ITEM: CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH AGENDA ITEM An Ordinance to Transfer Funds Within the Capital Improvement Program for the Pleasure House Point Mitigation Bank, to Provide Limitations upon the Use of Mitigation Credits Created by the Pleasure House Point Mitigation Project, and to Provide for Efforts to Reduce Tree Loss MEETING DATE: January 7, 2025 Background: Capital Project 100304, ” Pleasure House Point Mitigation Bank”
Please note: at the time of this post, currently proposed wetland mitigation bank details of the “90% design”, water budget and other info are still not available on official website.
Things learned last night: tidal wetland bank credits are available to purchase, 60,000 cubic yards (about 6,000 dump trucks) of fill will be removed, over 5,200 trees including live oaks over dozens & dozens of years old will be destroyed (number of dump trucks to move destroyed trees unknown).
Email your questions or concerns to: phpwetlands@vbgov.com
Note: this project does not include the controversial kayak launch which will potentially be located on western border of this project when built. It’s visible in graphics above.
Previously, several related links on this website here, here and here.
Jeremy can not attend so here is his report from an email:
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I have a conflict and can’t make the meeting today. I’m working with the city engineer on a project spreadsheet, I’ll keep you posted. Here are the updates from the PW side.
Chesapeake Beach Renourishment Status
A contract has been awarded to Seaward Marine Corporation.
Work is underway and is to be completed by October 13, 2024.
Lynnhaven Inlet Dredging and Cape Henry Beach Placement Status
USACE opened bids on April 3rd.
The work includes dredging the federal channel system, removing underwater debris, and placing the sand along Cape Henry Beach.
USACE intends to award the contract to Cottrell Dredging located in Norfolk, Va.
The most recent update from USACE indicated a pre-construction meeting and issuance of a Notice to Proceed sometime between late July and early August. From that point, Cottrell is required to submit a schedule within 15 days after NTP is issued.
Eastern Branch Lynnhaven River (EBLR) Dredging Status
The City’s ongoing dredging project of the EBLR is going well with the contractor scheduled to complete Keeling Drain dredging this summer.
Crab Creek/Long Creek Status
The next dredging cycle is being planned for winter 2024/2025.
Pleasure House Point Trail Breach Status
Work has been completed to construct an elevated crossing over a flood-prone area.
These improvements will make the path more accessible after heavy rain events.
Comprehensive Safety Action Plan Status
A draft of the City’s first Comprehensive Local Road Safety Action Plan will be publicly available for review and comment in August. The Plan identifies and prioritizes countermeasures to address roadway safety issues throughout Virginia Beach. Stakeholders, including members of the Bayfront Advisory Commission, were briefed on the Plan on March 22nd and provided feedback to staff on current safety challenges. Public Works Engineering staff will brief City Council on the Draft Plan on August 27th, and the Plan is anticipated to be adopted in September or October.
Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake projects
We typically do not provide updates to the BAC, but since the BAC provided support letters for the BRIC grant, we thought an update was needed.
Lake Pleasure House Outfall – construction complete Lake Bradford Ditch Dredging – construction complete Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Pump Station and Outfall
STATUS
The city is currently in the process of selecting a Design-Build team. The expected selection will take place in the first quarter of 2025.
The city applied for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant worth $35 million, but unfortunately, was not successful in receiving it.
Church Point-Thoroughgood BMP and Drainage Improvement – The City awarded the design contract to RK&K. Anticipated construction is in 2028. STATUS
Design NTP – May 21, 2024
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: February 2028
Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2028
Estimated Construction Completion: May 2031
Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Projects
Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Relocation of Sanitary Sewer Gravity Mains, 1C.2 The project was completed on October 2, 2023. The project was on time and Under Budget by $185,682.
Eastern Shore Drainage Improvements Phase I – Section I – $35.9M Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Projects:
Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Colony Park Pump Station, 1B Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Widening and Deeping, 1C.2 Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Drive Pump Station, 1D Eastern Shore Drive – Elevate Lynnhaven Drive, 1E
STATUS
90% Design Completed January 2024 Project #1-3.
60% Design Completed March 2024 Project #4.
SCHEDULE
100% Design Submittal for all 4 projects – August 2024
Advertise for Bids: January 2025
Estimated Construction Start Date: May 2025
Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028
Eastern Shore Drive – Vista Circle Pump Station, 1A STATUS
PER Completed. Project detailed design has not begun.
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: October 2026
Estimated Construction Start Date: April 2027
Estimated Construction Completion: December 2029
Eastern Shore Drive – Poinciana Pump Station STATUS
60% Design Submittal Received and compiling City and Peer Review Comments
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: April 2025
Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2025
Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028
Eastern Shore Drive – North Shore Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1F & Eastern Shore Drive – Cape Henry Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1G STATUS
60% Design Submittal Received March 2024
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: June 2025
Estimated Construction Start Date: September 2025
Estimated Construction Completion: June 2027
Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase III STATUS
No change. Real estate acquisition and private utility relocations are underway.
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: September 2024
Estimated Construction Start Date: January 2025
Estimated Construction Completion: July 2028
Shore Drive Pedestrian Improvements STATUS
90% Design Submittal Received July 2, 2024
SCHEDULE
Advertise for Bids: June 2025
Estimated Construction Start Date: October 2025
Estimated Construction Completion: April 2026
Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV STATUS
No change. Final Preliminary Engineering Report received 11/15/2023. The project is not funded
Jeremy Kline
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Deputy Director
757.385.8420 | jekline@vbgov.com
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New bridge on PHP. In my estimation, based on 20 years of experience, potentially 4 to 7 more bridges before 2034 will be needed or choices made to leave sea level rise take over. Educational opportunities!
I’ve attached the 1997 ULI Study and the text from Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the Shore Drive Corridor Overlay District. Below are links to the following:
Comprehensive Plan (Section 1.3 – Suburban Area; Page 1-69 – Suburban Focus Area 1:
I believe this covers the current applicable documents with guidance on the Shore Drive Corridor, but if there are other documents that I may have missed in regards to the Shore Drive/Bayfront area, please let me know and I will be happy to pass them along as well.
Sincerely hope this never happens again in the entire city!!
Depending on a miracle that no pedestrians or cyclists would get killed by blocking their only safe access is completely unacceptable & unconscionable.
How is it possible, again, safety for residents & users of Bayfront infrastructure for pedestrian & cycling safety is ignored by the City?!
It’s a MIRACLE no pedestrians or cyclists have been killed here yet.
Hopefully there’ll be an update soon as to:
1. How this could possibly happen?!
1. How will this never happen again?
1. What time is this getting fixed yesterday to improve the safety for pedestrians and cyclists?
This completely unacceptable pedestrian & cyclist “infrastructure” has been blocked for months. Many many human beings depend on a safe area right here every day.
“Thank you for your inquiry about the planned improvements at HRT stops #1376 and #1304 in the Bayfront area. We’re always eager to keep our community informed and involved in our developments.
I am pleased to confirm that as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and convenience for all our passengers, concrete ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant landing pads will be installed at both stops. These pads are specially designed to ensure safe and easy access, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
Regarding the installation of bus stop shelters, I’d like to clarify that these will be undertaken directly by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). HRT is responsible for the installation and maintenance of these shelters, and they will be managing this aspect of the improvement project.
Enclosed are the detailed plans for the improvements at both stops. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the enhancements, including the layout and features of the new ADA landing pads.
Your interest and support in improving our local transit facilities are greatly appreciated. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Councilmember Dr. Ross-Hammond and Councilmember Schulman will host a joint District 4 and District 9 community meeting to update residents on current City projects and issues. Topics of discussion include homelessness, recycling, and neighborhood preservation and zoning enforcement. Attendees will also have an opportunity to have their questions addressed.