The plan supplants one that would have used the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp, near the Lesner Bridge, to move sand and silt dredged from the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River from barges to dump trucks. That idea was tabled after it met with opposition.
Read & comment on article at Pilotonline.com.

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

Program/Presentation – Mr. Barry Frankenfield from the City’s Park and Rec department will be discussing the status of the proposed rezoning and privatization of the City Marina (next to Chick’s Oyster Bar).  This proposal has been set to go to the Planning Commission twice and deferred.  This property is a money making operation for the City and many of you have expressed opinions that you’d like to see it stay in the City’s possession.  Come hear the updates and participate in the Q&A session.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Tim
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has completed their recommendation and should be submitting it to the State Water Control Board (WCB) on Friday September 26th.  The WCB agenda has been issued and they will hear this permit in Richmond on October 16th between 9:30 and Noon.  SDCC is pursuing legal representation for the October WCB meeting.  SDCC contacted City Council asking that negotiations begin toward finding a way to sell or swap the land in an effort to preserve it as open space in accordance with the City’s Open Space Plan.  We were told that the City would not approach the Sandlers and that the Sandlers would have to approach them.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City Staff (Mr. Hansen) briefed City Council and recommended the site off VB Blvd as the primary transfer site.  City Council has agreed that this site is the preferred location and has authorized Staff to move forward.  Thanks to all the Guard Dogs for their efforts.

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire – SDCC and OPCL will hold a Candidate Forum this Wednesday Oct 1st at Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive, 7:00pm-9:30pm.  The candidates will be given 1 minute to answer questions.  The candidates will also have the option of providing written comments after the event which will be posted on the website.

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee is finalizing the candidate list for 2009.  They will be presenting the list at October 27th general meeting and we will vote at our November meeting.  If you are interested in running or know of anyone that may be, please contact Dan Creedon at DanVaB@aol.com.

New Business –

Update on Lesner Bridge Replacement – City Staff will be providing an update on the Lesner Bridge replacement design project at the next Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting.  The next BAC is scheduled for October 16th at 3:30pm in the Bayside Rec Center.

Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) September Meeting Update – The BAC met Sept. 18th and discussed some of the following items.  No longer hold evening meeting.  Working on modifications to the Shore Drive Overlay District.  The quarterly newsletter will no longer be distributed by US Mail.  City plans to hold an Alternative Energy Town Hall meeting in November.

Virginia Beach Neighborhood Conference – Empowering and Inspiring the Leader in You – Saturday Oct 4th from 9:00am to 12:30pm at the Central Library.  Sponsored by VB Council of Civic Organizations and City of VB.  Visit http://www.vbcco.org for more information

The City’s New Comprehensive Plan – This document advises everything that is decided in the City over the next five years.  The new Comprehensive Plan will be completed in early 2009.  Citizens’ suggestions, comments and thoughts about priorities are sought in the process of developing this plan for our city.  To facilitate this, the City will be hosting “open house” meetings where you will have an opportunity to express your ideas.  All of the meetings are 7:00-9:00 P.M. and three meetings are close to Shore Drive Corridor. All residents are asked to attend at least one and express your opinions for our area.

  * Thursday, October 16, Association for Research and Enlightenment
  * Thursday, October 23, Bayside Recreation Center
  * Monday, October 27, Cox High School

Mayor at 3556 on the Bay on October 13th -Mayor Oberndorf will discuss her 21st century vision for Virginia Beach and answer questions on issues related to Shore Drive at 3556 on the Bay on Monday morning October 13 from 9:30am.to 11am.

Print your own Agenda[1pg PDF]

Dear Shore Drive Community Coalition,

You have been invited to the Hospitality Industry Candidates’ Forum on Monday, October 6, 2008, at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach.  Arrivals will be at 3:30 p.m. and the forum will start promptly at 4:00 p.m.

This is a joint effort on behalf of the Virginia Beach Hotel Motel Association and the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association.

It will be your chance to hear questions of importance to our industry answered by the candidates who are running for Mayor and City Council in this year’s November elections.
Please see the attached invitation & RSVP no later than Friday, October 3, by calling 428-8015 or email dburinga@vbhma.com.  Please include your full name & company name in your RSVP.  Thank you.

Nancy Perry
VBHMA Executive Director

Deborah G. Buringa
Executive Assistant
Virginia Beach Hotel Motel Association
1023 Laskin Road, Suite 111
Virginia Beach VA 23451
phone: 757-428-8015 fax: 757-425-3760
email: dburinga@vbhma.com
website: http://www.vbhma.com
Invite_to_the_Candidates_Forum.pdf [1pg PDF]

The City’s New Comprehensive Plan

The City of Virginia Beach revises their Comprehensive Plan every five years.  This is the document that will advise everything that is decided in the City over the next five years.  The new Comprehensive Plan is in the works and will be completed in early 2009.  Citizens’ suggestions, comments and thoughts about priorities are sought in the process of developing this plan for our city.  To facilitate this, the City will be hosting twelve “open house” meetings where you will have an opportunity to express your ideas.  All of the meetings are 7:00-9:00 P.M. and six of the planned meetings are in our watershed.  They are:

Monday, October 6, Bow Creek Recreation Center

Monday, October 13, Virginia Beach Convention Center

Thursday, October 16, Association for Research and Enlightenment

Monday, October 20, Princess Anne High School

Thursday, October 23, Bayside Recreation Center

Monday, October 27, Cox High School

For a copy of the current Comprehensive Plan Policy Document, the complete schedule of all twelve meetings, the agenda for the “open houses”, an online comment form and other information related to the development of the new Comprehensive Plan, visit the city’s web site http://www.vbgov.com and click on “Comprehensive Plan Open Houses” in the “Hot Topics” box on the top right side of the home page.

Virginia Beach has expressed a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in all areas of its planning for the future.  This is our opportunity to let the City know that we believe that Virginia Beach can be a model for the region and make a name for itself as the “green” capital of the East Coast.  Please try to attend one of these meetings and let your ideas and vision for our city be a part of the new Comprehensive Plan.

Thanks to Karen from LRNow for the tip about this.

The title above is the title of an article at Pilotonline.com.

Actually, kinda funny, VB is ranked 45th out of the 50 that were ranked.

This is who we beat:
46. Memphis, TN
47. Las Vegas, NV
48. Tulsa, OK
49. Oklahoma City, OK
50. Mesa, AZ

Article in Pilotonline.com.
Check out the list here.

You remember Indigo Dunes will be heard by the State Water Control Board in Richmond on October 16th.

Check out agenda. [4pg PDF]

Mayor Oberndorf will discuss her 21st century vision for Virginia Beach and answer questions on issues related to Shore Drive at 3556 on the Bay on Monday morning October 13 from 9:30am.to 11am.  Please carpool or walk.as parking is limited. 3556 is adjacent to the Lesner bridge on the west side.
Refreshments will be served.

Swimming Advisory Lifted for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park

Release Date:  Thursday, September 18, 2008 4 p.m.
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has lifted a swimming advisory that was issued for the Chesapeake Bay from the Lesner Bridge to the south end of First Landing State Park. Lab results showed bacteria levels in the water meet the State Water Quality Standards.
Signs have been removed that previously alerted the public of the advisory.

Swimming Advisory Issued for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park

Release Date:  Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:30 p.m.

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Chesapeake Bay between the Lesner Bridge and the south end of First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards. The advisory does not affect the Virginia Beach oceanfront or resort area.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.

“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Venita Newby-Owens, M.D., Director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health.  “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”

Signs will be posted on the beach between the Lesner Bridge and the south end of First Landing State Park to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory.  The signs will read:

WARNING!  SWIMMING ADVISORY

Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards

Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards.  When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms.  People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Newby-Owens. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.

For additional information, contact the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at (757) 518-2700.
Check Pilotonline.com for article.

Please use the “Discuss” link below to get us your questions. Details about Forum.

What:  Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum for the Bayfront

Date:  Wednesday Oct 1st

Time:  7:00pm to 9:30pm

Location: Baylake United Methodist Church, 4300 Shore Drive (Corner of Treasure Island Dr. and Shore Dr.)

Printable Flyer: [1pg PDF]

Forum Format

  * Candidates will be given an information period of 2 minutes each at the beginning of the forum to tell about themselves and their general positions.
  * The informational period will be followed by a question and answer session where each candidate will be given 1 minute to answer a question submitted by the community.
  * Questions will be chosen randomly from those submitted on-line at http://www.sdcc.info.  The list of questions will be provided to each candidate at the beginning of the forum.
  * Depending on the number of candidates attending the forum, candidates should have a chance to answer between 8-10 questions.  Each candidate will be given a chance to answer every question.
  * Candidates are asked to be respectful to other candidates and to the time limitations.

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) and the Ocean Park Civic League are sponsoring this forum in an effort to bring attention to the many concerns of communities.  The SDCC represents about 30 civic and condominium associations along the Shore Drive corridor comprising about 8000 residences.

Everyone is welcome to attend.
We recommend getting their early!

[Candidates:Please RSVP by September 26 if you can or cannot attend the Oct 1st forum.  RSVPs can be sent to me at todd@sdcc.info or made in person to my cell phone at 667-8533.]

Thank you for you time and your initiative to becoming a leader for Virginia Beach,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

Tips on attending:

Car pool! There is limited parking.
Enter at double doors in the back.

View Larger Map

To keep you all informed about the next group of Soldiers from Fort Story deploying to Iraq. There will be a deployment ceremony for the 1st Platoon of the 119th Inland Cargo Transfer Company 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Fort Story Gym. The Soldiers should be coming down Shore Drive between 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. As always, thank you so much for your continued support of our Soldiers. All of Fort Story greatly appreciates it.

Note: this info is unclassified.

In case of power out ages, it’s a good idea to print this out and have it handy:

Hampton Roads has many experienced wildlife rehabbers who hold a STATE PERMIT to do so. IF YOU FIND orphaned or injured wildlife, PLEASE do the following:

1. RESCUE the animal, quickly. Place the animal in a softly-lined covered box with ventilation, or a secure animal crate. Make sure the animal cannot escape but DO insure it has ventilation (air!).
2. Place the box in a warm (preferably, not in an area with chilly A/C), dark quiet indoor location away from all humans and pets. Stress kills many animals! Keeping it in a quiet, dark place is essential.
3. Do Not attempt to give it food or water, no matter how much it begs! (THIS is very important. Many many injured animals are accidentally killed by kind-hearted folks who insisted on giving the animal food or water. Please, do not!)
4. Make arrangements to transport the bird or mammal to a permitted facility or rehabilitator as soon as possible. Call 757-263-4762. This will require some patience and a pencil and paper. You will be guided through a system asking you what kind of animal you’ve found, etc., and then you will be given the address of the animal wildlife rehabber that SPECIALIZES in the care of that type of animal. Please take the animal (if driving conditions are safe) to that rehabber as soon as is safely possible. The quicker you can get it to the rehabber, the better the animal’s chances.
More information is available on http://www.vbspcawildlife.com. Look under “Shelter Info” and then click on “Wildlife”. If outdoor conditions are safe, please consider walking your property once the storm has passed and LOOK for injured or orphaned animals. Thank you!

Be sure to check out the Picnic In The Park flyer!
[1pg PDF]

The Picnic includes fun stuff like:
ART AND CONSTRUCTION COMPETITION:

Build a castle.  Stack a statue.  Win prizes for the biggest, most
creative, the most health-balanced!  Use only non-perishable
foods in boxes, bags and/or cans…*

Form teams with family, friends or neighbors.  Or go it alone.
Sign up ahead of time at g_moran@juno.com or call
Grace at 650-1436
Last minute sign-ups at the Park okay, too!!!

*String, paper, tape allowed also.  Look for more ideas at http://www.canstruction.com

A very nice 9’ longboard (surfboard) was stolen from the 2100 Block of W. Admiral Dr.  It has a distinctive design, so take a look, especially if you surf.  It will be noticable in the water i think.

The surfboard was on the side of the house, and was stolen last night.

If you hear of anything, please call Susan at 496-9779 or 333-1340.  Of course, call the police as well.

In case you’ve missed it, the Contract Questions & Responses are posted at the VBGov.com page for the proposed Permanent Dredge Spoils Transfer Station located at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility[LBR&BF].

Here’s a few:

Will flaggers be subjected to background and drug tests?
Not as a requirement of the contract.
Would flaggers be allowed to direct trucks around parked boats
and vehicles awaiting entry to LBR?
No.
Would flaggers working at boat launch area halt boat traffic?
No.
How many truck trips from LBR will be allowed per day maximum?
No maximum will be specified in the contract.
How many truck trips per week will be allowed maximum per week?
No maximum will be specified in the contract.
What pollutants are in the spoils?
Without a definition for ‘pollutants’, we are unable to answer.
If there are odor complaints from nearby neighbors, is there a remediation plan available?
No.
Describe the exact truck route from Shore Drive to Independence Blvd.
On the advice of the Traffic Engineering office, the proposed route is west on Shore Drive directly to Independence Blvd.
Will trucks drive north on Great Neck Road and over the Lesner Bridge after unloading at Oceana?
No.
If a dump truck collides with a boat on trailer rupturing fuel tank, will dump trucks have additional fire suppression equipment?
Not as a condition of this contract.
Will drivers be trained to extinguish fires?
Not as a condition of this contract.
Is there a remediation plan available for parking lot fuel spills and accidents with large quantities of fuel known to be on boats?
No.
Will high wind discontinue barge operations?
The contractor will be responsible for determining if conditions
are safe for operations.
What is the speed of wind needed to discontinue barge operations?
No particular wind speed is anticipated to be specified in the contract.
Who determines if the hauling operations continue when high winds exist?
The contractor.

Seems the contractor is still responsible for all safety related issues including the Lesner Bridge.
Read all 44 pages of questions at answers at VBGov.com project page.
View BoatRampClosing.com.

Indigo Dunes’ Army Corp of Engineers[ACOE] provisional permit is expiring soon.

We applaud the ACOE for requiring more information about the project & especially for the ACOE’s plan to schedule a public comment period.

Thank you.

Obviously we’ll keep you informed on the additional details once we have them.

Since Indigo Dunes was made public in June 2006, they have received exactly -0- permits that allow any kind of construction to begin.

NO GENERAL MEETING

SDCC General Meeting – Monday August 25, 2008

NO GENERAL MEETING

Due to a conflict in the SDCC officer’s schedules, there will be no general meeting this month.  The next SDCC general meeting will be September 29, 2008.

Issues and concerns update

Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) plans
to have a recommendation complete and submitted to the State Water
Control Board (WCB) by September 19th.  The WCB is scheduled to meet
in Richmond on October 16th and will review this project as part of
their meeting.  The SDCC Pleasure House Point (PHP) committee met with
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and our legal representation to
put together a plan for the WCB hearing.  SDCC is pursuing additional
legal representation for the October WCB meeting.  SDCC is also
putting together a letter to send to City Council asking that
negotiations begin toward finding a way to sell or swap the land in an
effort to preserve it as open space in accordance with the City’s Open
Space Plan.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City
Staff is still pursuing the purchase of land behind the AT&T store
(4338 VB Blvd.) just off VB Blvd as a possible transfer site.  This
site would also provide kayak & canoe access when not being used as a
transfer station.  City Staff is looking at purchasing or condemnation
of all the property in the area to also allow a Fire Station.  A Staff
briefing to City Council has been planned, but not held to date.

Proposed Rezoning of City Marina – Planning Commission review has been
deferred indefinitely from the August 13th meeting.  SDCC has sent a
letter to City Staff and Council opposing the rezoning from P-1 to
B-2.  Reasons for opposition include the fact that a marina is
considered a principal use in a P-1 zoning district so there is no
need to rezone and the current arrangement is a money making venture
for the City, about $50,000 per year.  Making it a private venture
runs the risk of losing this income.  City staff, Barry Frankenfield,
will be attending the September SDCC General meeting to discuss this
issue.  Please come and express your specific concerns with the plan
and proffers.  Visit http://www.sdcc.info to view the City’s proposal.

Marina Shores Redevelopment Plans – Plans are moving forward to
redevelop the area into 5 and 7 story tall office buildings with
retail on the first floor.  The plan includes a parking structure
between the offices and the single family homes to the north.  The dry
storage facility will also increase in height by 2 stories and an
additional floating pier will be added parallel to Long Creek from the
marina all the way to Cape Henry Shores.  The plan will increase the
number of car trips by about 6,000 and require a stop light at the
intersection of North Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Drive.

Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment – City Staff and City Council are
working toward resolving specific concerns from some of the
associations that are willing to provide construction easements but
not the public easements requested by the City.  Staff plans on
working through these issues to support the 2009/2010 dredging cycle.

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire –  SDCC agreed to
partner with OPCL and host a City Council Candidate Forum the end of
September or beginning of October.  Location have been narrowed to
the Baylake United Methodist Church.  Final plans are being
arranged, so stay tuned for an exact date, location and time.  Todd
will moderate and the format is still being decided.

SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from
noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference Hotel.  Volunteers are
needed.  Without your help, this event will not happen.  Email Todd if
you’re interested in helping.  Todd@sdcc.info

SDCC Oyster Roast Committee meeting planned for Thursday August 21st has been postponed and to stay tuned for the new time and location.

You should get DEQ’s comments on your comments about mid-September

Just letting you know that the next State Water Control Board Meeting
will be Oct. 16 & 17 in Richmond at the usual place and Indigo Dunes
will be on the agenda.  I won’t know the exact date it will be heard
until the agenda comes out.  I expect it will be the 16th but will keep
you posted.