The Navy has reported multiple cases aboard several different ships, the first of which was the Boxer currently at port in San Diego, California. The latest marks the first time two sailors assigned to the same ship have tested positive.
P R A C T I C E
S O C I A L
D I S T A N C I N G
What is already known about this topic?
Early data from China suggest that a majority of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths have occurred among adults aged ≥60 years and among persons with serious underlying health conditions.
What is added by this report?
This first preliminary description of outcomes among patients with COVID-19 in the United States indicates that fatality was highest in persons aged ≥85, ranging from 10% to 27%, followed by 3% to 11% among persons aged 65–84 years . . .
PLEASE NOTE: “NUMBER OF PEOPLE TESTED” & “CASES” ARE DRASTICALLY UNDER REPORTING THE REAL NUMBER OF CASES DUE TO LACK OR TESTING RESOURCES TODAY
R E S P E C T S O C I A L D I S T A N C I N G
The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) would like to commend City leaders and staff for the herculean efforts being made to adapt and stay ahead of this difficult and fluid crisis that is COVID 19.
It was great news to hear that Sentara Healthcare has opened a drive-thru COVID 19 screening and testing facility at its Princess Anne location. It is also good news to learn they will be opening additional sites in the near future.
If the City of Virginia Beach has any input in determining the location of future sites, the SDCC would like to suggest that public screening and testing facilities be located within the Shore Drive Corridor as soon as possible. We understand these facilities are of the utmost importance and need to be strategically placed, so we base this request on the following details regarding the Shore Drive/Bayfront area.
Thank you for your continued concern for all the residents of Virginia Beach as well as those at high risk in the Shore Drive community.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
SDCC President
Reposted from Facebook:
Why things are much worse than you’re hearing.
Now that I have your attention, first off lots of people have been texting me, thank you. I’m fine. I’m not sick or infected (as far as I know!) I’m currently on “Supervised self monitoring” after a slightly increased risk exposure. I feel fine and have no symptoms, I just have to take my temperature twice per day, log any symptoms I might have, and report them. But I am not quarantined and still get to work. Anyone who knows me knows I am normally the opposite of “taking adequate precautions” but I’m treating this one differently. Joanne stocked me up with natural (aka grain alcohol and aloe) homemade sanitizers and everyone else is jealous. I feel fine, just tired from working overnights in a bit of a war zone.
So I wanted to give everyone an update.
1. The cases of COVID are far more than are being reported. We are not testing the majority of people. We are sending them home with instructions to self quarantine, and what to watch for.
2. The reason for this is three-fold
a. Tests are a limited resource…not just tests but the viral medium needed to collect the sample. We need to conserve for the people who we really need to know
b. For most people, it won’t change management. Results are taking 3-5 days. You look well, you don’t have severe disease, and have few or no risk factors: you will be sent home to be on self-quarantine regardless, with strict return precautions.
***c. This is a big one: It is a huge burden to test. Why you ask? COVID is a droplet and contact disease. It is generally not airborne. So standard PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is adequate (surgical mask, eye protection, gown, gloves) plus having the patient keep a mask on at all times. BUT it becomes airborne during aerosolizing procedures, which include collecting nasal and oral samples. (Well, not technically during the collection, but when you collect the sample the patient’s mask is off and they often sneeze/cough after having the swab put in their nose/throat). At this point, airborne precautions must be taken to include N95 Respirator masks.
BUT we are on a massive shortage of all PPE nationally and worldwide…in many hospitals out west they are already bleaching and reusing N95s in between patients.
Our N95s are controlled by one person in the hospital. Not ideal at all, but better than nothing at all. We are also on shortage of gowns and surgical masks. Also, in between any COVID patient the room needs to be terminally cleaned which takes time, but if an aerosolizing procedure (even test collection) the room is supposed to be given one hour to let any droplets settle onto the floor/surfaces before terminal cleaning. It is simply not practical to test most people.
The only way to really do a lot of testing is outdoors, with a tent, where you have people outfitted in the proper PPE and just leave it on as cars drive through/people walk up. But we can’t support that right now due to supply shortages.
3. Speaking of aerosolizing procedures:
a. BIPAP/Non-invasive ventilation is basically out. It is highly aerosolizing and associated with one of the highest rates of healthcare provider contamination. So while traditionally we use BIPAP as much as possible to avoid intubation, the protocol is to move to intubation more quickly now
b. Nebulizers, a mainstay of respiratory disease/wheezing are verboten. Again highly aerosolizing. One person on a nebulizer in a non-negative pressure room with the door open can shut down a whole wing. I am worried we are going to see a huge number of EMS providers start testing positive, because they’ve been following their protocols and giving nebulizers right and left. The protocols are changing, but I suspect that horse is already out of the barn. Instead, we are using serial Metered Dose Inhalers with spacer devices.
c. For intubation, nasopharyngoscopes, and other high risk procedures, we are donning PAPR (Powered Air Purifier Respirator) basically a positive pressure sealed head cover that doesn’t allow any outside air in. It sucks because it’s hard to hear what’s going on, but intubations are too high risk otherwise.I want to reiterate: THIS IS NOT THE FLU. I will freely say it, I was wrong. I downplayed this months ago, and cited how many people die of the flu every year, etc. I have had more critically ill COVID patients this week than I had critically ill flu patients all flu season. We’ve had 2 patients die in Williamsburg already just a few days into this, both in their late 60s/early 70s but otherwise actually healthy with no significant medical problems. Yes, most people will be fine, but for the subset that get very ill, it’s a bit stunning how quickly and dramatically they go downhill. There are already 2 ER doctors critically ill, one in Washington (healthy male in his early 40s) and one in New Jersey (also healthy but 70 years old, coincidentally he is in charge of Emergency Preparedness for a large health system). Most people don’t have anything to worry about with COVID-19, but if you are one of the people who it hits harder, it’s frightening how fast you go downhill.
But I really want to emphasize to everyone, do not be lulled into a false sense of security by the number of positive tests. The number of people infected is orders of magnitude more than reported, because we simply aren’t testing most people. As more tests become available hopefully that will change.
ANOTHER Key Point: There is a growing evidence that steroids and NSAIDS may actually be harmful.
Which is odd, because the patients that get the sickest do so because of ARDS, which is your immune system confusing your normal lung tissue with viral infected lung tissue, and attacking and killing it all. So you would think that anti-inflammatories would help, but there is evidence they make things worse. Also, there is a clear association with hypertension and diabetes being major risk factors for more severe disease, and some (controversial) suggestion that ACE inhibitors and ARBs, commonly prescribed for these two conditions, make things worse. If you get ill, please discuss with your primary doctor or cardiologist whether to continue them.
If I may brag, I am glad so many others are getting to see what awesome people choose to go into healthcare and especially my area, emergency medicine. No one is running away, everyone is working longer hours and longer shifts, people are covering for each other when they get quarantined. Nurses, medics, techs, housecleaning, some of whom make not much over minimum wage are all stepping up to volunteer to work “in the hot zone” for hours on end. They aren’t getting hazardous duty pay, or any special bonuses.
They’re just doing it because that’s what they do every single day and why they went into this line of work. ERs have been criticized by insurance companies for being expensive and greedy…but there is no other place where a group of the finest people I know can respond almost immediately to something of this scale and with this expertise, and do so willingly without question and without regard for their own safety.
I read a week ago several comments on international message boards that I’m on comments from Italian ER doctors who felt like they were watching a train wreck about to happen in the US, and despite telling us to slow down no one was listening. When I go for runs to clear my mind and see packed bars and restaurants, I now see what they mean.
Practice in-person social distancing, flatten the curve…yes they seem like overused buzzwords but it’s the only way we’re going to slow this train down.
1. Promote easier testing for the most at risk population so they would use the DRIVE THRU TESTING.
2. Reduce the risk of family or friends who may need to drive them to testing no where near here.
3. Diversify the locations throughout the City in appropriate high risk locations who have a higher population of over 65.
4. Due to the fact many bars were packed this past weekend – dramatically increasing the risk of covid19 spreading uncontrollably in our most at risk residents.
5. The fact there is so many assets available nearby to help support DRIVE THRU TESTING NOW.
View article at Pilotonline.com
The draw was a new drive-through testing service for COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a new virus the World Health Organization has labeled a pandemic.
What’s one way you can help?
Lobby for DRIVE THRU TESTING TENTS TO BE LOCATED IN SHORE DRIVE COMMUNITY NOW TO ATTEMPT TO BEND THE CURVE
VIEW DRIVE THRU TESTING QUESTIONNAIRE HERE (2 page PDF)
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS GREAT NEWS !
SUPPORT YOUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS.
“My job is not to scare you out of your wits it’s to scare you into your wits.” ~ Michael T. Osterholm
Note: Original Press Release Noted Lockdown starting March 17th 2020 originally.
As of March 16, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness & Response
UPDATE: March 15, 2020
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the United States and abroad has many of us deeply concerned. Please know Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is taking appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of residents, teammates, and their families.
Our leadership team is diligently monitoring updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments and following their recommended guidelines.
As a Life Plan Community which includes some nursing center residents at a high-risk for respiratory illnesses, we already have in place robust protocols to avoid flu and other illnesses. We have an excellent track record over the years with flu prevention on our campus because we follow best practices and protocols.
For COVID-19, we have also implemented more drastic measures specific to this virus. These measures include:
As of March 17, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.
We are screening all team members who enter our campus.
We are asking all residents to refrain from leaving and re-entering the campus unless medically necessary in order to reduce the risk of exposure.
We will suspend all campus transportation except for medical appointments, and convert that department into a personal shopping/delivery service for necessary items and groceries.
We are discouraging attendance at group gatherings, but Lifelong Learning and other events will be broadcast on our internal television station whenever possible.
We will continue to dine in our on-campus restaurants, but we are making plans for delivery of food if we deem that to be advisable.
In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are continuing to follow the request of the President of the United States and limiting visits to only medical/service visitors. No visits are allowed by family members who live off of our campus. We are permitting Hospice patients to receive family members in accordance with their end of life wishes, after a visitor health screening has been completed.
We are continuing to screen all who enter and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.
Any visitors, vendors or team members with respiratory illness symptoms, a fever, or who have been on a cruise, or have traveled internationally within the past 14 days will not be allowed inside our campus.
Residents traveling internationally will be in a 14-day quarantine upon their return to campus to ensure they do not have COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission to the rest of the community. We have asked all residents planning a trip to any location outside of the United States to consult with their medical provider to discuss travel plans, how to protect themselves, and what to do when they return.
We strongly encourage team members and residents to follow CDC recommended practices which are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water; covering your cough; staying at home if you are sick; avoiding close contact with others who are sick; and carefully wiping down desks, computers, tables, door handles, etc., with disinfectant cleaners. We have posted signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors do not enter if they are experiencing these symptoms.
In closing, we want to assure you that providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and residents is a top priority at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. We are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and team members.
Thank you for your confidence and support.
J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
President & CEO
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
March 10, 2020
Media Contact: Larry Hill: larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov
(Virginia Beach, VA.) – The Virginia Beach Health Department announced that two residents have tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These cases mark the first two cases in the Virginia Beach Health District, and the sixth and seventh cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All reported cases in Virginia have been travel related and there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID19 in Virginia.
“We are aware that exposure for these two individuals are travel related,” said Virginia Beach Health Director Dr. Demetria Lindsay. “The Public Health Department is in close communication with the two travelers and their care providers, and is conducting a thorough investigation of potential exposures. The two individuals are in stable condition and remain in isolation at this time.”
The two patients (a male in his 60’s and female in her 50’s) traveled on a Nile River cruise, which recently reported COVID-19 cases. They returned to United States on March 5. On Sunday March 8, the patients were tested at a Virginia Beach hospital. The positive test results returned today are considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause complications, including death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation.
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the United States and abroad has many of us deeply concerned. Please know Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is taking appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of residents, teammates, and their families.
Our leadership team is diligently monitoring updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments and following their recommended guidelines.
As a Life Plan Community which includes some nursing center residents at a high-risk for respiratory illnesses, we already have in place robust protocols to avoid flu and other illnesses. We have an excellent track record over the years with flu prevention on our campus because we follow best practices and protocols.
For COVID-19, we have also implemented more drastic measures specific to this virus. These measures include:
In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are following the request of the President of the United States and limiting visits to ONLY MEDICAL/SERVICE visitors. No visits are allowed by family members who live off of our campus. We are permitting Hospice patients to receive family members in accordance with their end of life wishes, after a visitor health screening has been completed.
We are screening all who visit and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.We discourage social visitation by guests, including family members, for Independent Living and Enhanced Serices (Assisted Living) residents. Guests visiting IL and ES residents will be screened at the Courtesy Desk.
Any visitors, vendors or team members with respiratory illness symptoms, a fever, or who have been on a cruise, or have traveled internationally within the past 14 days will not be allowed inside our campus.
Additionally, residents traveling internationally will be in a 14-day quarantine upon their return to campus to ensure they do not have COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission to the rest of the community. We have asked all residents planning a trip to any location outside of the United States to consult with their medical provider to discuss travel plans, how to protect themselves, and what to do when they return.We strongly encourage team members and residents to follow CDC recommended practices which are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water; covering your cough; staying at home if you are sick; avoiding close contact with others who are sick; and carefully wiping down desks, computers, tables, door handles, etc., with disinfectant cleaners. We have posted signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors do not enter if they are experiencing these symptoms.
In closing, we want to assure you that providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and residents is a top priority at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. We are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and team members and are doing everything in our power to combat COVID-19.
Thank you for your confidence and support.
Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
President & CEO
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
VIRGINIA BEACH COVID-19 WEBSITE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 WEBSITE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COVID-19 WEBSITE
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION COVID-19 WEBSITE
“My job is not to scare you out of your wits it’s to scare you into your wits.”
I am a long time resident and a local Realtor that has clients living in the immediate area of Ocean Shore Ave and other condos down there. I also am currently representing a buyer that is concerned about a purchase on Urchin Rd because of the Westminster expansion. There are many concerns about personal property being devalued (city assessments are already dropping in the immediate area). I am also seriously concerned that because of the money and influence from the residents of Westminster this will get pushed through one way or another and any high rise of that caliber will have a high impact of the values there. Construction will have an environmental impact. And a high rise being allowed will open the way for new and similar developments and negatively impact the community.
The area of Shore Drive surrounding Westminster is a close and intimate community. If residents here wanted high rise living we would be at the ocean front. In order to preserve living style diversity we need to reserve some beach front areas as quiet community living.
This area of the city must have more senior care facilities. Independent living as well as assisted living are a going to be a big growth factor in less than ten years. The current Westminster Canterbury buildings on Shore Drive have been good for the neighborhood for over thirty years. They haven proven time and time again that they do a lot of good for the community and local area. Let them expand and build additional building. They are the number one provider of a full service living home environment in America Which treats all seniors medical and living needs. Westminster Canterbury is a not for profit run base organization. They give back to their residents and local area non residents, senior medical care needed. If Westminster Canterbury does not make this investment to build a first class “state of the latest” building, then some other will build and it would be a real eye sore investor run failure of a senior center. Thank you
I live and work here. While Westminster has good people there, I also think we must take into consideration the experience of the neighborhoods around it. The proposed construction is too big and I believe will have a negative impact on neighbors.
I live in Baylake Pines and have on and off since 1955. The high density housing that is going on everywhere along SD is ruining the ambience and qualities of life here. The destruction of view shed Thursday, Feb 13th at Lesner Bridge should serve as huge example. The city should reign in the exploration of this once very beautiful area.
I live on Starfish Road – so the traffic, parking and loss of the publicly owned beach access affect my quality of life greatly. The proposal is too big for the area – I have concerns about how this affects the Thursday, Feb 13th EMS services response times if they are tied up at WC like they were in December when there was a laundry room fire at WC (15+ EMS units on site).
Note: One random comment from each PDF highlighted above. There are hundreds who responded.
View DLM Architects Design Review Memo No. 3. (4 page pdf)
Includes:
City Code, Appendix A – Zoning, ARTICLE 9, Section 901, Senior Housing is limited to a height of 165 feet. AHousing for seniors and disabled persons or handicapped, including convalescent or nursing; maternity homes; day-care centers other than covered under permitted principal uses herein above, provided that the maximum height shall not exceed one hundred sixty-five (165) feet;@ The independent living tower in the proposed project significantly exceeds this limitation. Required: reduce the height of the tower to comply.
Wind Scour: The close proximity between the OSC and WC site increases the local wind speed, wind scour and turbulence between these Bayfront buildings resulting in more drifting sand, damaged vegetation and damage to the roofing of the westernmost OSC buildings. Required: Construct wind breaks at the dune line. This wasn’t addressed in the planning staff’s comments.
Stormwater run-off: There is no indication of stormwater retention on the preliminary drawings or how the stormwater requirements are to be met. Required: a net reduction in impervious surface area from the existing use(s).
Applicant & Owner Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay Public Hearing March 11, 2020 City Council Election District Lynnhaven
Some highlights:
In 1977, a Conditional Use Permit was granted to the property for a Home for the Aged, Disabled and Handicapped to operate a Continuing Care Retirement Community.
The development will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the Suburban Area Bayfront Community, the goals of which is to preserve and protect the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of established neighborhoods.
The proposed 22-story tower will be approximately 250’ tall.
The Property, when developed, shall not exceed a total of 674 Independent Living units, 75 Assisted Living units, 48 Memory Support units, and 108 Skilled Nursing units. Total parking provided will be 1,096 parking spaces.
The general planning goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan include preserving and protecting the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of the established neighborhoods.
The following request has been sent to the Planning Commission requesting they DENY the current proposed expansion of Westminster Canterbury.
Dear Ms. Oliver and Planning Commission Members,
On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), we formally request that the Planning Commission “DENY” the subject request from Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (WCCB) for a modification of conditions to build a 4 story parking garage with 22 story tower senior living facility and a 7 story memory unit facility connected by enclosed elevated pedestrian bridges over public roadways.
The SDCC is a 20 year old umbrella civic organization representing many neighborhood civic leagues, condo and homeowner associations along the Shore Drive corridor. At our February general meeting, we unanimously voted on the following motion regarding the current proposed WCCB development,
“The Shore Drive Community Coalition opposes the Westminster Canterbury expansion proposal as it is in violation of the Shore Drive Overlay density restrictions and the Business 901 height restrictions”
We understand that it’s the Planning Commission responsibility to review projects and determine if they are in accordance with existing City codes and to allow variances based on hardships. As our motion states, the proposed project is considered multi-family senior living housing that violates the following City codes and has no hardships.
• Shore Drive Corridor Overlay Section 1704- Density requirements of maximum 24 units per acre.
• Business District Section 901 – Senior housing building height restriction of 165 feet.
The SDCC feels that this project would also set a harmful precedent for future development requests of high density tower structures in Business B2 and B4 zoning that would be incompatible with the surrounding residential and lower density multi-family dwellings that make the Shore Drive Corridor unique.
Thank you for your consideration in denying the subject application,
Todd Solomon – SDCC President
Important Email addresses:
Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com
Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com
Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com
Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.
Dear March 11th Planning Commission participants,
I am sure by now that all of you have sent your letters out to the Mayor, the individuals of the Planning Commission and the City Council. Now it is time for the next step in our process to limit the encroachment of Westminster Canterbury on the Shore Drive District. However, if you have not sent your letter as of yet, it is not too late. Please send your letter and encourage any of your friends and family in Virginia to write a letter opposing the expansion of Westminster Canterbury as it now stands.
There are several things that we need to do in order to continue our fight and increase the pressure on the Planning Commission and then ultimately the City Council.
1) Please make every effort to attend the Planning Commission on March 11th, 2020, 12:00 pm. The meeting will be at the Municipal Center, building #1. The meeting is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm, but I would like to encourage everyone to be there by 11:00 am. We understand that Westminster Canterbury is going to try to pack the meeting. We would like all of you and anyone else you can bring to be able to be seated in the meeting room. Also, there is a meeting at 9:00 am by the Planning Commission. The 9:00 am meeting will be in the same location as above, but we will not be able to speak at this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the Planning Commission to discuss the expansion. I believe it will give us great insight to their thought process. In addition, the more people the Planning Commission sees at the meetings, the more pressure it will put on their decision making process.
2) We also need to have speakers at the 12:00 pm meeting. If you are willing to speak, please let us know. Please email paulterkeltaub@me.com and let us know your intention to speak. We want you to address the Planning Commission in your own words, but we do have topics that we want to make sure are covered. Listed below are the topics we wish to have individuals talk about in front of the Planning Commission. Please pick one or two topics that you would like to address. We want to make sure all topics are covered. You will have 3 minutes to state your position. All that we ask is that you respond to Paul above and let us know what topic or topics you will be addressing. We want to make sure all of the important points are covered.
The topics that we would like to see addressed are as follows:
Reduce the height of the building from 22 stories to 14 stories.
Have the building built of the same type of brick the other buildings are built of instead of glass to keep continuity within the development.
If the building is built of glass, we would like the City to require them to do a solar study so that we will understand what the implications will be for the surrounding buildings.
If the building is made of glass, we would like to know the implications of how much light it will put out at night.
Whether the building is 22 stories or 14 stories, we would like to have a wind study done so we will understand the impact on the surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
We would like to see a shadow study done to understand the implications for surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
We would like the parking lot expanded to accommodate more cars. They need to allow two cars for each unit as well as parking for the staff. In addition, the parking lot needs to be designed to accommodate senior drivers.
The City needs to restrict parking on Starfish and turn this into a 4 lane road having a dedicated right hand turn lane.
The City needs to elongate the left hand turn lane from Shore Drive onto Starfish due to the increased traffic.
The City needs to require a current traffic study. The prior study was done before The Overture and The Chesapeake on The Bay Condos, both on Shore Drive and The Pearl off of Great Neck Road by the marina were built. None of these have been leased or sold to capacity at this time.
We would like to strongly encourage Westminster Canterbury to flip the tower with the assisted living facility.
We would like them to keep the beach access where it is or at least on their property and not next to Ocean Shore Condos. The way the beach access is being planned, Westminster Canterbury will be creating a private beach for their residents that the public will not be able to access.
3) The attorney and architect for Ocean Shore Condos will be addressing the technical parts of the project, but we need all of you to help us address the human side of such a large development. This is for all owners and renters in the Shore Drive District.
Please help us to preserve our neighborhood.
Very Truly Yours,
Each of you can change my email and sign this and send out to your perspective communities and organizations. Please feel free to make any changes you would like.
When emailing Planning Commission members, Mayor & City Council – anyone with CoVB -be sure to be respectful and truthful.
Important Email addresses:
Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com
Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com
Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com
Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.
Public engagement meeting announcement from email:
We try to limit the information we send out on this website because we do not want people to ignore the emails. This email contains 3 items that need your attention. Please act upon them as appropriate.
1) In lieu of a board meeting this month, we will be having a special meeting to update everyone on the latest news about The Westminster Canterbury expansion plans. In addition, we will be offering assistance with ideas and recommendations for anyone that needs help in writing letters to the planning commission, the city council and the mayor with your opinions about the expansion and how it will negatively impact Ocean Shore Condos as well as the surrounding community. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 5:30pm at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Hall, 3769 East Stratford Road. This meeting will be a combined meeting with Ocean Shore Condo and Ships Watch. Please feel free to invite anyone else that you know would be interested in this issue.
2) We would also appreciate it if you would take a few moments to complete the 8 question survey that is attached. In addition, if you would forward this to any other residents in Virginia Beach that you know would oppose the Westminster Canterbury expansion, it would be helpful. We have already had 400 people respond to the survey. https://weloveshoredrive.com/2020/02/13/did-you-know-wccb-is-seeking-variances-to-redevelop-17-acres-in-the-bayfront-please-take-our-survey/
3) This is a meeting that we would like everyone to attend. Once again, if you have any friends or family that are residents of Virginia Beach and can make this meeting please bring them along. We want to not only pack the room for this meeting, we want an overflow crowd. We will have our attorney and are architect at this meeting representing us as well as individuals that will speak on the condos behalf. However, the most important thing is to have bodies at this meeting. Unfortunately, the planning commission meeting is on March 11th, 2020 at 12:00pm. The meeting will take place at The Municipal Center Building 1 on the 2nd Floor. We realize this is in the middle of the work day, but this is so important that I would encourage any of you that are able to take off of work to attend this meeting. If you need transportation to this meeting please contact Paulterkeltaub@me.com or at (757) 630-3774 and we will make sure you have transportation.
OPVRS, or Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Google map.
Enter door opposite Shore Drive.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 2.24.20 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 24, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation – None
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – Update on WC expansion project that included a 22 story high rise to be built at the Casa del Playa/Old Pier site and a memory center to be located on a current parking lot. All facilities are planned to be connected with pedestrian bridges crossing public streets at Ocean Shore Ave and Starfish Rd. Developer presented to 100 attendees at Lynnhaven Colony Civic meeting. Project will be heard by Planning Commission on Wed. March 11th at Noon. SDCC Survey on proposed development can be taken at
Sea Level Wise (SLW) Public Input – The Department of Public Works concluded their public presentations on the draft SLW plan. Thank you to all who attended. The meeting at Cox HS was largest crowd of all meetings. Next step will be formal adoption of the plan by City Council. Comments will still be accepted through the end of February and can be sent to C.J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com
New Business –
Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp for Commercial Use – City wants to lease part of property for 3 year as commercial use to support off-shore wind turbine construction. An office building, parking spots, 5000 gallon fuel tank and boat mooring are planned. Your comments and questions are needed and will be submitted to Staff for answers prior to a Council vote on Tues March 3rd.
Lesner Bridge Lighting Issues – Repairs will be made over the next 60 days to fix lighting problems with the overhead road pole lights, the under bridge pier lights and the Canoes sculpture accent lights.
“Your Speed” Sign – Public Works Engineer Phillip Koetter informed the Cape Story Civic Association that City Traffic engineers plan to install a “Your Speed” radar sign near the intersection of Shore Drive and Kendall Street for cars coming from the State Park heading west. Installation should be this summer/fall.
Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – Revisions to the SDCC Bylaws were presented and reviewed at Jan meeting. The proposed changes are posted online and will be voted upon at this meeting.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
Civic Engagement Opportunities
Sea Level Wise Draft Input – Comments on the draft can be sent to City Public Works Stormwater Engineer C. J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com Deadline is Feb. 29th.
Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp – City Council Meeting Tues March 3rd at 6:00pm in Building 1
Proposed Expansion of Westminster-Canterbury – Planning Commission Meeting Wed March 11th at Noon in Building 1 City Council Chambers. Briefing is held at 9:30am in City Managers meeting room. Take the SDCC Survey at . Survey closes March 10th.
City Budget Citizen Discussion – Councilman John Moss will be holding public information sessions in the Bayfront area at the following dates and locations. Both meetings are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• Wed March 4th at the Bayside Rec Center & Wed March 18th at Great Neck Rec Center
