Category Archives: Communications

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Feb. 29th at 7:30pm (Lots of Great Presentations)

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Click here for a printable version of the 2.29.16 SDCC Agenda

You won’t want to miss this meeting, lots of great presentations line up.  Come out and meet your neighbors and learn about the many projects being planned in our neighborhoods.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday February 29, 2016 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

Special Presentations –  

  • Proposed Apartments at Marina Shores Marina Property – Mr. Brad Waitzer, Platinum Builders, will present a plan to build 261 apartment units on the site which currently contains a dry boat storage building and banquet facility. The plan included 2 – 4 story tall buildings and will remove all existing structures except for the Surf Rider and the boat slips.
  • Lesner Bridge Replacement Update – Mr. Chris Wojtowicz, City Project Manager, will provide an update on the project and answer any related questions.
  • City of Virginia Beach Traffic Calming Program – Mr. Brian Procter, City Engineer, will discuss the program and the steps that can be used to reduce speeding on neighborhood streets.

Officer’s Reports 

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

Old Business-

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Bus Loop – Update on proposed seasonal bus route between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. The trial has been delayed to May 2017 and will not happen this year.

New Business –

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

Shore Drive and Stratford Intersection Improvement – CIP 2.300.119 to be worked 1/2017 to 7/2017 will include a new traffic signal (black mast arms and poles), pedestrian crossing signals, stamped asphalt crosswalks, additional sidewalk, new curb & gutter, and a new asphalt overlay in the intersection with thermoplastic pavement markings.

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

 Remember to VOTE tomorrow in either the Democrat or the Republican Primaries.

The polls are open between 6am and 7pm.

 Next SDCC Meeting – Monday March 28, 2016

“Provide pedestrian crosswalks and other pedestrian accomodations at the intersection of Shore Drive and Stratford Street near the Shore Drive Volunteer Fire Department. A new traffic signal with pedestrian crossing signals will be installed as part of the project.”

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Hooray!

View the CIP at City of Virginia Beach, VA Public Works Capital Project Detail Sheet 2.300.119: Shore Dr and Stratford Intersection Improvement

Construction of these improvements is scheduled to take place starting in January 2017 and be complete by July 2017.

Info from an unedited email from Project Manager Chris W.:

The design contract for the Shore Drive and Stratford Intersection Improvement (CIP 2.300.119) has been negotiated and is currently in our Contracts Department for processing (submitted 2/3/2016). We expect an executed Work Order by 3/1/2016.

The improvements to this intersection will include a new traffic signal (black mast arms and poles), pedestrian crossing signals, stamped asphalt crosswalks, additional sidewalk, new curb & gutter, and a new asphalt overlay in the intersection with thermoplastic pavement markings. The design effort will kick off in March 2016 with the start of survey and buried utility designation.

The 30% plans will be provided to us in May 2016. The 100% plans are scheduled to be completed by August 2016. There will likely need to be some utility relocation and property acquisition (1 parcel located on the NE corner of the intersection), but we will not know for sure until the 100% plans are complete.

If we do need utility relocation and property acquisition, this will take place between August 2016 and December 2016. Construction of these improvements is scheduled to take place starting in January 2017 and be complete by July 2017. The total project cost which includes the engineering, property acquisition, utility relocation, construction, and landscaping is estimated to be $530,000. The engineering firm that we are using is Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Construction Contractor will likely be Asphalts Roads (holder of the City’s current annual service contract for miscellaneous construction).

Photo from March 2015

Photo from March 2015

Special thanks to Vice Mayor Jones and everyone else who helped improve safety on Shore Drive!

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “Wind is the other constraint that we have in operating the gantry crane and it cannot be operated when the wind is gusting above 30 MPH….”

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February 9th 2016 update:

Lesner Bridge Aficionados and Engineering Observers:

Through the freezing temperatures, the mixture of rain, snow and sleet, and the blustery winds blowing off the Bay that make this a true winter garden spot in the South – and with Christmas Eve with temps in the 80’s a distant memory – crews have persevered and continued to move along on the Lesner Bridge Replacement project. Exactly how and what is better explained by the project manager and a favorite of bridge groupies everywhere – Chris Wojtowicz.

So, to be really informed, keep scrolling down and read the informative update that Chris has supplied us while freezing his . . . cheeks off . . . . on the bridge project site.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVkeFJWm85s&feature=youtu.be

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

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

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. Please be careful during these icy times and if you happen to be riding by the site and see Chris freezing out there, stop and pet him on the head and give him something hot to drink. He’ll be your friend for life!

Stay warm!

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

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

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

Folks:

As winter begins to remake its cold presence felt, the bridge contractor is about to reach mid-span of the new westbound Lesner Bridge. But before we discuss the upcoming work, I want to mention what has been completed since the December update:

Ø Span 3 (of 10) of the new westbound Lesner Bridge was completed in early January 2016;

Ø The gantry crane has been launched to span 4 and is currently being loaded with the pre-cast concrete segments for span 4;

Ø The footings and columns for piers 5 and 6 have been completed;

Ø The footing for pier 7 has been completed;

Ø We completed segment casting for spans 5 and 6;

Ø The 36-inch storm drain that crossed Cape Henry Drive in the area located just east of Bubba’s Restaurant was installed;

Ø The mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall located along the former Duck Inn property was completed; and

Ø We completed conduit and duct installation on the east side of the bridge behind Abutment B.

Completed Spans 1, 2, and 3 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Spans 1, 2, and 3 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

The wet, cool, and windy weather is slowing our progress since we need the mating surfaces of the concrete segments to be dry and at or above 40° F in order for us to apply the water sealing epoxy prior to joining the segments together.

Wind is the other constraint that we have in operating the gantry crane and it cannot be operated when the wind is gusting above 30 MPH. Winter work next to Chesapeake Bay and over Lynnhaven Inlet has been a challenge for us these last several weeks. Span 4 of the new westbound bridge was scheduled to be completed by 1/20/2016, but the various winter weather events and the upcoming cold and windy forecast have caused that schedule to slip at least until 2/19/2016. Considering this current delay, the new westbound bridge is now expected to be complete by August 2016, and the traffic switch moved to the new bridge sometime in September 2016. The contractor is now making Saturdays and some Sundays regular work days in an effort to make up some of this lost schedule.

Completed Column and Footing for Piers 4 (background), 5 (formwork still attached), and 6 (foreground)

Completed Column and Footing for Piers 4 (background), 5 (formwork still attached), and 6 (foreground)

Although critical construction work has slowed on the bridge superstructure, other non-critical work on the bridge substructure continues. The steel reinforcement for pier column 7 has been tied is being readied for placement on the recently completed footing. The column formwork has been removed from pier column 5 and will be moved to pier 7 to form up the new column.

At the same time, all of the epoxy coating on the completed footing at pier 9 has been applied and all of the shoring removed and re-installed at pier 8. Excavation for the footing at pier 8 continues and will be completed this week. By 2/12/2016, we expect to have the column for pier 7 fully formed and the footing for pier 8 excavated, the drilled shaft foundations cut down to plan elevations, and footing formwork installed.

Typical segments being positioned at Pier Column 4

Typical segments being positioned at Pier Column 4

We are also aware of several potholes that have formed on the east side of the bridge along the westbound lanes between the bridge and Page Avenue. We expect to have them filled before the end of the week. Many of you have also phoned and emailed about our construction camera being down. For a variety of reasons, this camera has been offline more often than not. The camera is working now and we hope that we have corrected the operating issues.

We have also installed a second camera on the east side of the inlet to better document our work as the bridge construction continues to progress to the east side of the inlet. This second camera is available from the same internet link as the original one provided at http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge.com If this link does not work, please try http://www.workzonecam.com/projects/rshcs Thank you all for alerting us to this issue.

Utility conduits being installed inside the westbound Lesner Bridge

Utility conduits being installed inside the westbound Lesner Bridge

Utility installation inside the completed bridge spans has also begun. This work will continue and will be timed such that as the last span of the bridge is completed, the internal utility installation will also be near completion. This work is critical in relocating the various utilities from the existing bridges to the new westbound bridge within an acceptable timeframe so as to not delay the start of the old bridge demolition and new eastbound bridge construction.

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new westbound bridge segments. A total of 115 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

**A word of driver caution: As we deliver the segments to the project site or to the gantry, Virginia Beach Police will temporarily stop traffic at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street Intersection for a few minutes to assist the segment delivery trucks in safely crossing this intersection. These deliveries are not on a set schedule, but will generally occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 pm M-F and on some Saturdays, so please be careful as you approach this intersection.**

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Deliver and load the gantry with the remaining span 4 bridge segments

Ø Install the temporary post-tensioning bars and epoxy the span 4 segments

Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 4 of 10 of the westbound bridge

Ø Form and place the concrete in the column for Pier #7

Ø Form and place the concrete in the footing for Pier #8

Ø Install various utilities inside the completed sections of the westbound bridge

Ø Install the new storm drain structures along East Stratford Street on the north side of Shore Drive.

That’s it for now. Please drive safely!

– Chris

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

Baylines Newsletter of the City Council-appointed Bayfront Advisory Commission February edition

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View Baylines Newsletter (4pg PDF):

Marina Shores development proposed
Developers of a proposed 261-unit , four-story apartment complex on the site of the Marina Shores marina along Long Creek made a presentation to the Bayfront Advisory Commission at its last meeting. . . .

Bayfront projects starting soon
Two new Public Works projects are coming to the Bayfront area, beginning this spring. The Greenwell Road Sidewalk Project . . .Shore Drive Bike Facility . . .

Election deadline looms
The deadline to register, change address or name for the March 1 Presidential Primary elections in Virginia Beach is the close of business, Monday, Feb. 8 . . .

Upcoming events
 The Parks and Recreation Department has identified 19 possible sites for installing bicycle racks at beach access entrances. . . .

The Joint Expeditionary Base – Fort Story will hold a public festival on the base to mark its 100th Anniversary Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m, to 4 p.m. . . .

Be sure to check out all the scoop in Baylines.

From Tour de Virginia Beach July 2009 advocating for more bike lanes.

From Tour de Virginia Beach July 2009 advocating for more bike lanes.

Congratulations to Mr Dave Hansen on being appointed to COVB City Manager

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News at Pilotonline.com:

The Virginia Beach City Council voted during a special formal city council session this afternoon to approve Hansen to lead the city.

Mr Dave Hansen COVB City Manager

Mr Dave Hansen COVB City Manager

About Mr Hansen at VBGov.com:

. . . Dave’s career in financial, technology, infrastructure, and capital improvement management has spanned over three decades. He joined the Virginia Beach government team in April 2006 following his assignment as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Resource Management for the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command headquartered at Fort Monroe. An officer in the U.S. Army, he also held positions as commanding officer and district engineer of the Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk district; director of public works for Fort Eustis and Fort Story; senior combat engineer trainer at the Army’s National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.; engineer battalion commander in the 1st Cavalry Division; and executive officer to the Director of the Army budget at the Pentagon. . . .

Message from COVB about Jonas

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From an email, posted unedited:

Subject: Winter Storm JONAS Update #3

My travels around the City this morning at high tide indicated the tidal flooding in the Lynnhaven watershed has been slightly higher than we estimated. Nothing I would consider greater than moderate/expected for this type weather.
Lynnhaven Colony , Bay Island and Cape Story having nuisance ponding across their usual low lying roads.

PW is reacting to Jim Woods call for assistance on issue at Cape Story Ditch and evaluating decision to close the tide gates before the next high tide. Atlantic Ocean is truly angry – haven’t seen the waves that big since Irene.

Bay Beaches holding up. Grommet Island Park berm did its job. Pics attached. Central Beach District at Baltic and 21st is dry. Rode the southern roads and ditches full but little to no encroachment onto roads.

About 200 power outages in the City – down from 800 at daybreak. Mostly due to downed tree limbs arcing out transformers. This evening after 7pm the temps will slowly fall.

Winter storm JONAS is wrapping around from the northwest and will continue to pushing frozen rain, sleet and some snow our way. Expect this up to Sunday day break. Precipitation ends Sunday morn and a cold day barely getting above freezing.

PW will have teams treating our bridges. Our City has fared well. Please pass this on to your constituents. Be safe and stay dry and warm. VR Dave    
Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
(757)385-4242

Leave Your Mark: New App Helps Residents Plan City’s Future

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At VBGov.com:

We rewrote the city’s Comprehensive Plan to reflect your concerns about traffic, the environment and more.
Now we’re asking: Did we get it right? Does the revised Comprehensive Plan address the things you love and the things you want changed?
We’ve made it easy to respond. In fact, there’s an app for that — and community meetings.

Engage!

Thursday, Jan. 28 — Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St.​
To read the complete Comprehensive Plan, visit http://www.VBgov.com/2016compplan.

speakupVB

“The central premise of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) is that increased competition provides benefits such as lower overall costs and increased quality. The City’s interest in stipends is specifically keyed to two-phase procurement wherein the stipend is an incentive to keep a bidder/offeror “in the game” after the initial competitive qualification process.”

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View the City of Virginia Beach Legislative Package at VBGov.com.

One example request of Virginia Legislature:

19. USE OF OYSTER LEASES FOR NAVIGATION PROJECTS
SPONSORED BY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, JAMES L. WOOD & JOHN E. UHRIN
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Background Information:
The City has numerous rivers and tributaries that require maintenance dredging. This includes both the main channels of the Eastern and Western branches of the Lynnhaven River and multiple navigation channels serving the multitude of neighborhoods of the fully developed watershed. Not only do these waterways provide access for homeowners to utilize their waterfront property, but these navigation channels support recreational boating for residents and visitors to the City in addition to serving water-dependent local businesses and watermen. Virtually all of the coves of the Lynnhaven were developed with navigation channels.

With the support of General Assembly legislation, Special Service Districts (SSDs) are being created to formulate neighborhood navigation dredging projects to reclaim those navigation channels that have filled with silt, mud and sediment foreign to the Lynnhaven’s past. Restoring navigable channels for these waterfront neighborhoods is a critical goal for the City, and the Navigation SSD program provides a venue to accomplish this. The silt, mud and sediment that have inundated this body of water contribute to degradation of the water quality of the Lynnhaven, which is condemned or restricted to oyster production in many areas. As a result of contamination, most oyster leases are unproductive or have costly restrictions and compliance measures before a harvest can be brought to market.

Restoring navigation channels is a part of the City’s effort to cleaning up the Lynnhaven River, but the widely popular SSD neighborhood navigation dredging program has been placed at risk due to 2014 legislation barring localities from exercising eminent domain to acquire portions of oyster leases of state-owned bottomlands, even if the purpose is navigational dredging. Due to guarantees made by the Commonwealth to the holders of oyster leases, consent from the oyster lease holder is required for any dredging permit issued by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The legal result of this requirement is that a single oyster lease holder with a nonproductive, vacant oyster bed in a condemned creek retains veto power over a navigation dredging project affecting hundreds of waterfront property owners and recreational boaters. The oyster leases cost $1.50 per acre/per year for a 10-year lease, and although there is a requirement that leases be worked for oyster production, there are generous exceptions for rivers like the Lynnhaven, where such production would not likely yield oysters. The proposed legislation is to promote a balance that allows the municipality and its property owners to maintain the navigation channels while providing fair treatment to active producing oyster lease holders.

Request:

The General Assembly is requested to amend the code of Virginia §28.2-618
§ 28.2-618. Commonwealth guarantees rights of renter subject to right of fishing.
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The Commonwealth shall guarantee to any person who has complied with ground assignment requirements the absolute right to continue to use and occupy the ground for the term of the lease, subject to:
1. Section 28.2-613;
2. Riparian rights;
3. The right of fishing in waters above the bottoms, provided (i) that no person exercising the right of fishing shall use any device which is fixed to the bottom, or which, in any way, interferes with the renter’s rights or damages the bottoms, or the oysters planted thereon, and (ii) that crab pots and gill nets which are not staked to the bottom shall not be considered devices which are fixed to the bottom unless the crab pots and gill nets are used over planted oyster beds in waters of less than four feet at mean low water on the seaside of Northampton and Accomack Counties;
4. Established fishing stands, but only if the fishing stand license fee is timely received from the existing licensee of the fishing stand and no new applicant shall have priority over the oyster lease. However, a fishing stand location assigned prior to the lease of the oyster ground is a vested interest, a chattel real, and an inheritable right which may be transferred or assigned whenever the current licensee complies with all existing laws; and
5. In navigable waters that are located in the Lynnhaven River and its creeks and tributaries, the right of navigation, including dredging projects to improve, deepen or restore existing navigation channels in areas approved by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, so long as the person dredging designs the project to minimize affecting active, producing beds and, to the extent any such beds cannot be avoided, the dredger pays the cost of relocating the oyster material that would be disturbed or pays the holder for any losses of oysters in production in an amount to be determined by the Commission.
This change would allow the City to compensate for loss of use while allowing much needed projects to go forward.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Jan. 25th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 1.25.16 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday January 25, 2016 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 Phase III (CIP 2.117) – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will give provide an update and answer questions on this project that will take place along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and North Great Neck Road. The project is currently scheduled to begin construction May 2018 and is designed to 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.

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

Old Business-

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Bus Loop – City traffic Engineers and Hampton Roads Transit have updated the information presented to SDCC in October. Service will not enter Fort Story and the evening route will stay on Shore Drive and not return using Great Neck. Trial service is still planned to start Memorial Day 2016.

City Comprehensive Plan Update – Public comment on the plan can be made by attending a Thursday Jan. 28th meeting @ 6:30pm in the Convention Center or by using the new “SpeakUp! VB” app, which can be found on Google Play and Apple Stores. 

Marina Shores Residential Development Plan – The property owner has plans to change the current commercial businesses to multi-family residential dwellings. A stop light at the intersection of N. Great Neck Rd. and Lynnhaven Drive is also being researched. The property owner presented to the Bayfront Advisory Committee Thursday Jan. 21st.

New Business –

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

Admission Tax Exemption for 501c4 Civic Organizations – City Council approved an ordinance change to exempt IRS designated 501c4 Civic Organizations from the City’s 10% Admission Tax.

State Legislature Proposed Oyster Bills – Del. Stolle’s HB285 re: Dredging navigable waters and impact/compensation to productive oyster beds. Sen. DeStepth’s SB298 re: 1000 ft buffer from residential shore line for oyster farm leases.  Increase of lease cost in this buffer from $1.5/acre to $5000/acre.

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

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday February 29, 2016

“Ordinance to AMEND Section 35-182 of the City Code re Admissions Taxes to exempt events benefiting charitable organizations”

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This is getting voted on at City Council Meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday.

Part of the inspiration for it was to help civic leagues, like Cape Story by The Sea, have charitable events to raise funds for their non-profit organization without having to pay Event Taxes.

Please contact your Councilperson to encourage them to approve the change.

You can email all City Council & Mayor from this link.

Please tell them to:

Please Approve Ordinance to AMEND Section 35-182 of the City Code re Admission Taxes to exempt events benefiting charitable organizations.

Start here to view all City Council & Mayor contact info.

Live in Shore Drive area? West of the Lesner Bridge, like Ocean Park, Vice Mayor Jones is our rep. East of Lesner Bridge, like Lynnhaven Colony, Councilman Wood is yours.

View City Council Agenda for January 5th 2016 (5 Page PDF)

By approving this Amendment, Oyster Roasts by non-profits will not have to pay Event Taxes

By approving this Amendment, Oyster Roasts by non-profits will not have to pay Event Taxes

SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday Dec. 21st

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.21.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday December 21, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

Program/Presentation – Special Thank You presentation to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

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

Old Business- Live Oak Task Force – SDCC will be working on setting up an initial Task Force meeting in January 2016. The group will discuss ways to help protect mature trees while respecting property owners by-right allowances. If you are interested in participating, please contact Todd at todd@sdcc.info .

Ocean Park Jade Street Beach Access – Update on City’s efforts to improve beach access.

Lynnhaven Colony Bulkhead Improvement – Last month it was asked what was happening with a deteriorated residential bulkhead in the neighborhood. Updates on the City’s actions to improve this situation will be presented.

New Business –

SAVE THE DATE – Shore Drive Phase III Presentation – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will provide a presentation on SD Phase III at the January 25th, 2016 SDCC meeting.  Mr. Wilson will discuss the projects plans for road, bike, pedestrian and storm water improvements.  As with all the SDCC meetings, this is open to the public, so please invite all those that would be interested.

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

Off Shore Oil/Gas Drilling – Update on City Council’s vote regarding this topic. What will happen next?

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

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 25, 2016 – SPECIAL PRESENTATION PHASE III SHORE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “Just a quick holiday reminder: Taking pictures of the bridge under construction and turning them into tree ornaments has become quite a fad with the residents along Shore Drive. Who knows? Maybe we can . . .”

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December 15 2015 update:

Lesner Bridge Fans and Holiday Revelers:

As we head into the holiday season, what better gift could there be for bridge project fans than a Lesner Bridge project update from Santa’s favorite elf/helper/project manager – Chris Wojtowicz?

Work on the project has been steady and benefitted somewhat by the mild temperatures we have had the last 4-6 weeks. Crews are moving along quite well, and the project continues to progress each day.

Just a quick holiday reminder: Taking pictures of the bridge under construction and turning them into tree ornaments has become quite a fad with the residents along Shore Drive. Who knows? Maybe we can get Chris to stand in the picture as well – just leave a snack out by the Christmas tree.

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

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

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

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. Please enjoy the holidays and your time with family and friends.

AND PLEASE STAY SAFE . . . . !

Drew Lankford

Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

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

It’s been a while since the last project update in October and, as many of you have noticed, a lot has been happening since then.

Ø We have recently completed the construction of span 2 (of 10) of the new westbound Lesner Bridge and crews are working hard to have the 3rd span complete by Christmas.

Ø Ahead of the superstructure construction, work continues on the substructure (footings and pier columns). The footing and pier column for Pier 4 have been completed as well as the footings for both Piers 6 and 9. The seal slab and formwork for the Pier 5 footing were installed this week and the reinforcing steel for the column at Pier 6 has been installed.

Given that this mild and calm December weather continues, we expect to have concrete placed both in the footing of Pier 5 and in the column for Pier 6 prior to the Holiday break.

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Spans 1 and 2 of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4

Completed Column and Footing for Pier 4


Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

Pier segment being positioned at Pier Column 3

Ø Utility work also continues on the east side of Lesner Bridge. A new 8-inch water main was installed along Cape Henry Drive (in front of Lesner Inn) and the new 16-inch water main was partially installed along Shore Drive in the eastern approach to the new bridge. Power and communication conduits and duct are currently being installed behind Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) and will be complete by next week (12/18/2015. A new stormwater structure is now being installed on the south side of Cape Henry Drive near the intersection of Vista Circle.

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 90 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast.

A word of driver caution: As we deliver the segments to the project site or to the gantry, Virginia Beach Police will temporarily stop traffic at the Shore Drive/East Stratford Street Intersection for a few minutes to assist the segment delivery trucks in safely crossing this intersection. These deliveries are not on a set schedule, but will generally occur between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 pm M-F and on some Saturdays, so be careful as you approach this intersection.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Ø Deliver and load the gantry with the span 3 bridge segments
Ø Install the temporary post-tensioning bars and epoxy the span 3 segments
Ø Install and post-tension the permanent tendons through the bridge segments in span 3 of 10 of the westbound bridge
Ø Complete the concrete placement for the footing in Pier 5
Ø Form and place the concrete in the column for Pier #6
Ø Install the 16-inch water main in the new bridge approach along Shore Drive between Abutment B and the tie-in at Page Avenue
Ø Complete the MSE wall and temporary wire wall on the east side of the bridge along the former Duck Inn property

Have a Wonderful and Safe Holiday Season!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE

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

December Baylines Newsletter of the City Council-appointed Bayfront Advisory Commission

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View PDF of Baylines Newsletter here.

A review process is under way to select a piece of public art that will be erected on an overlook to the new Lesner Bridge. Details about the art, for which the Virginia Beach Arts Foundation has received more than 60 inquiries and opportunities to donate toward the project will be made later. The idea of having a piece of public art on display is part of the city’s commitment to enhance this vital gateway to the city. More information should be available in January.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Nov. 30th

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.30.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday November 30, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 Program/Presentation –  None

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

Old Business-

Lesner Bridge Update – Project update from City Project Manager Chris Wojtowicz.

Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) – Update from FOLO meeting, results from discussion regarding the creation of a Live Oak Task Force. Also, FOLO is planning a tree give-away this Fall. Contact Lindsay Konchuba at LKonchub@vbgov.com if interested.

New Business –

Shore Drive Phase III Presentation – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will provide a presentation on SD Phase III at the January 25th, 2016 SDCC meeting.  Mr. Wilson will discuss the projects plans for road, bike, pedestrian and storm water improvements.  As with all the SDCC meetings, this is open to the public, so please invite all those that would be interested.

Bayfront Advisory Commission News – 98 tons of sand transferred from Lessner Bridge Boat Ramp site to Chic’s Beach to help repair beach accesses.  Safety poles will be returned to merge lane heading east as you come off North Hampton onto Shore Drive.  They were temporarily removed to allow oversized sections of new bridge to be delivered.

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

Upcoming Civic Opportunities – Local and Citywide

  • VB Arena Proposal – Deadline to submit comments online at VB Virtual Town Hall is Wed. Dec. 2nd at 11:59pm.       Council is scheduled to vote on Tues Dec. 8th.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 21st (week early due to holidays)

Cape Story Oyster Roast – Sunday November 8th from 1-5pm at O’Leary’s Parking Lot

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2015 Oyster Roast Flyer

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The longest running and best oyster roast in Va Beach!

The 37th Annual Cape Story Oyster Roast at O’Leary’s in Marina Shores Shoppes of Great Neck Road supports Cape Story Civic League, Cape Story Fireworks,and other Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association events.

$35 get’s you all the beer you can drink, oysters, clams, BBQ, Hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, hushpuppies, chili, gumbo, clam chowder, home made side dishes and much, much more.  $45 at the door.  There will be raffle tickets for sale for the usual big give aways, and the band this year is INTANGIABLE CATS!!!. Please purchase your T Shirt ($18 or $25 at the Door) online as well as join our Cornhole Raffle Ticket event supporting CAPE KIDS-Raffle tickets sold day of.

Any questions concerning the event, or sponsorship or volunteering please contact Bill House 757-615-0968 or house2732@verizon.net.

As always have a great time and we appreciate you support Cape Story by The Sea.

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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trolley 2

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

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

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

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

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

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Oct. 26th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.26.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 26, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

Program/Presentation –

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

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

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

Old Business-

NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – This is the program that will save 10%-15% off your flood insurance once implemented. SDCC is working with the City to see if the estimated 3 year process can be shortened. Details of the City’s plan to implement can be found at www.sdcc.info

New Business –

Storm Water Issues – How did your neighborhoods make out during the recent flooding events? SDCC would like to gather data to help with ongoing conversations with City engineers. This will help ensure all trouble areas are identified and projects are being planned to help. 

Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) – FOLO is planning a tree give-away this Fall. Contact Lindsay Konchuba at LKonchub@vbgov.com if interested. The next FOLO meeting will be held on Monday Nov. 23rd at 3:30pm at the Brock Center.

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

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Elections – Tuesday November 3rd from 6am to 7pm.       Virginia State Senatorial and Delegate races. Please exercise one of your basic civil duties.
  • Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association Oyster Roast – Sunday Nov. 8th from 1-5pm at O’Leary’s parking lot area.       More information can be found at www.sdcc.info

 

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 30th

City move forward with Community Rating System application

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

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

Click here to read the document – 4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport

Monday Sept. 28th SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  9.28.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 28, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – No Presentation. Shore Drive Phase III project presentation postponed due to storm water analysis.

Proposed discussions –

  • City Manager Qualifications Input Request from City Government. What qualities should the new City Manager possess?
  • VB Public Libraries need suggestions for topics of discussion for their upcoming 2016 Community Conversations program. Do we have any topics to suggest?

Officer’s Reports 

Secretary – David Williams

Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak

Vice President – Wally Damon

President – Todd Solomon

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on program and questions as to why it takes so long to implement.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – VB Project Coordinator, Brian Solis, has been asked to attend an upcoming SDCC meeting to brief us on the Hampton Roads Transportation (HRT) report. He has tentatively agreed to come to our October meeting.

Shore Drive Bike Path Project – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Oneil Clarke, provided a copy of the project drawings. The project will not include sidewalks, only bike paths. Minimal road widening and closures will be required. Drawings will be available at the SDCC meeting and photos of critical areas will be posted on the www.sdcc.info website.

New Business –

Admission Tax Exemption for Civic Organizations – The Commission of Revenue is working on a change to the City Code to allow 501c4 Civic Organizations to be exempt from having to pay the 10% Admission Tax fee. This would allow all our Civic Leagues to keep monies made from Oyster Roasts and other fund raisers and use them for community projects. Cape Story loses $1000 a year to this tax.

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

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.
  • Lynnhaven River Now Candidate Forum – October 14th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the VB Central Library.       All State Senatorial and Delegate candidates have been asked to participate.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 26th – Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service Presentation. City Project Lead, Mr. Brian Solis, will present the HRT report results and discuss the recommended route details.