Category Archives: Current Concerns

Monday July 30th – SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Historic Seaview Beach

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.30.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 30, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – What, Where and When was Seaview Beach? Come out to hear a wonderful presentation on the historic Seaview Beach. Don’t know what/where Seaview Beach was? This is a great opportunity to learn some amazing stories and background of this incredible hot spot situated on Shore Drive.

Sherry Dibari, a Norfolk resident who works on independent projects related to the documentation and preservation of regional traditions and cultures, will discuss her research on Seaview Beach that she gathered while creating a research paper funded with a 2017 Research Grant from the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Lynnhaven Colony Storm Water Improvements – City Council is moving $1 million from 2018/19 budget designated for land purchase in the Lynnhaven Colony project to a neighborhood in the southern part of the City. The budget will be replaced in the 2019/20 cycle and no delays are expected in the Lynnhaven project.

Short Term Rentals (STR) –City Council is still discussing how to proceed with STRs. Current plans are to send this item back to the Planning Commission to have them gather more public input and provide more structure to Council’s changes.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Two months of service and ridership numbers are almost double compared to 2017. Please continue to provide SDCC your comments on the route and will collect them to forward to the City and HRT.

New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf –The US Army Corps of Engineers are soliciting comments regarding this permit and have set August 6th as the deadline to receive written responses. SDCC would like to make a motion at tonight’s meeting to support an official response. Please be ready to discuss and vote.

Lesner Bridge Replacement – What is the scheduled opening date? What will be the traffic patterns and lane closure details to support the opening? Hopefully we will have some of these details to present.

Coyotes in the Bayfront Area – I spoke to the Director of First Landing State Park and they would be happy to send a ranger to our next meeting to talk about coyotes in our area. If there is interest, I will pursue a presentation for our August meeting.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 27, 2018***

“FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE . . .PROPOSED MODIFICATION: The applicant proposes to modify the original permit to allow for a 360 linear feet wide by 20 feet long concrete wharf / bulkhead structure to remain in place.”

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View all documents at US Army Corps of Engineers website here.

FEDERAL EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: The decision whether to modify a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. The decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits which reasonably may be expected from the modification must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All of the modification’s relevant factors will be considered, including conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use classification, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, consideration of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of this modification. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to modify, condition or deny this proposal. Comments are used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed modification. Anyone may request a public hearing to consider this modification by writing to the District Commander within 30 days of the date of this notice, stating specific reasons for holding the public hearing. The District Commander will then decide if a hearing should be held.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments on this request for modification should be in writing and can be sent by either email to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil or by regular mail, addressed to the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011, and should be received by the close of business on August 6, 2018.

PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS 6 AUG 18

Monday June 25th @7:30pm – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Route 35 Discount Tickets available at meeting!

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 6.25.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 25, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – No presentation scheduled

Seaview Beach presentation rescheduled to Monday July 30th meeting.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathy Damon;Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Short Term Rentals (STR) –City Council plans to send this item back to the Planning Commission on July 3rd and ask them to work on it more. To date, no comprehensive public conversation has been performed on the STR topic, only committee and commission hearings. Should SDCC request the City to hold a forum and would you attend to discuss concerns and ideas on STRs?

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf –Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – After a month of operation how is it working? We would like to hear your comments on the route and will collect them to forward to the City and HRT.

 

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission Outreach Meeting – Updates from BAC’s June 21st meeting to hear community concerns. What issues were identified? Does SDCC have any items that were missed?

Coyotes in the Bayfront Area – Coyotes have been spotted on our beaches, on the Cape Henry bike path, in the State Park, backyards and even walking on Shore Drive and Great Neck Road. Any thoughts, concerns? Possible speaker/presentation topic?

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 30, 2018***

Coyotes are Amongst Us!?!

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photo by Sarah Linsly

In case you haven’t heard, here are two recent news reports regarding coyotes in the Bayfront area.

  1. Channel 13 News report – https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/coyote-that-walks-shore-drive-becomes-fascination-of-residents/291-560750090

2.   Virginian-Pilot Article – https://pilotonline.com/news/local/article_83fc934a-68d6-11e8-b764-53d23769993c.html

BAC Outreach meeting will be held on Thursday, June 21, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center

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Mark your calendars !

June 7, 2018

Dear Community Representative:

Thank you again for expressing your willingness to participate in the Bayfront Advisory Commission’s Outreach ’18 communications initiative. Please bring your neighborhood’s most pressing concerns.

This spring’s Outreach meeting will be held on Thursday, June 21, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center. It will be in a second-floor meeting room yet to be assigned by the hotel but a lobby sign should direct you that day.

Although you are receiving direct word, this is a public meeting and will be legally advertised as such. If you have colleagues from other neighborhoods who had not signed up in advance, please notify them that they are welcome, too.

The purpose of this meeting is for the BAC to receive input from you about your most pressing concerns. The over-arching purpose is to assist the Commission with its priorities for the year ahead.

Commission members do not expect to be prepared to provide status updates other than what has officially come before the body. This is a listening meeting more than a telling meeting. But, every effort will be made to find out answers, to schedule future presentations, to connect you with the proper city entity or whatever else is possible to help you in your community.

Thank you again for your interest.

Regards,
Kal Kassir, Chairman
Bayfront Advisory Commission

May 24, 2018 correspondence from Map Environmental to DEQ & ACOE re: proposed Lesner Municipal Wharf and potential uses.

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Re: Permit Modification #5 – Permanent Wharf
Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, VA NAO 2007-3405, VWP Permit 12-1169, MAP Job # 11111 (4 page PDF)

At an unspecified time in the future, the City of Virginia Beach may request to use the dredged material disposal site (landward of the wharf) as a dredged material transfer site for individual SSD dredging projects. The scope and timeline for such projects is unclear . . .

Note: Our understanding is DEQ is still looking for answers from City of Virginia Beach about more detailed info on each of the speific uses the city listed for the new wharf including frequency of trucks for DMTS, safety plan for truck access road, durations for mooring of boats, and more.

We strongly believe a public hearing with DEQ to allow the public to comment is appropriate considering the controversy and impact the industrial use of the wharf could have on the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility and the surrounding neighborhood including use of Shore Drive.

Film “Tidewater” and discussion at Brock

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Third in our Conversations about Climate Change Series
June 14, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Brock Environmental Center

“What’s our plan? And how do we become a part of the solution?

We have the knowledge and the technology. How can we export good ideas to the rest
of the world?”

The film Tidewater raises all of these issues and more. A terrific film about the challenges and opportunities that confront our region. How do we choose to move forward? Watch a trailer here: https://vimeo.com/213262018

Join us on June 14th to view the film followed by a facilitated discussion. Free and open to all, but please register at Office@LRNow.org or by calling, 757-962-5398.

Monday May 21st SDCC Meeting Agenda – Note this is a week early due to Memorial Day

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 5.21.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday May 21, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
***Note this is a week early due to Memorial Day***
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – No presentation scheduled

Seaview Beach presentation rescheduled to Monday July 30th meeting.

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathy Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

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

Old Business-
Short Term Rentals (STR) – It is believed that City Council will sending a recommendation back to the Planning Commission for review, comments and recommendations. After which, the Planning Commission will send City Council their final recommendation for a City Council vote. The Council vote may be as early as June but more likely July/Aug timeframe. No new information has been posted since April, but updates on STRs can be found at https://www.vbgov.com/residents/homes-neighborhoods/Pages/online-home-sharing-economy.aspx

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – What happens next. Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – The expanded route began Sunday May 20th and will run until the end of September. It will operate daily from 8am to Midnight through Labor Day and then switch to weekend service until the end of September. Helpful updates will be posted on SDCC’s website as we gather them. https://sdcc.info/bayfront-shuttle-route-35/

New Business –
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – The draft report shows these signs helped reduce speeds for sections of Shore Drive from 50 MPH to 45 MPH. SDCC would like to make an official motion to request the City purchase some of these portable signs to be used periodically along high speed sections of Shore Drive.

City Council Approves FY19 Budget – Included in this budget is funding for Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Phase 4 – CIP 2.118 Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront. Thanks to all that showed their support in making this happen.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 25, 2018***

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 30th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.30.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 30, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – No presentation scheduled

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Andrew Broyles; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

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

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – VB City Traffic Engineering has completed a draft report for the results of the study. SDCC has shared the report on our website. We will discuss the report results and next steps/actions. Come join the conversation.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – City Council deferred a final vote on any STR policy until late May timeframe. On April 3rd Councilman Jones proposed a draft ordinance that permits home-sharing by-right and only requires registration with the Commissioner of Revenue Office. Short term rentals are permitted by-right in the Sandbridge SSD, Ocean Front Resort District, and the North End overlay. In all other parts of the City, short term rentals would require a conditional use permit. Where short term rentals are permitted by-right or where they require a conditional use permit, they must adhere to 11 conditions. Updates on STRs can be found at https://www.vbgov.com/residents/homes-neighborhoods/Pages/online-home-sharing-economy.aspx

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.

New Business –
Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Phase 4 – CIP 2.118 is still proposed for full funding in the upcoming FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote will be taken at our April meeting. Please prepare accordingly.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – The City Manager has allocated transitional funding to allow the expansion of this route for the 2018 season. The route will begin service the weekend before Memorial Day (Fri May 25th) and operate until the end of September. Replacement funding for this service is being requested as part of the proposed FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote is recommended. Please prepare accordingly.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

Future SDCC meeting presentation suggestions – The History of Seaview Beach by Historian Sherry DiBari. More information about this topic can be found at https://sdcc.info/2018/04/19/familiar-with-seaview-beach-amusement-park/

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 21, 2018***
Please Note – This meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day

REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC SPEED FEEDBACK DISPLAYS EVALUATION: SHORE DRIVE TEST CASE

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The Traffic Engineering Division of the City of Virginia Beach (CVB) has conducted a test to evaluate the effectiveness of “Real-Time Electronic Speed Feedback Displays” (RTESFDs) at improving compliance with the posted speed limit. Shore Drive in the Cape Story area was utilized as the test case area and the CVB’s existing trailer mounted RTESFDs were utilized for the evaluation. The purpose of the study was to determine if the devices are effective at improving compliance with the posted speed limit, and if so, to what degree is speed of traffic modified, and is the change sustainable. Locally, the City of Norfolk has utilized these devices, however before and after data were not collected so the performance could not be evaluated.

The draft of this report can be read by clicking this link SHORE DRIVE ELECTRONIC SPEED DISPLAY SIGNS – Draft FINAL REPORT

The eastbound 3600 block of Shore Drive near the intersection of Dinwiddie Road has been reduced to one lane for emergency water main repairs.

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Emergency Water Main Repair Affecting Shore Drive
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
​VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 25, 2018) — The eastbound 3600 block of Shore Drive near the intersection of Dinwiddie Road has been reduced to one lane for emergency water main repairs. Warning signs are posted advising motorists of the utility work. Motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternative routes.

Water service has been interrupted for some customers in the immediate service area. For additional information, please contact Robert Wheeler with Virginia Beach Public Utilities at 757-621-6072.

A 16″ water main apparently broke about 1255am.

From Pilot article:

There was a 16-inch water line break, said Robert Wheeler with the city’s public utilities department. He said they don’t know what caused it.

Water service has been intrrupted for some customers in the immediate area.

Drivers in the area are encouraged to seek alternative routes.

It’s expected to take five to six hours to repair, Wheeler said.

How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details City Council will vote on the budget on May 15; here are ways you can get more information and provide feedback.

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How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details at VBGov.com.

Watch Budget Presentations Online:​​

City Council will vote on the FY2018-19 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program during the May 15 meeting at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers (2401 Courthouse Drive).​

Start here to review current budget proposals at VBGov.com.

Click graphic to visit VBGov.com.

“But a push to fund improvements that will benefit residents who bike, run, and walk could make Shore Drive more popular and safer.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com.

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Photo Credit: Stephen M. Katz | The Virginian-Pilot

In 2007, Virginia Beach leaders divided the Shore Drive project into four phases. The first, between Treasure Island and Marlin Bay drives, was completed in 2008.

The newest phase the city wants to fund is still a ways off from construction – it’s scheduled to start in 2023.

Hopefully, it can be done sooner, said Vice Mayor Louis Jones, who represents that part of the city.

The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss short term rentals on April 17, 2018.

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Online Home Sharing Economy page at VBGov.com has been updated.

City Council held a discussion on short term rentals at their informal meeting on April 3. At this meeting, Vice Mayor Louis Jones distributed a draft ordinance he had prepared. The draft Ordinance . . .

“There are hereby established the following overlay districts: (1) Shore Drive Corridor Overlay District (“SD”)…”

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View entire proposed Resolution. (19page PDF)

City Council Informal Session discussion April 3 ’18.

SDCC General Meeting Monday March 26th at 7:30pm – Special Storm Water and Shore Drive Improvements Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.26.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Storm Water and Shore Drive Roadway Improvements East of Lesner Bridge – Mr. Brad Vanderwarker and Mr. Mike Mundy, Public Works Engineers for the City of Virginia Beach, will discuss the City’s upcoming projects starting this Summer to help storm water/flooding issues between the Lesner Bridge and the State Park. They will also discuss the safety and beautification projects along Shore Drive that will start in August 2019. Brad and Mike will have project displays, handouts and will answer questions after their presentation.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Andrew Broyles; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon

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

Old Business-

Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – We are still waiting to receive City report. Mr. Robert Gey, City Engineer, will be sharing the results of their study performed at the end of 2017. SDCC will share this data and collect comments and questions at our March meeting to present to the City for response.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – City Council approved a 60 day deferral for the final vote on any STR policy at their March 20th meeting. Additional comments can be emailed directly to City Council at ctycncl@vbgov.com One Councilmember has also set up an online survey. Ms. Jessica Abbott’s survey can be found at https://form.jotform.com/jessicapabbott/short-term-rentals-survey

Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Update on Phase 4 – CIP 2.118. The City Manager has included a full funding request for this CIP in the proposed FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item and official SDCC vote will be taken at our March or April meeting. Please prepare accordingly.

New Business –

Recurrent Flooding and Comprehensive Sea Level Rise – Update on Deputy Manager Tom Leahy’s presentation to the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organization and City’s plans for what happens next.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 30, 2018***
Remember meetings are the LAST Monday of each month and April has 5

City of Virginia Beach to Hold Public Meeting About Flood Risks and Resiliency at Central Library – Sat. March 24th

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The City of Virginia Beach, Public Works Engineering, and the Old Dominion University Resilience Collaborative will be sponsoring a film and interactive community event concerning flooding and ways to respond at the Virginia Beach Central Library on Saturday, March 24, 2018, starting at 1:30 p.m. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation of the film, “Tidewater: Water is Rising, Land is Sinking, and the Military is Here to Stay,” which was produced by Roger Sorkin and the American Resilience Project.

For more information on this event, please click the here