Today at Cox High School
June 3, 2019 – Kellam High School (Southern)
June 5, 2019 – Princess Anne High School (Lynnhaven)
June 6, 2019 – Creeds Elementary School (Southern)
Note: sent with our Take Action Now Category so notice goes out asap.
Category Archives: City Government
PUBLIC FEEDBACK REQUESTED for Public Works DRAFT DESIGN STANDARDS MANUAL which will take sea level rise into consideration “for the development of both public and private projects within the City”
Visit VBGov.com Public Works Specifications and Standards page to learn more.
Public Works Specifications and Standards are the technical requirements, policies and procedures for design professionals to prepare plans and reports necessary for the development of both public and private projects within the City.
If you want to affect future development in Virginia Beach, we highly recommend getting familiar with the official city documents, attend the public hearing and provide feedback online.
The public review and comment period will remain open through June 30, 2019. Additionally, a public meeting will be held to discuss the draft document on Thursday, June 13th at the TCC ATC, 1700 College Cresent in the Theater from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.
Forward written comments to PWDesignStandards@vbgov.com.
Executive Summary
Download Executive Summary PDF here and view below.
City of Virginia Beach
Changes from the current Public Works Specifications & Standards Manual to the
Public Works Design Standards Manual, 2019Executive Summary
April 23, 2019
The City of Virginia Beach is replacing the current Department of Public Works Specifications and Standards Manual (PWS&S) with a newly created document entitled Public Works Design Standards Manual, 2019. The PWS&S, which was first adopted by City Council in 1994 and includes several amendments, with the most recent being Amendment 9, May 7, 2015, includes standards, policies, procedures, specifications and details for private development as well as specifications and standards for public infrastructure design. The new Public Works Design Standard Manual, 2019, provides design standards for private and public infrastructure to be located in the City’s Right-of-Way and public easements. Many of the standards, policies and procedures applicable only to private development have been removed and will be administered by the Planning Department, Development Services Center (DSC).
The new Public Works Design Standards Manual, 2019, updates the PWS&S to current best engineering practices as referenced in local, state, and federal guidelines. Additionally, some chapters were simplified and outdated information was removed.
A detailed “Summary of Revisions” document has been created to show the specific changes to each chapter of the PWS&S. This document is available at https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/public-works/standards- specs/Pages/default.aspx.
The following are highlights of some of the significant changes included in the new Public Works Design Standards Manual, 2019:
Public Works Role in Private Development Review has been changed to assisting the Planning Department’s DSC technical staff with compliance and technical reviews.
Stormwater Management. The PWS&S Chapter 8 has been re-written to meet the new DEQ stormwater management standards and criteria and also includes more stringent requirements relative to flood control. Some of the major changes/additions are the following:
• Updated precipitation data as shown in the document must be used in all designs. This equates to an approximate 20% additional precipitation (24-hour rainfall depths and rational method rainfall intensities) for the requisite design storm, over the current National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Atlas 14 data.
• The EPA’s Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) software modelling tool is required to be used for all designs of drainage areas equal to or greater than 20 acres.
• The City has (or will have in near future) completed SWMM models of all (31) drainage basins. Designers must use these models or obtain direction regarding the use of model data from the Public Works Stormwater Engineering Center.
• More specific requirements were added regarding Hydraulic Grade Line and Tailwater Criteria.
• All designs must address Sea Level Rise if the development or project drains to tidally influenced waters.
• A requirement has been added such that every design is required to address the influence of “Seasonal High Groundwater” on the project.
Chapter 11 of the PWS&S (Site Plans and Subdivision Requirements) has been deleted. The requirements related to Site Plans and Subdivisions will be covered by other documents administered by the DSC.
Most of Chapter 12 of the PWS&S (Coastal, Waterfront and Flood Plain) has been removed and will be covered in other documents and/or ordinances.
Requirement was added such that the developer, contractor and/or permittee (at their own expense) will be required to perform a closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection of all constructed storm sewer pipes and culverts upon completion of construction, and repair all deficiencies found.
The draft Public Works Design Standard Manual, 2019, is made available to the public on the City’s website at: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/public-works/standards- specs/Pages/default.aspx, for a 60-day public review and comment period. Comments can be submitted to PWDesignStandards@vbgov.com. Additionally, a public meeting will be held to discuss the draft document. After the comment period has ended the comments will be addressed and the Public Works Design Standard Manual, 2019 will be presented to the City Council for approval.
Phillip D. Pullen, P.E. City Engineer
Virginia Beach wants to require developers to factor in sea level rise for new projects
“Our goal, as engineers, is to prevent flooding,” said Phil Pullen, the city engineer who is leading the effort. “We’re treading new waters here — no pun intended.”
More, and better, information on a proposed development’s stormwater management plan could help prevent costly mistakes that were made in the past, he said. The often-cited example is Ashville Park, the Princess Anne subdivision that badly flooded during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and will cost the city millions to fix.
And:
Pullen said he doesn’t know if all of the new stormwater requirements will ultimately pass, calling the process a negotiation with other city leaders and developers.
Photo Credit” Virginian-Pilot
“This spring’s Outreach meeting will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 during the regular BAC meeting.”
View invitation to attend Outreach meeting.(2 pg PDF)
This spring’s Outreach meeting will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 during the regular BAC meeting. The community input will begin shortly after the 3:30pm meeting start time. The meeting will be held at the Virginia Beach Tennis and Country Club, located at 1950 Thomas Bishop Lane (2nd floor meeting room), Virginia Beach, VA, 23454.
Download Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Strategic Plan.(2 pg PDF)
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Strategic Plan
2018-2019Mission
The mission of the BAC is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area, and projects or issues associated with the Bayfront area that the City Council may refer to the Commission.
Committees
Executive – Kal Kassir Chairman
Design – Joe Bovee Chairman
Communications – Scott Ayers Chairman
Transportation – Charles Malbon ChairmanHigh Priority Project Items
Funding Phase IV roadway improvements ( Shady Oaks to west base of Lesner bridge )
Water issues
Drainage/Stormwater
Dewberry/Sea Level Rise Study
City Marina Development
City Wharf/Osprey Park
Pedestrian walkway under bridge (from Vista Circle to Page Avenue)
Sand replenishment
Cape Henry
Ocean Park Beach
Crab Creek
Infill development
Address what the nature of the “Bayfront” should be
Determine future look (preserve commercial, address vacation rentals)
Work with Planning on Comprehensive Plan
Landscape design of Route 13 and Shore Drive interchangeHigh Priority Communication Items
1. Schedule department heads for briefings
2. Reach out to City’s Communication office and Drew Langford, Public Works
3. Make regular City Council connections
4. Renew existing partnerships and seek out new
5. Look for new Commission talent, especially multi age group
6. Focus on marketing “Who is BAC”
7. Review capital projects in Bayfront AreaOngoing Concerns To Be Monitored
Shore Drive roadway improvements phases II,III,IV
Update Shore Drive design guidelines
Beach replenishment
Development review coordination with city staff
Live Oak protection
Beach interpretive signs / bike parking and beach access
Recognition awards
CIP projects – identify and get annual updates
“No Parking” signs clearly defined within neighborhoods
Community signs as developed by BAC
Code revisionsLiaisons, Partnerships and City Staff Support
City Council (liaisons Jim Wood & Louis Jones)
City Attorney
Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Public Works
Parks and Recreation
Planning
First Landing State Park
JEB Little Creek – Fort Story
Planning Commission
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Commission
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Friends of Live Oaks
Hampton Roads Sanitation District Commission
Lynnhaven River NOW
Public Art Foundation
Resort Advisory Commission
Shore Drive Community Coalition
HRT
Virginia Beach Public Schools
Phase IV will dramatically upgrade Shore Drive in Ocean Park.
It appears “Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. Cox High School 2425 Shorehaven Drive” has been added to the list.
The City Is Hosting a Series of Sea Level Rise Public Meetings at VBGov.com.
Virginia Beach Public Works has announced a series of public meetings with Old Dominion University in May and June concerning the City’s efforts in developing a comprehensive flooding response plan for sea level rise. Working with Dewberry, Public Works Engineering has been conducting studies and developing long-term plans to combat the growing risks and projected effects of sea level rise throughout the city.
Monday May 20th at 7:30pm – SDCC General Meeting *Note a week early due to Memorial Day*
This meeting is being held a week earlier than normal due to Memorial Day
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.20.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
***Monday May 20, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00pm***
Meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – Attempting to confirm a presentation on Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) – This program is an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives (usually 75%) and technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – Contractor will begin equipment set up last week of May and begin placing sand on beach the middle of June. Additional details and concerns will be discussed.
4th of July Fireworks for Cape Henry Beach – Still waiting for an update from Councilman Wood and Deputy City Manager Cover on request to have City’s Entertainment Contractor take over the planning and execution of this event.
Shore Drive Improvements in Ocean Park – Contractor will begin work the week after Memorial Day
Cape Henry Ditch Volunteer Clean Out Corps Proposal – Representatives of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation presented a plan to Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association that would create a volunteer workforce to help clean out and maintain a section of the ditch behind Food Lion. It was suggested that CBF meet with City Staff to pursue a plan that would get City support and approval.
New Business –
Dewberry Report Sea Level Rise and Stormwater – Community forums planned for public input into Dewberry’s Draft document. Unfortunately there are no meetings planned north of Virginia Beach Blvd. SDCC has asked to have an additional meeting added to list for Bayfront residents, but nothing has been done to date. Meetings are from 6 to 8 pm at the following locations. The Princess Anne HS meeting is designated for our Lynnhaven watershed.
• May 29 at the Virginia Aquarium
• May 30 at Kempsville High School
• June 3 at Kellam High School
• June 5 at Princess Anne High School
• June 6 at Creeds Elementary School
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Service will start Monday May 20th and run through Labor Day weekend. An additional stop has been added to the Fort Story gate where riders can catch another shuttle service to visit the Lighthouses. Tickets to ride HRT Route 35 can be purchased at both Food Lions on Shore Drive. Adult fares can also be bought using the new GoHRT mobile ticket app.
Upcoming Chances for Civic Engagement
Tuesday June 11th – Primary Election – 6am to 7pm at your normal polling locations.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 24, 2019***
“The Lynnhaven Inlet could see dramatic, and costly, changes in order to protect Virginia Beach from sea level rise in the coming decades.”
View article including some of the proposed plans at Pilotonline.com:
“This is probably the biggest threat that faces our city. We really need to take this seriously,” City Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson said at a meeting Tuesday night. “These are huge, huge numbers. It’s very frightening.”
The city is still months away from deciding how to move forward.
No doubt you are aware the probability of your taxes going up to pay to mitigate for sea level rise is roughly 100%.
More about Dewberry study
“Dewberry” Search results at SDCC.info.
Comprehensive Sea Level Rise and Recurrent Flooding Response Plan at VBGov.com.
Current Public Hearing Schedule
June 5, 2019 – Princess Anne High School (Lynnhaven)
We are working with the City to have a Public Hearing located in the Bayfront area.
Dewberry sea level rise study update to City Council Informal Session video from May 7 2019
This is a very detailed presentation
Current Public Hearing Schedule
The same information will be available at each of the 5 public meetings. The presentation at the beginning (approx. 10 minutes) will be focused on the watershed (Atlantic, Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and Southern) will be tailored to the location. The revised dates and locations for the meetings are as follows:
May 29, 2019 – Virginia Aquarium (Atlantic Ocean)
May 30, 2019 – Kempsville High School (Elizabeth River)
June 3, 2019 – Kellam High School (Southern)
June 5, 2019 – Princess Anne High School (Lynnhaven)
June 6, 2019 – Creeds Elementary School (Southern)
May Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee
View May 2019 Baylines Newsletter
Route 35 shuttle resumes; Light reopens
Ballyhoos makes permit presentation
Bike trail at State Park studied
and more . . .
“However, staff is conducting an analysis of the daily storm water rate with the intention of developing options that would reduce the regressive nature of a single rate for all residences across the city so that residences that generate less runoff (due to less impervious surfaces) would pay a lower rate. “
HOW GREAT WOULD THAT BE !?
The FY 2019-20 budget increases the funds designated for these areas in the six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) by 41%.
City Budget Public Hearings Scheduled – Last Chance for Input on Tuesday April 30th
City Budget Public Hearings Scheduled
The City Council will hold two public hearings in April. Citizens can register to speak prior to the start of the public hearing. Speakers are limited to three minutes.
• April 24 – 6:30 p.m. – Old Donation School, 4633 Honeygrove Road (note, original (March 26) release incorrectly had start time as 6 p.m.)
• April 30 – 6 p.m. – City Council Chamber, 2401 Courthouse Drive
Comment by email
To send a comment to the entire City Council, contact citycouncil@vbgov.com
To send a comment to an individual City Council member, find email addresses here.
Got a question? Send it to budget@vbgov.com.
Review the budget
To review the complete budget, visit www.VBgov.com/budget.
• Open Budget – An online app that lets citizens review, compare, download, visualize and analyze data at the line-item level. http://www.VBgov.com/budget
• Full text of the budget – In three documents: executive summary, operating budget and six-year capital plan.
April Baylines from Bayfront Advisory Committee
News includes losing funding for Riverwalk walkway, Phase 3 update, Phase 4 being unfunded, Baylake Pines getting speed tables, fireworks and more.
“Budget Director David Bradley said if the council accepts the increases, it would cost the average resident about $15 more a month, or an additional $180 per year.”
That’s additional $180 / year.
About 23 percent of the proposed budget would go toward funding stormwater. To compare, in 2017 — the year Hurricane Matthew hit — the city had set aside just 9 percent.
SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on City’s Sea Level Rise/Flooding Study – Mon March 25th at 7:30pm
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.25.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 25, 2019 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 –
Virginia Beach Comprehensive Sea Level Rise and Recurrent Flooding Planning Study
Charles J. Bodnar and Sue E. Kriebel of the city’s Stormwater Engineering Center will discuss the results of the $3 million City funded study being worked by Dewberry consultants. The study shows seven major areas of the City that could have heavy financial impact from future SLR and flooding. Suggested solutions include storm surge walls along the beach from Fort Story to Little Creek with gates at the Lesner Bridge. This along with others projects could cost the upwards of $2 billion. Mr. Bodnar and Ms. Kriebel will also discuss next steps for this study which will include public input and conversations regarding funding and project ranking.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – The bid has been awarded to dredge the Lynnhaven Inlet and to use the sand to replenish the Cape Henry Beach. Updates on the project start and finish dates will be provided as they are shared.
Community Rating System (CRS) – Official release of Virginia Beach status and initial ranking will be provided in April. Estimates show we should be in the 10% to 20% cost savings to a property’s annual flood insurance premium.
4th of July Fireworks for Cape Henry Beach – Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association officers and the Bayfront Advisory Commission Chairman met with Councilman Jones, Deputy City Manager Cover and City Entertainment contractor IMG to request that the 35 year old annual event become a City managed and operated show. State Fire Marshal regulations, lack of pyrotechnic company support and insufficient funding have become too restrictive for the event to continue to be held at the State Park and coordinated by residents.
New Business –
Windsong Apartments Redevelopment – The 14+ acre site located between Pleasure House Road and North Hampton Blvd. currently contains 272 units and are approximately 40 year old. The developer, Bonaventure, is requesting a rezoning to allow the number of units to increase by 160 to a total of 432. Along with the new units, the developer plans to renovate the old units that it will keep. A presentation of this project by the developer has been scheduled for our April 29th SDCC meeting.
Dog Leash Law for Beaches – The City’s Animal Control Department is asking for a change to the City’s Dog Leash Law that will require all dogs to be on a leash when on any City’s public beach. On Bayfront beaches, dogs would need to be leashed at all times during the off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day) and between 6pm and 10am during the season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Dogs are prohibited to be on the beach at all from 10am to 6pm during the season. A public hearing will be held on Wed April 10th at 630pm at the City’s Law Enforcement Training Facility.
Meeting of Three Commanders – A Virginia Historical Highway Marker commemorating the Sept. 18, 1781 meeting of Washington, Rochambeau and De Gasse was placed in the Lynnhaven Colony Park along Shore Drive and dedicated this past Wed. March 6th.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 25, 2019.***
Special Presentation – Windsong Development Plans by Bonaventure
Baylines March Newsletter from BAC
View Baylines March ’19 Edition.
A proposal to redevelop the Windsong Apartment complex off Pleasure House Road would increase the number of units by nearly 60 percent, but update the 40+-year-old complex with new amenities, developers told the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
The proposal, on a 14.85-acre site between Pleasure House and Northampton Boulevard north of Shore Drive, is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in April for a series of proposed rezonings that would increase the complex from 272 units to 432*. Of those, 216 would involve renovated apartments and 216 new units.
Emphasis ours.
*Note: Zoning request increase could create potential for more than 432 units total.
2 interactive VB websites to set a budget and see where your tax dollars go.
Start here to create your Virginia Beach Budget.
Have a voice in your government. Show your elected officials how you’d balance the budget.
“Want a receipt for your Virginia Beach taxes?
Answer a few questions to find out how much you paid.”
Start here to plug some numbers in to see how much you pay for various VB services.
The Virginia Beach Taxpayer Receipt creates an estimate of the local taxes you pay to the City of Virginia Beach and illustrates the services that are funded. The information is from the city’s interactive budget simulation and includes only the revenue allocated to the City’s General Fund.
SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Shore Drive Improvement Project – Monday Feb 25th at 7:30pm
click here for a printable version of the agenda – 2.25.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 25, 2019 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 –
Shore Drive Corridor Improvement Phase 3 (CIP 2-117) – Lesner Bridge to Great Neck Rd.
Come out and see the final designs, learn when construction will start and how long the project will last. Mr. Bill Purcell, City Project Manager, will provide an update on the next big construction project for Shore Drive and will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. This project begins at Vista Circle, near the eastern end of the Lesner Bridge, and extends eastward through the Great Neck Road intersection and terminates at Croix Drive. This project will improve vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow and safety in the roadway and intersections; improve storm drainage; include a multi-use trail, 5-ft sidewalk and on-street bike lanes; and enhance the corridor with aesthetic elements such as landscaping and lighting. For more information – http://cipstatus.vbgov.com/ProjectDetail.aspx?id=1833
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Dewberry Study on Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Ms. Sue E. Kriebel, PE, Stormwater Engineering Center Department of Public Works, has agreed to attend our March meeting and present an update on the study, details on recommendations for our Bayfront area and next steps that include public engagement.
Bayfront Beach Replenishment Update – Has the contract for the Cape Henry Beach replenishment been awarded and what is the start time.
Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on when we will know our rating and when it will take effect.
New Business –
Shore Drive 35 MPH Speed Limit 10th Anniversary – Update on request for fatality numbers over the past 10 years. Discuss on planning an anniversary event for Summer 2019. The speed limit was reduced as part of a trial study period in 2009 then followed by permanent implementation.
Development Updates – Delta by Marriott at old Resort Hotel location and new apartment development at old Marina Shores Marina site.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday March 25, 2019.***
Special Presentation on Dewberry Sea Level Rise Study
VB City Council Needs Your Input – Take A Planning Survey To Help – Deadline Friday Feb 8th!!!
Unfortunately we weren’t given a lot of notice on this one and the survey has been broken for the past 2 days, but you still have some time to take it. It should only take 5-10 minutes and gives us Bayfront residents a chance to rank how you feel about sea level rise and storm water/storm surge flooding issues.
VB 2019 Planning and Beyond
The Virginia Beach City Council is seeking residents’ input on what they believe should be the City’s goals and priorities. The feedback will help the Council plan for and allocate resources.
Deadline for participation in this survey is Friday, February 8, 2019.
Click here to take the survey
Baylines EXTRA from BAC
Charles J. Bodnar and Sue E. Kriebel from Virginia Beach Public Works Department’s Stormwater Engineering Center, are scheduled to brief the Bayfront Advisory Commission on the Dewberry Sea Level Rise study at its February meeting.
We are also working on an event that includes Dewberry & VB Staff to discuss their work on sea level rise, storm water & nuisance flooding.
Join us!
Bayline February newsletter from BAC
View Baylines February 2019 Edition.
It includes:
Strategic Plan briefing to be held
The Bayfront Advisory Commission recommended that its officers meet city officials to forward and discuss the 2019 Strategic Plan. The plan lists highest priority project items
• Funding Phase IV of Shore Drive improvements from the Lesner Bridge west to Shady Oaks Road
• Water issues (stormwater drainage, Dewberry sea-level rise study, city marina development, city wharf/Osprey
Park, pedestrian walkway under bridge from Vita Circle to Page Avenue.
• Sand replenishment (Cape Henry, Ocean Park, Crab Creek)
• Infill development (Future nature, look of the Bayfront; work with Planning on Comprehensive Plan revisions)
• Landscape design of Route 13 and Shore Drive interchange.
The plan also addresses high-priority communications items, monitoring ongoing concerns and liaisons, partnerships and city staff support.
The full plan will be posted after city officials receive it. It was developed after citizen meetings, a BAC brain-storming retreat and committee consideration of the items. Ordinarily, the annual plan would have been forwarded to the council and city manager’s office in late summer/early fall. But with an unprecedented number of City Council seats up for election in November, the BAC agreed to wait until the new council was seated to bring the plan forward.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 