…The sale is a court-ordered transaction involving private property. As such, the City of Virginia Beach has little control over the sale of the hotel other than the ability to enforce existing zoning laws. The City’s Historic Preservation Commission, however, would like to protect the old Cavalier Hotel on the basis of it historic and architectural merit. A special committee convened by Mayor Will Sessoms and chaired by Mac Rawls, former chair of the Historic Preservation Commission and former Director of the City’s Museums and History Resources Department, has been appointed to study possible uses for the old hotel and make recommendations to City Council regarding the hotel and the City’s role in protecting it.
Author Archives: Tim
Coastal Storm Update from VBGov.com
Read the entire update at VBGov.com:
The City of Virginia Beach is closely monitoring the developing coastal storm. It is anticipated that the storm will cause higher than normal tide cycles.
Possible tidal flooding up to elevation +4 feet above sea level
Maps:
“Blipfoto is a community of people from all over the world,” said Giles, a resident of Cape Story by the Sea. “Some people have done this for years, and some are just beginning. I’ve done it for over a year now.”
Check out the Pilotonline.com article about Martha.
Giles’ favorite photo subject is nature, particularly birds. Favorite local sites include First Landing State Park, the Chesapeake Bay and Pleasure House Point.
“You’ll find that many of my pictures are of birds,” Giles said about her online gallery, http://www.blipfoto.com/mmg. “I never set out to take just pictures of birds, but that’s just how it happens.”
Thanks to CBF for generously accepting to stage live oak lumber at their PHP parcel.
There was a lot in Ocean Park recently cleared of all but one of its live oak trees. It was impossible to save these trees.
Thinking boldly, CBF, thanks to Christy’s work, generously agreed to stage this lumber at PHP for use in a future inspirational art project.
We imagine many interested parties working together creating a magnificent sculpture in the near future with inspiration from birds, Native Americans ….
We can also imagine other interested parties helping create smaller pieces, benches, Native American inspired art…
Please join us in using the live oak’s precious lumber to create something worthy of their beauty & strength.
NOTE:CBF did not cut these trees down. CBF generously allowed them to be staged at their PHP parcel.
Amazing news about live oak lumber being preserved!
From an email from Todd:
Bar Harbor Tree Removal – Proffers
T
Todd Solomon
to Kal, Faith, Clay, +7
35 minutes agoDetails
To All:This development went through the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process almost a year ago. I know it wasn’t a topic at any SDCC meetings last year, but can’t answer for BAC. However it appears it was reviewed by Planning with the Shore Drive Design Guidelines in mind. Landscaping in accordance with the guidelines, saving the logs for Friends of Live Oaks and a monetary donation were all added as proffers for approval. Unfortunately this doesn’t save the trees, but it is a major improvement over the developments being built 10 years ago the totally ignored these issues.
Vince does identify an ongoing communication void that could still benefit from some improvement. CUPs are identified as required in the Beacon, but unfortunately the citizens don’t catch them all. And even if we do, the details in the paper are too vague to identify specific tree removal issues. Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think all the CUPs go before the BAC for review. If they do, then maybe a more detailed agenda would be helpful to the community. I also thought the Planning Commission always asks if the developer has met with the neighboring civic leagues as part of their approval. If a review at BAC is being substituted for meeting with the civic league, then maybe BAC will now have to validate that requirement.
Maybe we can perform a critique on this CUP and look for ways to improve communication. Anything we come up with can be discussed with the appropriate groups that can help implement the suggestions.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition-Secretary
(757) 667-8533 cell
“Shore Drive, We Love This Place”, check out http://www.sdcc.info
Subject: Bar Harbor
Hi Ron and Steve,
We are receiving numerous calls regarding the clearing of the site at the intersection of DuPont Circle and Shore Drive. I just want to make sure that the developer, Steve, has proffered the agreed upon money to the live oak fund (that Clay administers). Also the oaks being taken down should be donated to the Friends of Live Oaks. Here is the condition on the use permit –
# 9. The applicant, as agreed upon, shall work with the Environment and Sustainability Office to determine an appropriate donation to the Live Oak Fund to help offset loss of the live oaks on the site, and to have the logs of the trees set aside for Friends of Live Oaks (http://www.friendsofliveoaks.org).
Faith Christie, CZA, CBO
Planner, City of Virginia Beach
2405 Courthouse Drive, Room 115
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-6379
Time sensitive art project using live oaks!
COASTAL ACTION STORM PLAN Emergency Response “CASPER” FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY PLAN
“CASPER” FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY PLAN (24 pagePDF)
Thanks to Dave for having us repost his work! We highly recommend you download it, study it and take action before catastrophic storms are forecasted.
unexpected damage at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from Sandy Oct 2012
2013 Watersheds Forum – SIGN UP NOW
Brought to you by VIMS, LRNow, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
If you love the magnificent bounty of our local waters – GO.
View Lynnhaven River NOW’s E-News here.
2013 Watersheds Forum
March 21, 9:00-2:30, Virginia Beach Convention CenterOyster Roast 3 The first Virginia Beach Watersheds Forum will be held on March 21, 2013 at the Vriginia Beach Convention Center. Registration will begin at 8:15 AM and presentations begin at 9 AM. The Forum is 9 AM-1 PM and includes a box lunch.
The Forum is being held jointly by Lynnhaven River NOW and the Back Bay Restoration Foundation and is sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.The 2013 Forum will have two panel presentations from regional experts on adapting to Sea Level Rise and how our natural resorces fit into Virginia Beach’s long range planning. Additionally, break-out sessions for the northern and southern watersheds will feature speakers from VIMS, LRNow, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Registration is $15 and includes light morning refreshments, a box lunch and all presentations. Add-on workshops will be held at the close of the informational presentations from 1:00-2:30. For an additional fee, participants can build their own rain barrel, learn about gardening with native plants and receive their own native plant, or build their own worm composting bin.
Please register here using PayPal. If you prefer to pay with a check, please contact Mary Tilton at mary.tilton@bbrf.org or 757-619-6429.
For more information, visit our website or contact Karen at Karen@LRNow.org or 757-962-5398.
We hope to see you all on March 21st for an interesting day!
A Pebble in the Pond- The Living Building Challenge Charrette from CBF about PHP’s new center
“The Department of Parks and Recreation will begin the preliminary design and associated cost estimates for a dog park at Bayville Farms Park.”
The department will work to identify funding for the project within its upcoming FY 2013-14 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Funding Plan, and if so identified, the target date for completion and opening of the dog park would be Spring 2014.
Great news for dog lovers everywhere! Let’s help the project get funded!
“Outta control”. That’s the title of yet another message we’ve received about dogs NOT on leashes on PHP.
Currently – this person has counted 7.
ANIMAL CONTROL
tel:757-385-4444Yes they called.
“Today we had an incident in the Landings on Croix Drive that is worth sharing with your list.”
From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:
The following was received Tuesday, Feb. 12 from a resident in the Landings (across Shore Dr. from the Food Lion shopping center):
A young male, 6’2 tan skin, dark black hair had his face cupped against the passenger window of a work van belonging to one of our neighbors. When our neighbor’s wife asked him if she could help him, he replied in a hostile voice, that he was looking in the mirror. He then got into his faded red Toyota Tercel, license plate (WUS —-) and struck one vehicle as he frantically left the Landings.
He then came back and threatened this young woman, yelling that he knew where she lived and that if she called the police he would be back.
…Master Police Officer Shortridge responded. The vehicle was found parked at Rite aid at Cape Henry Plaza with no occupants. The officer was diverted to other calls.
This evening, this person came back
His vehicle was seen parked behind this woman’s building and the door was ajar- no occupants. By the time that I and others were alerted, the vehicle had left. The person was then seen walking through our community and took off when someone said ” Hey, who is he? He keeps walking back and forth, I don’t know him, who is he?”
The police were notified.
Later tonight at Rite Aid, I spoke with [someone] who lives on Oak Street who described a similar situation- same vehicle, same plate, occurring between 5-530 tonight.
Please pass this info on, as the behavior of this individual is very bizarre and merits the attention of all of our residents.
The following received from the resident on Oak St.:
Today around 5:30 p.m. I noticed two older teens engaging in very suspicious behavior. They were riding in an old, faded dark red vehicle (lic. # WUS —-).
Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.
Child bit by German Shepherd in Cape Story on Feb 9th. Do you know the owner ?
From Cape Story Neighborhood Watch:
My son and I were at CSBTS park Sat. 2/9/13 playing basketball. Somewhere around 5:30- 6:00 a woman wearing a black parka (hood up so I couldn’t really see her face) was walking her German Shepherd. My sons basketball went into the bike path in the park and he went to retrieve it when the dog jumped up and bit him on the arm. My son was wearing a sweatshirt so luckily there was no blood but the dog did break the skin on his arm and his arm is black and blue so there was pressure in the bite. I was busy consoling his crying and the owner said “I am sorry”, waited a couple of minutes and turned and walked back down the bike path.
She was walking away in the direction of Great Neck Rd and it is possible she lives between the park and Oak, I lost sight of them about Oak. I am concerned and, at this point, only need to know the dogs shots are up to date etc. It would have been nice of her to give me her contact information just in case. I did not think to ask her that while she was there as I was more concerned with my son. Does anyone know this dog? Is there anyway you can help me find them?
Thank you for any assistance you can give. Carol K.
Please email any info that could help.
Coolest neighborhood on Shore Drive? Ocean Park of course! Advertising proves it.
Full disclosure – I live in Ocean Park … but ya can’t argue with VB’s choice of which neighborhood to market.
And this was in a magazine called AARP or something like that:
Ocean Park baby!
“SB 926 Wetlands; governmental activity. 01/31/13 Senate: Stricken at request of Patron in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources”
YEAS–Hanger, Watkins, Puckett, Ruff, McEachin, Petersen, Northam, Marsden, Black, Miller–10.
NAYS–0.
ABSTENTIONS–0.
Thank you.
Members of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources:
- Senator Emmett W. Hanger Jr.Republican-District 24
- Senator John C. Watkins Republican-District 10
- Senator Phillip P. Puckett Democrat-District 38
- Senator Frank M. Ruff Jr. Republican-District 15
- Senator A. Donald McEachin Democrat-District 9
- Senator J. Chap Chapman Petersen Democrat-District 34
- Senator Ralph S. Northam Democrat-District 6
- Senator David W. Marsden Democrat-District 37
- Senator Richard H. Black Republican-District 13
- Senator John C. Miller Democrat-District 1
Special thanks to Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters Republican-District 8 for requesting SB926 to be stricken.
Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters Republican-District 8
URGENT NOW: “PLEASE WITHDRAW SENATE BILL SB926” PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR MCWATERS NOW
Please call and/or email Senator McWaters:
Respectfully ask Senator McWaters to withdraw Senate Bill SB 926.
EMAIL Senator McWaters & His Aid
PHONE Richmond Office: (804) 698-7508
Senator McWaters Contact Info
WHY?
Dear Gentleman,
I respectfully request that Senate Bill (SB926) be withdrawn.
Removing local Wetlands Board review of local City projects is unacceptable.
Citizen engagement at the local level must be maintained in order to keep trust in government.
The current review process for “28.2-1302 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the jurisdiction of local wetlands boards” results in State owned wetlands projects being reviewed by State commissions (VMRC) and locally owned wetlands projects being reviewed by local Wetlands Boards.
This is the correct method and must be protected.
Moving review boards out of the local area places an unfair burden on citizens and their rights for public comment.
Additionally, local Wetlands Boards are more familiar with the particulars of local projects and are best suited to review these applications.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition-Secretary
Maintaining the Status Quo for Shore Drive, check out http://www.sdcc.info
ALSO:
It could undermine Virginia’s no net loss goals for preservation of wetlands acreage and function.
It could undermine government openness and transparency by imposing additional barriers to public participation in the local public hearing of projects that would impact state-protected wetlands.
PLEASE CONTACT SENATOR MCWATERS NOW
Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters
Republican-District 8
Capitol Office
Senate of Virginia
P.O. Box 396
Richmond, VA 23218
Email: district08@senate.virginia.gov
Phone: (804) 698-7508
Fax: (804) 698-7651
Room No: 310
Legislative Assistant: Cheryl Simmons, Christen T. Smith
District Office
1207 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: (757) 965-3700
Legislative Assistant: Cheryl Simmons, Christen T. Smith
1207 Laskin Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: (757) 965-3700
As of the time of this post, this Senate Bill SB926 could be heard Thursday.
UPDATE: read the bill. Start here.
Jan28 Agenda for SDCC meeting. All welcome to come and participate.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – SDCC Jan 2013 Agenda
Shore Drive Community Coalition
Monday 28 JAN 2013
SDCC General Meeting
SDCC General Meeting – Monday, 28 JAN – 7:30-8:30 pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.)
Call to order
Meeting topic:
(1) Introduction of SDCC Officers for 2013
(2) Virginia Beach Phase III- Storm Water Mitigation Program Lesner Bridge East to Great Neck Rd By Todd Solomon
Officers’ Reports:
President’s Report David Williams
Vice President’s report Rick Mercadante
Secretary’s Report Todd Solomon –DEC Minutes
Treasurer’s Report Ryan King
Update on issues:
Proposed State Legislation being supported by City of Virginia Beach
- Bill to allow hydraulic pumping of sand from Chesapeake Bay onto Bayfront beaches. Beaches and Waterways Commission has been tasked to discuss possible funding streams (i.e. Special Tax Districts similar to Sandbridge)
- Bill (SB 926) to allow by passing of Wetlands Board review of Neighborhood Dredging Projects. Who from the City requested this and why? Why would the citizens remove a valuable part of the review process?
Old Business
New Business
Adjourn
Next SDCC- Monday FEB 25, 2013
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Center
Speaker- TBA
Please check http://www.sdcc.info for more information on area news and events
“Adoption of wetlands zoning; governmental activity in wetlands. Removes from Virginia’s standard wetlands zoning ordinance the condition that wetlands be owned or leased by the Commonwealth if a governmental activity occurring there is to be authorized.”
Work on CBF site at PHP
Check out SavePHP.org to learn more about work on Pleasure House Point.
City Page 2012 accomplishments
One was preserving PHP!
Pleasure House Point: Bought the last large undeveloped tract on the Elizabeth River – 118 pristine acres.
/blockquote>Oops.
Irregardless of a typo, we’re ecstatic preserving PHP was a highlight too!
Milling and paving and delays on Shore Drive westbound from Atlantic Ave to Kendall St Jan24 to Feb17
Virginia Beach Public Works has scheduled milling, paving and pavement marking work for westbound Shore Drive, from Atlantic Avenue to Kendall Street beginning Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, February 17, 2013. Crews will be working from 7a.m. to 4 p.m.
The milling and paving operation is likely to produce traffic delays, congestion and some construction noise. Advanced warning signs will be clearly posted advising motorists of lane closures. Citizens are urged to use alternate traffic routes when possible.
All work is weather-permitting.
For additional information, please contact Dan Kiley or Bob Bidlack at 385-1470.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 