Dear Candidates,

I’d like to thank all of you once again for attending the Bayfront Candidate forum held last week.  I have heard nothing but good reviews from those that attended.  We appreciated your professionalism and adherence to the forum rules.  Unfortunately with such a large cadre of candidates and a limited amount of time, we were only able to address 9 of the 15 questions that were submitted by residents.

As I mentioned on your forum handouts, we are providing the opportunity and would encourage you to submit written responses to all or as many of the 15 questions on the attached list.  The first 9 are the ones you answered the night of the forum.  You can repeat the answers you gave at the forum or elaborate on them as part of your written response.  All of your responses will be posted at http://www.sdcc.info and will be helpful to the community in understanding your viewpoints.

You are also welcome to submit your website address if you have one.  We will include this with the posting of your written responses.

All responses need to be submitted by October 26th to allow posting and time for the community to view the responses.  Comments will be posted as they are submitted and no comments will be accepted after the October 26th deadline.

Send written comments to todd@sdcc.info

The questions have been included below and as an attachment.  Let me know if you need them in a different format.

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition – President
Visit http://www.sdcc.info for additional information regarding the Bayfront area.

Candidate Questions

1.    If elected, during your term you will have to make a decision regarding how the Lynnhaven River will be dredged.  As part of this project, do you support the use of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility as a PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL DREDGE TRANSFER STATION for dredging needs outside the immediate area of the Lynnhaven Inlet or do you support using several transfer stations located in the areas receiving the most benefit from each dredging project?  Please explain?

2.    One of the last remaining parcels of open space in the most densely populated section of Virginia Beach is a 69 acre property along Shore Drive known as Pleasure House Point (Indigo Dunes), what future for this property would you support and why?

a)    The Sandler’s current “Indigo Dunes” project of 1,069 homes.

b)    Acquisition of the property for open space as recommended in the City’s Outdoors Plan.

c)    Some other alternative.

3.    Bayfront beaches both east and west of the Lynnhaven Inlet are in desperate need of sand replenishment.  Sand from upcoming 2009/2010 Lynnhaven Inlet dredging can be used for this purpose.  Will you support the necessary funding, litigation and policy changes required to make this replenishment happen?

4.    It is well documented that Shore Drive is one of the deadliest corridors in Virginia.  Ninety lives have been lost over the past 30 years.  In an effort to stop these unnecessary tragedies, the SDCC, BAC and City created a safety task force.  Task force recommendations are being implemented as part of 4 Shore Drive improvement projects.  2 of these projects are fully funded.  If elected, would you support fully funding the remaining 2 projects so they are completed in less than 4 years?

5.    The Bayfront area is the most densely (residents/acre) populated in the city.  Much of this uncontrolled growth is a direct result of rezoning to increase densities.  If elected, will you support or oppose rezoning requests in the Shore Drive area that allow densities greater than those currently allowed?  Examples (R-10 to A-24, B-2 to B-4 Multi-family)

6.    Given the facts that Shore Drive is one of 3 major East-West corridors and that the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization has a long range transportation plan showing the need for a 6 lane Shore Drive from North Hampton to Great Neck Road, would you support and help implement any community effort to eliminate this possibility and keep Shore Drive 4 lanes?

7.    Lynnhaven River NOW has been making heroic advances in cleaning up the Lynnhaven River.  If elected, what would you do to keep this effort going?

8.    Another major problem experienced by the community is the City’s lack of public involvement and public participation on all City and Private projects.  The City seems to only do the bare minimum required by law regarding notices, meetings and public discussion.  Do you feel public involvement and participation need to be improved and if so, what would you do to make this happen?

9.    The City has been recognized and won awards for its attention to open space and parks.  With the Open Space Acquisition Fund drying up and no apparent planned replacement funding stream, should a new money stream be identified and if so, what would that be?  If not, why?

10.  How specifically are you going to address the local impact resulting from the coming drastic state/federal budget cutbacks?

11.  Like much of the City, the Shore Drive area is beginning to see the signs of gang activity in our neighborhoods.  Could you please comment on the extent of the expanding gang problem in VB and what the city is/should be doing to diminish it?

12.  Currently the City tax breakdown percentage is 87% Resident and 13% Business.  It has always been the goal of the City and residents to shift this percentage to a 70/30 ratio and help lessen the burden on the residents.  If elected, what would you do to make this happen?

13.  Do you support the extension of Light Rail along the abandoned Norfolk Southern right of way (ROW)?  Please explain why or why not.

14.  Our city is rich with history; some examples include the First Landing, several colonial period houses and various other sites.  If elected, what would be your commitment to historic preservation in the city?

15.  Given the most recent U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Hurricane Evacuation Study (March 08), how would you provide for the timely evacuation of Shore Dr. and North Beach areas if residential building and population densities are further increased with Indigo Dunes and other proposed properties?

Printable version of questions:
2008 Forum Questions [1pg PDF]

Subject: Volunteers needed for Fall Fest 2008
Dear Volunteers,

It is that time of year again to have the Fall Fest at First Landing State Park.

It will be on Saturday, Oct.18th from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm
20 volunteers are needed to help with the event this year
2 volunteers are needed for the Bon Fire from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.
Please see attachment.

Last year we had a great turn out and everyone had a fun time. This year we hope to make it even better.  But we need your help to do this!

If you can volunteer, please let me know. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 412-2308.

Thank you for all you do for the park!

Pam Kern
Volunteer Coordinator
First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park’s Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 18th from 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Check out NoIndigoDunes.com.

Thanks to Pat for the info:
To give individuals a “green” way to dispose of their computer equipment, The Arc of the Virginia Peninsula, TOMAR Computer Integration, and ECPI’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter have joined together to host a Computer Recycling Drive on Saturday, October 18th. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., individuals can bring their used or unwanted computer equipment to TOMAR’s facility at 5241 Cleveland Street in Virginia Beach. For a $5 disposal fee, volunteers will collect old computer components, including towers, laptops, monitors, mice and power cables.
Check out flyer.[1pg PDF]

Update from Regulator:
I just got a revision to the agenda which shows that Indigo Dunes will not be heard before 1:00pm on Oct. 16th.  I wanted to let you know so folks who may be traveling up would not have to get there any earlier than needed.  I don’t know what time after 1:00pm that Indigo Dunes will be heard, but there is still a possibility that it may roll to the next day.  I will keep you posted as soon as I hear anything new.

Sheri Kattan

Team Leader/Project Manager

Barry’s email to Todd:

Todd Solomon, Shore Drive Community Coalition
September 30, 2008

Todd, 

Thank you for including me in the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) meeting last night, September 29, 2008 to provide an update on the Lynnhaven Marina.
As you requested, I have attached the handout I provided at the meeting.  In addition, a summary of the discussion and actions related to the Lynnhaven Marina are listed below.

§  Requests for Change of Zoning Classification and Conditional Use Permit for the Lynnhaven Marina, 3211 Lynnhaven Drive have been deferred indefinitely.

§  We discussed the proffers of the requests as proposed (see attached handout provided).

§  A deferred item can be brought back to the Planning Commission with appropriate notification, communication and signs as required.  I advised the SDCC if the City were to bring the item back to the Planning Commission we will provide advance notification to the SDCC, adjacent property owners, and the community residents.

§  There is no current approval for or actions related to a lease of a portion of the property for off-site parking use.

§  The Lynnhaven Marina slip rental rate has been raised effective 7/1/08.  Financial information for FY 2007-2008 was provided at the meeting (see handout attached).

§  The SDCC members attending last nights meeting were strongly opposed to the Change of Zoning and Conditional Use Requests; and use or lease of property for off-site parking.

§  Following the briefing, SDCC unanimously approved a motion requesting the Change of Zoning and Conditional Use Requests for the Lynnhaven Marina be officially “Withdrawn” by the City of Virginia Beach.  This action, if take by the City would effectively prevent the requests from going to the Planning Commission for one year. 

If you need additional information please let me know.  This email and attachments are public information which you may distribute as needed.

Barry

J. Barry Frankenfield, ASLA, AICP
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-1104 (Phone) – 757-385-1130 (FAX)
bfranken@vbgov.com
Our vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community.

Handout provided at SDCC’s Meeting [15pg PDF]

Who’s coming tomorrow night:
John Moss
Scott Taylor
Will Sessoms
Meyera Oberndorf
Georgia Allen
Larry Teator
Rosemary Wilson
Harry Diezel
Andrew Jackson
Joe Flores
Glenn Davis
Reba McClanan

Ask them your questions! Start here.
Details about City Council Candidate Forum.

This document, along with SDCC’s argument against, is forwarded to the State Water Control Board Members for the October 16th Hearing in Richmond.
Official Staff Response to Comments at DEQ Hearing [7pg PDF]

Details about State Water Control Board Hearing re: Indigo Dunes:

The meeting room holds around 150 if I remember correctly.

It is important for your group to understand that the meeting on
October 16-17 is not a new public hearing.  Only those persons who
commented during the previous public hearing comment period can
address the Board in October.  Also, an individual commenter can speak
for up to 3 minutes.  Below is the Board’s policy for comment at Board
meetings.  The Indigo Dune development is a case decision for your
purpose of reviewing the policy.

You can record the meeting or have a transcriptionist.  The only
limitation is that whoever is recording or filming or whatever can not
interfere with the proceedings.

The meeting room is in the General Assembly Building which is located
at the corner of 9th and Broad Streets on the northwest corner of
Capitol Square.  There is metered street parking, but it is not
recommended.  There are parking lots/decks around the20square.  The
link to parking information is:

Click to access Ridefinders_Parking.pdf

Board Policy for Public Comment at Board meetings:

PUBLIC COMMENTS AT STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD MEETINGS: The Board
encourages public participation in the performance of its duties and
responsibilities. To this end, the Board has adopted public
participation procedures for regulatory action and for case decisions.
These procedures establish the times for the public to provide
appropriate comment to the Board for their consideration.

For REGULATORY ACTIONS (adoption, amendment or repeal of regulations),
public participation is governed by the Administrative Process Act and
the Board’s Public Participation Guidelines. Public comment is
accepted during the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action phase
(minimum 30-day comment period and one public meeting) and during the
Notice of Public Comment Period on Proposed Regulatory Action (minimum
60-day comment period and one public hearing). Notice of these comment
periods is announced in the Virginia Register and by mail to those on
the Regulatory Development Mailing List. The comments received during
the announced public comment periods are summarized for the Board and
considered by the Board when making a decision on the regulatory
action.

For CASE DECISIONS (issuance and amendment of permits and consent
special orders), the Board adopts public participation procedures in
the individual regulations which establish the permit programs. As a
general rule, public comment is accepted on a draft permit for a
period of 30 days. If a public hearing is held, there is a 45-day
comment period and one public hearing. If a public hearing is held, a
summary of the public comments received is provided to the Board for
their consideration when making the final case decision. Public
comment is accepted on consent special orders for 30 days.

In light of these established procedures, the Board accepts public
comment on regulatory actions and case decisions, as well as general
comments, at Board meetings in accordance with the following:

REGULATORY ACTIONS: Comments on regulatory actions are allowed only
when the staff initially presents a regulatory action to the Board for
final adoption. At that time, those persons who participated in the
prior proceeding on the proposal (i.e., those who attended the public
hearing or commented during the public comment period) are allowed up
to 3 minutes to respond to the summary of the prior proceeding
presented to the Board. Adoption of an emergency regulation is a final
adoption for the purposes of this policy. Persons are allowed up to 3
minutes to address the Board on the emergency regulation under
consideration.

CASE DECISIONS: Comments on pending case decisions at Board meetings
are accepted only when the staff initially presents the pending case
decision to the Board for final action. At that time the Board will
allow up to 5 minutes for the applicant/owner to make his complete
presentation on the pending decision, unless the applicant/owner
objects to specific conditions of this permit. In that case, the
applicant/owner will be allowed up to 15 minutes to make his complete
presentation. The Board will then, in accordance with § 2.2-4021,
allow others who commented in the prior proceeding (i.e., those who
submitted oral or written comments at the public hearing or submitted
written comment the public comment period) up to 3 minutes to exercise
their right to respond to the summary of the prior proceeding
presented to the Board.  No public comment is allowed on case
decisions when a FORMAL HEARING is being held.

POOLING MINUTES:  Those persons who participated in the prior
proceeding and attend the Board meeting may pool their minutes to
allow for a single presentation to the Board that does not exceed the
time limitation of 3 minutes times the number of persons pooling
minutes or 15 minutes, whichever is less.

NEW INFORMATION will not be accepted at the meeting. The Board expects
comments and information on a regulatory action or pending case
decision to be submitted during the established public comment
periods. However, the Board recognizes that in rare instances new information may become available after the close of the public comment
period. To provide for consideration of and ensure the appropriate
review of this new information, persons who participated during the
prior public comment period shall submit the new information to the
Department of Environmental Quality (Department) staff contact listed
below at least 10 days prior to the Board meeting. The Board’s
decision will be based on the Department-developed official file and
discussions at the Board meeting. For a regulatory action should the
Board or Department decide that the new information was not reasonably
available during the prior public comment period, is significant to
the Board’s decision and should be included in the official file, an
additional public comment period may be announced by the Department in
order for all interested persons to have an opportunity to
participate.

PUBLIC FORUM: The Board schedules a public forum at each regular
meeting to provide an opportunity for citizens to address the Board on
matters other than pending regulatory actions or pending case
decisions. Anyone wishing to speak to the Board during this time
should indicate their desire on the sign-in cards/sheet and limit
their presentation to not exceed 3 minutes.

The Board reserves the right to alter the time limitations set forth
in this policy without notice and to ensure comments presented at the
meeting conform to this policy.

The plan supplants one that would have used the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp, near the Lesner Bridge, to move sand and silt dredged from the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River from barges to dump trucks. That idea was tabled after it met with opposition.
Read & comment on article at Pilotonline.com.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday September 29th, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation – Mr. Barry Frankenfield from the City’s Park and Rec department will be discussing the status of the proposed rezoning and privatization of the City Marina (next to Chick’s Oyster Bar).  This proposal has been set to go to the Planning Commission twice and deferred.  This property is a money making operation for the City and many of you have expressed opinions that you’d like to see it stay in the City’s possession.  Come hear the updates and participate in the Q&A session.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Tim
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has completed their recommendation and should be submitting it to the State Water Control Board (WCB) on Friday September 26th.  The WCB agenda has been issued and they will hear this permit in Richmond on October 16th between 9:30 and Noon.  SDCC is pursuing legal representation for the October WCB meeting.  SDCC contacted City Council asking that negotiations begin toward finding a way to sell or swap the land in an effort to preserve it as open space in accordance with the City’s Open Space Plan.  We were told that the City would not approach the Sandlers and that the Sandlers would have to approach them.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City Staff (Mr. Hansen) briefed City Council and recommended the site off VB Blvd as the primary transfer site.  City Council has agreed that this site is the preferred location and has authorized Staff to move forward.  Thanks to all the Guard Dogs for their efforts.

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire – SDCC and OPCL will hold a Candidate Forum this Wednesday Oct 1st at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, 7:00pm-9:30pm.  The candidates will be given 1 minute to answer questions.  The candidates will also have the option of providing written comments after the event which will be posted on the website.

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee is finalizing the candidate list for 2009.  They will be presenting the list at October 27th general meeting and we will vote at our November meeting.  If you are interested in running or know of anyone that may be, please contact Dan Creedon at DanVaB@aol.com.

New Business –

Update on Lesner Bridge Replacement – City Staff will be providing an update on the Lesner Bridge replacement design project at the next Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting.  The next BAC is scheduled for October 16th at 3:30pm in the Bayside Rec Center.

Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) September Meeting Update – The BAC met Sept. 18th and discussed some of the following items.  No longer hold evening meeting.  Working on modifications to the Shore Drive Overlay District.  The quarterly newsletter will no longer be distributed by US Mail.  City plans to hold an Alternative Energy Town Hall meeting in November.

Virginia Beach Neighborhood Conference – Empowering and Inspiring the Leader in You – Saturday Oct 4th from 9:00am to 12:30pm at the Central Library.  Sponsored by VB Council of Civic Organizations and City of VB.  Visit http://www.vbcco.org for more information

The City’s New Comprehensive Plan – This document advises everything that is decided in the City over the next five years.  The new Comprehensive Plan will be completed in early 2009.  Citizens’ suggestions, comments and thoughts about priorities are sought in the process of developing this plan for our city.  To facilitate this, the City will be hosting “open house” meetings where you will have an opportunity to express your ideas.  All of the meetings are 7:00-9:00 P.M. and three meetings are close to Shore Drive Corridor. All residents are asked to attend at least one and express your opinions for our area.

  * Thursday, October 16, Association for Research and Enlightenment
  * Thursday, October 23, Bayside Recreation Center
  * Monday, October 27, Cox High School

Mayor at 3556 on the Bay on October 13th -Mayor Oberndorf will discuss her 21st century vision for Virginia Beach and answer questions on issues related to Shore Drive at 3556 on the Bay on Monday morning October 13 from 9:30am.to 11am.

Print your own Agenda[1pg PDF]

Dear Shore Drive Community Coalition,

You have been invited to the Hospitality Industry Candidates’ Forum on Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.  Arrivals will be at 3:30 p.m. and the forum will start promptly at 4:00 p.m.

This is a joint effort on behalf of the Virginia Beach Hotel Motel Association and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association.

It will be your chance to hear questions of importance to our industry answered by the candidates who are running for Mayor and City Council in this year’s November elections.
Please see the attached invitation & RSVP no later than Friday, October 3, by calling 428-8015 or email dburinga@vbhma.com.  Please include your full name & company name in your RSVP.  Thank you.

Nancy Perry
VBHMA Executive Director

Deborah G. Buringa
Executive Assistant
Virginia Beach Hotel Motel Association
1023 Laskin Road, Suite 111
Virginia Beach VA 23451
phone: 757-428-8015 fax: 757-425-3760
email: dburinga@vbhma.com
website: http://www.vbhma.com
Invite_to_the_Candidates_Forum.pdf [1pg PDF]

The City’s New Comprehensive Plan

The City of Virginia Beach revises their Comprehensive Plan every five years.  This is the document that will advise everything that is decided in the City over the next five years.  The new Comprehensive Plan is in the works and will be completed in early 2009.  Citizens’ suggestions, comments and thoughts about priorities are sought in the process of developing this plan for our city.  To facilitate this, the City will be hosting twelve “open house” meetings where you will have an opportunity to express your ideas.  All of the meetings are 7:00-9:00 P.M. and six of the planned meetings are in our watershed.  They are:

Monday, October 6, Bow Creek Recreation Center

Monday, October 13, Virginia Beach Convention Center

Thursday, October 16, Association for Research and Enlightenment

Monday, October 20, Princess Anne High School

Thursday, October 23, Bayside Recreation Center

Monday, October 27, Cox High School

For a copy of the current Comprehensive Plan Policy Document, the complete schedule of all twelve meetings, the agenda for the “open houses”, an online comment form and other information related to the development of the new Comprehensive Plan, visit the city’s web site http://www.vbgov.com and click on “Comprehensive Plan Open Houses” in the “Hot Topics” box on the top right side of the home page.

Virginia Beach has expressed a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all areas of its planning for the future.  This is our opportunity to let the City know that we believe that Virginia Beach can be a model for the region and make a name for itself as the “green” capital of the East Coast.  Please try to attend one of these meetings and let your ideas and vision for our city be a part of the new Comprehensive Plan.

Thanks to Karen from LRNow for the tip about this.

The title above is the title of an article at Pilotonline.com.

Actually, kinda funny, VB is ranked 45th out of the 50 that were ranked.

This is who we beat:
46. Memphis, TN
47. Las Vegas, NV
48. Tulsa, OK
49. Oklahoma City, OK
50. Mesa, AZ

Article in Pilotonline.com.
Check out the list here.

You remember Indigo Dunes will be heard by the State Water Control Board in Richmond on October 16th.

Check out agenda. [4pg PDF]

Mayor Oberndorf will discuss her 21st century vision for Virginia Beach and answer questions on issues related to Shore Drive at 3556 on the Bay on Monday morning October 13 from 9:30am.to 11am.  Please carpool or walk.as parking is limited. 3556 is adjacent to the Lesner bridge on the west side.
Refreshments will be served.

Swimming Advisory Lifted for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park

Release Date:  Thursday, September 18, 2008 4 p.m.
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has lifted a swimming advisory that was issued for the Chesapeake Bay from the Lesner Bridge to the south end of First Landing State Park. Lab results showed bacteria levels in the water meet the State Water Quality Standards.
Signs have been removed that previously alerted the public of the advisory.

Swimming Advisory Issued for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park

Release Date:  Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:30 p.m.

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and the south end of First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards. The advisory does not affect the Virginia Beach oceanfront or resort area.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.

“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Venita Newby-Owens, M.D., Director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health.  “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”

Signs will be posted on the beach between the Lesner Bridge and the south end of First Landing State Park to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory.  The signs will read:

WARNING!  SWIMMING ADVISORY

Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards

Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards.  When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.  People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Newby-Owens. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.

For additional information, contact the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at (757) 518-2700.
Check Pilotonline.com for article.

Please use the “Discuss” link below to get us your questions. Details about Forum.