Thanks to the City Manager for requesting City Council Fund 100% of Phase 4 in FY2019-2024 Budget.

Big thanks also goes out to everyone who helped lobby for this!

No need to TAKE ACTION Tuesday evening.

If you were planning to attend City Council Open Mic night tomorrow night you can change your plans.

Phase 4, when completed, will bring Shore Drive up to date with sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.

Please be sure to thank City Manager Hansen, the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council for doing this!

PHP opportunity! “City of Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, is looking to engage an artist or artist group for an artist residency to create a site-specific, environmentally responsive installation that spotlights the natural beauty, educates and reignites community appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay, while highlighting Virginia Beach’s natural spaces.”

PLEASURE HOUSE POINT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE ARTIST RESIDENCY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL / CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

Check out the exciting details here ! (8 page PDF)

Download 8 page PDF here too.

Artist Opportunities at VBGov.com includes this amazing new opportunity for Ocean Park & PHP.

Baylines February Newsletter from BAC

Check out the entire Baylines February ’18 Edition (5 pg PDF)

The Bayfront Advisory Commission: How it all began
In early 1997, a group of small business owners on Shore Drive in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach concluded that attention to growth and development by City staff and leadership is necessary to enhance the quality of life of one of the most desirable section of our city straddling the iconic Chesapeake Bay. . .

“BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.” Saturday 10am to 10pm #LesnerBridge Update.

PLEASE SHARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY !

Expect delays caused by single lane in both directions from 10am to 10pm.

From an email update from Project Manager:

Folks:

In the last project update (11/22/2017) we mentioned that we had issues with one of the 10 drilled shaft foundations for Pier #5 of the new eastbound bridge. Between the holidays, cold weather, and a longer than expected duration for remediation of drilled shaft #1 at Pier #5 construction of the EB bridge superstructure had been temporarily suspended. That was the bad news.

Now the good news. Shaft #1 at Pier #5 has been fully remediated, all 10 drilled shafts in this footing have been cut down to the correct elevation, and all of the reinforcing steel for the footing has been placed. The footing is now ready to receive the 400 cubic yards of concrete which is planned for tomorrow, February 3rd, 2018. The concrete will be delivered to this footing via two concrete pumper trucks parked near the center span of the Lesner Bridge eastbound lanes.

This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Lesner Bridge for most of the day tomorrow, Saturday February 3, 2018. Here are the details:

Beginning tomorrow, 2/3/2018 at approximately 10:00 AM single lane closures will be setup on Shore Drive approaching eastbound Lesner Bridge between DuPont Circle and Vista Circle. Single lane closures will also be setup during this time for westbound Shore Drive traffic approaching Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. BOTH eastbound lanes on Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED until the concrete placement operations are completed. All work and temporary lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge are expected to be cleared by 10:00 PM Saturday night, February 3rd, 2018. Be advised that, in addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, there will also be flaggers present that will intermittently STOP all traffic in BOTH directions on the bridge to allow the arrival and departure of concrete delivery trucks.

There will be a lot of activity on the bridge tomorrow so please plan accordingly and drive slowly when crossing the bridge.

Once Pier #5 is complete, we will launch the gantry across the inlet, set the pier segments on Pier #5 and then launch to Pier #6 and set the pier segments on Pier column #6. Span #6 will then be assembled by picking segments off a barge moored in this location. After Span #6 is completed, the gantry will be back-launched toward the channel to complete the other half of the cantilever section of Span #5 that crosses the channel.

Footing Reinforcing Steel being placed at Pier #5 EB Bridge (Completed Pier Column #6 shown in background)

View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently graded area for the 10-foot wide multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.

Since the last update other work on the project continued while waiting for Pier #5 to be completed. The following work has been completed since the November 22, 2017 update:

· 4 additional segments of cantilever Span #5 have been constructed for the new EB bridge (8 total);

· The footing and column at Pier #7 have been completed;

· The cofferdam around the footing for Pier #8 has been installed and the and the area around the drilled shafts excavated;

· All four drilled shafts at Pier #9 have been installed (ALL DRILLED SHAFT INSTALLATION FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE);

· Abutment B for the EB bridge has been completed;

· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed;

· The remaining two street lights (four total) on the western bridge approach have been installed;

Completed Abutment B EB Bridge. Forms being removed.

Completed Footing and Column at Pier #7 new EB Bridge (Forms shown being removed).

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete the footing and column at Pier #5;

· Place reinforcement steel for the footing at Pier #8;

· Backfill Abutment B and complete MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;

· Install falsework for gantry launch at Pier #5;

· Complete concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge; and

· Complete curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge.

That’s it for now!

Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction 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

SDCC General Meeting – Mon Jan 29th at 7:30pm – Working Meeting on Issues and Priorities

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 1.29.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday January 29, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Discussion – This month’s presentation time will be used for a working group discussion to help identify community issues and priorities. What are your group’s biggest concerns? What Shore Drive issues are most important and need addressed immediately? Come help us prioritize our efforts for 2018.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Andrew Broyles;Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

 

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – Temporary trailer signs were used for 2 weeks in December. The City has been contacted to brief us on the results. Stay tuned.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property.

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The last of 6 public meetings is being held on Jan. 29th at Bayside HS. SDCC will contact the City for more information regarding the next steps in this effort.

4-Way Intersection at Indian Hill Rd. – Update on City’s planned expansion on this intersection into a non-traffic lighted 4-way intersection to support the new entrance of the recently approved retirement community expansion.

 

New Business –
Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Update on Phase 4 – CIP 2.118. An onsite meeting with City Manager has been requested. Plans to attend an Open Mic night to request budget funding are being made and need community support. The current construction date of 2026 is not acceptable.

Lesner Bridge Update – Would anyone be interested in attending a tour of the bridge? SDCC would be happy to try and set this up. We are also trying to have the Project Manager attend an SDCC to provide us an update on the project which should finish sometime this year.

Community Concerns– This will be addressed in the Special Discussion section.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday February 26, 2018***

E-Cycling at the Virginia Aquarium – Sat. Jan 27th from 9am to Noon

Click here for more information on this event.

Location: East Parking Lot, Virginia Aquarium
Cost: Free to the public (donations welcome!)
Contact: Virginia Aquarium
Phone: (757) 385-FISH (3474)
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, January 27, 2018 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

*Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted.*
Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax Machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted

Acceptable Household Hazardous Waste items include:
Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool Chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

BAC Meeting for Thursday cancelled

From VBGov.com:

The Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18 has been canceled. Meetings are normally held at 3:30 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month, at the Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center.

THE live oak in Chics Beach is getting crown cleaning and branch reduction Tuesday December 19th.

From an email:

Good afternoon Elisa,

I received word today that our contractor plans to do the crown cleaning and branch reduction tomorrow for the Live Oak at 2512 Bayview Avenue. We are requesting any onlookers to remain well back from city and private property lines in order to insure safety. This should be good timing for the work, as trees have now entered dormancy due to the colder temperatures. Landscape Management has every expectation that the work will go smoothly and be beneficial for the health of this notable tree.

Sincerely,

Susan French
City Arborist
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

Landscape Management Division | 4141 Dam Neck Road | Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone 757.385.4076 | Fax 757.427.1895|sfrench@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/Parks

View Petition at Change.org that helped get this beloved live oak some extra care.

NEW Public Engagement Tool by City of Virginia Beach requires YOUR ACTION.

From today’s email:

Transitioning to a New Public Engagement Tool

Dec 17, 2017 04:09 pm | The City of Virginia Beach

Thank you for participating in past Virtual Town Hall surveys. Your input helps city leaders make decisions about issues, projects and services that affect the community.

We wanted to let you know that we will be transitioning to a new public engagement tool in January. This new platform will enhance our capabilities to gather public input; it offers a mobile-first technology and broader tools to help us design options for people to provide feedback. We’ll start using it early in 2018 for projects such as the entertainment district at the Oceanfront and strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods, just to name a couple. Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer your email address to the new platform. If you would like to be notified when the new system is online, please send an email to news@vbgov.com asking to be added to the new database. Your information will only be used for this platform and will not be shared. Alternatively, watch for the announcements in January and please be sure to join in and spread the word so we can get as many people involved as possible.

We appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Sincerely,

Julie Hill, PhD

Communications Director

If you would like to be notified when the new system is online, please send an email to news@vbgov.com asking to be added to the new database.

Join us Monday to hear Detective J.I. Cole VBPD Economic Crimes Unit presentation!

Come hear Detective J. I. Cole from the VB Economic Crimes Unit speak at our next SDCC meeting, this Monday 18 DEC at 7:30 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Building (Shore Drive and West Stratford just west of the Lesner Bridge).

Find out what you have to do if your identity gets stolen, or somebody steals your credit card
number. Find out how to end ROBOCALLs or how to stop all those credit card offers that you don’t want. Detective Cole will be there to give you the information that you will need to keep your identity and credit safe.

I have heard her speak and she is very good.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Dec. 18th at 7:30pm – Holiday Gathering

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.18.17 SDCC Agenda

Please note the early date of the meeting.  It has been moved a week early to avoid conflict with Christmas.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday December 18, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Special Presentation – Holiday Gathering – Come get to know your neighbors.  We will also be thanking our officers David Williams and Kathy Pawlak for their wonderful service to SDCC and will wish them well on their future endevours.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams, Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak,Vice President – Wally Damon, President – Todd Solomon

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – They City has placed temporary “Your Speed Is” trailers east of Great Neck Road.  These signs and speed counter strips are being use to help slow down vehicles and to capture data for additional usage of signs.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property. Planning Commission is holding a public workshop and hearing on this issue.

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The City of Virginia Beach recognizes challenges and is exploring solutions to the issues caused by sea level rise and recurrent flooding. The public is encouraged to attend one of several upcoming meetings where city representatives will provide residents with the opportunity to share their views and concerns. The information collected from the meetings will be used to develop the City’s long-term plans for sea level rise and recurrent flooding.  The City has held 4 meetings and will hold 2 more in January 2018.  Shore Drive residents are encouraged to attend a meeting to have your concerns be captured.

New Business

SDCC Officer Elections – We are in great need of volunteers to step up and serve as officers for SDCC.  All positions are welcomed, but we are in immediate need of a Secretary and Treasurer for 2018.  We will be accepting names from the floor and will vote once we have nominees. 

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention.  This is an opportunity for all to share information.

 ***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 29, 2018***

Sea Level Rise Public Meetings Schedule for Shore Drive area including fascinating map designating areas.

Main info page at VBGov.com.

All of the meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Shore Drive areas are split into 3,30 & 31.

​Mon., Dec. 11, 2017 ​8, 29, 30
Oceanfront: Beach District and the Lynnhaven east of Great Neck Road ​​
Cooke Elementary School,
1501 Mediterranean Avenue

Thurs., Jan 25, 2018 ​​3, 4 ​
Western Lynnhaven: North of Princess Anne Road; bounded to the east by South Rosemont Road and Little Neck Road ​
Princess Anne High School,
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Mon., Jan. 29, 2018 1,31
Little Creek: Area to the east where Shore Drive meets Northampton Blvd.​ ​
Bayside High School,
4960 Haygood Road

Seems strange Bayfront community was spit up into 3 meetings none held here.

Monday Nov. 27th – SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation on Shore Drive Improvments Phase 3

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.27.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 (Lesner Bridge to First Landing State Park) – Mr. Christopher Wojtowicz, PE, Engineering Construction Manager for the City of VB Public Works will provide an update on the Shore Drive Improvement Phase 3 project. This project will add safety improvements, bike lanes, storm water upgrades, curb and gutter and other roadway changes to the section of Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park. The project is 90% ready for construction. The last time the community had a chance to see and comment was at 30%. Come out and see if your past comments have been incorporated and if there are any new items of interest.

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

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments – Approved at Oct. 11th meeting of the Planning Commission. Will most likely be heard by City Council in December.

Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – SDCC sent resolution to City Council to purchase signs to be used specifically on Shore Drive. Councilman Wood has acknowledged the request and stated that City’s Public works has portable sign trailers. SDCC will continue dialogue with Councilman for purchase of Shore Drive signs.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The City of Virginia Beach recognizes challenges and is exploring solutions to the issues caused by sea level rise and recurrent flooding. The public is encouraged to attend one of several upcoming meetings where city representatives will provide residents with the opportunity to share their views and concerns. The information collected from the meetings will be used to develop the City’s long-term plans for sea level rise and recurrent flooding. Click here for more information on these meetings

  • Mon., Dec. 11, 2017 8, 29, 30 Oceanfront: Beach District and the Lynnhaven east of Great Neck Road Cooke Elementary School, 1501 Mediterranean Avenue
  • Thurs., Jan 25, 2018 3, 4 Western Lynnhaven: North of Princess Anne Road; bounded to the east by South Rosemont Road and Little NEck Road Princess Anne High School,4400 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 18, 2017***
This meeting is a week early due to Holiday Season
SDCC Elections are coming up. Please let an officer know of your interest.

Envision Virginia Beach 2040 info including meeting dates

Thanks to Cindy & Jennifer for a great presentation & discussion last night at our meeting about Envision Virginia Beach 2040!

Envision Virginia Beach 2040 next meeting is November 17th (3rd Friday, 1:00-3:00) in Town Center at 4525 Main St Suite 710.

Learn more about Envision Virginia Beach 2040 at VBGov.com.

How do you envision Shore Drive in 2040? Join us at their next meeting.

Special Presentation Monday Oct. 30th – VB 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition Commission

At the upcoming SDCC General Meeting on Monday Oct. 30th at 7:30pm there will be a special presentation given by Ms. Cindy Arocho of the VB 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition Commission.  Come out an learn about the City Vision that was created, where we are in it’s implementation and what will be happening next.  There will be an opportunity for questions and answers and all are welcome, so bring some friends.

“In 2011, the Mayor appointed a 13-member citizen “visioning” group. They studied and analyzed current trends to understand the forces affecting our community. “Where are we now…where will we be… where do we want to be?” They answered those questions and crafted Virginia Beach 2040. The 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition shares the pathway and the vision.”


The following link includes more info including a link to the Envision Virginia Beach 2040 Committee Final Report.
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/sga/pages/envision-virginia-beach-2040.aspx

 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Oct. 30th at 7:30pm

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 10.30.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 30, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition Commission, Ms.Cindy Arocho of the Commission will provide background and answer questions. In 2011, the Mayor appointed a 13-member citizen “visioning” group. They studied and analyzed current trends to understand the forces affecting our community. “Where are we now…where will we be… where do we want to be?” They answered those questions and crafted Virginia Beach 2040. The 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition shares the pathway and the vision.

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

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments – Approved at Oct. 11th meeting of the Planning Commission.
• New Millennial Assisted Living Facility Expansion – SDCC letter being sent to City Planning and Traffic Engineers asking for the omission of the two new left turns based on the increase in traffic conflicts, low volume of left turns and access at two additional entrances.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – SDCC would like to make a motion to request the BAC to pursue the purchase and installation of these signs at key sections on Shore Drive. Norfolk has several of these signs operating on Shore Drive in Ocean View already.

VB proposed changes to Route 35 and other bus services – City Planning and Traffic Engineering have submitted a request to continue the service next year and to add a 3rd bus to allow shorter wait times. The service would also extend to Pleasure House Road. According to a Virginian Pilot article, the City Manager doesn’t feel additional funding of any mass transit in the City is worthwhile.

City Planners Losing Focus on Shore Drive Safety? – The addition of left turns where they’re not justified as part of the New Millennial development and the suggestion to add a crosswalk at North Great Neck Rd. and Lynnhaven Dr. intersection, seem to identify an unsafe trend in City Planning. Your thoughts and suggestions for action are welcomed.

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 27, 2017
No Special Presentation Planned
SDCC Elections are coming up. Please let an officer know of your interest.