Guess one of the top areas of VB at risk.
View article at Pilotonline.com:
Flooding in Virginia Beach is influenced by a host of factors. More intense rainfall, increased development on vulnerable lands and aging infrastructure have all contributed to more severe floods in recent years.
View Baylines Jan 2020 edition.
Massive expansion planned off Shore Drive.
Westminster-Canterbury, a retirement community on the Chesapeake Bay that has been gobbling up adjacent properties to expand its campus, is moving forward with an ambitious proposal to the dismay of some of its neighbors.
This Spring along with the flowers, eScooters will once again be sprouting up along Shore Drive communities as they did last year. Although this time there will be a couple of new rules they must follow that should help with some of the safety concerns that worried many last year. The most impactful changes for operation in our area will be:
You can read more about the new changes at the following Virginia-Pilot article by Stacy Parker. Click the quote below to read the entire article.
Scooters won’t be allowed on roads with speed limits greater than 25 mph.
There are hundreds of properties in the city that repeatedly flood. Local money could help fund a variety of strategies, including elevating homes, adding flood vents to properties, raising utilities and a quick-buy program after storms.
February 15, 2020 – Cox High School – 2425 Shorehaven Drive – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
View Comprehensive Sea Level Rise page at VBGov.com.
It is well documented that sea levels have been rising over the last century. This impacts coastal communities as virtually all human infrastructure will experience some risk. The story of Sea Level Rise and how it effects the City of Virginia Beach is detailed below:
The threat of sea level rise is a very real one, and it’s one that coastal regions like Hampton Roads must face and prepare for. . . .
Graphic from just one idea that was discussed.
The closest public input meeting you could attend was no where near Shore Drive community. Again.
You can take a Survey created by the recruiting company searching for our next City Manager online however and we encourage you to do so.
Start at this link for their SurveyMonkey.com survey.
Questions include:
Which three of the following leadership traits do you believe are most important for the next Manager to possess?
Which five of the following abilities and skills do you believe are most essential to perform the work of the City Manager?
What are the top three challenges you think will face the new City Manager?
Please Note – Unfortunately none of the planned meetings are being held north of Virginia Beach Blvd. SDCC has asked City Council and the Search Firm to try and add a meeting in the northern part of the City where the majority of the population lives. Stay tuned, but plan on attending one of the listed meetings just in case our request is too late.
Town Hall Meetings Scheduled For City Manager Recruitment Process
What qualities, background and experiences would you like to see in candidates for the Virginia Beach city manager position? The Virginia Beach City Council, along with the City’s recruitment consultant, GovHR USA, invite you to participate in a Town Hall meeting to share your thoughts as well as identify challenges and opportunities facing the City of Virginia Beach. Your opinions will be considered in the recruitment and selection process. In addition to the town hall meetings, residents will have the opportunity to participate in an online survey. It will be posted on VBGov.com during the week of December 2.
Town Hall Meeting Dates and Locations:
Monday, December 2, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Building 19, Virginia Beach Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Dr.
Tuesday, December 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Bow Creek Recreation Center, 3426 Club House Rd.
Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Kempsville Recreation Center, 800 Monmouth Ln.
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd.
The actual article can be found on the City’s website at the following link – https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=4582&title=town+hall+meetings+scheduled+for+city+manager+recruitment+process
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.25.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 25, 2019 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-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – SDCC has created a survey to collect feedback on the good and bad of the route. The survey results will be consolidated, posted on our website and shared with City Staff and HRT reps. The survey will be open until Nov. 30th. https://sdcc.survey.fm/sdcc-route-35-nov-19-survey
Electric Scooters – The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach. The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.
Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Meeting – The City’s Public Works held a public information session and presented background and initial improvement plans. Tidal gates, pump stations and channel improvements were shown. Residents asked for lake dredging. The presentation can be found here https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/18/lake-bradford-chubb-lake-drainage-study-november-2019-cip-7-053-presentation-from-open-house-and-survey-due-dec-12/
New Business –
Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 and Phase 4 – With the construction start date for Phase 3 moved to summer 2021, it may be possible to pursue an accelerated start date for Phase 4 which isn’t scheduled to begin until 2024. A cost of scope savings may be possible if construction projects are combined.
Bonaventure/Windsong Development – The developer pulled the application from the Planning Commission’s December 11th meeting. It is unclear if and when the developer will reapply.
Oceanfront TGIF Funding – Taxes collected from hotel rooms, meals and cigarettes goes into a fund for oceanfront projects. Should the portions paid by Shore Drive be used for projects in the Bayfront and what are some good ideas for projects that could use these funds.
Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – A new URL [website] http://www.WeLoveShoreDrive.com has been created to be a possible transition for the future. A list of ideas will be shared and discussed on how best to progress with a community organization next year. After 20 years, are monthly meetings necessary? Would once a year with the ability to set up emergency forums work? Will an online presence be acceptable to keep residents informed and what tools would be helpful?
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
*** Next SDCC Meeting – Should we have a meeting in December or break for holidays?***
With the City’s amended ordinance, eScooter companies will have to remove scooter after 12/16/19 until Spring 2020. See information from City’s website below. Also check out the survey results and the over 2400 comments received from residents regarding eScooters and their use in Virginia Beach.
Important: Effective 12/16/19
The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach.
The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.
The goal with the new requirements is to create a safer environment for all, while allowing businesses to provide additional mobility options to get around.
eScooter information page – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/hot-topics/Pages/E-Scooter-Guidelines.aspx
eScooter Survey Results link – https://publicinput.com/E-Scooters
The City of Virginia Beach’s Department of Public Works is seeking public input on repetitive residential and roadway flooding within the area adjacent to Joint Expedition Base (JEB) Little Creek, Chesapeake Beach, Northampton Boulevard, and Shore Drive.
Survey will CLOSE DEC 12
Download Official Presentation
An Open House Meeting was held by the Virginia Beach Public Works Department, November 14, 2019, at the Bayside Recreation Center.
City District(s): Bayside
This project will be for the design, acquisition, and construction of stormwater and related roadway improvements necessary to alleviate widespread flooding due to moderate rain events, and during periods of significant high tides from the Chesapeake Bay. Lake Bradford and Lake Chubb are tidally influenced by the Chesapeake Bay via their outfall drainage ditch system that runs through Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek. The eastern portion of Stormwater Watershed 31 including areas west of Northampton Blvd and portions of Church Point and Thoroughgood drain into Lake Bradford before they drain through Little Creek and into the Chesapeake Bay. The drainage improvements include, but are not limited to, storm drain pipe and structure improvements, additional stormwater culverts under multi-lane arterial roadways, tide control devices such as mechanized sluice gates, stormwater management pond improvements and, potentially, some channel/ditch clearing.
View November Baylines 2019 Newsletter.
(PLEASE NOTE: Next Meeting is THURS NOV 21 at 3:30pm at Bayside Rec Center.)
Johnson assured the Commission that funding for the $29.1 million project would not be diverted to other CIP projects. Part of the reason for additional design stemmed from staffing difficulties in the wake of the May 31, 2019, mass shooting at Building 2 in the municipal complex, he said. This resulted in relocating Public Works Department offices, equipment and workers along with turnover due to retirements and transfers.
Another part of the Shore Drive improvements, Phase IV (CIP 2-118), between Marlin Bay Dive and the Lesner Bridge was paused after concept design was completed in 2008. Design is planned to resume next year with a projected March 2024 construction start. Funding for this $15.5 million phase is #1 to the BAC’s high-priority 2019-20 strategic plan.
News includes 18 month delay for Phase 3, Phase 4 delayed again, City seeks public input into Comp Plan & Fire Department services and more.
Start here to take the Official CoVB Comp Plan survey.
Questions include:
For the local economy to grow, what job sectors would you like to see develop or expand? (select all that apply)
Which of the following were reasons you chose to live where you do now? (select all that apply)
What 3 things would you change about Virginia Beach?
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.28.19 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 28, 2019 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-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Final ridership numbers showed an average increase of 15% for 2019 over last year. The numbers for 2019 should be leveling off and what can be expected as normal from now on without promotion. This route seems to be a good one and City council would be smart to continue it’s funding for future operation.
Tidal Sluice Gates Automatic Operation Broken – The tidal sluice gates near Citrus and Food Lion have had their automatic operation fixed. Parts are on order for the gate near First Landing Lane. It will be operated manually until fixed. Call Public Work Operations at 385-1470 during a storm event if these gates aren’t working or appear damaged.
Electric Scooters – City Council received position statements from BAC and SDCC requesting eScooter usage be prohibited in the Shore Drive Overlay District. City Council held an informal briefing on Oct 15th to discuss eScooters and how they should be regulated within the entire city. No decision has been made at this time, but staff wants regulations in place by the end of 2019. The Council meeting can be viewed at our website.
Ocean Park Beach Sand Replenishment –The Army Corps of Engineers permit change is now closed. The City will be soliciting bids for the project with a planned construction start set for early 2020.
New Business –
Bonaventure/Windsong Development – The proposed development is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on Wednesday December 11th at noon. Chesapeake Beach is still in opposition to the 50% increase in density and the adverse impact it will have on traffic along Pleasure House Road.
Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 – Great Neck to Lesner Bridge – We learned from Public Works Director, Mark Johnson, that this project has been delayed for another year and a half and is now scheduled to start Summer 2021. The delay is due to site acquisition and Dominion Power issues.
Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Meeting – The City’s Public Works will hold a public information meeting on Thursday November 14th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Bayside Rec Center (4500 First Court Rd). If your neighborhood drains into Lake Bradford, Chubb Lake and even Lake Joyce, this is a must attend meeting to see how changes may impact your area.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
Civic Engagement Opportunities –
• Comprehensive Plan Survey now live – https://www.publicinput.com/VBCompPlan
• ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5th – REMEMBER TO GET OUT AND VOTE
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 25, 2019***
City Council was briefed by Brian Solis at their Tuesday Oct 15th informal session on proposed regulations regarding operation of eScooters throughout the City. The SDCC and the BAC both sent position statements to the City Council recommending eScooters be prohibited from use in the Shore Drive Overlay District.
Below is a link to an article in the Virginian-Pilot and a link to the video of the briefing at the Council’s informal session.
A 2nd Precinct Officer will be present to talk about the new rules and regulations for the Neighborhood Watch Program. This is an open meeting and any neighborhood with an existing Watch or thinking about starting one should definitely attend.
Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association Meeting is on Monday, October 14, starting at 7:30 pm at the Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church at 2217 W. Great Neck Road.
This month, a representative of the Virginia Beach Police department will explain the concept and process behind the Neighborhood Watch Program. This provides a mechanism to get important crime-related information out to the residents quickly, and in an organized manner.
Click here to read the Bayfront Advisory Commission Position Statement Memo 04.BayfrontAdvCommScooterPosition
Date: Thursday October 10, 2019
To: Mayor Dyer, City Council Members and City Manager Leahy
From: Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC)
Topic: Position Statement Regarding Prohibited Use of eScooters in Shore Drive Area
Dear Mayor Dyer, City Council Members and City Manager Leahy,
The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), at their September General Meeting, voted unanimously “To support the Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) recommendation to prohibit eScooters in the Shore Drive Overlay District at this time.”
The SDCC representative communities reviewed the BAC position statement submitted to the City Manager on September 24, 2019 and agreed with the reasons presented in the correspondence for prohibiting the use of eScooters in our area.
In addition to those items presented in the BAC memo, the SDCC has also heard the following reasons why the scooters should be prohibited in this specific section of the City.
• The connectivity of sidewalks, multi-use pathways and bike lanes is too disjointed and haphazard and until all of the Shore Drive safety improvements are completed between Pleasure House Road and First Landing State Park, this area is just too unsafe for scooters.
• This is the most densely populated area in the City. As the safety improvements are completed, more pedestrian traffic will become the norm. Adding eScooters, which travel at a higher rates of speed than some bikes, into the mix is a recipe for disaster.
• Escooters have already been seen riding in the car lanes on Shore Drive both day and night. The safety improvements to date have reduced an area that used to average 3 fatalities per year down to 1 fatality every 3 years. Residents are fearful that allowing eScooters will do nothing but increase the potential for injury and worst case death, similar to what has been seen in Atlanta.
Thank you for listening to the residents of the Shore Drive area and for your oversight on this matter. If you have any questions regarding the SDCC position, please email me or call me at 757-667-8533.
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition – President
Learn more at VBGov.com about YOUR role in shaping the Comprehensive Plan.
Download Comp Plan slide show. (PowerPoint is 7.9MB)
Contact info for Mr Mark Shea Comprehensive Planning Coordinator (757) 385-2908 or meshea@vbgov.com.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Bayside Recreation Center at 4500 First Court Road.
Official Lake Bradford & Lake Chubb Stormwater page at VBGov.com.
Lake Bradford & Lake Chubb Stormwater
Project Manager contact info:
Matthew Richardson, P.E.
Project Manager
Department of Public Works
Stormwater Engineering Center
City of Virginia Beach
mrichardson@vbgov.com
Phone: (757) 385-8005
Thanks to Mr Richardson for the email of Open House & CIP details!
#WeLoveShoreDrive 