Category Archives: City Government

City Council wants to hear from you about PLASTIC BAG FEE July 5th.

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💚 PLEASE HELP THE LAND CRITTERS & OUR WATER CRITTERS‼️

Why a PLASTIC BAG FEE makes good sense for Virginia Beach 👇🏽

🔴 Plastic bags are NOT FREE taxpayer dollars are spent cleaning up these and other nuisance plastics. The majority of the funds collected from bag fees will be returned to Virginia Beach to fund litter prevention and clean-up activities

🟢 Environment: Bag user fees reduce the plastic waste stream and protect the environment.

🟢 Reusable bags are better for the environment; many are not made from fossil fuels, but rather natural fibers, like cotton, and contrary to some misinformation, are NOT less “clean” compared to plastic bags.

🔴 Single-use bags are among the most commonly littered items in Virginia Beach and across the state (Virginians use nearly 3 billion annually!).

🔴 They end up on our roadways, waterways, and coastlines, threatening ecosystem health and creating eyesores. Reuse is also not usually an option as these bags have become thinner and tear-prone, causing grocery store baggers to double and triple bag items.

👉🏽 Please plan to attend the July 5th Council meeting at 6 PM to show your support 💚‼️

2401 Courthouse Drive,
City Hall Building #1, Room 281,
Municipal Center, Virginia Beach, VA.

If you want to speak in support, please call the City Clerk’s office in advance. A citizen who wishes to address the council concerning an agenda item must register with the city clerk or deputy city clerk at 757-385-4303 prior to the meeting.

If you’d rather not speak, then please consider showing up and being there for numbers and moral support. We’ll have a sticker for you to wear!

If you are unable to attend, please send an e-mail to all Virginia Beach City Council members voicing your support at CityCouncil@vbgov.com

Plastic bags ingested by a turtle. Plastic Bay Fee helps prevent this.

FLOATOPIA! “The destruction gained national attention”

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Pilot coverage about FLOATOPIA this weekend.

Over 200 people attended including the Mayor, 2 Councilmen, City Manager, Public Works Director, 3rd Precinct Captain, Deputy Fire Chief, Deputy City Manager & other leadership from CoVB.

Hopefully the event will not be a national embarrassment for Virginia Beach again.

Interested in serving on City Council representing the Bayside District?

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As you know, Virginia Beach and the Bayside District lost our long time serving Mr. Louis Jones recently. The citizen appointed by City Council will hold office until Dec. 31, 2022 and must reside in the Bayside District.

Start here to learn more about applying to City Clerk Amanda Barnes.

3 items the potential candidate might be interested in advocating for for the Bayside District and Bayfront:

Helping enhance resiliency for SLR & storm water management plus helping leverage resources at Brock Environmental Center for Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads & Virginia.
Accelerating the completion of Phase 4 in Ocean Park.
Actively engage with SDCC, BAC, Civic Leagues & bayfront residents.

Thanks to VB Parks & Rec for the friendly reminder!

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Friendly reminder to keep dogs on a leash in our parks and natural areas to protect our environment and other wildlife, especially during nesting season as eggs and hatchlings from vulnerable diamondback terrapins can be threatened by unleashed dogs 🐢🐢🐢

We also want to remind folks when non-biodegradable confetti or microplastics are used to make popular gender reveal announcements, the wildlife habitat at our parks and natural areas suffers greatly. This harmful litter also pollutes our waterways which affects our community and our environment. 

It is critical that we all do our part to leave no trace and help protect and preserve our environment, waterways, and wildlife 🌎🌾🍃🐢🦮🐾

Our sincere condolences to Mr Louis Jones’ family, friends & associates.

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He accomplished an enormous amount for Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads over his decades of leadership & service.

Statement by Mayor Robert D. “Bobby” Dyer on 

the passing of Councilman Louis Jones

​Today, I share with you my heartfelt sadness because of the sudden loss of a great leader and friend in our community.  Council Member Louis Jones dedicated decades of service to our community as a former Mayor, Vice Mayor, and council representative for the Bayside District.

His legacy is drawn from so many significant milestones and accomplishments for the city: the Lake Gaston pipeline, a new convention center, expanded growth in recreation centers throughout the city, protection of our coastal resources, and all the many challenges we overcame as a rapidly growing city.  His experience and love for his city helped us succeed on so many levels that carried us into the new millennium. 

Louis was a true leader, working and leading organizations throughout Hampton Roads:  Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization, Atlantic Park Community Development Authority, Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City’s Development Authority, the Lake Gaston Water Task Force, the Military Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Minority Business Council and the Stormwater Appeals Board. These were just a few of the many groups where Louis gave of his immeasurable time and commitment.  

Personally, I very much enjoyed serving on the Virginia Beach City Council with Louis.  In 2004 when I came on City Council, he took me under his wing as friend and mentor, and we formed a very strong bond and close friendship.  Louis was blessed with extraordinary business acumen and the ability to look at a situation, assess it, and cut to the core of the problem. Above all, his talent to inspire people resulted in so many good things for our city over the years.

Vision, persistence, knowledge, kindness, and love for Virginia Beach and its people were just a few of the characteristics that described Louis.  His dedication to Virginia Beach and the Bayside District was limitless. Because of his belief in what he did and his graciousness when working with anyone and everyone, we are a far, far better city.  I will miss him more than I can say.  

On behalf of all the members of our City Council, as well as the members of the City of Virginia Beach government, I express our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

​The City of Virginia Beach is inviting the public to share their opinions on proposed amendments to the City’s noise ordinance. 

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Proposed Changes

The proposed changes to the noise ordinance would streamline enforcement with reduced reliance on specialized sound meter equipment. The proposed ordinance would establish a hybrid penalty structure, imposing civil penalties for some violations while preserving criminal penalties for repeat or severe violations.  

A key change in the noise ordinance is the addition of a “plainly audible” standard, where certain sounds that are plainly audible inside an individual’s home or beyond a specified distance from its source would constitute violations.  Sound is plainly audible if it can be heard by the human ear with or without a medically approved hearing aid or device.  A violation of the plainly audible standard would result in a civil violation punishable by a fine of $250 for a first offense. Excessive noise as determined by decibel readings will continue to be violations under the proposed ordinance and may result in misdemeanor charges.  

Click here to learn more about the proposed changes- http://www.vbgov.com/noise

Click here to provide comments regarding the proposed changes – https://publicinput.com/R6847

VB Residents Invited to Learn More About Changes to Local Election System

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VB Residents Invited to Learn More
About Changes to Local Election System

Redistricting changes will impact how voters elect their City Council representatives.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 13, 2022) – The City of Virginia Beach invites residents and voters to attend any of the three upcoming public information meetings to learn more about the new VB10 election system and ask any questions they may have about this topic. Following a federal court case, the City’s original method of electing City Council representatives has been replaced with a new 10-1 system.

This change divides the city into 10 districts of approximately equal voting age population, replacing the 7-district, 3 at-large, and 1 mayor system. Most notably, Virginia Beach voters will now only be able to vote for a single City Council representative for their district, plus the mayor, when that seat is on the ballot. The City’s redistricting does not impact state or federal representation.

Interested individuals who wish to ask a question in advance may do so by email, voicemail, or text. Speaker registration information and the ways to provide feedback are available online at PublicInput.com/VBRedistricting. Meeting dates and times are as follows:

  • Wednesday, June 22 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
    In person and virtual participation options available
    City Council Chambers (Old City Hall)
    2403 Courthouse Drive
    • Email questions to WW4481@PublicInput.com
    • Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
    • Text WW4481 to 855-925-2801
  • Thursday, June 23 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
    Virtual meeting
    • Email questions to A57886@PublicInput.com
    • Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
    • Text A57886 to 855-925-2801
  • Wednesday, June 29 | 12:30 – 2 p.m.
    Virtual meeting
    • Email questions to R32313@PublicInput.com
    • Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
    • Text R32313 to 855-925-2801

All meetings will be livestreamed on PublicInput.com/VBRedistricting. Submitted questions will be answered whether or not the submitter is present. Those who wish to watch and not ask a question do not need to register to view or attend any of the meetings.

“This change to our election system is a significant shift from how City Council members have been elected previously,” said Virginia Beach Communications Director Tiffany M. Russell. “We want to ensure our residents are well-informed about this change and what it means before they show up to vote this November. Come share your voice on your schedule on SpeakUpVB.com or join us at one of the meetings in person or virtually.”

More information about the changes to the Virginia Beach election system can be found online at VBgov.com/VB10.

About SpeakUpVB

Hearing from our residents about the topics and decisions that will impact where they live, work and play, is important to the City of Virginia Beach. SpeakUpVB is the one-stop shop for public engagement where Virginia Beach residents can provide feedback on topics of interest, attend virtual meetings, and review past meetings. Visit SpeakUpVB.com to view current surveys and public meeting opportunities.

BAC Agenda for June 16 22 330pm at OPVRS

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See ya there!

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 5/21/22

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES
​Comprehensive Plan Public Input restart
​Commercial Area Pattern book Update

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon
Communications – Vacant
​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS/COMMISSION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Photo of PHP

Council Adopts FY2022-23 Budget

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From City Page at VBGov.com.

FY2022-23 budget has no increases to the solid waste fee, water service charges, sewer charges, stormwater charges, and avoids a real estate tax rate increase.

With the exception of a few fee increases for permits within the department of Planning and Community Development, the FY2022-23 budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are supported through natural growth in citywide revenues. Below are some of the key elements in the upcoming budget.

Ocean Park sand replenishment starts about May 30

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“Due to the recent set of storms and the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend the Ocean Park sand nourishment project is scheduled to begin after the holiday, approximately May 30th.“

Info at OPCL.org.

BAYFRONT SHUTTLE ROUTE 35 IS BACK PEOPLES !

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Woot woot!

Official HRT link.

This is an EXCELLENT way to commute around the Bayfront and travel to the Oceanfront.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Route 35 possible!

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad 3769 E. Stratford Drive(enter on side opposite Shore Drive) May 19, 2022 at 330pm.

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Join us!

BACAgendaMay192022.pdfDownload

Fitch Downgrades Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (VA) Rev Bonds to BB+

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View analysis at Fitch.

On a forward-looking basis and assuming WCCB is able to proceed with the full scope of its capital plans, debt is expected to increase from $76 million to $496 million (or $508 million inclusive of it $12 million debt guarantee for the Senior Options Community’s acquisition of The Overture).

VIRGINIA BEACH VA DEV AUTH RESIDENTIAL CARE FAC REV Bond Detail.

CUSIP: 92774NAH3

FINAL Reminder Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements – Public Information Meeting May 11th – 6-8pm – Bayside Recreation Center

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Update about meeting!

Press release about meeting.

Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements page.

ESDD Public Meeting Postcard 10 x 6.pdfDownload

BAC Agenda for April 21 ‘22 330pm at OPVRS

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See ya there!

From Mark:


BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

  3769 E. Stratford Drive 

(enter on side opposite Shore Drive)

April 21, 2022

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

There’ll be an update.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 3/17/22

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

​Eastern Shore Drainage Lynnhaven Colony Pump Station

Open Space Program

64th Street Oyster Project (tentative)

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon

Communications – Vacant

​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS/COMMISSION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Wed. May 11th Public Meeting on Eastern Shore Drive Storm Water Improvements – Additional Background Documents

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The following document is being provided as additional background information for the planned City public information meeting to be held on Wednesday May 11th to update the residents on planned storm water projects for Eastern Shore Drive.

Please check the links contained in this document to get to the detailed plans for each project. They will explain engineering processes for how designs were chosen as well as detail possible site/home acquisitions or eminent domain alternatives.

eastern-shore-drive-drainage-improvements-__-vbgov.com-city-of-virginia-beachDownload

Sat. April 16th Recycling Event at Mt. Trashmore to Celebrate Earth Day.

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Electronics, Hazardous Wastes, Old Medications/Pills are all accepted.

9 am – 1 pm on April 16 | Mount Trashmore (Parking lot next to YMCA) 

Come out to Mt. Trashmore where a recycle zone will be set up for the general public to be able to drop off items to vendors such as hazardous household waste, documents for off-site shredding, electronics, old medications, and pills as part of the VB Police Dept. “Prescription Take-Back Program”. In partnership with AAA, Car Batteries and Children Automobile Safety Seats will be available for drop off as well. 

Wed May 11th – Va Beach Public Works to Hold Public Meeting Update on Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Project

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​Va Beach Public Works to Hold Public Meeting Update on Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Project

The Virginia Beach Public Works – Stormwater Engineering program has scheduled a public meeting for the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage on Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, between 6 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Bayside Recreation Center, 4500 First Court Road. 

This will be an informal public meeting, beginning with a 30-minute update presentation on the Eastern Shore Drainage Project – Phase (CIP 7-151) – as well as group discussions about key issues in the project area. Representatives from Public Works will be available to answer questions following the presentation and group discussions.

Attendees will also be asked to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the presentation, as well as any comments or concerns.  

“UPDATE FOR CXB ON LITIGATION CHALLENGING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF REZONING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF WINDSONG APARTMENT SITE ALONG PLEASURE HOUSE ROAD”

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MARCH 21, 2022

On January 19, 2021, over objections of our Civic League, City Council approved (7 to 3) Collier’s application to rezone the 15-acre Windsong Site, and to redevelop it increasing the number of residential units there from 272 to 411, a 51% increase, decreasing the amount of land capable to absorbing stormwater, providing fewer parking spaces than standard zoning rules require, permitting construction of two 4-story apartment buildings 10 feet from Northampton Boulevard, and one 3-story apartment building 5 feet from Pleasure House Road.

Approval was made with scant consideration as to whether the approved redevelopment would urbanize and transform the character of our long-established community, impair the efficacy and safety of our roadways, and cause stormwater runoff damage to our roads and our residences.

In February 2021, about 40 of us filed an action in Circuit Court seeking to have approval of the Windsong Site rezoning and redevelopment plan declared unlawful. We contended that approval violated specific provisions of the Virginia Beach Zoning Ordinance and its Comprehensive Plan.

The City Council and Collier challenged our right to judicial review.

On August 5, 2021, without any explanation, Circuit Court dismissed our action denying us access to judicial review of City Council’s approval.

On December 13, 2021, we filed our petition for appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, asking the state Supreme Court to permit us to appeal.

The City Council and Collier challenged our right to judicial review.

On August 5, 2021, without any explanation, Circuit Court dismissed our action denying us access to judicial review of City Council’s approval.

On December 13, 2021, we filed our petition for appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court, asking the state Supreme Court to permit us to appeal.

On March 9, 2022, the Supreme Court scheduled a 10-minute period after 9 a.m. during the morning of April 5, 2022, for us to make oral argument in Richmond to support our petition. George Squires will argue. Although they prohibit the in-person attendance of observers, except attorneys for City Council and Collier, they permit anyone to hear a live feed of the argument by using the following link:

http://www.vacourts.gov/courts/scv/home.html

Bayfront Advisory Commission public meeting March 17 330p at OPVRS

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From Mark:

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

  3769 E. Stratford Drive 

(enter on side opposite Shore Drive)

March 17, 2022

 

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 2/17/22

 

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

 

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

​Election districts court case

Council liaison meeting update

Channel dredging

Lesner Bridge lighting

Project updates from PW

Community Revitalization Guidelines

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon

Communications – Vacant

​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS/COMMISSION ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN