Category Archives: City Government

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

“While it is the most densely populated area of the City, it is primarily a neighborhood residential area. The general planning goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan include preserving and protecting the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of the established neighborhoods.”

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Applicant & Owner Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay Public Hearing March 11, 2020 City Council Election District Lynnhaven

View Staff Report in PDF.

Some highlights:

In 1977, a Conditional Use Permit was granted to the property for a Home for the Aged, Disabled and Handicapped to operate a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

The development will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the Suburban Area Bayfront Community, the goals of which is to preserve and protect the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of established neighborhoods.

The proposed 22-story tower will be approximately 250’ tall.

The Property, when developed, shall not exceed a total of 674 Independent Living units, 75 Assisted Living units, 48 Memory Support units, and 108 Skilled Nursing units. Total parking provided will be 1,096 parking spaces.

The general planning goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan include preserving and protecting the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of the established neighborhoods.

Ocean Shore Condos & Ships Watch request your help over WCCB current expansion plans

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Important Email addresses:

    Mayor & all City Council: CityCouncil@vbgov.com

    Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com

    Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com

    Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com

Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.

Partial list of concerns being shared about current WCCB expansion plans:

Dear March 11th Planning Commission participants,

I am sure by now that all of you have sent your letters out to the Mayor, the individuals of the Planning Commission and the City Council. Now it is time for the next step in our process to limit the encroachment of Westminster Canterbury on the Shore Drive District. However, if you have not sent your letter as of yet, it is not too late. Please send your letter and encourage any of your friends and family in Virginia to write a letter opposing the expansion of Westminster Canterbury as it now stands.

There are several things that we need to do in order to continue our fight and increase the pressure on the Planning Commission and then ultimately the City Council.

    1) Please make every effort to attend the Planning Commission on March 11th, 2020, 12:00 pm. The meeting will be at the Municipal Center, building #1. The meeting is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm, but I would like to encourage everyone to be there by 11:00 am. We understand that Westminster Canterbury is going to try to pack the meeting. We would like all of you and anyone else you can bring to be able to be seated in the meeting room. Also, there is a meeting at 9:00 am by the Planning Commission. The 9:00 am meeting will be in the same location as above, but we will not be able to speak at this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the Planning Commission to discuss the expansion. I believe it will give us great insight to their thought process. In addition, the more people the Planning Commission sees at the meetings, the more pressure it will put on their decision making process.
    2) We also need to have speakers at the 12:00 pm meeting. If you are willing to speak, please let us know. Please email paulterkeltaub@me.com and let us know your intention to speak. We want you to address the Planning Commission in your own words, but we do have topics that we want to make sure are covered. Listed below are the topics we wish to have individuals talk about in front of the Planning Commission. Please pick one or two topics that you would like to address. We want to make sure all topics are covered. You will have 3 minutes to state your position. All that we ask is that you respond to Paul above and let us know what topic or topics you will be addressing. We want to make sure all of the important points are covered.

The topics that we would like to see addressed are as follows:

    Reduce the height of the building from 22 stories to 14 stories.
    Have the building built of the same type of brick the other buildings are built of instead of glass to keep continuity within the development.
    If the building is built of glass, we would like the City to require them to do a solar study so that we will understand what the implications will be for the surrounding buildings.
    If the building is made of glass, we would like to know the implications of how much light it will put out at night.
    Whether the building is 22 stories or 14 stories, we would like to have a wind study done so we will understand the impact on the surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
    We would like to see a shadow study done to understand the implications for surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
    We would like the parking lot expanded to accommodate more cars. They need to allow two cars for each unit as well as parking for the staff. In addition, the parking lot needs to be designed to accommodate senior drivers.
    The City needs to restrict parking on Starfish and turn this into a 4 lane road having a dedicated right hand turn lane.
    The City needs to elongate the left hand turn lane from Shore Drive onto Starfish due to the increased traffic.
    The City needs to require a current traffic study. The prior study was done before The Overture and The Chesapeake on The Bay Condos, both on Shore Drive and The Pearl off of Great Neck Road by the marina were built. None of these have been leased or sold to capacity at this time.
    We would like to strongly encourage Westminster Canterbury to flip the tower with the assisted living facility.
    We would like them to keep the beach access where it is or at least on their property and not next to Ocean Shore Condos. The way the beach access is being planned, Westminster Canterbury will be creating a private beach for their residents that the public will not be able to access.
    3) The attorney and architect for Ocean Shore Condos will be addressing the technical parts of the project, but we need all of you to help us address the human side of such a large development. This is for all owners and renters in the Shore Drive District.

Please help us to preserve our neighborhood.

Very Truly Yours,

Each of you can change my email and sign this and send out to your perspective communities and organizations. Please feel free to make any changes you would like.

When emailing Planning Commission members, Mayor & City Council – anyone with CoVB -be sure to be respectful and truthful.

Important Email addresses:

    Mayor & all City Council: CityCouncil@vbgov.com

    Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com

    Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com

    Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com

Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.

Learn more about Planning Commission here.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Feb. 24th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 2.24.20 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 24, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – None

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – Update on WC expansion project that included a 22 story high rise to be built at the Casa del Playa/Old Pier site and a memory center to be located on a current parking lot. All facilities are planned to be connected with pedestrian bridges crossing public streets at Ocean Shore Ave and Starfish Rd. Developer presented to 100 attendees at Lynnhaven Colony Civic meeting. Project will be heard by Planning Commission on Wed. March 11th at Noon. SDCC Survey on proposed development can be taken at

Sea Level Wise (SLW) Public Input – The Department of Public Works concluded their public presentations on the draft SLW plan. Thank you to all who attended. The meeting at Cox HS was largest crowd of all meetings. Next step will be formal adoption of the plan by City Council. Comments will still be accepted through the end of February and can be sent to C.J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com

New Business –
Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp for Commercial Use – City wants to lease part of property for 3 year as commercial use to support off-shore wind turbine construction. An office building, parking spots, 5000 gallon fuel tank and boat mooring are planned. Your comments and questions are needed and will be submitted to Staff for answers prior to a Council vote on Tues March 3rd.

Lesner Bridge Lighting Issues – Repairs will be made over the next 60 days to fix lighting problems with the overhead road pole lights, the under bridge pier lights and the Canoes sculpture accent lights.

“Your Speed” Sign – Public Works Engineer Phillip Koetter informed the Cape Story Civic Association that City Traffic engineers plan to install a “Your Speed” radar sign near the intersection of Shore Drive and Kendall Street for cars coming from the State Park heading west. Installation should be this summer/fall.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – Revisions to the SDCC Bylaws were presented and reviewed at Jan meeting. The proposed changes are posted online and will be voted upon at this meeting.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

Civic Engagement Opportunities

Sea Level Wise Draft Input – Comments on the draft can be sent to City Public Works Stormwater Engineer C. J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com Deadline is Feb. 29th.

Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp – City Council Meeting Tues March 3rd at 6:00pm in Building 1

Proposed Expansion of Westminster-Canterbury – Planning Commission Meeting Wed March 11th at Noon in Building 1 City Council Chambers. Briefing is held at 9:30am in City Managers meeting room. Take the SDCC Survey at

. Survey closes March 10th.

City Budget Citizen Discussion – Councilman John Moss will be holding public information sessions in the Bayfront area at the following dates and locations. Both meetings are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• Wed March 4th at the Bayside Rec Center & Wed March 18th at Great Neck Rec Center

 

 

Did you know WCCB is seeking variances to redevelop ~17 acres in the bayfront? PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY.

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WCCB – Westminster Canterbury by Chesapeake Bay- has been “working with the City for about a year” on redeveloping 16.88 acres in the bayfront.

Planning Commission is scheduled to have a public hearing and vote as soon as MARCH 11 ’20.

CLICK HERE to start 8 question SURVEY.

SURVEY ENDS March 10. PLEASE TAKE IT NOW and share it.

We will be making the Survey results public.

Thank you!

Rendering of proposed redevelopment that needs regulatory approvals.

February Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee

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View February 2020 Baylines Newsletter.

Bayfront Advisory Commission
Commission meets Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 4500 First Court Road
Bayside Recreation Center
3:30 p.m.
Tentative Agenda:

CALL TO ORDER
ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2020
MINUTES OF 1/16/20
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – Charles Malbon, Vice Chairman
STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Design
Communications
Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access
BRIEFINGS
Comprehensive Plan update – Mark. E. Shea
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES
ADJOURN

Including more updates like:

Briefly…
The City Council has appointed William Hearst to the Bayfront Advisory Commission, replacing Scott Ayers, who retired …

View February 2020 Baylines Newsletter.