Category Archives: City Government

Construction at Intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Rd. Scheduled to Continue Until Sat. May 9th

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The following are email updates from City Engineer Brad Vanderwarker regarding the storm water improvements along the Cape Henry Trail ditch and intersection with N. Great Neck Road.  Work is scheduled to continue, weather permitting, over the next 2 weeks until Saturday May 9th.  Traffic patterns at the intersection of Shore Drive and N. Great Neck and near the Cape Henry Trail will be changing to support the different construction operations, so please be aware and be safe.

 

Email #1 – Unfortunately, this up and down weather has been tough recently at N. Great Neck Road. We have coordinated with Traffic Engineering and should be complete with the storm drainage portion northerly up by the intersection by the end of this weekend (4/25).

Weather permitting next Monday, 4/27, we will drop back and work on the southerly drainage outfall near the Cape Henry Trail that is projected to last 1 week, till 5/2.

Following that work will be the restoration portion to include curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveway apron and paving along that entire corridor. We anticipate the restoration work to take one week (5/4-5/9).

Email #2 – I just received clarification that next week (4/27 thru 5/2), we will return traffic flow to normal using the dedicated right turn “slip ramp” with a taper transition to the left lane(s) of southbound N. Great Neck Road, during construction of the work near the CHC.

The following week (5/4 thru 5/9), when we are constructing the restoration elements, we will bring motorists all the way up to the signal and turn right.

New Traffic Pattern at Intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road

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In support for Storm Water drainage improvements, a new traffic pattern will be temporarily used for the intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road.

The new pattern will be set up Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm for the next two to three weeks.  Please be careful as you head south onto N. Great Neck at this intersection.

Click here to read the City’s News Release on this subject – 20200401-News Release – REVISED -N Great Neck Road – March 2020

UPDATE:
Virginia Beach Public Works has announced a change in the schedule for work crews as stated in the news release of 2/16/2020; RE: the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements project.
The work schedule for the crews is revised as follows for Southbound Traffic (west side) of North Great Neck Road:
Original Schedule:
7 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, April 5, 2020 through June 7, 2020.
Revised Schedule:
Beginning April 6th, 2020, there will be daytime work through Friday (Saturday if needed) 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The road will be re-opened at the end of each daily shift, to include temporary paving of the excavation, clean up and removing traffic control before returning it to the original traffic pattern each evening. Work at this location is expected to be complete by April 24th, 2020.

 

City Seeks Input from Virginia Beach Residents and Business Owners on COVID-19 Impacts

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The City has created two online surveys to identify critical needs and issues Virginia Beach residents and business owners are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read this notice at the City’s website https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=4752&title=city+seeks+input+from+virginia+beach+residents+and+business+owners+on+covid-19+impacts

Resident Needs Assessment Survey
Virginia Beach residents can provide input relating to housing, employment and financial needs at PublicInput.com/COVID19Resident Needs through Friday, April 24.

Feedback from the Resident Needs Assessment survey will help guide the draft plan and priorities for funds the City will receive through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to address housing needs, such as eviction prevention, homelessness prevention and shelter. Federal CARES Act funding amounts the City will be receiving and proposed uses can be found at VBgov.com/housing.

The Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation will present its draft plan on the proposed uses of Federal CARES Act funds for housing assistance during a City Council Special Session that will occur after the survey deadline. If approved, the City Council will be asked to authorize the proposed uses of funds by ordinance during the special session. An announcement will be made when the special session has been scheduled.

Business Needs Assessment Survey
Virginia Beach business owners can provide input relating to issues such as workforce and service impacts at PublicInput.com/COVID19BusinessNeeds through Friday, April 24.

Feedback from the Business Needs Assessment survey will help focus on areas in which the City can support the business community. The information will also be used to identify the resources and services businesses may need or find useful as they adapt, even temporarily, to the range of conditions imposed as a result of the pandemic.

Detour Scheduled for West Great Neck Road on Wed April 15th from 9pm to 4am

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Click here to read in .pdf format West Great Neck Road Detour – April 15th 2020

 

VB Public Works Schedules Detour for West Great Neck Road

VA Beach Public Works has announced a detour for the area near West Great Neck Road and Adam Keeling Road
on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The detour is scheduled so that crews can relocate a water line to the east side of
West Great Neck Road.

The detour hours will be from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.

The work is part of a project that will provide a 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk along the west side of West Great Neck Road
from Adam Keeling Road to the bridge over Long Creek, approximately 0.2 of a mile. Once completed, the sidewalk will
improve safety and provide a connection for pedestrians traveling from Great Neck Point to Shore Drive.

The contractor for the job is EL-X Enterprises, and Phillip Blackwell is the project manager. For emergency information,
contact him at (804) 698-0989.

Billboard Appeals Case Update – Request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.

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The following is an update regarding the Board of Zoning Appeals Case 2019‐BZA-0119 – Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.

BZA hearings have been postponed during the Covid-19 pandemic, so the planned April 1st hearing of this appeal did not happen.  Once normal hearing resume, this case will be rescheduled.  In the meantime, here is some information regarding this topic.  SDCC has already sent an email to the BZA expressing our opposition to the request to make the billboards digital.  I have also attached a copy of the City’s Zoning Administrator letter that originally denied Adam’s request prior to this appeal case.  The letter can be read by clicking here Billboard Letter

Bottom line, it looks like this appeal should be denied similar to the original request to make the billboards digital, however the SDCC will continue to follow this topic to make sure.

 

Dear Chairman Whitley and Board Members,

On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), I would like to express our opposition to Case 2019‐BZA-0119 Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards. The existing billboards have been an eyesore to our area for many years and do not support the City Comprehensive Plan and Shore Drive Corridor Design Guidelines which recommend for the beautification of our residential area. Digital billboards would be extremely intrusive to the adjacent residential property owners and would exacerbate the incompatible aesthetics the structures already create.

Based on the detrimental impacts that the proposed upgrades would cause, we ask that you deny the applicants request for appeal.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,

Todd Solomon, SDCC President

I have included a couple of reference items below in case you need additional information on this topic:

1) There are 32 billboards in Virginia Beach. Adams Outdoor Advertising wants to add 13 and upgrade four of its existing billboards, city officials said. Among those the company hopes to change is a large one with two sides on Shore Drive next to the Lesner Bridge. https://www.pilotonline.com/business/consumer/vp-nw-billboards-0304-20200323-oqzr75yodzdyrnw2inpbbgpi3y-story.html

2) Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda of April 1, 2020 – Appeal Agenda: Case 2019‐BZA-0119: Adam Outdoor Advertising Request an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s determination letter dated November 7, 2019 for properties located at 3615 Virginia Beach Blvd; 624 Independence Blvd; 1314 Kempsville Rd; 660 N Witchduck Rd; 1009 Laskin Rd; 1195 Bells Rd; 1637 Independence Blvd; 5280 Princess Anne Rd; 3700 Shore Dr; 1309 Virginia Beach Blvd; 1347 Lynnhaven Pkwy; 6061 Indian River Rd; 3273 Shore Dr; 3894 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4390 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4719 Indian River Rd; 3948 Holland Rd

 

 

Trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulky item services will operate on a one-day delay this week

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News at VBGOV.com

For example, Tuesday routes will be collected on Wednesday. Wednesday routes will be collected on Thursday. Thursday routes on Friday, and Friday routes on Saturday, April 11.

CITY COUNCIL SETS SPECIAL ELECTRONIC MEETING TO DISCUSS TAX DEFERRALS; SUSPENSION OF THE MEAL TAX; REDUCTION OF PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RATE; EXPENDITURE REDUCTIONS AND MORE RELATED TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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Latest update from VBGov.com Emergency Coronavirus page:

April 3, 2020

The City Council will hold a “Special Meeting by Electronic Communications Means” on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 3 p.m. to discuss tax deferrals; suspension of the meal tax; reduction of personal property tax rate; and areas for expenditure reductions necessitated by the pandemic. The City Council will also provide guidance to staff for preparation of any necessary resolutions or ordinances for Council’s consideration at a subsequent City Council Special Session.

Following the discussion, the City Council may consider the adoption of an item to address tax relief necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of an ordinance to suspend provisions of the City Code regarding penalties and interest upon certain local taxes during the pandemic, which is sponsored by Council Member John Moss.

While citizen comments will not be heard during this meeting, citizens are encouraged to submit comments to the City Council prior to the special meeting via email at CityCouncil@vbgov.com. The current Council agenda can be viewed online at VBgov.com.

The City Council will not be at City Hall (Building 1), which will remain closed to the public. The meeting can be viewed live on VBTV (Cox channel 48 & Verizon channel 45), online at VBgov.com/media and on Facebook.com/CityofVaBeach.

For the latest information, please visit emergency.vbgov.com/coronavirus and follow us on facebook.com/CityofVaBeach, twitter.com/CityofVaBeach and instagram.com/cityofvabeach.

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City Council Special Session – 03/31/2020 video

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We applaud City Staff for getting these videos online this fast!

City Council Sets Special Electronic Meeting to Consider Continuity and Policy, and Discuss Tax Relief Related to COVID-19 Pandemic

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The City Council will hold a “Special Meeting by Electronic Communications Means” on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at 6 p.m. to consider four items to address the COVID-19 pandemic emergency; and to discuss tax relief necessitated by the pandemic.

People wanting to comment should follow a two-step registration process:

  1. Register at https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e871f2421f8196abfb20bee4e6e94208f

  2. Register with the City Clerk’s Office by calling (757) 385-4303or via email at ABarnes@vbgov.com prior to 5:30 p.m. on March 31, 2020.

Everyone Must Do Their Part: Mayor Urges Compliance to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

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Businesses in violation of Governor Northam’s Executive Order may be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which in punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

However, if you must go out, it doesn’t matter whether you are walking along the boardwalk, standing in line for food at a restaurant or shopping inside a home improvement store. Do not congregate in groups and keep six feet away from other people. It is as simple–and as important–as that if we are going to contain the outbreak.

Our Volunteers are now required to wear a face mask on every call.

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#BREAKTHECHAIN NOW

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This is great news.

View this post on Instagram

⚠️COVID-19 CLOSURES UPDATE⚠️ With the health and safety of our community in mind, the following closures are in effect as of Thursday, March 26: 🚨All playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, dog parks, and skate parks are CLOSED 🚨The larger playgrounds at signature parks (including Grommet Island at the Oceanfront, Kids Cove at Mount Trashmore, Little Island, Red Wing, and several others) have been barricaded with signage indicating closed until further notice. Although the 150+ other playgrounds at smaller parks and neighborhood parks will not be barricaded, they are still declared closed and citizens are not permitted to use them 🚨Signage has been placed at the high use basketball courts indicting closed until further notice. 🚨Volleyball courts have had their nets removed. 🚨The gates of the dog parks and skate parks are locked with signage placed indicating closed until further notice. ⚠️ If shelters continue to be gathering spots for groups, we can and will close them (in other words, please don't make us!) If we all follow the guidelines and maintain social distance, we can slow the spread of this virus which is our top concern. ➡️ For more updates on recreation centers, child care, and other programs, please read the FAQ document on our website VBgov.com/parks

A post shared by Virginia Beach Parks & Rec (@vbparksrec) on

“WE BELIEVE IN POWER FOR THE PEOPLE” VIRGINIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT – GIVE DEVELOPERS TOOLS RIGHT NOW TO SAVE LIVES! NOW!

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PLEASE GET THIS LINK TO DECISION MAKERS IN THE GOVERNORS & VDH OFFICES NOW

DOWNLOAD GRAPHICS ABOVE IN PDF TO SHARE (3 page PDF)

Stop the hysteria. Share the truth. BREAK THE CHAIN NOW.

TABLEAU MISSION

A mission that matters

We help people see and understand data. Seven words that drive everything we do. And they’ve never been more important.

TABLEAU DEVELOPER TOOLS

MAYOR DYER COVID-19 UPDATE. IF WE DO NOT VOLUNTARILY COMPLY WITH THESE EFFORTS . . .

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There are national, state and local declarations of emergency in place and we are following the guidance from the Virginia Department of Health as well the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to provide for the safety of our citizens and employees.

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SEE UNSAFE BUSINESSES ?

HERE’S WHO TO CALL:

Information Hotlines

  • The Health Districts of Hampton Roads COVID-19 Hotline: 757-683-2745 (8 AM – 6 PM Monday-Saturday, 11 AM – 4 PM Sunday)
  • The Virginia Department of Health hotline: 877-ASK-VDH3

Latest from VBGOV.com COVID EMERGENCY site

March 20, 2020

In order to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19, Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam issued a Public Health Emergency Order mandating that all restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters “reduce seating capacity to 10 patrons” at a given time. To meet this mandate, the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (Health Department) and the Virginia Beach Police Department are working together to protect the health and safety of the community. In doing so, we are educating local establishments to insure voluntary compliance. Please be informed that noncompliance with the emergency order may result in the suspension of the establishment’s operating permit.

We recognize the important service these establishments provide in our community, not only through the provision of food, drink, and entertainment, but also by supporting our local economy. However, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus, everyone must work together. The Health Department are asking restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters to strictly adhere to the executive order until otherwise noted. While we do not intend to assertively patrol local businesses in search of those in violation of this order, we will respond to complaints for such violations as authorized in the Public Health Emergency Order. By working together we will stay strong, healthy, and overcome the challenges posed by this disease.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Health Department at 757-518-2700 or the Police Department at 757-385-4097.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS EMBRACING PROTECTING OTHER HUMANS!

CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL MEETING MARCH 17 COVID-19

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PLEASE NOTE: “NUMBER OF PEOPLE TESTED” & “CASES” ARE DRASTICALLY UNDER REPORTING THE REAL NUMBER OF CASES DUE TO LACK OR TESTING RESOURCES TODAY

R E S P E C T S O C I A L D I S T A N C I N G

Dear Mayor Dyer, Council Members and Acting City Manager Leahy,

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The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) would like to commend City leaders and staff for the herculean efforts being made to adapt and stay ahead of this difficult and fluid crisis that is COVID 19.

It was great news to hear that Sentara Healthcare has opened a drive-thru COVID 19 screening and testing facility at its Princess Anne location. It is also good news to learn they will be opening additional sites in the near future.

If the City of Virginia Beach has any input in determining the location of future sites, the SDCC would like to suggest that public screening and testing facilities be located within the Shore Drive Corridor as soon as possible. We understand these facilities are of the utmost importance and need to be strategically placed, so we base this request on the following details regarding the Shore Drive/Bayfront area.

    · Most densely populated area in the City (# residents per acreage).
    · Highest concentration of at risk residents 60+ years of age due to the large number of senior living facilities. Westminster-Canterbury (630 units), Bay Lake Retirement Community (200 units), Overture Senior Apartments (200 units) are just a few examples.
    · Increased spreading risk due to the large amount of public restaurants and bars situated adjacent to residential property.
    · Over this past weekend, in-spite of the Virginia State of Emergency & VB State of Emergency, many people witnessed that many bars and restaurants were packed. This puts everyone at risk and compounds the complexity of slowing the spread of COVID 19 to the most at risk residents.

Thank you for your continued concern for all the residents of Virginia Beach as well as those at high risk in the Shore Drive community.

Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
SDCC President