Category Archives: City Government

Lynnhaven Colony Homeowners Seek Answers to Flooding Woes – Va Pilot Article by Selene Guerrero

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HOMEOWNERS SEEK ANSWERS TO FLOODING WOES

  By Selene D. Guerrero, Correspondent Virginia Pilot 

Residents of Lynnhaven Colony filed into Dockside Restaurant on Nov. 17, but instead of appetites they brought questions for the public works officials in attendance.  The city panel and more than 50 residents gathered to discuss solutions to the neighborhood’s common flooding during high tide and inclement weather.

              “The most important and expensive thing you purchase is your home,” Donna Rennick, civic league vice-president, told Phillip Davenport, public works director, before he took the floor.

              “We need to know how we can work with you,” Rennick said. “We need answers.”

Phillip Roehrs, water resources engineer, presented a project that officials believe would alleviate most of the flooding, but further study is needed to make certain it will do the job.   Lynnhaven Colony is south of Shore Drive, on land that is between the Chesapeake Bay and Long Creek, which is a tributary of the Lynnhaven River.  According to a 2005 study, solving the core problems – feeder ditch improvements, flooding on Shore Drive, relieving flooding in low-lying areas – is estimated to cost $50 million, Roehrs said.   Roehrs added that he was not prepared to provide the residents a timeline of when the project would begin or be completed.

   “We’re at a point where we are thinking of moving,” said Joyce Dunn, a 30-year resident. “After the 2009 nor’easter, the city proposed the same and nothing has been resolved.”

   Dunn’s family has made costly adjustments in their home, such as resurfacing their garage and moving their furnace to the attic.   In about a year, when sidewalk construction on Shore Drive begins, the city plans to start Phase I of the project by putting in the components needed for development of a flood-control system.

   The final plan would provide the community with two tide gates, five water pump stations (adding to the two already in place) and an underground conveyance system.  The current outfalls to the Chesapeake Bay and river would be improved with extra collection systems that would provide a better flow.

   “There are minor tweaks in the works,” Roehrs said. “But it will take a number of years to build and a number of years to finance.”

Currently less than $3 million a year is set aside for the project. City officials are working to come up with a way   to fully finance the project and move forward.

   “Even if we are able to come up with a financing plan where we can have all the money today,” Davenport said, “we can’t do all of the work at one time, it has to be phased.”

Construction around the roads and ditches would make it difficult for residents to get in and out of Lynnhaven Colony, he said.

The city plans to put in place a funding and work schedule, and provide residents with a timeline by December 2013.  In the meantime, city representatives suggested that homeowners have their homes elevated and seek federal funding with the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Severe Repetitive Loss program.

 “Set an expectation,” resident Vin Melwani told the panel after the presentation.  “I’m a homeowner,” Melwani said. “I just would really appreciate it if you could set a realistic expectation.”

  •            For information about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Severe Repetitive Loss

program, contact Erin Sutton, city emergency planner, at 385-1076.

  • For proposed plans and maps of the flood-prone areas off Shore Drive east of the Lesner Bridge, visit http://www.tinyurl.com/ akc9nd6

City Continues Engineering Studies for Immediate Stormwater Solutions East of Lesner Bridge – Results Expected April 2013

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The following email was received from Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen in respone to requests that immediate stormwater solutions similar to the one used in Ocean Park be installed in flood prone areas east of the Lesner Bridge in Cape Story, Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Henry neighborhoods.

 

Eastern Shore Drive Leaders,

Let me begin by attesting the Eastern Shore Drive Storm Water Drainage Area Improvement Initiative is one of our top focus areas as we roll into the new year.  The staff and City leadership are very sensitive to the hardships created when we have intense and long-lasting weather events such as Sandy, Irene, and the Nor’easter of Nov 09.  Following Public Works attendance and briefing last Saturday with the Lynnhaven Colony Civic League and concerns we have received from Cape Henry Shores, Cape Story By the Sea and other concerned citizens in the eastern Shore Drive drainage area, our engineering and operations staff will be undertaking an accelerated analysis of several interim solutions which have been suggested and on the face seem to have merit in providing various degrees of protection from tidal inundation.  Below is a summary of the two phases I have asked our engineering staff to pursue.  Phase I is a data map with summary descriptions so we identify all infrastructure, elevations and drainage areas east of the Lesner.  Completing this on 7 Dec allows us to define the study aspects of Phase II.  I have asked Public Works to complete their assessments and recommendations by the first week in April and to publish a written report NLT 12 April.  Intent will be to post this report on-line for the civic leagues and citizens to review. Here are summaries of the first two phases:

1.    Using City topographic mapping as the base, delineate the drainage sub basins, the drainage systems (open and closed), and the outfalls for the Lynnhaven Colony/Cape Henry/Cape Story by the Sea areas.  This will provide a clear graphic that depicts the ground elevations, drainage areas, and drainage system elements – including outfalls.  This will be used as a tool for the additional analyses identified in Phase 2 and will be suitable for discussions with the BAC and civic leagues when describing how the systems function and why engineering analyses are necessary to support any proposed interim measures such as backflow preventers.  I.e., it’s not as simple as just keeping the tide out, the rainfall runoff has to be able to either be safely stored within the particular drainage area or be able to be discharged with the backflow preventers in place (or a combination thereof).  These products will be ready by December 7.

2.    Each sub basin will have an analysis done to determine the suitability of backflow preventers on the outfall for the particular subbasin; if a backflow preventer is suitable, the type of backflow preventer; the amount of rainfall runoff the subbasin can handle without structural flooding; the stand-by pumping requirements (if any); and the probable costs.  While simply jumping to a “solution” as has been suggested by some,  it is absolutely necessary that the City allow the responsible level of engineering to be done to assure that we do not inadvertently worsen the drainage situation for any particular subbasin.  We are estimating four months for this effort. Expect to deliver a written analysis with recommendations and preliminary costs and timeline by mid-April.

Phase III will be the review and approval process leading to design and construction.  Once we firm up the costs and the competitive process we’ll use to get the work done we can provide a reasonable timeline.  I wish to close this email by ensuring our citizens fully understand these interim solutions as with the permanent solutions have definitive limitations.  At some level of tidal surge and some accumulation and intensity of precipitation all infrastructure improvements will be overcome and mother nature will prevail.  Hopefully implementing interim measures will reduce the risk of moderate storm damage and buy the time for us to consider even grander infrastructure solutions to tackle the bigger more threatening hurricanes and nor’easters we seem to be weathering of late.  Happy Thanksgiving and fingers crossed for a quiet winter storm season. Regards, Dave

 

Dave Hansen

Deputy City Manager

City of Virginia Beach

(757)385-4242

“Temporary Bulkhead” at the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility further explained

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From an email from Dave Hansen posted unedited with permission:

Kal & Grace,

FYI – The “Temporary Bulkhead” as shown in the permit application and on the current design plans, is designed with steel sheeting with a tie-back system and a concrete cap. The length is approx 400 LF.

Timber is great for residential bulkheads, but it is not adequate for a commercial/industrial application like this.

Timber would not hold up for the construction duration. The cap would require cleats to tie-off and a timber cap would not provide an adequate anchor for loaded barges, boats, etc., to tie off.

The concrete cap provides more structural stability for the bulkhead design.

This concrete cap bulkhead design is more of a standard section that contractors are used to building.

As an alternate, a more expensive steel cap could be used, but in either scenario (steel or concrete) the cap needs to be more durable than timber.

As promised in my many briefings to your respective organizations we will visit this discussion just past the 50% construction stage to see how we are co-existing with our boating public. Regards, Dave

Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
(757)385-4242

Permit at US ACOE website.
More about dredging, and the replacement for the Lesner Bridge at SDCC HOT page.

Online Petition to Move Electronic Roadway sign and Save Live Oaks

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Three electronic ITS traffic/safey warning signs are being installed on Shore Drive. 

1 – West of Marlin Bay Drive in the median

2- West of First Landing State Park Bayside entrance (northside of road)

3- Northend near 89th street

The signs are part of a Federally funded project and were approved by the City’s Public Works department in 2008.  In addition to the signs being big and ugly, the sign installed near the State Park will require several of the City’s official trees, the live oak, to be removed.

Members of the Friends of Live Oaks have started an online petition requesting the sign be relocated to the median to avoid tree removal.  You can sign the petition at the following link

 http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/702/346/384/

 

Close up of sign near Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trees between sign (located far left just behind the white car) and Park entrance to be removed.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, is Halloween. Trick-or-Treat begins at dusk and ends at 8 p.m. for children 12 years of age and younger. Members of the Virginia Beach Emergency Response System want you and your family to be safe. Planning ahead can help make this Halloween a safe and fun treat.

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Read the news release. (2pg PDF)

If you’re planning to take the kids trick-or-treating, or if you’re passing out candy, follow a few simple rules to keep Halloween safe and fun. If you are passing out treats, please turn your porch light on so children will know they are welcome. If you are not passing out treats, please turn your porch light off. Other safety tips for trick-or-treaters include…

100512-NewsRelease_Halloweenbam.docx

City Manager Update #9 from 9am Monday

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From an email:

To: City Council; Constitutional Officers and Appointed Officials; Department Directors
Cc: Executive Assistants; Media and Communications; Media and Communications
Subject: Nor’easter SANDY Update #9

At today’s 0900 Monday City Manager we are confident our projections remain valid. Our current challenge is the ongoing high tide and its stacking impacts in the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth River Basins. We are also seeing an increase in the number of road overtopping by storm water ponding. Road closures are being updated on our Hurricane Sandy webpage every two hours. Total rainfall amounts so far vary throughout the City from 2.8 inches to as much as 4.9 inches. We are expecting a change in wind direction to occur late this afternoon.

Our most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth River basins creating low level residential flooding. Throughout today our Public Safety and Public Works teams are on the ground monitoring the effects of the ongoing high tide. Projected NWS storm surge will result in a high tide +7 feet above MLLW. This confirms our analysis that tide cycle stacking in the Lynnhaven and the Elizabeth River neighborhoods will result in significant tidal flooding up to elevation 6 feet above sea level. Our neighborhood specific inundation maps have indicate areas below 6 feet above sea level so citizens can make their assessments as to impacts of localized tidal flooding. We remain confident the Historical Tidal & Surge Chart is projecting where Sandy’s high tide elevations above Mean Low Water Level will be in relation to our previous storms. This additional information is being posted on our VBgov website. Here is the link.

http://www.vbgov.com/residents/emergency-preparedness/Pages/hurricane-sandy.aspx

Sustained wind projections have stabilized however the attached charts reflect a significant wind direction change and increased window of gusting will occur late afternoon today. Winds will make a dramatic shift from NW to SW and we should be guarded as to the effects this may have on our canopy. As Sandy makes another turn mid afternoon its projected path will actually bring the storm closer to Virginia Beach – hence our concern regarding impacts of the wind direction change. Winds still will not reach hurricane force and we do not believe sustained tropical force winds (39-74mph) will be reached either. We do however anticipate tropical force gusts that may occasionally reach the mid-fifties. The severity of this nor’eastercane is subsiding though the consistency of the winds will continue until after daylight Tuesday morning. Dom Power reported customer outages stands at 1500 of which 1200 are the result of an accident on Northhampton Blvd that toppled a power pol .
Storm surge has been most dramatic. Atlantic wave height throughout the day has been spectacular with some reaching the projected 15 foot level ; Bay wave height is nearing 8 feet with 9 foot waves being experience further into the bay. Beach erosion observations indicate our Atlantic beaches are faring well. On the Bay the Cape Henry, Ocean Park and Baylake Pines beaches are also holding however the Chesapeake Beach which had little buffer continues losing what little dune system it had. Indications are we are experiencing some structural damage and tidal surge flooding. Public Works is documenting these instances.
Rain is our 4th threat. Some areas of the City may receive up to 7 inches. Rain intensity has been steady but moderate. Projections are we could receive an additional +3 inches before the storm is over. Rains will continue through Tuesday mid-day. Surface ponding is occurring as runoff is being hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth Rivers. Back Bay and the North Landing are seeing significant low levels based on the northerly winds pushing the water south and out to the Currituck and Albemarle. Storm water crews are responding to ponding issues. The police are providing high water traffic control. Impassable roads being listed on our storm webpage.
The duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Weather conditions have stabilized and will remain consistent through this evening. After midnight we can expect to see a very slow lessening of the storms wind/rain consistency into some intermittency all day Tuesday.

Other highlights from this morning’s staff update:

· We have attached todays 0800 SITREP taken from our WEBEOC reporting database. It gives insight into the myriad actions and issues the departments are wrestling with.

· The Birdneck ES shelter remains open today. Currently reporting @53 individuals enjoying a warm, dry, friendly environment.

· The EOC continues operating under a partial activation.

· City services and staffing will operate under essential conditions beginning throughout Monday. Decisions regarding tomorrows City operational status will be made midafternoon today following our next regional and NWS VTC.

· VB Public Schools are closed today and will also determine their operating status sometime later today.

· The next regional VTC and NMS update is scheduled for 1330 this afternoon.

· It was commented this morning that the winds did not cause our foliage to leave its branches and when Sandy is over we are looking forward to the cornucopia of color our vivid canopy will provide us.

Will keep you advised. Dave

Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
EOC contact # 757-385-0705

(Note: there is a 17 page pdf that goes with this. I am unable to upload at this time.)

LESNER BRIDGE CLOSED. SHORE DRIVE FLOODED IN NORMAL SPOT AT MARLIN BAY

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Note: this info is from several different people.

UPDATE: 10:29am Both 385-5000 Public Safety and 385-3111 Information confirm Lesner Bridge is “closed”.
Editors note: I’m viewing traffic traveling both directions on Shore Drive in front of Salty C’s.

Saturday afternoon updates from City Manager presentation including Sandy Flood Surge Risk Area Map for Lynhaven Basin

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From VBGov.com Hurricane Sandy Page

City Manager Powerpoint Saturday Afternoon Presentation (23 page PDF)

City Manager Update #7 – Schools closed Monday and more

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From an email:

This morning’s 1000 City Manager’s update on Hurricane Sandy’s observed and projected impacts to Virginia Beach remain reasonably consistent with our last two updates.

Our most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven and Elizabeth River basins creating a high risk for low level residential flooding. This morning’s high tide within the Lynnhaven was as predicted @ 2 -2 ½ feet above normal. We observed road inundation in many of the waterfront low lying areas within the Lynnhaven and Rudee basins. We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and we are continuing our use of Reverse 911 VB Alert system to notify residents of the risk in those specific neighborhoods. The results of these efforts are being posted on our Hurricane Sandy webpage. Staff continues developing Sandy specific inundation maps to better identify impacts. The number of above high/low tide cycles stacking within the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and Rudee basin leads us to project that properties whose elevation is below 6 feet above sea level are at great risk to tidal inundation. We remain confident the Historical Tidal & Surge Chart is projecting where Sandy’s high tide elevations above Mean Low Water Level will be in relation to our previous storms. This additional information is being posted on our VBgov website.

Sustained wind projections have increased slightly but still will not reach hurricane force and sustained tropical force winds (39-74mph) may be reached. We do however anticipate tropical force gusts that may occasionally reach 60 mph. As the storm remains offshore and is hooking around VB we will begin to experience consistent wind this afternoon. The extended severity of this nor’eastercane will set in early this afternoon and remain consistent thru tomorrow afternoon. Dom Power reported customer outages has grown to 2500.

Storm surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +15 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 9 feet. Beach erosion will definitely be significant. This morning’s waves on high tide lapped at the base of the Grommet Park berm.

Rain is our 4th threat. Some areas of the City may receive up to 7 inches. This is a slight increase in the projection. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers. Back Bay is seeing significant low levels based on the northerly winds pushing the water south and out to the Currituck. Storm water crews are responding to ponding issues. The police are bringing in additional assets to assist in high water traffic control. We are working on a reporting tool to post this data on the Hurricane Sandy webpage

Duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Weather conditions continue to deteriorate and stretch into the new work week. The most intense period of the storm has lengthened and is projected to be Sunday afternoon thru Tuesday early morning. During this intense period will see sustained winds just touching the threshold for tropical storms.

Decisions made at this morning’s meeting:

· The Birdneck ES shelter opened on time this morning at 10AM.

· The EOC will operate under a partial activation effective 1200 (noon) today.

· City services and staffing will operate under essential conditions beginning 0600 Monday until further notice.

· VB Public Schools have just notified the EOC they will be closed Monday.

· The next City Manager staff update is 5PM today.

Will keep you advised. Dave

Emphasis ours.

20121028-133910.jpg
Boat Ramp high tide #1 this morning.

20121028-134010.jpg
Boat Ramp low tide #1

(Note: the tide photos were not necessarily taken at peak hi and peak lo)

“Hurricane Sandy Update Sunday, October 28, 2012, 11:00 a.m. The duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Deteriorating weather conditions will stretch into the new work week, impacting the City through Tuesday evening. The most intense period of the storm has lengthened and is projected to be Sunday afternoon through Monday evening.”

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SANDY UPDATE AT VBGOV.COM

20121028-121827.jpg

” The number of high/low tide cycles is now more comparable to the number and elevation we experienced in the 2006 Thanksgiving Nor’easter.”

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From an email to Empsy from Council Jim Wood:

Subject: Nor’eastercane SANDY Update #5
The 0900 City Manager and 1000 VDEM updates have revealed Sandy’s impacts to Virginia Beach have slipped further into the start of this coming work week. We are predicting on Monday the City will still be experiencing significant effects of the nor’eastercane which may last into Tuesday. The second significant change we have deduced is that the storm tide impacts projection has lessened slightly. We have attached this morning’s briefing charts.(Editors note: I did not receive these briefing charts as of the time of this post.) Addressing the 5 key parameters, here is the latest:

1. Most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven basin. High risk to low level residential flooding . We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and at this time have not issued any evacuation directives. Staff is developing a Sandy specific inundation map utilizing current projections applied to the Corps of Engineers Surge Data map for a Cat 1 storm. The number of high/low tide cycles is now more comparable to the number and elevation we experienced in the 2006 Thanksgiving Nor’easter. We have used the Historical Tidal & Surge Chart to indicate where Sandy’s high tide elevations above Mean Low Water Level will be. We expect to be able to issue specific neighborhood flood warnings Sunday morning.

2. Sustained wind, is still not expected to reach hurricane force (only a 3% chance) and sustained tropical force winds are not expected either (a 9% chance). We do however anticipate tropical force gusts (+35% chance). As the storm remains offshore and is hooking around VB we will begin to experience consistent wind Sunday morning and expect it to last for over 62 hours into Tuesday. This lengthy duration will surely cause tree and debris knock down which in turn will cause power outages. Dominion’s weather advisory of 10:47AM this morning is attached. No change to their amber rating here in Tidewater. Currently 1800 customers are without power in VB.

3. Storm surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +15 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 9 feet. Beach erosion will definitely be significant.

4. Rain is our 4th threat. Some areas of the City may receive up to 6 inches. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers, Back Bay and the many lakes and ponds throughout the City. The intensity projections of the rain may be lessening towards a more consistent downfall for a longer period.

5. Duration of Sandy continues to make this storm a significant event. Weather conditions will deteriorate later than first predicted and stretch into the new work week. Deteriorating conditions will begin after midnight tonight and impact the City thru Tuesday evening. The most intense period of the storm has lengthened and is projected to be Sunday afternoon thru Monday evening. During this intense period will see sustained wind of +30mph for nearly 30 hours. (30/30 effect)

Decisions we are assessing are: Public Schools for Monday, Shelter openings, EOC activation and City operational status for Monday. VBCPS, DHS and the Sherriff Office have been issued an internal warning order to plan/prepare for possible opening the Birdneck ES shelter Sunday morning. The next City Manager staff update is 1500 this afternoon. City staff continues to function under a normal operation status. The EOC is currently operating with EOC staff only except for staff updates. The ECCS 311 staff shifts to 24 hour operations effective 0700 Sunday morning. Current call volume is down and the frequently asked inquiries are: absentee voting and sheltering. Current closings for Sunday include: the Virginia Aquarium and Science Center and the Historic Houses. The VB Visitors Centers at First Landing State Park and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Center will be closed on Sunday and Monday. Decisions on libraries and rec centers will occur following the 1500 update. US Dept of Homeland Security Advisor Milicich is participating in our staff analysis process. Will keep you advised.

Emphasis ours.

“The 5 key parameters are: 1. Most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven basin. High risk to low level residential flooding . We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and at this time have not issued any evacuation directives. The number of high/low tide cycles looks to rival the number we experienced in the 2009 Nor’easter.”

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From an email to Empsy from Councilman Bill Desteph:

Subject: Hurricane Sandy Update #4

Empsy,

FYI.
At the City Manager’s afternoon update staff reviewed the current conditions and projections of Hurricane Sandy (see attached)(19pg PDF). We are not registering any significant changes to the projections we summarized in our morning update #3. The 5 key parameters are:
1. Most significant issue remains tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven basin. High risk to low level residential flooding . We will be closely monitoring the endangered neighborhoods and at this time have not issued any evacuation directives. The number of high/low tide cycles looks to rival the number we experienced in the 2009 Nor’easter.
2. Sustained wind, though not expected to reach hurricane force, will gust to a tropical storm level, will last for over 48 hours. Tree and debris knock down will cause power outages. We participated in Dominions conference call and I personally talked with their senior manager, Max Bartholomew.
3. Storm (tidal) surge poses our third threat. Atlantic wave height projection has grown to +12 feet; Bay wave height has grown to 8 feet. Beach erosion will likely be significant. Beach replenishment projects scheduled for the oceanfront scheduled to commence next month are quite timely. We’ll need to make a critical assessment of the Bay beaches and develop protection strategies.
4. Rain possess a 4th threat to our citizens and property. Some areas of the City may receive up to 6 inches. Surface ponding will occur as runoff will be hindered due to elevated levels of the Lynnhaven, Elizabeth and North Landing Rivers, Back Bay and the many lakes and ponds throughout the City.
5. Duration is what is making this storm a significant event. Weather conditions will deteriorate on Saturday afternoon and impact the City thru Tuesday. The height of the storm is projected to be Sunday afternoon till early Monday afternoon.

Facility closings will be announced beginning tomorrow. Most will be open tomorrow as scheduled, but we are not anticipating opening other than essential facilities on Sunday. Mondays conditions will be further refined on Sunday for determining what openings/closing will occur at the start of the new work week. At this time we do not anticipate the need for opening any public shelters. VB Public Schools briefed their preparedness to open Birdneck ES if needed. Sherriff Stolle advised his deputies are prepared to support where needed. The Registrar’s Office will be open tomorrow and closed Sunday. The Virginia Beach EOC will be partially activated on Saturday for updates scheduled for 0900 and 1500.

Grommet Park’s berm was completed midday today. Public Utility generators have been readied to back up our pump stations. The beach stage canopies have been removed as have been the wooden handicap ramps and trashcans on the sand. The Blue Moon Wicked 10K Run at the ocean front will be held on Saturday as planned. The post-race party has moved from the beach to the convention center. Sunday afternoon’s Virginia Symphony concert is under review. We continue to issue press releases, update information on our website and our social media sites. We’ll keep you advised.

Emphasis ours.

COASTAL FLOOD WATCH
COASTAL HAZARD MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
751 AM EDT SAT OCT 27 2012

* TIMING…TODAY THROUGH MONDAY FOR THE HIGH SURF. FOR TIDAL
FLOODING…SUNDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING…WITH THE
GREATEST IMPACT AND WATER LEVELS LIKELY TO OCCUR WITH THE MONDAY
MORNING HIGH TIDE CYCLE.

* IMPACTS…WATER LEVELS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE TO 2 TO 4 FEET
ABOVE NORMAL BY THE SUNDAY MORNING TIDE CYCLE…AND CONTINUE
THROUGH THE MONDAY EVENING TIDE CYCLE. MODERATE TO POSSIBLY
SEVERE FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE WITHIN A FEW HOURS EITHER
SIDE OF EACH HIGH TIDE.

” As what happened in the 2009’ Nor’easter, Virginia Beach will undergo significant tidal stacking within the Lynnhaven Basin. We expect continuous northerly winds to not allow low tide cycles to empty the basin as they normally should. Just as in 2009 we are predicting as many as 6 high/low tide cycles to be held captive within the Lynnhaven Basin.”

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SANDY UPDATE FROM VBGOV.COM

Hurricane Sandy Information

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The City and the Bayfront Advisory Committee has provided the following helpful documents regarding the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy to our area.

NOAA Briefing Overview with helpful weblinks – Click here to read the overview NWSWakefield_SandyBriefing_Oct25

Storm Surge – Surge potential of 2-3 feet will combine with astronomically high tides resulting in moderate coastal flooding. Highest potential for moderate flooding is along the entire coast and lower Bay (including Hampton Roads) Sun/Mon.

Dominion Weather Statement – the item to note in this statement is the predicted storm surge for the Sunday morning and evening tides. The past noreasters were surges of 8 feet plus. Click here to read the statement DWxC_Statement_-_20121025_1024

High tides near the mouth of the Bay will peak between roughly three and four feet, while in the Outer Banks Atlantic tides will peak between roughly four and five feet.

Update on new Lesner Bridge public notices for required permits

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From an email:

Sent: Fri, Oct 19, 2012 10:01 am
Subject: Lesner Update

Kal,
Just wanted to make you and the BAC aware of a few things that are occurring with the Lesner Bridge Project.

Public Notices for Permitting

The Corps of Engineers, DEQ, VMRC, and Coast Guard are advertising public notices for the construction permit on this project. The Corps of Engineers public notice has already been advertised and can be found at: http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/PublicNotices.aspx

We know there has been some concern about the City putting in a bulkhead at the boat ramp site. We just want the BAC and the Shore Drive community to understand that the current public notices are for the construction of the Lesner Bridge only. This will include a temporary bulkhead at the boat ramp. Any effort made to change the scope of the construction permit (e.g., make the temporary bulkhead permanent) will require a separate application and approval from the permitting agencies. We want to be clear with the BAC and the Shore Drive community that this current application is only for the construction needs of the bridge project. This is consistent with the approach that we discussed with the BAC and the SDCC in early 2012.

Drilled Shaft Load Test at the Boat Ramp

Our design team is currently mobilizing a contractor to perform a drilled shaft load test. This effort will consist of drilling a 4’ diameter hole approximately 110’ deep, placing reinforcing steel, and backfilling with concrete. Once the concrete has cured, the contractor will jack against the drilled shaft until it fails. This test will give us actual field information about how well the drilled shaft will perform. With this information, we can finish the foundation design for the bridge using the most economical drilled shaft design. You will likely see the contractor on site starting next week. We just wanted to make you aware of this in case there are any questions from the community.

Project Manager Change

Chris Wojtowicz is taking over this project for Toni Alger. Toni is still in our group, however she was selected for a supervisor position and her duties have expanded beyond managing projects. Chris is getting up to speed and will be taking care of the day to day responsibilities. Chris has been doing a great job managing the Laskin Gateway project and will bring a lot of experience to the table as we get closer to construction. I will still be involved and available for questions as well so we will have continuity during this transition.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know.

David S. Jarman, P.E.
Transportation Project Management Supervisor
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
757-385-4144 (direct)
757-385-4131 (main)

Your Civic Organization and YOU

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As you know, there are many civic organizations in Virginia Beach. Of the many, how are  Shore Drive Community Coalition(SDCC), Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organization (VBCCO), and Bayfront Advisory Council (BAC) similar or are they different ? These three organizations were formed to address different issues at the time that were not being adequately resolved at the city level. By providing a collective and representative voice for their group,these organizations sought to be heard by the City Council or the staff that serve the Mayor and Council.  What am I trying to point out?

We, Shore Drive Community Coalition are only as effective as our collective efforts at trying to provide a common voice to the issues that impact our Shore Drive community. Many of us have spoken before VB City Council to present our group’s support or concerns on important issues. This is democracy in a republic. Sometimes we have achieved our objective, while other times we may feel as if we have been  ignored by our elected officials. But, while immediate change usually does not happen, I think civic organizations can bring about change.  Look at the change that has come about with civic involvement.  Ask yourself if change would have occurred if no one spoke?  Obviously change comes from participation in the government process.

The Mayor and City Council have acknowledged and most positively responded to our concerns on “Shore Drive 35 Alive” , needed bike paths, and most spectacularly with Pleasure House Point. These excellent achievements would not have been possible without citizen participation and involvement that was recognized at the City government level.

There are many more major issues that our city is facing or will be facing in the near future.  Our city faces major budget deficits in the next five years that will impact all of us. Some estimates indicate that it will reach $500 million dollars unless additional revenues are found.  Translate that to mean higher taxes from us all.  How our city’s projected deficit will impact the Light Rail question, Sports Arena, Neighborhood Dredging Program, our schools and teachers, libraries, and police and fire staffing levels will all have to be discussed.  We can just listen to our city experts, or we can do our own homework and then work with our civic organizations. Our citizens’ positions should be heard. How does that happen?  More residents will have to step forward and get involved.  More residents need to participate in our city’s civic organizations. Civic organizations are only as effective as their membership.  Get involved.  Come and hear your City Council candidates speak on the 17th at Cape Henry Collegiate 7-9pm.  Come to Shore Drive Community Coalition meeting, 29 OCT 7:30-9:00 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad . If you want the city to listen, sometimes you have to speak with a combined voice.  Change does not occur in a vacuum.  See you there.

What: Virginia Beach Mayoral and City Council Candidates’ Forum. When: Wednesday, October 17th, 7-9 PM, doors open at 6:30. Where: Cape Henry Collegiate School Dreyfus Auditorium, 1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach.

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Sponsors: Lynnhaven River NOW, Council of Garden Clubs, Shore Drive Community Coalition, Back Bay Restoration Foundation, Princess Anne Garden Club, and the Virginia Beach Garden Club
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.

BE INFORMED

Councilman Moss To Speak at 25 SEP SDCC Meeting

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SDCC members have an opportunity to hear VB Councilman John Moss speak before our gathering this Tuesday 25 SEPT at 7:30. The meeting will be held at our usual location, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.). Please note that the normal meeting date (the last Monday of the month) has been changed for this September meeting to avoid conflicting with the VBCCO City Council Candidates Forum to be held that Monday, 24 September. Both the VBCCO meeting and the SDCC meeting will offer our citizens the opportunity to hear about significant city issues that will directly impact us now and in the future.  Come hear Council John Moss speak on this side of the issues.

Council Candidate Forums – Monday Sept. 24th & Wednesday Oct. 17th

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Two great opportunities for you to become informed about the candidate choices for this years City Council election.

Monday September 24, 2012 – Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) will sponsor a City Council Candidate Forum at 7:00pm in the Central Library

Wednesday October 17, 2012 – Lynnhaven River Now and SDCC will sponsor a City Council Candidate Forum at 7:00pm in the Cape Henry Collegiate Dryfus Auditorium.  For more information, click on this flyer.  Flyer for Candidates’ Forum