Category Archives: City Government

SHORE DRIVE AREA PROPERTIES, LLC for a Conditional Change of Zoning from PD-H1 Planned Unit Development District to Conditional B-4. Marlin Bay & Shore Drive.

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CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING JULY 14, 2026

INFORMAL PRE-MEETING 3PM.

City Council Chamber
2401 Courthouse Drive, Building 1, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 

FORMAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6PM.

City Council Conference Room
2401 Courthouse Drive, Building 1, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

SHORE DRIVE AREA PROPERTIES, LLC for a Conditional Change of Zoning from PD-H1 Planned Unit Development District to Conditional B-4 (SD) Mixed Use District and a Conditional Use Permit re develop a fifty-two (52) condominium project with a small commercial component at 3853

Shore Drive parcels directly Southeast of 3853 Shore Drive DISTRICT 9

SHORE DRIVE AREA LLC CITY COUNCIL JULY 14 26.pdfDownload

Visionaries who’ve accepted the realities & challenges of SLR(Sea Level Rise), climate change and the DewBerry Report understand this is not the highest & best land use of this particular location.

Virginia Beach in a very quick 20 years will be dramatically different in low lying neighborhoods like Ocean Park excluding any direct hits by large hurricanes, nor’easters or tornadoes.

One example opportunity to help build resiliency for future generations.

Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting and Goals & Objectives meeting – Thursday July 16th @ 1pm for both.

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From Hank:

Please see the attached packet for next week’s BAC meeting. Just as a reminder, we will be starting at 1:00pm on Thursday to go over goals and objectives for FY2027. The regular meeting will begin at 3:30pm. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out any time. Have a great weekend!

BAC 7-16-26_Special Meeting.pdfDownload
One of the unfinished areas of Shore Drive Pedestrian Improvements. Anyone know why the delay to finish?

Proposed PHP Kayak Launch Open House scheduled

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We invite you to attend our Open House on July 27, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bayside Recreation Center, located at 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

The Open House will provide an opportunity to review project information, ask questions, and share feedback with the project team.

If built, it’ll certainly be a challenging location to paddle especially if it increases ADA use by novice ADA paddlers.

“However, he said the city has worked closely with community members throughout the planning process and remains willing to discuss project logistics and questions surrounding land credits.”

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View story including video at 13NewsNow.com.

The City’s public PR disaster over this project continues.

Full version of District 9 public meeting.

The shortened version missing 35 minutes recently shared.

The lack of attention to detail and continued PR disaster about this project starting in October ‘25 is truly astonishing.

Questions still remain unanswered such as why were only $30,520 worth of saplings planted – less than mulch for said saplings – vs staff recommended $1,562,665 for tree canopy replacement?

Note: City Council can choose to accept, fine tune or ignore staff recommendations when seeking guidance about Ordinances they Adopt.

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY passed unanimously by City Council and was Adopted May 19 2020.

District 9 Community Meeting June 10 videos

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Here: https://youtu.be/I9Z2ngPv158?is=jtMXgNHh5GXJtIRn

Strongly encourage you to watch the entire public meeting & in particular the Q&A which starts about 40 minutes in.

A comment: Zero live oak lumber was preserved. Public Works Director LJ Hansen misspoke about that. There were also another number of glaring errors in the presentation & answers in the Q&A. These errors are also on the public record based on FOIA documentation. Still remarkable the lack of detail about this highly controversial project & PR disaster.

The very talented Hutton Strader drone video of PHP WMB progress: https://youtu.be/dHKDQMVrdhQ?is=rTP1K0s7rgPJttH5

Follow the extremely talented Hutton Strader on his YouTube Channel.

Marlin Bay proposed condos Planning Commission Agenda Items 13 & 14 June 10 Public Hearing

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Applicant & Property Owner: Shore Drive Area Properties, LLC

Planning Commission Public Hearing: June 10, 2026

City Council District: District 9 (Schulman)

Select screenshots from application.

Still fascinating how City gives only 6 days instead of 30 to review submitted Planning Commission applications.

Public Comments 

A sign-up sheet for those interested in speaking in person on proposed applications is available in the Council Chamber prior to each Planning Commission meeting. 

To comment virtually, register for WebEx online and contact the Planning Department at (757) 385-8673 or bnharriso@vbgov.com before 5 p.m. the day before the public hearing. 

Those in need of reasonable accommodation due to a disability should also call the Planning Department prior to the meeting. People who are hearing impaired can contact Virginia Relay at 711 for TDD service.

Send an email to all Planning Commissioners.

Entire submitted application below:

2026.06.10_PLN_13 & 14_Shore Drive Area Properties, LLC.pdfDownload

Related:

An opportunity to transplant live oak trees, The City Tree, which may be destroyed for Westminister Canterbury new parking garage to these proposed condos. Homes with mature tree canopy typically sell for 3% to 15% more than similar properties without tree cover.

Councilmember Schulman will host a meeting regarding Pleasure House Point on June 8

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Info on City’s website here:

Councilmember Schulman will host a District 9 community meeting on Monday, June 8, to update residents on Pleasure House Point. The agenda will include a progress update presentation with time for questions and a general Q&A session with the council member. The meeting will be 6-8 p.m. at Williams Farm Recreation Center.

Directions to Williams Farm Recreation here. (Opens in new window)

Note: Councilman Schulman at last Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting (BAC) when asked if he had any updates on City Staff Recommendations driven by the RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED MARCH 11 2020 by City Council he mentioned city staff would answer the question why the recommended $1,562,655 for Pleasure House Point (PHP) 5,214 trees – tree canopy destruction in March ‘25 – has been replaced so far by 703 trees & according to public records the contract shows $30,520. 1/50th of staff recommendations.

Additional note: It is up to City Council whether they choose to follow, fine tune or ignore staff recommendations.

Google Earth satellite images above. The destroyed $353,874 of annual economic value is publicly available information calculated by the City.

The over $1,000,000 worth of wetlands grasses & shrubs planted look great in person btw!

Hooray! One step closer to preserving 100% of what people have believed was Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

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Coverage at WHRO.org:

Virginia Beach will spend $2.66 million to buy five undeveloped lots and add 0.57 acres at Crab Creek to the Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

Coverage at WAVY.com:

“Can you imagine if there were six duplexes, with six foot privacy fences, on pilings, how much that would change the nature of the park,” she said in a Wednesday afternoon interview.

Coverage at 13NewsNow.com:

“We are so excited for what the future holds,” said Rachael Childs, who volunteers with the program. “We hope to continue partnering with the city.”

Coverage at WTKR.com:

City leaders plan to use a combination of grant funding and open space money to help cover the cost of the acquisition, including $300,000 in approved grants.

Coverage at Pilotonline.com is paywalled.

The 5 parcels adjacent to “3608”.

AS SPECTACULAR AS THIS IS THERE’S STILL WORK TO BE DONE!

Encourage City Council & sign & share the PETITION to preserve the parcels that are along the walkway from Marlin Bay to Brock Environmental Center.

The tree canopy.

Our vital tree canopy. 5,214 trees were destroyed last year for the planned Wetlands Mitigation Bank. Currently $30,520 has been invested in 703 saplings to replace the 5,214 trees. Many find this completely unacceptable and it violates the spirit and a City Ordinance adopted years ago.

City Council UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED a RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY which according to staff recommendations the City should invest $1,562,655 in our vital tree canopy.

Thursday February 19th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

Public comment has apparently changed: expect no public comment discussion with city staff or an ability to ask city staff any questions. Public comment is available at the end of the meeting and may or may not be included in any minutes.

Agenda below:

BAC 2-19-26.pdfDownload

This long delayed project allegedly now starts May 2026.
Note: “Property Acquisition” according to state law could have started & been completed years ago. It’s a CoVB policy not to do so.

Transportation Program Update Briefing Final (01.15.2026).pdfDownload

Be careful walking & cycling on Cape Henry Drive detour while Cape Henry Trail is closed!

Concerns navigating the area during construction & have ADA challenges this link here has info.

Bayfront Public Works Projects Status Spreadsheet – January ‘26 update

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The following update was provided by the City’s Public Works Department. The spreadsheet identifies all of the current projects in the Bayfront Area. Updates are identified in RED.

BAC Meeting – PW Project Updates – January 2026.pdfDownload

In Tree City USA, the PHP WMB plantings are complete including the 703 saplings listed in contract as $30,520. Less than the tree mulch cost of $34,240.

About WCCB “[m]entioned in [Thursday’s BAC] meeting that the City will not be accepting the beach access ramp from the private developer until it is made ADA compliant.  Once the ramp is ADA compliant, the City will accept the ramp and take over maintenance.”

Thursday January 15th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

Public comment has apparently changed: expect no public comment discussion with city staff or an ability to ask city staff any questions. Public comment is available at the end of the meeting and may or may not be included in any minutes.

1-15-26 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
Route 35 ‘25 ridership was 37,091 over 3x ‘23 woot woot! With basically zero advertising too. Imagine how many people would take it if they knew about it!! It’s use plus safe walking & cycling opportunities would reduce traffic for Phase 3 too duh.

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DJ 204-79-366 effective date APRIL 18 2024

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Screenshot from Settlement Agreement

Full Settlement Agreement PDF at VirginiaBeach.gov. (Opens in new tab)

Americans with Disabilities Act at VirginiaBeach.gov. (Opens in new tab)

“…The ADA applies to all programs, services, and activities offered by the City of Virginia Beach. These include, but are not limited to: the facilities and sites of the City of Virginia Beach programs, services, and activities; City of Virginia Beach roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and pathways; communications between the City of Virginia Beach and the public; courses and examinations offered by the City of Virginia Beach; and employment and public transportation services. The ADA also extends to programs, services, and activities provided by a City contractor for the benefit of the residents of, and visitors to, the City of Virginia Beach…”

Complaints of alleged noncompliance should be directed to the ADA Coordinator.

Raymond J. Mattes, ADA Coordinator 757-385-8444 ADACoordinator@vbgov.com

Screenshot taken Dec 19 ‘25

Procedure posted below provided by:

R.J. Mattes MPA, CBO

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

Assistant to the City Manager – Special Projects|ADA Coordinator

Desk | 757.385.8190  |  rmattes@vbgov.com

ADA  | 757.385.8444  |   ADACoordinator@vbgov.com

Administrative Directive-Title-Public Input for Public Infrastructure Projects Undertaken in the City-AD-3.14.pdfDownload
Screenshot from Settlement Agreement

Accessibility at VirginiaBeach.gov.

Screenshot taken Dec 19 ‘25

District 9(D9) Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmember Joash Schulman December 1 ‘25 6pm – 8pm. Join us!

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Info including ADA love here.

Public meeting at Louis R. Jones Bayside Recreation Center 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455

Church Point/Thoroughgood BMP & Conveyance Improvements Project Number 100596 Council District 9 CIP Budget 2024-2030 Total Programmed Project Cost  $45,660,000.

Event Details: 

Councilmember Schulman will host a District 9 community meeting to update residents on current city projects and issues. Topics of discussion include the citywide benefits of tourism and what it brings to our overall economy, new cultural arts funding and related grant programs and pedestrian/bike connectivity improvements currently underway in the district.

Thursday November 20th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

11-20-25 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
Planned closure of south side sidewalk coming soon. Detour on Cape Henry Trail(CHT)! Be safe folks & get outta those vehicles and walk or bike!

Thursday October 16th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

10-16-25 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
Prepping for storm blocking heavily used sidewalk.

District 8 Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmember Stacy Cummings

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DATE & TIME

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. (2h 0m)

LOCATION

Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

Join us!

Event info about community meeting here.

Dominion Power replacing high power tension lines that almost came down during September 16 storm. Hooray!

“Safety concerns at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp in Virginia Beach have sparked heated discussions among Virginia Beach neighbors, leading a subcommittee to discuss restricting commercial charter boat operations from the public launch.”

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Reporting from WTKR.com:

https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/virginia-beach/virginia-beach-committee-recommends-restricting-charter-boats-from-lynnhaven-boat-ramp-amid-safety-concerns

News 3 has been reporting on the safety concerns of neighbors who live in that area for months.

Thursday September 18th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

9-18-25 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload

A positive improvement by possibly the consultant hired to ensure pedestrian & cycling access gets appropriate love during P3.

Join us! September 11 5pm John B. Dey “Event Details: This meeting will provide information and gather input on proposed pedestrian crossing improvements at North Great Neck Road and the Cape Henry Trail.”

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HAWK Signal Phase 1 (CIP 100423.108) – Public Information Meeting.

“The project includes installation of a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk) signal to enhance safety and connectivity for trail users crossing the corridor.”

An example graphic of new pedestrian & cycling safety HAWK signal.
The very popular Cape Henry Trail.
Note: safe pedestrian & cyclist infrastructure means less vehicles on roads.

See y’all there!

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION SHORE DR PHASE 3 UPDATE August 21st ‘25

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A few select slides from update.

Thanks to Project Manager William Purcell, P.E. for update!

View all the slides below:

20250821-bac-briefing.pdfDownload