What:  Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum for the Bayfront

Date:  Wednesday Oct 1st

Time:  7:00pm to 9:30pm

Location: Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive (Corner of Treasure Island Dr. and Shore Dr.)

Printable Flyer: [1pg PDF]

Forum Format

  * Candidates will be given an information period of 2 minutes each at the beginning of the forum to tell about themselves and their general positions.
  * The informational period will be followed by a question and answer session where each candidate will be given 1 minute to answer a question submitted by the community.
  * Questions will be chosen randomly from those submitted on-line at http://www.sdcc.info.  The list of questions will be provided to each candidate at the beginning of the forum.
  * Depending on the number of candidates attending the forum, candidates should have a chance to answer between 8-10 questions.  Each candidate will be given a chance to answer every question.
  * Candidates are asked to be respectful to other candidates and to the time limitations.

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) and the Ocean Park Civic League are sponsoring this forum in an effort to bring attention to the many concerns of communities.  The SDCC represents about 30 civic and condominium associations along the Shore Drive corridor comprising about 8000 residences.

Everyone is welcome to attend.
We recommend getting their early!

[Candidates:Please RSVP by September 26 if you can or cannot attend the Oct 1st forum.  RSVPs can be sent to me at todd@sdcc.info or made in person to my cell phone at 667-8533.]

Thank you for you time and your initiative to becoming a leader for Virginia Beach,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Tips on attending:

Car pool! There is limited parking.
Enter at double doors in the back.

View Larger Map

To keep you all informed about the next group of Soldiers from Fort Story deploying to Iraq. There will be a deployment ceremony for the 1st Platoon of the 119th Inland Cargo Transfer Company 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fort Story Gym. The Soldiers should be coming down Shore Drive between 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. As always, thank you so much for your continued support of our Soldiers. All of Fort Story greatly appreciates it.

Note: this info is unclassified.

In case of power out ages, it’s a good idea to print this out and have it handy:

Hampton Roads has many experienced wildlife rehabbers who hold a STATE PERMIT to do so. IF YOU FIND orphaned or injured wildlife, PLEASE do the following:

1. RESCUE the animal, quickly. Place the animal in a softly-lined covered box with ventilation, or a secure animal crate. Make sure the animal cannot escape but DO insure it has ventilation (air!).
2. Place the box in a warm (preferably, not in an area with chilly A/C), dark quiet indoor location away from all humans and pets. Stress kills many animals! Keeping it in a quiet, dark place is essential.
3. Do Not attempt to give it food or water, no matter how much it begs! (THIS is very important. Many many injured animals are accidentally killed by kind-hearted folks who insisted on giving the animal food or water. Please, do not!)
4. Make arrangements to transport the bird or mammal to a permitted facility or rehabilitator as soon as possible. Call 757-263-4762. This will require some patience and a pencil and paper. You will be guided through a system asking you what kind of animal you’ve found, etc., and then you will be given the address of the animal wildlife rehabber that SPECIALIZES in the care of that type of animal. Please take the animal (if driving conditions are safe) to that rehabber as soon as is safely possible. The quicker you can get it to the rehabber, the better the animal’s chances.
More information is available on http://www.vbspcawildlife.com. Look under “Shelter Info” and then click on “Wildlife”. If outdoor conditions are safe, please consider walking your property once the storm has passed and LOOK for injured or orphaned animals. Thank you!

Be sure to check out the Picnic In The Park flyer!
[1pg PDF]

The Picnic includes fun stuff like:
ART AND CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION:

Build a castle.  Stack a statue.  Win prizes for the biggest, most
creative, the most health-balanced!  Use only non-perishable
foods in boxes, bags and/or cans…*

Form teams with family, friends or neighbors.  Or go it alone.
Sign up ahead of time at g_moran@juno.com or call
Grace at 650-1436
Last minute sign-ups at the Park okay, too!!!

*String, paper, tape allowed also.  Look for more ideas at http://www.canstruction.com

A very nice 9’ longboard (surfboard) was stolen from the 2100 Block of W. Admiral Dr.  It has a distinctive design, so take a look, especially if you surf.  It will be noticable in the water i think.

The surfboard was on the side of the house, and was stolen last night.

If you hear of anything, please call Susan at 496-9779 or 333-1340.  Of course, call the police as well.

In case you’ve missed it, the Contract Questions & Responses are posted at the VBGov.com page for the proposed Permanent Dredge Spoils Transfer Station located at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility[LBR&BF].

Here’s a few:

Will flaggers be subjected to background and drug tests?
Not as a requirement of the contract.
Would flaggers be allowed to direct trucks around parked boats
and vehicles awaiting entry to LBR?
No.
Would flaggers working at boat launch area halt boat traffic?
No.
How many truck trips from LBR will be allowed per day maximum?
No maximum will be specified in the contract.
How many truck trips per week will be allowed maximum per week?
No maximum will be specified in the contract.
What pollutants are in the spoils?
Without a definition for ‘pollutants’, we are unable to answer.
If there are odor complaints from nearby neighbors, is there a remediation plan available?
No.
Describe the exact truck route from Shore Drive to Independence Blvd.
On the advice of the Traffic Engineering office, the proposed route is west on Shore Drive directly to Independence Blvd.
Will trucks drive north on Great Neck Road and over the Lesner Bridge after unloading at Oceana?
No.
If a dump truck collides with a boat on trailer rupturing fuel tank, will dump trucks have additional fire suppression equipment?
Not as a condition of this contract.
Will drivers be trained to extinguish fires?
Not as a condition of this contract.
Is there a remediation plan available for parking lot fuel spills and accidents with large quantities of fuel known to be on boats?
No.
Will high wind discontinue barge operations?
The contractor will be responsible for determining if conditions
are safe for operations.
What is the speed of wind needed to discontinue barge operations?
No particular wind speed is anticipated to be specified in the contract.
Who determines if the hauling operations continue when high winds exist?
The contractor.

Seems the contractor is still responsible for all safety related issues including the Lesner Bridge.
Read all 44 pages of questions at answers at VBGov.com project page.
View BoatRampClosing.com.

Indigo Dunes’ Army Corp of Engineers[ACOE] provisional permit is expiring soon.

We applaud the ACOE for requiring more information about the project & especially for the ACOE’s plan to schedule a public comment period.

Thank you.

Obviously we’ll keep you informed on the additional details once we have them.

Since Indigo Dunes was made public in June 2006, they have received exactly -0- permits that allow any kind of construction to begin.

NO GENERAL MEETING

SDCC General Meeting – Monday August 25, 2008

NO GENERAL MEETING

Due to a conflict in the SDCC officer’s schedules, there will be no general meeting this month.  The next SDCC general meeting will be September 29, 2008.

Issues and concerns update

Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plans
to have a recommendation complete and submitted to the State Water
Control Board (WCB) by September 19th.  The WCB is scheduled to meet
in Richmond on October 16th and will review this project as part of
their meeting.  The SDCC Pleasure House Point (PHP) committee met with
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and our legal representation to
put together a plan for the WCB hearing.  SDCC is pursuing additional
legal representation for the October WCB meeting.  SDCC is also
putting together a letter to send to 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.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City
Staff is still pursuing the purchase of land behind the AT&T store
(4338 VB Blvd.) just off VB Blvd as a possible transfer site.  This
site would also provide kayak & canoe access when not being used as a
transfer station.  City Staff is looking at purchasing or condemnation
of all the property in the area to also allow a Fire Station.  A Staff
briefing to City Council has been planned, but not held to date.

Proposed Rezoning of City Marina – Planning Commission review has been
deferred indefinitely from the August 13th meeting.  SDCC has sent a
letter to City Staff and Council opposing the rezoning from P-1 to
B-2.  Reasons for opposition include the fact that a marina is
considered a principal use in a P-1 zoning district so there is no
need to rezone and the current arrangement is a money making venture
for the City, about $50,000 per year.  Making it a private venture
runs the risk of losing this income.  City staff, Barry Frankenfield,
will be attending the September SDCC General meeting to discuss this
issue.  Please come and express your specific concerns with the plan
and proffers.  Visit http://www.sdcc.info to view the City’s proposal.

Marina Shores Redevelopment Plans – Plans are moving forward to
redevelop the area into 5 and 7 story tall office buildings with
retail on the first floor.  The plan includes a parking structure
between the offices and the single family homes to the north.  The dry
storage facility will also increase in height by 2 stories and an
additional floating pier will be added parallel to Long Creek from the
marina all the way to Cape Henry Shores.  The plan will increase the
number of car trips by about 6,000 and require a stop light at the
intersection of North Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Drive.

Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment – City Staff and City Council are
working toward resolving specific concerns from some of the
associations that are willing to provide construction easements but
not the public easements requested by the City.  Staff plans on
working through these issues to support the 2009/2010 dredging cycle.

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire –  SDCC agreed to
partner with OPCL and host a City Council Candidate Forum the end of
September or beginning of October.  Location have been narrowed to
the Baylake United Methodist Church.  Final plans are being
arranged, so stay tuned for an exact date, location and time.  Todd
will moderate and the format is still being decided.

SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from
noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference Hotel.  Volunteers are
needed.  Without your help, this event will not happen.  Email Todd if
you’re interested in helping.  Todd@sdcc.info

SDCC Oyster Roast Committee meeting planned for Thursday August 21st has been postponed and to stay tuned for the new time and location.

You should get DEQ’s comments on your comments about mid-September

Just letting you know that the next State Water Control Board Meeting
will be Oct. 16 & 17 in Richmond at the usual place and Indigo Dunes
will be on the agenda.  I won’t know the exact date it will be heard
until the agenda comes out.  I expect it will be the 16th but will keep
you posted.

Then-Councilman Will Sessoms, also now running for mayor, said the council would “really regret it down the road” if it didn’t buy the land when it had the chance. Sessoms was right.

I’d wager which ever elected official[s] is[are] part of acquiring Pleasure House Point and/or the “Duck-In property” would get [re]elected for as long as they want to hold office.

The editorial continues:

For example, high-end condo projects proposed for magnificent waterfront properties on either side of the Lesner Bridge sit idle, their prospects dimming each day as the real estate slide accelerates.

Wow!

Read entire editorial at the Pilotonline.com.

Just because the open space fund might be diminished doesn’t mean there aren’t other creative solutions if the will is found to make it happen.

Special note: I happened to have been part of a dedicated group of people who worked diligently to get the Lake Ridge project mentioned in the editorial much reduced in size, scope & impact.

Charlie, our long-haired black cat got outside this morning and is still missing from E. Stratford near the pumping station.  Please contact us if you have seen him or have him.  He is fixed, has a zebra print bell collar on, and is very friendly.  He is about 3 years old and 7-8 pounds.

We would really appreciate any information.

Michael & Jessica

sprads@gmail.com

“There is a bright spot on his back because our scanner broke.”

Daphne Atkins, a civic leader in the Shore Drive community, hopes the city aggressively markets the open space acquisition program to developers such as L.M. Sandler & Sons Inc., the owners of the Pleasure House Point property.
Read article & comment at Pilotonline.com.

** ALERT**

From Bryan:
DEAR AERIES RESIDENTS,

THIS PAST SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH, IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD, A FAMILY PET WAS SHOT AND SEVERELY INJURED BY A BOW AND ARROW.  THIS MALICIOUS ACTION IS CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED BY LOCAL POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL.  IT IS UNSAFE, NOT TO MENTION ILLEGAL, TO DISCHARGE THIS TYPE OF WEAPON IN THE AREA.  IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL TO HARM WILDLIFE OR PETS IN THIS MANNER.  PLEASE CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER GREGORY AT (757) 385-4444 OR LOCAL POLICE PRECINCT THREE AT (757) 385-5000 IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS CASE.

PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER THAT IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ANY TYPE OF ANIMAL IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, TO CONTACT YOUR NEIGHBORS OR ANIMAL CONTROL BEFORE TAKING ANY OTHER TYPE OF ACTION. 

THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR PART TO KEEP AERIES A SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO LIVE.

PLEASE CONTACT BRYAN RAMSEY (AERIES ON THE BAY PRESIDENT) IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS AT 757-333-6988.

On Tuesday, August 5, 2008 neighborhoods throughout Virginia Beach are joining forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 25th Annual National Night Out.  In all, more than 34 million people nationwide will be participating in this years “America’s Night Out Against Crime”.

National Night Out is held annually to:

          – Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
          – Generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts;
          – Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations; and
          – Send a message to criminals letting them know local communities
              are organized and are fighting back.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods celebrate NNO with a variety of events and activities such as:  block parties, cookouts, visits from local police and fire departments, parades, flashlight walks, contests and youth programs.  NNO has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation.  Plus, the benefits your community will derive from NNO will most certainly extend well beyond the one night.

For more information please contact
MPO Gillespie at the VBPD Crime Prevention Unit,
385-1331 or hgillesp@vbgov.com
Additional information about NNO is also available at
nationaltownwatch.org and NATW.org

Story at WAVY.com.

There was also buzz that [s]oon after, the entire neighborhood was buzzing with word that two dogs there had been shot with a pellet gun.

There is at least a $1,000 reward offered to catch the ass——[s] who shot the Tate, the cat.

We’re working on getting info if you’d like to add to the reward, provide info etc.

View Larger Map
Aeries on The Bay

2nd Annual Restoring the Legend Photography Contest

Send us your favorite photographs of the Lynnhaven River watershed.  We are accepting entries in our 2nd Annual Restoring the Legend Photography Contest through August 15th.  Check our website for the rules and entry forms, http://www.lynnhavenrivernow.org. 

From Barry:
Thanks for your comments; we have requested this item be deferred at this time.  We will follow up with your group in September to discuss your concerns.  Thanks.

At it’s June meeting, the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) voted unanimously to oppose the
proposed rezoning of the City marina from P-1 to B-2. 

This letter is being submitted to make City Staff, the Planning Commission and City Council aware of this
opposition and to request that the proposed rezoning of this site be discontinued.  The community feels
that the possible problems created by rezoning and planned privatization of the marina outweigh any
possible benefits for the local community as well as the rest of Virginia Beach.

CityMarinaRezonOppLtr.pdf [1pg PDF]

Staff is having a modified Bayfront Advisory Meeting Tuesday, July 29th at sometime between 3:00p.m. &3:30 p.m. Gale Levine is going to do a presentation on the proposal for the Marina Shores Marina Area. Would you and/or a representative from the Shore Drive Coalition of Civic Leagues be available to attend? This is an informal presentation.