Category Archives: City Government

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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trolley 2

Mark you calendars and bring your friends to this interesting presentation scheduled for the upcoming SDCC meeting on Monday October 26th at 7:30pm

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

Mr. Brian Chenault from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Transportation Planner will present the results from their study of a possible bus loop between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. Mr. Chenault and Mr. Shea will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. Brief background: The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) asked for the study and the SDCC ran a survey that collected almost 400 responses.

Click here to read the study results presented to the BAC – Shore Drive Shuttle Service Analysis FINAL2

Click here to see the SDCC survey results – http://sdcc.info/2015/07/22/385-survey-takers-provided-input-on-a-proposed-shore-drive-oceanfront-trolley/

City move forward with Community Rating System application

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City staff is moving forward with the application to add Virginia Beach to the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS).  Once part of the CRS, residents who pay flood insurance could see a savings of 10%-15% on their premiums.

Here is the City document supporting the policy and discussing the process being followed to submit the application.

Click here to read the document – 4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “This is a very important step in the bridge construction process since the temporary post-tensioning system holds the bridge geometry in place until the permanent tendons can be installed and stressed.”

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October 16th 2015 update:

To All the Travelers and Fans of the Lesner Bridge:

As we view summer in the rear view mirror and creep into cooler weather, Public Works offers you the latest chapter in our story of: The Lesner Bridge Replacement Project. Brought to you by bridge master and author Chris “Wojo” Wojtowicz, this latest update will inform and enlighten. It also has pictures!

Work at the bridge is moving along quite well, and crews continue to progress each day. Things are changing weekly, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. It really is quite impressive.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. Enjoy the fall days and great weather – nor’easters and Joaquin aside – as we ease into cooler days and nights.

Take care, and stay safe.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

*********************************************************************************

Friends:

Assembly of span 1 (of 10) for the new westbound bridge is well underway!

Since the last project update, the erection gantry has been load tested and certified for use in assembling the pre-cast concrete segments into the superstructure of the new bridge. All of the Span 1 segments have been placed into position and are currently being epoxied and temporarily post-tensioned in place in preparation for installing the ten permanent tendons that will hold the bridge span together when we move the gantry to span #2. This is a very important step in the bridge construction process since the temporary post-tensioning system holds the bridge geometry in place until the permanent tendons can be installed and stressed.

Once these tendons are stressed to their specified force, the hanging bars holding the bridge segments in place can be released and the gantry moved forward to the next bridge span. Right now, the contractor is installing five 1-3/8” diameter steel bars inside each of the bridge segments; two in each “wing” of the segment and one along the bottom centerline of the segments.

Epoxy is applied to the faces of the two segments that are about to be pulled together and then the four “wing” post tensioning bars are each pulled with a jacking force of 150,000 lbs. (150 kips) and the bottom centerline bar is pulled with a jacking force of 100 kips. This securely locks the two segments together creating a watertight seal and ensuring that the bridge geometry doesn’t change prior to installing the permanent tendons. After two segments are assembled, couplers are installed on the steel bars and the process repeated until all segments at connected from abutment to pier or from pier to pier.

Bridge Segments Attached to Erection Gantry with Hanging Bars (Westbound Bridge) Epoxy Applied to Segment Faces Just Prior to Post-Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Segments Attached to Erection Gantry with Hanging Bars (Westbound Bridge) Epoxy Applied to Segment Faces Just Prior to Post-Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

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Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

Bridge Interior Looking at Pier 1 from Abutment A (Westbound Bridge) Bridge Interior at Joints After Temporary Post Tensioning (Westbound Bridge)

All of the segments for Span 2 of the bridge have been delivered the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. Installation of these Span 2 segments will begin in November and continue into the first week of December.

Ahead of the erection gantry work continues on the footings for the remaining bridge columns. The construction joint in the Pier 4 footing is being prepared for the final concrete placement, the seal slab and footing formwork for Pier 6 has been set and is being readied for the placement of reinforcing steel. Cofferdams at Piers 7 and 9 have been installed in preparation for installing the footing formwork.

Construction of WB Bridge Abutment B was completed on Monday (10/12/15).

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 74 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

In addition to the bridge work, the contractor has begun utility work on the east side of the bridge near Bubba’s and the Lesner Inn. A new 8-inch water line is being installed along Cape Henry Drive from the Maryland Pilots Association towards the former Starbucks location. This line will cross Shore Drive in front of Bubba’s and tie into the new 16-inch water main being installed in the approach for the new westbound bridge. This utility work will require periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures on Shore Drive at the Vista Circle intersection.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 1 of 10 of the westbound bridge

Ø Complete the last concrete placement in the footing of Pier #4

Ø Form and place the concrete in the footing for Pier #6

Ø Install the 8-inch and 16-inch water mains within Shore Drive

Ø Grade and pave the western approach to the bridge (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)

Ø Erect falsework at Pier 2 and prep for erection gantry support installation

That’s about it for now.

Drive safely!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Sorry! No screen shot of Construction Camera like we usually do. Site is down.

City Manager Qualities/Experience identified by members of the Shore Drive Community Coalition at our 9/28/15 General Meeting

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· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad

· Experience with topics/items in VB Comprehensive Plan and be supportive of them

· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:

    o Sea Level Rise

    o Master Planning

    o Safety & Environmental Health

    o Dealing with Military

· Should be or have been a City Manager of a large city

· Should be coming from a tourism city/area

· Familiar with the Dillon Rule

· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement

· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making

· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept

· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike

· Needs to understand and be willing to work on new initiatives/approaches regarding National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Disaster Preparedness

· Good financial management skills. Come from a city that holds a AAA or better bond rating

Business Avatars Set

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW

Have you submitted your ideas ?

Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.

START HERE.

SDCC Sept. 28th Shore Drive Project Presentation Postponed

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Unfortunately the Shore Drive Project Presentation scheduled for Monday Sept. 28th has been postponed.  City Engineers are having difficulties planning the storm water improvements that are part of this project and won’t be able to provide details until the storm water component is complete.  Storm water outfalls and piping has a big impact on the road work components that are part of the project along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and Great Neck Road.

City Engineers expect the details to be finalized in the next 2 months, so a presentation is expected to take place in November or December 2015.  Stay tuned and we apologize for any inconvenience this rescheduling may have caused.

Todd Solomon, SDCC President

“What talents and qualities do you want to see in a new city manager? What past experiences or professional background should he or she have?”

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You have 20 days.

Ready? GO !

Visit VBGov.com Official Town Hall on the inter web now.

The City Council is conducting a nationwide search for a new city manager. Three town hall meetings will be held so City Council members can discuss the issue with constituents. This Virtual Town Hall is an effort to include people who cannot attend a meeting in person.

Business Avatars Set

Business Avatars Set

From VBGov.com press release:

Town Hall Meetings:
Sept. 16 – 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Sponsored by Councilmember John Moss.
Sept. 17 – 6:30 p.m. at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilmembers John Uhrin and Jim Wood.
Sept. 23 – 6:30 p.m. at the Kempsville High School cafeteria, 5194 Chief Trail. Sponsored by Councilmembers Ben Davenport, Bob Dyer, Shannon Kane and Amelia Ross-Hammond.
Sept. 24 – 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive, Building 19. Sponsored by Councilmember Barbara Henley. This follows Henley’s regular monthly meeting for district residents that starts at 5 p.m.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Aug. 31st at 7:30pm – Special Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 8.31.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday August 31, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Oneil Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Officer’s Reports 

Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – City Staff has sent an official Policy Report to Council stating their intent to move forward with applying for the CRS program by late 2016. Public Works and Planning endorsed the policy and stated the necessary actions they will be taking over the next year to make this happen. They also informed Council that they will need to create/hire a new CRS coordinator for program oversight.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – SDCC has asked Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit for updates. Stay tuned and check www.sdcc.info for updates.

Storm Water Sluice Gates Project for Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Story – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Mike Bumbacco, stated that the project start has been delayed and the construction time increased. The contract is now scheduled to start Dec. 2015 and finish Dec 2016.

New Business –

Neighbor Dredging Program – June 2nd City Council briefing presented plans for the Dix Creek neighborhood. The alternate spoils transfer site recommended was the Crab Creek Municipal Wharf. This is the temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp currently being used for the Lesner Bridge replacement project that is contracted to be removed after the bridge is completed.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival – Sat. Sept. 19th, 11am to 3pm at Pleasure House Point and the CBF Brock Environmental Center. Fun and Family friendly events and activities.
  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

385 Survey Takers Provided Input on a Proposed Shore Drive – Oceanfront Trolley

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In an effort to help the City of Virginia Beach and the Bayfront Advisory Commission research the possibility of a Shore Drive – Oceanfront trolley, the SDCC ran a one month online survey.  385 survey takers provided valuable input as to why and why they wouldn’t use the service.  The results are posted below and have been shared with the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City of Virginia Beach Staff, City Councilmen Jones, Wood and Uhrin and Hampton Roads Transit.  Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your opinions.

Q4 image

Click on the image to read

Click on the documents below to read:

Lesner Bridge Presentation Sat. June 20th, 9am at Dockside Restaurant

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Lynnhaven Colony Civic League is hosting a talk plus Q & A  on current / future updates on the Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Chris Wojtowicz, City of VB Project Manager, will be the guest speaker.  The session will be held this coming Saturday, June 20,  9:00 a.m. at Dockside Restaurant on Vista Circle.

For those of us that live and drive over the bridge we need to be aware of upcoming lane changes, open walking areas and bike routes.

Guests are welcome.

 

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Survey – We Want to Hear What You Think

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survey

SDCC has created a short 5 to 10 minute survey regarding the possible Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley loop.

Please take a moment to give us your thoughts and to pass the survey link on to others that may be interested in providing their input.

Click here or on the “take survey” icon above to begin the survey.

 

Possible Trolley Loop between Shore Drive and Oceanfront – Virginian-Pilot Article

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Trolleys from resort area could help Chic’s Beach lure tourists, group says

By Kathy Hieatt
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 15, 2015

The Shore Drive corridor along the Chesapeake Bay is a gateway to the Oceanfront for lots of summer visitors, but many simply bypass the area on the way to the Atlantic and don’t return until it’s time to leave.

To read the rest of Kathy’s article, click here

 

Virginia Beach and Hurricane(s)

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Neighborhood Storm Readiness
As the city enters another hurricane season, we are reminded that we are vulnerable to nature’s furry. Most of us would like to place hurricane preparations on our “B” or “C” list of priorities because so many chores and duties take up our time. We may think that we are ready, or can be ready in just a short time, but you may be surprised at how much time it takes to prepare for a major storm. Just consider how long it takes you to pack for a trip or vacation, and that is something that you want to do. I know. I just got back from Brussels, and I am a planner.

Recently, the hurricane predictors estimated how many hurricanes the area might experience in the coming year. In my opinion, I think such a government endeavor misses the mark. It is not how many hurricanes that may impact you, but if one should hit our area. Consider that hurricane Andrew was the first hurricane that year to hit the east coast and that it was a Cat 5. South of Miami was devastated while the residents were obviously aware of a hurricane’s potential.

We can only do so much here in VB, but we can put together a basic plan for ourselves and family. The city cannot provide enough storm shelters to help out more than about 10% of the people in the most endangered flood prone areas. If you plan on evacuating the area, consider that it will be very difficult if done too late (within 36-48 hours or more before the onset of TROPICAL Force Winds).

So, if you cannot evacuate, your area floods and there are no shelters for you and your family, what are your options? Stay where you are or hope to find a friend in a safer area? I think this is the time to to consider such principle questions for your basic planning, not when the weather lady points out a developing tropical depression that is soon to be named a hurricane.

If you do anything for yourself and family, consider what you would need in a basic emergency kit for your home to provide three days of support. There are multiple sites to help with your list making and planning. SDCC will put more information on our website to help with your planning shortly.

“Virginia Beach Strategic Planning Team Takes a Look at Housing and Demographic Trends”

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View the entire study at VBGov.com which includes data like:

Household Composition:

The aging baby boomer generation is reflected in the decline of the number of households with children. From 2005 to 2012, Virginia Beach homes with kids dropped from 39.4 percent to 33.9 percent. Though the number of households comprised of a single person has remained steady, the number of traditional married-couple family households has declined.​

And . . .

Housing:

Age of Housing Stock (2010):
AgeOfHousingStock WEB

Update on Crane Incident at Lesner Bridge Project

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From a City of Virginia Beach News Release about #LESNERBRIDGE

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
April 13, 2015 Drew Lankford, (757) 385-8062
(757) 409-4353
dlankfor@vbgov.com

Update on Crane Incident at Lesner Bridge Project

Earlier this afternoon one of the cranes being used to build the new Lesner Bridge rolled on its side as the crane operator was moving a piece of material. We are thankful that no one was hurt during this incident. Virginia Beach Police, Fire & Rescue immediately responded to assess the situation and have since left the site. The crane is located on the beach near 3556 Shore Drive and rolled toward Chesapeake Bay. Only the boom of the crane is in the bay. There have been no reported spills or discharges of hazardous materials from this incident.

McLean Contracting (the crane’s owner) is currently investigating the cause of this accident.

Westbound traffic on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge is unaffected other than the slowing down due to rubbernecking. Traffic on eastbound Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge is heavy due to the paving operation taking place at the Vista Circle intersection which will be completed by approximately 4:00 PM this afternoon. Expect delays in this area through the PM rush hour.

# # #

“Call if you can, text if you can’t,” that’s the message that Virginia Beach 9-1-1 Telecommunicators want the public to know.

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City Launches Its Newest Text–to-911 Service. News at VBGov.com.

Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help citizens use the tool more efficiently and effectively if needed:
Texting should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency issues should still be communicated by calling the non-emergency number, 385-5000.

Calling 9-1-1 is quicker, more efficient and preferred, so texting to 9-1-1 should be reserved for those in the speech and hearing-impaired community and those who are in a situation where speaking is unsafe.
Provide the location and nature of the emergency in the first text. This will enable help to be dispatched as quickly as possible.

and more. . .

IMG_0269 2

More info at VBGov.com Text-to-911 page.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “On a final note . . . The Ocean Park Civic League is having a neighborhood yard sale this Saturday, April 11th,which means that there will be a lot of additional vehicles entering/exiting East Stratford Street at Shore Drive. Since our bridge contractor will also be working this weekend, please use caution on Shore Drive when nearing the East Stratford Street intersection and when turning onto East Stratford Street going towards the boat ramps.”

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April 10th 2015 update:

Friends, Neighbors and Those Who Want to Know Everything About the Lesner Bridge Project:

As you sit outside on a gorgeous Friday and feel the bay breeze blow through your hair – or what’s left of it in some cases – treat yourself to the latest information about the Public Works project – the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project. Things are humming right along, and we are receiving a number of questions and requests for information on a regular basis – which is GREAT. We appreciate your interest and your comments about this important undertaking.

The latest collection of facts and figures and other details are below – updated for your reading pleasure or should someone suddenly begin to quiz you – as explained by Chris Wojtowicz, our project manager and the pride and joy of “Wojo’s World.” Please give this a look when you have the time, and feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them.

Please feel free to pass this along to others. Thanks again for all of your patience throughout this project.

Enjoy your weekend, and all the happenings our city offers . . . AND STAY SAFE!

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

Ok, let’s answer the first question that many of you have had or are thinking: “What is all that steel framework construction taking place in the dredge material storage area south of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps?”

The answer is: The bridge contractor is preparing the storage area to receive the pre-cast bridge segments now being stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth. This temporary steel framework will support an overhead crane that will be used to unload/load the bridge segments from the delivery trucks and move these segments within the storage area.

The bridge contractor has also been preparing the temporary steel falsework between Pier #1 and Abutment A (this is near 3556 On The Bay condominiums) to receive the support towers and gantry trusses. The two concrete pads recently poured at Abutment A is the foundation for one of the two towers that will be erected next week. These towers will be used to support the bridge segment assembly gantry.

Casting yard production of the bridge segments is also continuing. The expansion joint segment, which is the first segment that will be placed in the bridge (on Abutment A), was cast on Tuesday (the 7th). Three of the 14 typical segments for bridge span 2 have also been cast since the last project update.

(Expansion Joint segment with ~25% of steel reinforcing installed)

(Expansion Joint segment with ~25% of steel reinforcing installed)

The foundation work on the westbound bridge continues. The last of the ten drilled shafts at Pier #4 will be installed by today (Friday the 10th).

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

Ø Mobilize the utility barges and drilling equipment to Pier #5 (east side of the Federal Channel in the Lynnhaven Inlet);

Ø Mobilize cranes to Abutment A to support the assembly of the bridge segment assembly gantry;

Ø Continue work on the temporary overhead crane installation at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site;

Ø Install a cofferdam around the completed foundations at Pier #3;

Ø Install the new traffic signal poles and signal heads at the intersection of Shore Drive/Page Avenue/Vista Circle;

Ø Construct a haul road along the retaining wall adjacent to the Pointe Chesapeake property (former Duck Inn site) to support construction of Abutment B;

*** On a final note . . . The Ocean Park Civic League is having a neighborhood yard sale this Saturday, April 11th,which means that there will be a lot of additional vehicles entering/exiting East Stratford Street at Shore Drive. Since our bridge contractor will also be working this weekend, please use caution on Shore Drive when nearing the East Stratford Street intersection and when turning onto East Stratford Street going towards the boat ramps.

Because of all this activity, there will likely be more pedestrians and vehicles in this area this weekend than usual – so be alert and drive safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Screen grab of zoomed construction cam shot taken on April 10th 2015 3pm.

Screen grab of zoomed construction cam shot taken on April 10th 2015 3pm.

“Continuing its commitment of providing the highest quality library services possible, Virginia Beach Public Library Director, Eva Poole is currently seeking input from Virginia Beach residents, who use the library as well as those who don’t, to help develop the department’s strategic plan.”

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Engage!

Visit VBGov.com Virtual Town Hall Official Website to provide your feedback about the Library system.

click graphic to visit Virtual Town Hall website

click graphic to visit Virtual Town Hall website

Official Library website info at VBGov.com.

The resources under Research are just one of the amazing benefits you receive by having a VB Library card.

We encourage you to check out our library system in person!

Monday March 30th – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.30.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday March 30, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation –  Mr. Clay Bernick – Administrator City of Virginia Beach Environment and Sustainability Office, will inform us of the City’s efforts to join the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) and what residents can do to help make it happen.  Depending on the level of participation, home owners that live in flood zones could see insurance premiums reduced by 5%-15%.

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – David Williams

Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak

Vice President – Wally Damon

President – Todd Solomon

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – Old Baylake Pines School properties. Both change of zoning requests were “Indefinitely Deferred” at the March 11th Planning Council meeting.

Lesner Bridge Renaming Survey – Update of results and next steps presented at the Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting.

City Comprehensive Plan – Update on plan review and how we can continue to stay involved.

 

New Business –

Proposed Trolley Service from Shore Drive to Oceanfront – The BAC has asked City Council to explore the possibility of extending the trolley service during the Spring and Summer months.  Should and how can SDCC support? 

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

 Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities

  • City Budget Hearings:
    • April 23 at 6 p.m., Green Run High School, 1700 Dahlia Drive
    • April 28 at 6 p.m., City Council chamber, 2401 Courthouse Drive
  • Transit Extension Study Hearings:
    • Monday, April 13, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
    • Thursday, April 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Linkhorn Park Elementary School, 977 First Colonial Road
    • Monday, April 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Virginia Beach Higher Education Center, 1881 University Drive
    • Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland St.

 

  • VB Library Use Focus Groups – The VB Public Library need 40 volunteers to discuss ways to improve their service. Focus groups will meet April 20th or 21st. Submit name, email address, phone number, zip code to KHanderh@vbgov.com by April 6th

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 27th, Presentation on Flood Mitigation and Flood Insurance by Mike Vernon of Flood Mitigation Hampton Roads and Scott Hunter of Comparity.

SAVE THE DATE – Monday March 30th @7:30pm – City Presentation on CRS Flood Program

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With the recent talk of property tax rate increases, wouldn’t it be amazing if the City could join a program that reduces insurance premiums for residents in Flood Zones?

On Monday March 30th at 7:30pm, Mr. Clay Bernick – Administrator City of Virginia Beach Environment and Sustainability Office, will be attending the SDCC general meeting to discuss the City’s efforts to join the National Flood Insurance Program(NFIP) Community Rating System(CRS) program and what  residents can do to help make this happen.

  • 14,000 homes with potential flood insurance savings
  • Average insurance premium saving ($100/year)
  • 7 other Hampton Roads cities participate in CRS program, VB has never participated.

 

SDCC General Meeting

Monday March 30th at 7:30pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 E Stratford Rd (Click for map)

 

Background documents on NFIP’s CRS program:

  1. 2014 Evaluation of CRS by City of VB Public Works – White paper on why it may not be beneficial for VB to join program (Click the link to read – CRS in Virginia Beach Mar 2014 PW Evaluation)
  2. CRS Communities and their ratingsCRS HR City List 2014
  3. NFIP’s CRS Program website – Click here – This site has a lot of good information on the program in general.
  4. CRS Coordinator’s Manual – Click here – This document explains the program in detail and what requirements localities have to meet to join.

“For example, to view information about a specific transportation project, such as the Lesner Bridge replacement, visit Budgetexpenditure.vbgov.com and click on the budget category “Quality Physical Environment” on the green graph to the right.”

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Thanks to everyone who helped make the #LESNERBRIDGE updates and transparency about the project possible!

From the News Release yesterday at VBGov.com:

“Open VB marks a major step forward in increasing public transparency in our budget and capital improvement projects,” said city Budget Director Catheryn Whitesell. “We implemented Open VB because citizens have a right to know how fund are being raised and allocated.”

Here’s the link to the #LESNERBRIDGE at the new Open VB website.

Here’s the Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV hot link.

Click screen shot to visit hot link at Open VB website.

Click screen shot to visit hot link at Open VB website.

The Search function in upper right hand corner of page seems to need exact name of the Project to find it.
It is a lot easier to scroll on the interactive map, and drill down/zoom in to find road projects you are interested in.

There is also a great way to find projects using the CATEGORY function.
As an example, it was easy to find the vital Sewer Pump Station Flow Monitoring & Date Storage page by drilling down in the CATEGORY function. Here’s that page.

Here’s an example of drilling down into the SERVICE function.
It was easy to find the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Phase I page.

Thanks again to everyone who works so diligently on making government and it’s processes transparent.

Thanks to everyone at the COVB who makes it easy for the public to find it.