Note: this info is from several different people.
UPDATE: 10:29am Both 385-5000 Public Safety and 385-3111 Information confirm Lesner Bridge is “closed”.
Editors note: I’m viewing traffic traveling both directions on Shore Drive in front of Salty C’s.
(Sorry about all the updates today)
From VBGov.com Hurricane Sandy Page
City Manager Powerpoint Saturday Afternoon Presentation (23 page PDF)
From an email:
This morning’s 1000 City Manager’s update on Hurricane Sandy’s observed and projected impacts to Virginia Beach remain reasonably consistent with our last two updates.
Our most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth River basins creating a high risk for low level residential flooding. This morning’s high tide within the Lynnhaven was as predicted @ 2 -2 ½ feet above normal. We observed road inundation in many of the waterfront low lying areas within the Lynnhaven and Rudee basins. We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and we are continuing our use of Reverse 911 VB Alert system to notify residents of the risk in those specific neighborhoods. The results of these efforts are being posted on our Hurricane Sandy webpage. Staff continues developing Sandy specific inundation maps to better identify impacts. The number of above high/low tide cycles stacking within the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and Rudee basin leads us to project that properties whose elevation is below 6 feet above sea level are at great risk to tidal inundation. We remain confident the Historical Tidal & Surge Chart is projecting where Sandy’s high tide elevations above Mean Low Water Level will be in relation to our previous storms. This additional information is being posted on our VBgov website.
Sustained wind projections have increased slightly but still will not reach hurricane force and sustained tropical force winds (39-74mph) may be reached. We do however anticipate tropical force gusts that may occasionally reach 60 mph. As the storm remains offshore and is hooking around VB we will begin to experience consistent wind this afternoon. The extended severity of this nor’eastercane will set in early this afternoon and remain consistent thru tomorrow afternoon. Dom Power reported customer outages has grown to 2500.
Storm surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +15 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 9 feet. Beach erosion will definitely be significant. This morning’s waves on high tide lapped at the base of the Grommet Park berm.
Rain is our 4th threat. Some areas of the City may receive up to 7 inches. This is a slight increase in the projection. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers. Back Bay is seeing significant low levels based on the northerly winds pushing the water south and out to the Currituck. Storm water crews are responding to ponding issues. The police are bringing in additional assets to assist in high water traffic control. We are working on a reporting tool to post this data on the Hurricane Sandy webpage
Duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Weather conditions continue to deteriorate and stretch into the new work week. The most intense period of the storm has lengthened and is projected to be Sunday afternoon thru Tuesday early morning. During this intense period will see sustained winds just touching the threshold for tropical storms.
Decisions made at this morning’s meeting:
· The Birdneck ES shelter opened on time this morning at 10AM.
· The EOC will operate under a partial activation effective 1200 (noon) today.
· City services and staffing will operate under essential conditions beginning 0600 Monday until further notice.
· VB Public Schools have just notified the EOC they will be closed Monday.
· The next City Manager staff update is 5PM today.
Will keep you advised. Dave
Emphasis ours.
Boat Ramp high tide #1 this morning.
Boat Ramp low tide #1
(Note: the tide photos were not necessarily taken at peak hi and peak lo)
From an email to Empsy from Council Jim Wood:
Subject: Nor’eastercane SANDY Update #5
The 0900 City Manager and 1000 VDEM updates have revealed Sandy’s impacts to Virginia Beach have slipped further into the start of this coming work week. We are predicting on Monday the City will still be experiencing significant effects of the nor’eastercane which may last into Tuesday. The second significant change we have deduced is that the storm tide impacts projection has lessened slightly. We have attached this morning’s briefing charts.(Editors note: I did not receive these briefing charts as of the time of this post.) Addressing the 5 key parameters, here is the latest:1. Most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven basin. High risk to low level residential flooding . We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and at this time have not issued any evacuation directives. Staff is developing a Sandy specific inundation map utilizing current projections applied to the Corps of Engineers Surge Data map for a Cat 1 storm. The number of high/low tide cycles is now more comparable to the number and elevation we experienced in the 2006 Thanksgiving Nor’easter. We have used the Historical Tidal & Surge Chart to indicate where Sandy’s high tide elevations above Mean Low Water Level will be. We expect to be able to issue specific neighborhood flood warnings Sunday morning.
2. Sustained wind, is still not expected to reach hurricane force (only a 3% chance) and sustained tropical force winds are not expected either (a 9% chance). We do however anticipate tropical force gusts (+35% chance). As the storm remains offshore and is hooking around VB we will begin to experience consistent wind Sunday morning and expect it to last for over 62 hours into Tuesday. This lengthy duration will surely cause tree and debris knock down which in turn will cause power outages. Dominion’s weather advisory of 10:47AM this morning is attached. No change to their amber rating here in Tidewater. Currently 1800 customers are without power in VB.
3. Storm surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +15 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 9 feet. Beach erosion will definitely be significant.
4. Rain is our 4th threat. Some areas of the City may receive up to 6 inches. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers, Back Bay and the many lakes and ponds throughout the City. The intensity projections of the rain may be lessening towards a more consistent downfall for a longer period.
5. Duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Weather conditions will deteriorate later than first predicted and stretch into the new work week. Deteriorating conditions will begin after midnight tonight and impact the City thru Tuesday evening. The most intense period of the storm has lengthened and is projected to be Sunday afternoon thru Monday evening. During this intense period will see sustained wind of +30mph for nearly 30 hours. (30/30 effect)
Decisions we are assessing are: Public Schools for Monday, Shelter openings, EOC activation and City operational status for Monday. VBCPS, DHS and the Sherriff Office have been issued an internal warning order to plan/prepare for possible opening the Birdneck ES shelter Sunday morning. The next City Manager staff update is 1500 this afternoon. City staff continues to function under a normal operation status. The EOC is currently operating with EOC staff only except for staff updates. The ECCS 311 staff shifts to 24 hour operations effective 0700 Sunday morning. Current call volume is down and the frequently asked inquiries are: absentee voting and sheltering. Current closings for Sunday include: the Virginia Aquarium and Science Center and the Historic Houses. The VB Visitors Centers at First Landing State Park and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Center will be closed on Sunday and Monday. Decisions on libraries and rec centers will occur following the 1500 update. US Dept of Homeland Security Advisor Milicich is participating in our staff analysis process. Will keep you advised.
Emphasis ours.
From an email to Empsy from Councilman Bill Desteph:
Subject: Hurricane Sandy Update #4
Empsy,
FYI.
At the City Manager’s afternoon update staff reviewed the current conditions and projections of Hurricane Sandy (see attached)(19pg PDF). We are not registering any significant changes to the projections we summarized in our morning update #3. The 5 key parameters are:
1. Most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven basin. High risk to low level residential flooding . We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and at this time have not issued any evacuation directives. The number of high/low tide cycles looks to rival the number we experienced in the 2009 Nor’easter.
2. Sustained wind, though not expected to reach hurricane force, will gust to a tropical storm level, will last for over 48 hours. Tree and debris knock down will cause power outages. We participated in Dominions conference call and I personally talked with their senior manager, Max Bartholomew.
3. Storm (tidal) surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +12 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 8 feet. Beach erosion will likely be significant. Beach replenishment projects scheduled for the oceanfront scheduled to commence next month are quite timely. We’ll need to make a critical assessment of the Bay beaches and develop protection strategies.
4. Rain possess a 4th threat to our citizens and property. Some areas of the City may receive up to 6 inches. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers, Back Bay and the many lakes and ponds throughout the City.
5. Duration is what is making this storm a significant event. Weather conditions will deteriorate on Saturday afternoon and impact the City thru Tuesday. The height of the storm is projected to be Sunday afternoon till early Monday afternoon.Facility closings will be announced beginning tomorrow. Most will be open tomorrow as scheduled, but we are not anticipating opening other than essential facilities on Sunday. Mondays conditions will be further refined on Sunday for determining what openings/closing will occur at the start of the new work week. At this time we do not anticipate the need for opening any public shelters. VB Public Schools briefed their preparedness to open Birdneck ES if needed. Sherriff Stolle advised his deputies are prepared to support where needed. The Registrar’s Office will be open tomorrow and closed Sunday. The Virginia Beach EOC will be partially activated on Saturday for updates scheduled for 0900 and 1500.
Grommet Park’s berm was completed midday today. Public Utility generators have been readied to back up our pump stations. The beach stage canopies have been removed as have been the wooden handicap ramps and trashcans on the sand. The Blue Moon Wicked 10K Run at the ocean front will be held on Saturday as planned. The post-race party has moved from the beach to the convention center. Sunday afternoon’s Virginia Symphony concert is under review. We continue to issue press releases, update information on our website and our social media sites. We’ll keep you advised.
Emphasis ours.
COASTAL FLOOD WATCH
COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
751 AM EDT SAT OCT 27 2012
* TIMING…TODAY THROUGH MONDAY FOR THE HIGH SURF. FOR TIDAL
FLOODING…SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING…WITH THE
GREATEST IMPACT AND WATER LEVELS LIKELY TO OCCUR WITH THE MONDAY
MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE.* IMPACTS…WATER LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE TO 2 TO 4 FEET
ABOVE NORMAL BY THE SUNDAY MORNING TIDE CYCLE…AND CONTINUE
THROUGH THE MONDAY EVENING TIDE CYCLE. MODERATE TO POSSIBLY
SEVERE FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE WITHIN A FEW HOURS EITHER
SIDE OF EACH HIGH TIDE.
CBF’s Virginia update on critical action the State Legislature needs to take. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD CLOSES NOVEMBER 16. Help protect menhaden population in the Bay.
As a companion article in this newsletter details, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is now considering steps to protect and begin restoration of the Atlantic menhaden population. Ensuring that menhaden remain abundant in the Atlantic and the Chesapeake Bay is critical. Described as the “most important fish in the sea,” menhaden provide a major food source for other fish, marine mammals, and birds.
The companion article mentioned above.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pushing for fair and reasonable changes to the management plan in order to rebuild the menhaden population and boost opportunities for watermen, anglers, and wildlife:
A 25 percent reduction of the menhaden catch as a first step toward eliminating overfishing.
Achieving the target level fishing mortality within five years.
To avoid undue harm to local fishermen catching menhaden for bait, the allocation scheme should split the new quota 70:30 between the industrial fishery and the local bait fisheries.
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT BY NOVEMBER 16th TO HELP PROTECT MENHADEN.
Many people have never even heard of this boney, oily, unappetizing fish (also known as bunker or pogy).
But without this little unsung hero, the Bay’s ecosystem would likely collapse.
Just kidding.
The sign that just popped up supported by the large silver pole instead of a black pole is part of the Virginia Beach Dynamic Message Signs and System Detector Project. The construction at Greenwell and Shore Drive is for the new LEED certified Fire Station.
Virginia Beach Dynamic Message Signs and System Detector Project
An email about the electronic signs:
The Virginia Beach Dynamic Message Signs and System Detector Project will consist of the installation of 11 motorists advisory Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), overhead sign support structures, equipment cabinets, and communication equipment. The DMS’s will have three line displays. Each line will consist of 12 inch height, LED (Light Emitting Diode) characters. The DMS’s will be installed at eight locations within the City. The DMS’s will be installed at the following locations:
1. Princess Anne Rd and Elson Green Ave, southbound
2. General Booth Blvd at the KOA Campground, northbound
3. Shore Dr and First Landing State Park, westbound
4. Shore Dr and Bayville Rd, back to back DMS’s – photo above
5. Northampton Blvd and Bayside Rd, eastbound
6. Northampton Blvd and Shell Rd, westbound
7. Independence Blvd and Wakefield Dr, back to back DMS’s
8. Shore Dr near 83rd St, back to back DMS’sThe project will also include the installation of two types of vehicle detectors. The vehicle detectors will consist of wireless transmitters, and micro loop sensors. The detectors will be installed at 46 locations within the City. Vehicle detector communication equipment will be installed in the existing traffic signal cabinets. There will also be the installation of one CCTV camera on this project. All of the project equipment will be configured to communicate with the City of Virginia Beach Traffic Management Center.
The DMS’s will convey traffic condition information to the roadway motorists. The vehicle detectors will be capable of instantaneously detecting changes in traffic flow patterns. With the construction of this project, the Traffic Management Center will add to its capability of facilitating the application of technology and engineering, to managing traffic, and disseminating traffic related information to the motoring public.
Meeting, February 9, 2012
A Pre-Construction Meeting was held for the stakeholders of the above mentioned construction project. Construction on this project will commence during the spring of this year. The construction team members of this project included;
1. Midasco, specialty infrastructure contractor, the primary Contractor
2. MBP, a construction and program management firm, the lead inspection team
3. URS, lead engineering design firm
4. Public Works/ Traffic Engineering, inspection and traffic control
5. Public Works/ Construction Engineering, inspection
6. Traffic Management CenterThe Virginia Beach Dynamic Message Signs and System Detector Project, CIP 2-039 (Capital Improvement Program), completed its bid opening on October 27, 2011. The Engineers Estimate for the Project was $2.616 million. The bidding was won by Midasco, for $1,616,616.
By the way, stakeholders on Shore Drive were apparently told once about this project a couple years ago. No one remembers being invited to the February 2012 meeting mentioned above.
Here is the Official CIP Project Page for the new LEED certified Fire Station.
This project replaces the existing 9,760 square foot facility supporting 4 Fire and 2-to-5 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, 1 fire engine and 1 ambulance on a daily basis, and various other pieces of equipment that are infrequently used (ranging from fire trucks to zodiac boats).
Todd has been trying to get architectural drawings of the new facility to share.
From an email:
Sent: Fri, Oct 19, 2012 10:01 am
Subject: Lesner UpdateKal,
Just wanted to make you and the BAC aware of a few things that are occurring with the Lesner Bridge Project.Public Notices for Permitting
The Corps of Engineers, DEQ, VMRC, and Coast Guard are advertising public notices for the construction permit on this project. The Corps of Engineers public notice has already been advertised and can be found at: http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/PublicNotices.aspx
We know there has been some concern about the City putting in a bulkhead at the boat ramp site. We just want the BAC and the Shore Drive community to understand that the current public notices are for the construction of the Lesner Bridge only. This will include a temporary bulkhead at the boat ramp. Any effort made to change the scope of the construction permit (e.g., make the temporary bulkhead permanent) will require a separate application and approval from the permitting agencies. We want to be clear with the BAC and the Shore Drive community that this current application is only for the construction needs of the bridge project. This is consistent with the approach that we discussed with the BAC and the SDCC in early 2012.
Drilled Shaft Load Test at the Boat Ramp
Our design team is currently mobilizing a contractor to perform a drilled shaft load test. This effort will consist of drilling a 4’ diameter hole approximately 110’ deep, placing reinforcing steel, and backfilling with concrete. Once the concrete has cured, the contractor will jack against the drilled shaft until it fails. This test will give us actual field information about how well the drilled shaft will perform. With this information, we can finish the foundation design for the bridge using the most economical drilled shaft design. You will likely see the contractor on site starting next week. We just wanted to make you aware of this in case there are any questions from the community.
Project Manager Change
Chris Wojtowicz is taking over this project for Toni Alger. Toni is still in our group, however she was selected for a supervisor position and her duties have expanded beyond managing projects. Chris is getting up to speed and will be taking care of the day to day responsibilities. Chris has been doing a great job managing the Laskin Gateway project and will bring a lot of experience to the table as we get closer to construction. I will still be involved and available for questions as well so we will have continuity during this transition.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.
David S. Jarman, P.E.
Transportation Project Management Supervisor
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
757-385-4144 (direct)
757-385-4131 (main)
You can still donate, and hire the incredibly talented musicians who played yesterday on Pleasure House Point at the Lynnhaven River NOW Fall Festival.
Head over to SavePHP.org now to learn more.
Brandon Bower and his band played a rocking, soulful, non-stop hour and a half set on a perfect day of celebration, learning, and hoola-hooping.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this day possible. You’ve accomplished something truly magnificent. So far.
Brian Solis, of the Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation responds to questions posed by residents interested in further details about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s proposed educational center to be located at Pleasure House Point.
What LEED levels will be required? See http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3330
Certified 40–49 points
Silver 50–59 points
Gold 60–79 points
Platinum 80 points and above
Response: There are not requirements for level of LEED-certification; however, CBF has indicated that the building will achieve LEED-Platinum status. CBF’s headquarters in Annapolis, MD was the first LEED-Platinum certified building in the world.
Will the 10,000 SF CBF building be in accordance with the Living Building Challenge (LBC) requiring its own energy and waste processing? See https://ilbi.org/lbc/LBC%20Documents/LBC2-0.pdf
Response: Yes. The details are being worked through CBF, the Planning Department and several other state and City agencies through the conditional use permit and design process.
Can a 10,000 SF building be justified when the LBC is committed to stopping the continued spread of sprawl development that threatens the few wild places that remain?
How can the 10,000 SF building be justified when the LBC prohibits construction on sensitive ecological habitat and/or a 100-year flood plain?
The architectural rendering on display was a long rectangular building devoid of the features the LBC prescribes:
• Elements that nurture the innate human attraction to natural systems and processes.
• Environmental features
• Natural shapes and forms
• Natural patterns and processes
• Design features intended solely for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit and place appropriate to its function.
• Integration of surrounding tidal ponds, bird houses, and indigenous animals (frogs, lizards, turtles) into the immediate vicinity of the building for view, education, and environmental compatibility.
Response: The majority of the Pleasure House Point site is a previously-disturbed site. The building will also need to meet minimum building code standards as well as those related to flood plain issue. The detailed design of the Education Center will reveal addressing the majority, if not all, of the above criteria.
So was this it, or did the plan evolve through a proper Charrette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charrette) that looked at several designs and space requirements in consultation with all stakeholders?
Response: CBF’s part of the Education Center evolved near the end of the site master plan process.
As part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA), to minimize square footage, will (or were) investigations undertaken to evaluate other near-by public facilities that could be used for meetings, public gatherings, educational classes, and training?
Response: The 10,000 s.f. building program is approximately 2% of CBF’s site. It is my understanding that CBF did evaluate building spaces in the vicinity of both Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet their needs before undertaking this opportunity. Based on where the building is located and the educational programs and minimal staff offices proposed for the space, we do not find the building program to be unreasonable. Also, the building is sited at the most landward location while still staying outside of the 200’+ Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer areas that CBF is enforcing on itself (normal RPA buffer requirement is a 100’ setback).
I also just need to reiterate the City’s commitment to working with the Trust for Public Land and Chesapeake Bay Foundation under the Council-adopted Memorandum of Understanding to achieve a number of goals for the entire site in a way that compliments each other: preservation, restoration, education and public access.
And remember – Ribbon Cutting tomorrow at 11am and Fall Festival Saturday from 11-4 on PHP!
Proceeds benefit Baylake Pines Civic League,
Foodbank of Southeastern VA and VA Bch Crime Solvers
Tickets and Information contacts:
John Borum 757-363-9132 or 757-289-6348
Kevin Montgomery 757-268-4733
Dell Young 757-460-2863
Also Available at the Leaping Lizard Café
Printing courtesy of Gay Borum of Konica-Minolta
Read, see, and hear more at SavePHP.org.
There were at least 6 birders out on PHP this morning. Probably hunting for the Say’s Phoebe, the life bird spotted that normally hangs out in the western states & Alaska.
Sponsors: Lynnhaven River NOW, Council of Garden Clubs, Shore Drive Community Coalition, Back Bay Restoration Foundation, Princess Anne Garden Club, and the Virginia Beach Garden Club
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
BE INFORMED
#WeLoveShoreDrive 