Category Archives: City Government

PHP’s stakeholder meeting in the news.

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At the Pilotonline.com:

The ideas will help form a set of guiding principles the Pleasure House Point Stakeholders Committee will submit to the city to help shape the site’s future, said Brian Solis, a Parks and Recreation planner.
The goal is to allow public access for recreation while limiting environmental impact, he said.
“They want people to be able to use the site and at the same time maintain the site’s ecological purpose,” said Christy Everett, Hampton Roads director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, an environmental nonprofit group teaming up with the city on the project.
“So I think it will be a really nice balance.”

As David Norris – Wetland Project Leader from Virginia Game and Island Fisheries said:

“…can’t believe there is this kind of habitat in the middle of Virginia Beach”

David also mentioned during his presentation that the rep from US Fish and Wildlife said she:

“never saw a coastal maritime forest on the east coast like on PHP”

So kudos to everyone who saw PHP as the gem it is and worked diligently over the years to protect it until it could be saved.

The community will also have many opportunities to be part of the discussion, planning and most important stewardship of this amazing property.

The rumor is true

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There is a LEED certified fire station being designed and built on Greenwell Road next to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel entrance.

More info to follow.

VBGov.com/PleasureHousePoint – City’s new Official Page

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It doesn’t get much more exciting than this:

VBGov.com/PleasureHousePoint

Ocean Park South drainage improvements to be completed by May 2013

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Thank you!

From an email:

Subject: Ocean Park South Drainage Improvements

Mr. Kassir, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Vaughn and Honorable Mayor Jones,

This is to advise you that Public Works is proceeding with the design and construction of Alternative A for the Ocean Park – South Drainage Improvements. After holding a Public Information Meeting on 23 FEB 2012, we received 8 comment sheets from citizens who are in favor of Alternative A (attached) and 2 comment sheets from citizens who are in favor of Alternative C. The Public Meeting Handout package is attached for reference. On 28 FEB 2012 the Ocean Park Civic League Executive Committee passed a resolution to support Alternative A (Also known as Alternative One). Therefore, we are proceeding with the design and construction of Alternative A. We anticipate construction to be completed by May 31, 2013.

Thank you,

Michael S. Bumbaco, PE

City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering/Water Resources
Municipal Center – Building 2
2405 Courthouse Drive- Room 345
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: 757-385-1978
Email: mbumbaco@vbgov.com

Previously at SDCC.info.

Come out to the dedication to the super awesome bike lane on Shore Drive thru First Landing!

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RSVP to:

    Drew Lankford
    Media and Communications
    Department of Public Works
    City of Virginia Beach
    dlankfor@vbgov.com
    (O) 757.385.8062

THANK YOU VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL!

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Tonight, City Council voted unanimously to preserve Pleasure House Point forever.

Wow!

Thank you.

Response to a FOIA request re: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp use as a dredge spoils operation

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From an email responding to their FOIA request:

With respect to your recent request for a copy of the City Council resolution regarding the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp at Crab Creek, Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen provided the following:
*************************
Respectfully request we covey the following to the FOIA requestor.
1. There was no City Council Resolution removing the LBR from consideration as a transfer site.
2. The LBR Transfer Station was not “moved” to the Thaila site. The Thalia transfer site is a separate and distinct logistics node supporting a completely separate area of the Lynnhaven River system.
3. The Lynnhaven River system was divided into five project control areas each designated by what we refer as the bubble chart. This allowed City water resource engineers an ability to assess each area for potential logistics node locations to provide multiple outcomes – one of which is to serve as a transfer site.
4. The Beaches & Waterways Advisory Cmte took a look at this concept and has agreed that the Northern Western Branch and Lynnhaven Inlet Control Area is best served by establishing this logistics node at the Crab Creek Disposal Material Holding Area adjacent to the LBR.
5. The City has submitted for a temporary permit to construct the bulkhead and the concrete work pads to serve as a transfer site for the Material lay down and construction equipment and preparation area necessary for the construction of the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project.
6. The City staff briefed the Bayside Advisory Committee on 16 Feb and briefs the Ocean Park Civic League today, 8 March.
7. The staff intends to operate a collaborative site where by public access to the Boat Launch will be maintained while allowing the extensive construction traffic of mixed vehicles and equipment to prosecute the complex task of building the replacement bridge.
8. At some point halfway through the construction the City will hold a public information meeting to receive input about how the coexistence has gone with regards to maintaining access to the boat launch.
9. Staff will assess the public input and the facts established regarding operating the logistics node while maintaining public access to the site before making a recommendation to City Council to permanently establish the transfer site logistics node – likely to occur midyear 2014.
Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
757-385-4242

The New Lesner Bridge. The Official Presentation.

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You’ve heard we’re getting a new bridge.

Check out the Official Presentation from the City. [ 24pg PDF]

20120309-091853.jpg

Lesner Bridge Replacement

    Project fully funded.
    VBGov.com Official Project Page.
    2.168.000: Lesner Bridge Replacement (Partial)

Links to, and screen shots of archived Official Western Branch Lynnhaven River Maintenance Dredging (CIP 8-005) Public Works page at VBGov.com.

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Partial screen shot of Official Page at VBGov.com.

Link to Official Page at VBGov.com thanks to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine:
Western Branch Lynnhaven River Maintenance Dredging (CIP 8-005) October 12, 2008
Note: Links to Official Documents like PDFs, Photos etc in right column of above page do not work.

Partial screen shot of Official Page at VBGov.com.

“Public Involvement

A public information workshop was held on June 5, 2007. A second Public Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Based upon feedback received at the Public Meeting, alternate sites for a dredged material transfer station were evaluated. The proposed transfer facility has been moved from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility to a site located near the crossing of Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd. Concept plans have been developed for a multi-use facility that will incorporate the dredged material transfer facility, public access to the Lynnhaven River, a canoe/kayak launch and a crew facility.”

Link to Official Page at VBGov.com thanks to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine:
Western Branch Lynnhaven River Maintenance Dredging (CIP 8-005) March 27, 2009

Note difference in Official Page from October 2008 vs March 2009 in Official Files that were included vs not include in later page.

Note: What happened to this Official Page? It can no longer be found in the current http://www.VBGov.com. Can someone provide the hot link in the new VBGov.com website?

A response from Mayor Sessoms re: turning the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility into a permanent dredge spoils location for the entire Lynnhaven Watershed.

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People who have been concerned our beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility will essentially close due to overwhelming safety issues if it also becomes a permanent dredge spoils station for the entire Lynnhaven Watershed have been using THIS LINK to write to City Council, The Beaches and Waterways Commission, Bayfront Advisory Committee and Shore Drive Community Coalition.

A response from Mayor Sessoms:

Subject: OPPOSITION TO USING CRAB CREEK FOR PERMANENT DREDGE SPOILS TRANSFER LOCATION

Thank you for your email expressing your opposition to using the Crab Creek site for a permanent dredge spoils transfer location.

Staff briefed the Bayfront Advisory Committee on February 16, 2012, regarding the need to create a transfer facility and material/construction lay down area at the Crab Creek/Lynnhaven Boat Launch dredged material holding area in support of the upcoming Lesner Bridge Replacement Project. This facility would operate for approximately 30 months, during which time the City would collaborate to keep the Lynnhaven Boat Launch facility available for our citizens and visitors to use. Once the co-existence had been in operation for a period of time, staff would seek public input on their performance managing the multiple uses of these public facilities. At that time, a recommendation would be made to City Council for consideration, and we would look at the advantages and disadvantages of converting the temporary use of the transfer station into a permanent facility. We would not expect to have this matter brought to us until approximately the spring of 2014.

Because of limited public accesses to the Lynnhaven to assist in accomplishing various projects, staff feels it is imperative that multiple beneficial uses be made of available properties. Your concerns are understood, and no decisions regarding a permanent spoils transfer site would be made until residents were given the opportunity to provide input.

The time you took to make us aware of your views and your interest in preserving the quality of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp is greatly appreciated. Please be assured they will be given serious consideration.

William D. Sessoms, Jr.

Mayor

City of Virginia Beach
Office of the Mayor
2401 Courthouse Drive, Building 1, Room 234
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-4581 (MAIN)
757-385-5699 (FAX)
wsessoms@vbgov.com

START HERE to send your letter to City Council, The Beaches and Waterways Commission, Bayfront Advisory Committee and Shore Drive Community Coalition.

"Based upon feedback received at the Public Meeting, alternate sites for a dredged material transfer station were evaluated. The proposed transfer facility has been moved from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility to a site located near the crossing of Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd." City of Virginia Beach April 2009

It was determined by the City of Virginia Beach the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility will not become a permanent dredge spoils transfer station for the entire Lynnhaven Watershed in April 2009. Link at SDCC.info.

“It took Tom Fraim and the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission to finally convince Virginia Beach that the Long Creek site isn’t the right location.”

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RESOLUTION PASSES – FEB. 28TH

The Resolution to REMOVE the Maple Street site as a potential dredge spoils transfer site for the neighborhood dredge program was unanimously approved by City Council tonight.

The Resolution at SDCC.info.
From LongCreekWetlands.com.
View article and video at WAVY.com.

Ocean Park’s southside storm water system is getting improved and here’s how.

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View Ocean Park drainage improvement public meeting presentation 2-23-12 [32 page PDF.]

Thanks to City Staff & reps from Parsons Brinckerhoff for working on this challenge and for having the presentation on Feb 23rd.

Bikeways & Trails Advisory Committee report is out and talks up the terrific new bike lanes being built on Shore Drive in First Landing State Park

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From Bikeways & Trails Advisory Committee:

Shore Drive bike lanes
We are very excited to see progress on one of the Top Priority Infrastructure
Projects in the Bikeways and Trails Plan: bike lanes along Shore Drive, from
the Bayside area to the Oceanfront — generally, the four-mile section
between Fort Story and First Landing State Park. Through the Mayor’s
leadership in meeting with cyclists around the City and working with City
staff, funding was found in the current budgets to make this happen.
Construction is occurring right now, with completion of the eastbound side
expected in March 2012.

“The Assistant City Manager and City Staff were there to present plans for the Lesner Bridge replacement AND Building a Permanent Industrial Site at Crab Creek.”

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From an email posted unedited with permission:

Dear Neighbors,
Sid and I attended Thursday’s Bayfront Advisory Committee meeting. The Assistant
City Manager and City Staff were there to present plans for the Lesner Bridge
replacement AND Building a Permanent Industrial Site at Crab Creek.

There are several distinct issues that you should know about:

1. The Lesner Bridge replacement is vital – the City plans to use the Crab Creek
“spoils” site for construction staging for the bridge over the two or so years
it will take for the project. I feel that we as homeowners should accept that.
The Bridge’s condition is currently rated lower than the one in the Midwest that
fell a few years ago. During the construction there will be up to 100 truck
trips daily through the boat ramp and out to Shore Drive via Piedmont Circle and
E. Stratford Rd. There will be a “temporary” barge docking station built for
barging materials to the site.There will be noise and other usual construction
site impact. Beach access via the boat ramp facility will be curtailed during
the construction. Boat launching will remain open. While this is unpleasant, it
seems to be a necessary , but temporary, inconvenience.

2.Currently, CLEAN sand from dredging of the Crab Creek Channel occurs once
every year or two, or when weather causes sand movement that requires it to keep
the channel open for boaters. Again, I feel that since we, especially homeowners
with boats on the creek, benefit from this, it is a necessary nuisance. The
city stockpiles this sand on the site for future use for sand replenishment
along the bay or elsewhere in the city.We certainly also benefit when sand is
replenished on our nearby beach.

3. THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON: The City has renewed its interest (that wefought in 2008) in putting a permanent dredge transfer site with Barge off-loading station at Crab Creek to receive and truck out the MUCK dredged fromneighborhoods such as Witchduck Point, Thoroughgood Manor, Church Point, and Saw Pen Point, who want their channels dug for their boating pleasure, but do notwant the inconvenience of the dredge transfer station in their own backyard.

If this is built, we will experience: barges offloading 40-50 truckloads of
dredge spoils a day, and those 40-50 trucks, averaging THIRTY-FIVE TONS
traveling across the cross-walk between the boat ramp bath house and the
boardwalk to the beach, and out to Shore Drive via Piedmont Circle and E.
Stratford Road. Barges may impede boat traffic in the boat channel. The dredged
muck in this process is thick and foul-smelling, not the clean sand that is
dredged from the Crab Creek channel. Beaches and Waterways Commission has
recommended limiting to 30 trucks per day for no more than two 90-day cycles per
year. It is unclear what the time-of-day restrictions may be for dredge transfer
work. The City said, regarding the Lesner Bridge construction, that time-of-day
work would depend on the contractor proposal…
If the engine noise and beeping you heard during the Crab Creek sand dredging
was troublesome to you, imagine adding the 30 or 50 large trucks per day I
personally found the noise alone to detract from my enjoyment of my porch. I
wonder if those along the creek will be able to use their back decks.

4. THIS ALSO DESERVES OUR ATTENTION:
The City Staff of VIrginia Beach now say they will use the future Permanent Dredge Transfer Station for other uses: possible staging for other construction, docking of working barges that currently moor in the Lynnhaven River for oyster reef work, dredges,etc.

The City, at Thursday’s meeting expressed assurances that they are sensitive to boaters and fishermen. They expressed no concern for homeowners.

I hope you all will join us in opposing a Permanent Dredge Transfer Station at
Crab Creek. Please email City Council and the Beaches and Waterways Commission and the Bayfront Advisory Committee members with your opposition to the proposed Dredge Transfer Station at Crab Creek.
Use my letter (posted below) if you like.

Here are all the email addresses to copy.
Cut and paste these email addresses for sending your letter:
tfraim@masacorp.com,
CMOffice@vbgov.com,
ctycncl@vbgov.com,
David@sdcc.info,
wsessoms@VBgov.com,
lrjones@VBgov.com,
gdavis@vbgov.com,
bdesteph@VBgov.com,
bdyer@VBgov.com,
bhenley@VBgov.com,
juhrin@VBgov.com,
rwilson31@cox.net,
jlwood@VBgov.com,
abarnes@vbgov.com,
kkassir@aol.com,
yiayia223@aol.com,
tanklines@aol.com,
jjma6@aol.com,
joeb@HBAonline.com,
normcarrick@cox.net,
dsparks@wcbeach.com

Thank you,
Wendy Vaughn

Previously at BoatRampClosing.com in 2008/09 when the plan to allow personal and public unknown dredge spoils and other material be barged to, and trucked from our beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility. That plan was officially killed in April 2009.

An example letter to send to City Council, Bayfront Advisory Committee and Beaches & Waterways Commission and click-able email link:

Click here to start email to City Council, Beaches & Waterways Commission and Bayfront Advisory Committee.

### BEGINNING OF SAMPLE LETTER ###

    Mr. Mayor and Honorable Council Members, Members of Beaches and Waterways Commission, Members of the Bayfront Advisory Committee:

    [CHANGE TO APPROPRIATE INFO]> As homeowners in Ocean Park Virginia Beach, adjacent to Crab Creek, we want to express our strong opposition to using Crab Creek for a Permanent Dredge Spoils Transfer Site for the following reasons:
    * Operating barges in close proximity to the recreational boating channel at Crab Creek poses dangers to boaters, kayakers, and paddle-boarders. The channel is narrow. The City Boat Ramp at Crab Creek encourages the use of the channel for these recreational activities. This is a conflict.
    * Use of dump trucks through the boat ramp parking lot, over the pedestrian crosswalk from the bath houses to the beach, and through the residential neighborhood poses dangers to adults and children, bicyclists, fishermen, and motorists.
    * Use of barges in the Lynnhaven Basin creates a danger to the Lesner bridge. Over a year ago a barge did hit the Lesner Bridge.
    * Quality of water at the beaches surrounding the Crab Creek sand berm is jeopardized by unloading of spoils. Quality of the sand the City currently reclaims from the channel for use elsewhere is also jeopardized.
    * Noise pollution from engines, trucks, and beeping disrupts the quiet in the neighborhood. We currently experience this up to three months a year from the Crab Creek channel dredging. And the noise pollution is late at night and early in the morning. It is not equitable for us to be subject to it for many more months because those who will benefit from the dredging in their neighborhoods do not want the spoils transfer to take place in their neighborhoods.
    * Quality of air is jeopardized by diesel equipment and odors from dredge spoils.
    * Potential loss of equity in our home is unfair in order to benefit other neighborhoods.

    Our position has not changed since we voiced our opposition in 2008 along with the Ocean Park Civic League and many other Ocean Park homeowners.

    We ask that you complete the Thalia transfer station before determining the need for additional stations, and that studies be done by an independent third party to evaluate the concerns listed above. We also ask that you review the Ocean Park Civic League objections and citizen response to the 2008 proposal for a spoils transfer station at the Crab Creek site.

    The Lynnhaven Boat Ramp at Crab Creek is a clean, safe, quality recreational facility – a Virginia Beach success. Please consider the risk of damaging the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. And please consider the risk of damage to the quality of life in our neighborhood.

    Respectfully,

    YOUR NAME
    YOUR ADDRESS

    ### END OF SAMPLE LETTER ###

Click here to start email to City Council, Beaches & Waterways Commission and Bayfront Advisory Committee.

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA: 1. That the City Council hereby directs the City Manager to remove the Maple Street site from consideration as a potential dredge spoils transfer site for the Neighborhood Dredging Program.”

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Read the entire resolution in this PDF [1pg].

 

The resolution is being scheduled for vote at City Council on Tuesday February 28th.

Public Works Public Information Meeting in Ocean Park re:storm water improvements on southside

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From an email:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: There will be a meeting of the Ocean Park Civic League on February 23rd beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m. at the Ocean Park Rescue Squad Building to address drainage improvements to Ocean Park. Please spread the word to your neighbors who may not be on our email distribution list. Below is the information from the City representative who will be conducting the meeting:

> Dear Mr. Thomas,
>
> I am a Project Manager with the City of Virginia Beach Engineer’s Office. We have recently developed alternative drainage improvement plans for the Ocean Park – South neighborhood and would like to hold a Public Information Meeting at the Ocean Park Rescue Station on Thursday, February 23, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting will be to update the residents about our recent evaluations and receive input from the citizens and Civic League regarding a preferred drainage improvement alternative. Vice Mayor Jones has received a verbal notification of this meeting.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Michael S. Bumbaco, PE
> City of Virginia Beach
> Public Works Engineering/Water Resources

Emphasis ours.

VMRC Joint Permit Application for Long Creek Dredging

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On 30 January, the VMRC sent a letter to notify the residents along Long Creek of a Joint Permit Application #11-1830 concerning maintenance dredging. The commission requests protests to their application to be submitted within 15 days of the date of the memorandum (done by 14 February) if you wish to express your concerns with this project. The Permit letter and project drawings should be available on the VMRC website (www.mrc.virginia.gov) and will soon be made available on the http://www.SDCC.info site. I have attached my reply to this posting.

February 2, 2012

Mr. Justin D. Worrell, Environmental Engineer
Virginia Marine Resource Commission
2600 Washington Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607

Re: Joint Permit Application #11-1830, Long Creek Maintenance Dredging

Dear Mr. Worrell:

I thank you for giving our residents the opportunity to comment on the proposed maintenance dredging permit for Long Creek. One of our residents asked me the purpose of this notification as she has never received one before in the 37 years of living here. As she was not able to decipher the attached drawings, she asked how she could make an informed decision on this permit without sufficient information. I acknowledged her concerns. Is your letter of 30 January to serve as sufficient information or will public hearings be held?
On my review of the permit, I too have strong concerns. Many of the residents and boaters using Long Creek acknowledge that periodic maintenance dredging is needed every 4-5 years, but we question the scope of this project. As I have attended the majority of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Committee meeting related to the Neighborhood Dredge (Spoils) Program for the Lynnhaven basin, I am very aware of the strong mistrust that many have of the city’s true motives concerning the proposed dredging of the Lynnhaven Basin, and Long Creek, and in particular, the use of Maple Street and Crab Creek areas as permanent mechanical transfer sites.
Concerning Long Creek and this permit, we are concerned with lack of thoroughness related to the city’s planning, the lack of sufficient studies related to traffic, safety, and the impact on the neighborhoods mainly involved. We have strong concerns about the quality of the dredged material, whether beach grade or unusable spoils, and the stated need for the permit’s mechanical dredging. We vehemently oppose any use of the Maple Street containment area for anything other than hydraulically transferred beach grade sand as non-beach grade sand would have detrimental environmental impact on both the adjacent preservation area and the water quality of Long Creek, one of our prime fishing areas.
We are requesting that the Joint Permit #11-1830 be sent back to the city of Virginia Beach to more adequately address our citizens’ concerns. Until such time as these concerns can be substantially met, we cannot support this permit.

Sincerely,

David M. Williams
President, Shore Drive Community Coalition
2104 West Admiral Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 234521

(757) 481-1668

Maintenance Dredging Permit Request Joint Permit Application #11-1830 from City of VB

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This is the City’s Joint Permit Application(JPA) that could impact Maple Street and/or Lynnhaven Inlet Placement site.

Here’s the 22 page PDF.

Storm drain cleaning in Ocean Park today, and over the next couple weeks

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You’ve seen the contractor Tri-State cleaning storm drains in Ocean Park around the Ocean Park Baptist Church area.

I was just assured by the contract supervisor for the City of VB that the contract cleaning will be completed, then service requests by home owners will be completed in the next couple weeks. That includes lines on the pump station, and also the Crab Creek out fall line.

They are not only cleaning, but also using the fancy movie camera in the storm drain looking for damage or issues thing too.

CIP projects info added to our HOT page

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Our HOT page is here.

Here’s what was added:

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Projects

    2.116.000: Shore Drive Corridor Improvements – Phase II (Partial)
    This project will provide safety improvements, including pedestrian walkways and bikeways, along the Shore Drive corridor from South Oliver Drive/Waterspoint Place to Treasure Island Drive. It will also include improvements along Shore Drive at the Northampton Boulevard interchange and to the intersections at Pleasure House Road and at Greenwell Road.
    2.117.000: Shore Drive Corridor Improvements – Phase III (Partial)
    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.
    2.118.000: Shore Drive Corridor Improvements – Phase IV
    This project begins at the Marlin Bay Drive/Sandy Oaks Drive intersection and ends at the west end of the Lesner Bridge. 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. It will include improvements at the East Stratford Road intersection.

Note: projected end date of all infrastructure improvements of Shore Drive including replacing the Lesner Bridge is ~ September 2019.