Meeting has Westminster Canterbury’s proposed expansion listed as Agenda Item #1.

Please note that the hearing has been moved due to the large attendance expected and will be held at the City’s Convention Center.  The meeting start time is still 6pm and seating will arranged to allow adequate social distancing for all those that wish to attend in person.  Make sure to arrive early since this is the first item on the agenda.

The hearing will also be held virtually, so you can still sign up to speak using a computer or smart phone.  Follow the instructions listed at the bottom of the notice.

 

 

Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting – Thursday July 16th at 3:30pm at OPVRS

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The following notice was received from City Staff identifying the upcoming BAC general meeting on Thursday July 16th at 3:30pm.  The meeting location will be the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad meeting hall.  If you are unable to attend due to Covid-19 concerns, please note that the OPCL is offering a opportunity to view the Live Stream of the meeting.  If you are interested in that option, please contact Mark Shea at the email address below.

Here is the proposed agenda for the BAC meeting – 20200716PLN_BAC

 

 

Bayfront Civic leaders,

Hope everything is going well with each of you during these stressful times.  I wanted to give you, as regular attendees, a heads up that BAC will be meeting on 7/16/20 for the first time since February.  Due to social distancing requirements, the meeting has been moved to the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Building, at 3769 E. Stratford Drive.  Despite this switch to a larger meeting room, there will still be very limited capacity (we will also be asking that everyone wear a mask).

The developers of Marlin Bay Apts. will be giving a short presentation to BAC.  The Ocean Park Civic League has graciously offered to provide a one way live stream of the meeting so that many interested individuals can see and hear the presentation and discussion by BAC from their homes. If you are unable to get there early enough for entrance or feel uncomfortable attending, please send us an email with any issues you would like to bring to BAC’s attention.  Due to the pandemic, the Outreach ’20 and Strategic Planning sessions have been delayed indefinitely.   If you are interested in the streaming, I will provide your name to the Ocean Park representative so they can send you the link.

Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Mark E. Shea, AICP

Comprehensive Planning Coordinator

City of Virginia Beach

Department of Planning and Community Development

Meshea@vbov.com

757-385-2908

 

 

City Council Hearing for Proposed Westminster Canterbury 22 Story Iconic Landmark Set for Tuesday Aug. 4th

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A date for City Council to hold the public hearing for the proposed development of a 22 story assisted living facility and a 7 story memory building has been set for Tuesday August 4th.  The location of the hearing will be the City Council Chambers or the Convention Center based on the Covid-19 requirements at that time.  We will provide updates as we get them.  Below is the email confirming the date has been set.

 

SDCC Residents Survey Results for proposed WCCB development – https://weloveshoredrive.com/2020/03/11/wccb-survey-summary-results/

VB Planning Commission Hearing March 11th Video link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h75pz3iVqgQ

VB Planning Commission Staff Report and additional background information – https://weloveshoredrive.com/2020/03/06/while-it-is-the-most-densely-populated-area-of-the-city-it-is-primarily-a-neighborhood-residential-area-the-general-planning-goals-and-policies-in-the-comprehensive-plan-include-preserving-and-pro/

 

 

Subject: RE: WC CUP Sign – Hearing Date Confirmation

 

Hello Todd,

Yes, the Westminster Canterbury application is scheduled for City Council review on August 4th.  According to the City Clerk’s Office no decision has been made at this time as to whether the hearing will be held in the Council Chamber or at the Convention Center.  While currently both in-person and virtual speakers are allowed, that decision may also be reassessed in the very near future.

Thank you.

Bill

 

 

Tuesday July 14th City Council Hearing – City Marina to Lease 24 Parking Spots to Chick’s

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Click here to see a map of the proposed parking spots to be leased. LMM Parking Exhibit – July 2020

 

Dear Marina Slipholder,

As a current Slipholder at Lynnhaven Municipal Marina, I wanted to make you aware of a consideration to potentially lease Chick’s Oyster Bar 24 car parking spaces at the north end of the Marina.  After we recently completed the replacement of the collapsed bulkhead area behind the west mooring area at the Marina, Chick’s formally requested to lease parking spaces for their employees on an annual basis.  If approved, the City would be paid a monthly fee per space for the 24 parking spaces as part of the lease.  Additionally, the use and lease would be subject to terms and conditions, and would be renewed on an annual basis for a period not to exceed five total years, should all terms and conditions continue to be met.

Attached for your information is the Exhibit Area at the north end of the Marina where the leased parking spaces are located, along with the Notice of Public Hearing scheduled for July 14th.  The tentative plan would be for City Council to vote on the parking space lease on July 21st and if approved, execute the lease with Chick’s in August 2020.

We are also notifying the adjacent Condo and Civic Associations.  Please let me or Mike Parkman know if you have any questions.

 

Thanks, Rick Rowe

Parks Coordinator, City of Virginia Beach

 

 

Sent of Rick’s behalf

Mary Overstreet

Park Events, Programs, and Special Use

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

 

Park Events, Programs, and Special Use | 2154 Landstown Road | Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

Phone 757-385-8235 | Fax 757-416-6747 | moverstr@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/parks