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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

Regarding the revised JPA on Indigo Dunes I strongly object to the proposal which clearly does not minimize the impact on this functioning wetland area as the law requires. I cannot imagine that allowing this high density project on this fragile waterfront would pass any test to minimize discharge and pollution. While the builder certainly has a right to develop his property it should be done within the current laws and guidelines that are there to protect our already threatened waterways as would be required of any other waterfront property owner. The property could easily be developed without being granted unnecessary exceptions and the public expects your agency to follow your charge: “Protects the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth.” With the current concern of the public with environmental issues and the cleaning up of our waterways it would be a mistake to take a step backwards rather than a strong stand toward protection.

Thank you for taking the time to consider the citizens’ view.

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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

Release Date:  Tuesday, June 3, 2008 3:30 p.m.

The community is invited to attend a Citizen Information Meeting on Thursday, June 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the John B. Dey Elementary School, 1900 N. Great Neck Road, on the West Great Neck Road Sidewalk Improvements CIP Project (#4-020.002).
The project will provide a continuous sidewalk from Shore Drive to the bridge on West Great Neck Road, including construction of a five- to six-foot-wide sidewalk.  New concrete entrances and curb and gutter will be added at various locations, as well as pavement improvements at Buccaneer Road. The project will be completed in two phases.
More at VBGov.com.

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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

From Mike:

Ms. Sheri Kattan, Project Manager
Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality
Tidewater Regional Office
5636 Southern Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462

Dear Sheri,

I am writing you today in protest of the Dept. of Environmental Quality’s intention to approve JPA #2 submitted by Sandler at Indigo Bay LLC which requests authorization for the destruction of tidal wetlands, non-tidal wetlands, vegetated and non-vegetated wetlands and RPA buffers for the sole purpose of constructing 1063 housing units and additional structures as part of a mixed-use development in pursuit of maximum profit.

If approved, this decision will set a precedent and severely weaken well established VA Law intend to protect such areas. Our statutes’ clearly state the applicant must make all efforts to avoid and/or minimize impacts to wetlands. Pleasure House Point (PHP) measures nearly seventy acres and certainly offers ample opportunity to construct a significant number of residential and commercial units without impacting these vital resources.

PHP is the last remaining natural habitat of significance on the Lynnhaven River, as recently exhibited by the City’s inability to find even a small site to transfer dredge spoils from the Lynnnhaven. Its total loss would be a tremendous detriment to the public. While admittedly not a perfect site or setting, there is no reason it cannot be developed in a more environmentally sensitive manner and make a tremendous contribution to the health of the Lynnhaven and Chesapeake Bay Eco-System.

DEQ approval of this JPA will send a clear signal that they are unwilling to enforce our environmental protections, as the Indigo Bay JPA clearly does not meet the criteria established by law to warrant this drastic reconfiguration and transformation of PHP. On behalf of the resident’s of Ocean Park, I ask that you please enforce our environment regulations and reject this application.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Wills
President, OPCL
3841 Jefferson Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

As strong advocates of transparency in government, we offer the following info:

Search Continued:
Executive Director
Virginia Coalition for Open Government

Wanted:  Energetic access advocate to lead the Virginia Coalition for Open Government into its second decade.

The mission of the Coalition is to educate the public and government officials about the importance of open government, to advocate access to local and state governments, to monitor access issues, to lobby lawmakers on issues related to freedom of information (within IRS limits), and to be a resource for the public, the press and the government on access-related issues.

The executive director is responsible for leading the Coalition’s programs of education, lobbying and fund-raising.  He or she must also manage an annual budget and an endowment fund.  The executive director must also oversee an interactive Web site and daily listserv, supervise a part-time assistant and produce a newsletter at least twice a year.

The executive director will also be expected to help the Coalition anticipate emerging issues and devise strategies to address them, to broaden and increase the Coalition’s membership and to raise funds.

It is important that the new executive director be a visionary capable of coordinating the open government efforts of affiliate constituencies and developing a strategy for continuing the Coalition’s goals in education, lobbying and financial security.

Candidates must have bachelor’s degrees in journalism, communication, government, business or related fields and an employment history that reflects compatibility with the mission of the Coalition.  An advanced degree is desirable.

Compensation consists of a salary and benefits package of approximately $50,000 per year.  Possible benefits include telecommuting within Virginia and a flex-time work schedule.  Part-time compensation and a part-time work schedule can be negotiated except during legislative sessions.

To apply:  Send a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three references to: vcogjobs@gmail.com. Application deadline is June 30, 2008

For more information, visit http://www.opengovva.org, or contact Dorothy Abernathy at dabernathy@ap.org.

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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

From Grace:

Dear Ms. Kattan

I am uncertain whether or not I will be able to attend the DEQ hearing on this matter on June 9, 2008.  I would like to register my comments, as a resident of Ocean Park and as an officer of the Ocean Park Civic League.

While I understand that the developer of this parcel has the right to build on his property, that right must be bounded by the local, state, regional and federal guidelines which are in place to prevent the degradation of natural resources to the public’s detriment.

I have viewed the developer’s proposal and find that his claim that his development, with his on-site water treatment designs, is disingenuous.  Furthermore, his present proposal, much like his last one, ignores the mandate which is present when building in a wetlands area.  To wit:  avoid, minimize, ameliorate.  The developer has not yet met even the first goal:  avoidance.

I urge you and DEQ to stand fast for the long-term interests of residents, environmentalists and taxpayers who will be shouldering the burden of this unconscionable over-development.

Sincerely,
Grace Moran
Treasurer, Ocean Park Civic League

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Be sure to email Ms. Kattan your letter!

Fortunately it was a small barge and it damaged only part of a fender.
Heard it’s about $200,000 damage & an editor from the Pilot has put the news room on it as of today.

When we have the Coast Guard report we’ll post it.

Have pics from a boat? Send em in!

No kidding.

Apparently a barge moving into the inlet to do work at a private home hit a wooden fender of the Lesner Bridge.

Click below for a photo:
bargestrike-lesnerbridge-05-08.jpg
Obviously more photos and details to follow.

One those waste of time emails I received has something very good in it.

The automobile driving manual says the average driver’s reaction time is:  .75 seconds……. or 1 car length for every 10 mph…… Test your average reaction time.

Be very careful this can be addicting. Click on the link below and good luck.
Go to the test…

Pet peeve is no speeding on Shore Drive! Driving 54.8mph – the average, allows much less reaction time than driving 45.

6:30pm Presentation from Regulator about application

7:30pm A member of the State Water Control Board opens hearing for comments

People who attend this Hearing may also attend State Water Control Board meeting, most likely in July, when the application will be decided upon.

More details:

As far as the hearing goes, the informal part starts at 6:30pm.  I’ll be
giving a presentation on the draft permit and our process.  The
applicant may also give a presentation on the project if they desire
(not sure yet).  Then, there will be an opportunity for some Q&A with
questions fielded by DEQ folks and/or the applicant.  At 7:30pm, the
formal hearing starts.  A member of the State Water control Board will
be moderating the hearing.  At that point, there is no more back and
forth discussion.  There will be a sign up sheet when you come in – you
can indicate on that sheet if you’d like to speak for the record.  The
Board member will call people up one by one to speak.  Depending on the
number of people who sign up to speak, he may place a time limit on how
long you can talk.  The Board member may also ask at the end if there is
anyone else who would like to speak.  Everything is recorded and all
comments will be compiled by me and addressed in a package that will go
before the full State Water Control Board (likely in July) for a
decision.  Citizens who attended the hearing are also welcome to attend
the Board meeting.

Previous post about DEQ Hearing including address.

Speed and alcohol were a factor.
At Pilotonline.com.

View Larger Map
According to article accident happened in 2600 block.

Like mature trees, pretty architecture & history?

You’ll want to share your input:

Later this year, City Council will consider the development of a program that would address the preservation, renewal and enhancement of the city’s existing housing and neighborhoods. To assist in their consideration, the Planning Commission Subcommittee on Preservation (Preservation Subcommittee) is currently developing a set of recommendations, which will be presented to City Council and help determine the direction of this initiative.

The Preservation Subcommittee believes that public involvement is a key part of the planning process and vital to its success. Therefore, we invite you to review the Draft Neighborhood Preservation Policy Report, which can be found on the Preservation Subcommittee’s web page. The subcommittee’s webpage can be accessed from the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation’s web site, http://www.vbgov.com/housing, under the “Housing Initiatives” section, as “Preservation Initiative.” There you can access information about the subcommittee, such as its membership, meeting schedules, agendas and notes, and a copy of the Draft Neighborhood Preservation Policy Report. Remember to check the web page often as it is continually updated with the progress of the subcommittee’s work.

As you review the Draft Neighborhood Preservation Policy Report, we ask that you please keep the following questions in mind:

  * Are these the right goals?
  * Is this the right direction?
  * How else can we address neighborhood preservation?

The Preservation Subcommittee values input on these recommendations and encourages you to share your feedback by contacting Lanitha Hudson, the coordinator of the Preservation Initiative at lhudson@vbgov.com or by calling 385-5734.  You can also contact any member of the Preservation Subcommittee to share your feedback.  The Membership list is located under “Related Documents” on the right of the Preservation Initiative webpage.

Thank you for your interest in the Preservation Initiative. We look forward to hearing your feedback.
________________________________________________

Lanitha C. R. Hudson
Program Coordinator, Strategy, Policy, and Resources Unit

Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757.385.5734 Direct
757.385.5750 Reception
757.385.1874 Fax
lhudson@VBgov.com

In Virginia Beach, schedule a free home security assessment through the Crime Prevention Office, 385-1006.
Check out article at Pilotonline.com.
WiLife.com mentioned in article.

CBF is partnering with local governments, non-profits, and dedicated individuals to present the 20th Annual Clean the Bay Day event. This Virginia-wide waterway debris cleanup engages thousands of citizens each year and is a great way for you to help “Save the Bay”.

What:  20th ANNUAL CLEAN THE BAY DAY

When:  Saturday, June 7, 2008
        9 AM- 12 PM
        PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at: cbf.org/clean

Where:  1.)  At hundreds of sites throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia
        2.)  At Belle Haven on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

For More Information:  Visit cbf.org/clean or call 1-800-SAVEBAY (1-800-728-3229)

Additionally, this year CBF is proud to present another way to help “Save the Bay”. CBF will host an electronics recycling event in partnership with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. This event is a FREE, environmentally responsible opportunity to recycle unwanted electronics and is a new way for citizens, businesses and other organizations to participate in Clean the Bay Day.

What:  ELECTRONICS WASTE RECYCLING EVENT

When:
1.)  Businesses, religious institutions, military, schools
    PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at: cleanthebayday.poweron.com
    June 4-6, 2008
    9 AM-3 PM
2.)  Individuals (no residency requirement)
    June 7, 2008
    9 AM-3 PM

Where:  Old Dominion University, Lot 43

For More Information: 
Visit cbf.org/clean or cleanthebay.poweron.com or call
1-800-SAVEBAY (1-800-728-3229)

We hope to see you at both events!

Sharon Smith
Clean the Bay Day Coordinator
Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Check out Three Sparrows and the Lynnhaven Estuary NOW !

Last night, Monday, a car was broken into in the 2200 block of Maple St.  A purse and camera were taken.  It occurred sometime between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. and a police report was filed. The resident was sure the car was locked; however, there were no signs of forced entry.  The police told the resident that robbers can get in the cars without breaking anything.  Some unimportant items were found on Dolphin Rd. in Lynnhaven Colony. If anyone has any information about this, please call the police.  Reminder:  Do not leave any valuables in cars.

According to VBGov.com:

Concert in Virginia Beach to Benefit Migratory Songbirds

On Tuesday morning, May 20, Singer-songwriter James Taylor will be available for an hour news conference with the media to talk about his support for conservation of bird habitat on the Eastern Shore, the launch of his U.S. tour and forthcoming album.  He will be at the VIP Club at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater.

A portion of the proceeds of the Virginia Beach concert will benefit the Southern Tip Partnership ), a coalition of conservation groups including the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, The Nature Conservancy, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The groups are working together to protect habitat for migratory birds along the Eastern Shore, which has been recognized as a globally important place for migratory songbirds.  (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/coastal/eslandconservation.html

The song birds also need more habitat to survive their trip & Pleasure House Point being 100% open space would certainly help.

June 5th Public Meeting, 8:00 AM at Dockside Inn

Our featured speaker for the June 5th public meeting is Delegate Joe Bouchard.  Delegate Bouchard represents the northwest quadrant of Virginia Beach in the state legislature and serves on the Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee.  This is your opportunity to hear about his first year in the General Assembly and to ask him questions or bring up the issues that interest you.  He is interested in hearing about our concerns.  Please join us for this important meeting.  All are welcome; no pre-registration required.
More at LynnhavenRiverNow.org.

The tribute to the first explorers of the New World and the American Indians of the Chesapeake region includes docent lead tours of the American Indian village and the colonial outpost and live theatrical performances on our unique outdoor stage.
Check out the details at FirstLandingFoundation.com.

“It’s high-end, low-impact tourism,” said Donna Bozza, director of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. “We don’t want the scale of Virginia Beach, especially given our fragile area here.”

A former journalist herself, Bozza added, “If we get paved over and look like everyone else, we’d lose what makes us special.”

Imagine eco-tourism being promoted in cooperation with the Eastern Shore as another reason to visit here and/or live here.
Imagine promoting using the LBR&BF to launch kayaks to tour our special places, as people in the know do today.
Imagine Pleasure House Point staying a special place, remaining open space.

Now imagine a Permanent Public/Private Dredge Spoils Transfer Station at the LBR&BF & PHP becoming 1/2 asphalt and a thousand housing units.

Read article at Pilotonline.com.

From CBF.org:

The legislation will provide $188 million over the next 4.5 years for a new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, and increase the region’s share of national conservation programs more than $252 million over five years. CBF estimates that the funding could reduce nitrogen pollution by as much as (40) million pounds annually to local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay.

How is this also related to Indigo Dunes on Pleasure House Point?
The enormous increase in nitrogen that will be dumped in Pleasure House Creek from the project if it’s approved as presented to date vs. it remaining open space as it is now.