Bridge closure is cancelled.
Last night pics.
Category Archives: Current Concerns
4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED
We will keep you informed when we know more.
Thank you for your continued efforts.
You, the community, are invited to a meeting Tuesday May 23rd at 4pm at Brock re: parking lot idea ON PHP.
Statement from Parks & Rec printed with permission:
“Parks and Rec has requested to have a tree inventory and survey completed of the construction entrance/parking lot area so amore environmentally sensitive parking area can be designed to accommodate 2 to 3 ADA compliant parking spaces and provide adequate space for a couple of vehicles to temporarily park to off load equipment then pull out onto the on street parking.
This parking area will be constructed at the end of the wetlands restoration project and utilize some of the area used for the construction ingress/egress into the wetlands project area.
The tree survey and inventory will also provide information needed for tree protection measures that will need to be put in place prior to and maintained during the wetlands mitigation project.”
Links to various info about Pleasure House Point on this website located here.
History of preservation of PHP back to 2003 is located on this website.
Brief highlights of the community’s involvement with preservation of Pleasure House Point 2001 – 2012:
Approximately $150,000 – $200,000 worth of consulting time was donated to efforts. Those efforts resulted in the most recent real estate speculator to receive exactly 0 required permits. The enforcement of the applicable laws & regulations governing wetlands, buffer, zoning etc reduced the perceived value of PHP & allowed the partners to purchase her for approximately $16.6M discount.
This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of The Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.
The community has been a vital part of Pleasure House Point for years and looks forward to continued participation with all the stakeholders going forward.
It’s official: “Item 6, Maurice M. Newton & et al – Shore Drive/Woodlawn Ave – GPIN 14891888970000 – Bayside, will be withdrawn at the May 22, 2017 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Board Public Hearing.”
Per email from Mr PJ Scully, PLA for COVB CBPA.
Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday May 22, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Note date 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 Lesner Bridge Sculpture “The Canoes” – Ms. Nina Goodale-Salazar, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach will explain the process for choosing the piece and will also discuss how it is being funded.
Officer’s Reports: Secretary- David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President- Wally Damon; President -Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC). Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.
Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11. Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes
New Business
City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next? Are the additions really necessary?
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Upcoming Presentations:
June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017
CCW at 7/11 PHP North withdrawn this week.
Their CBPA application will not be heard May 22nd.
“Virginia Beach plans to clear trees at a trailhead near the corner of Mystic Cove and Marlin Bay drives to make room for a 16-space parking lot, walkways and kayak launch.”
Recent press about the proposed parking lot in Pleasure House Point Natural Area.
View article, photos and comment at Pilotonline.com:
City officials told residents about the plan May 4 at the Ocean Park Civic League meeting. Ocean Park borders Pleasure House Point.
Some residents think it’s hypocritical of the city to buy the land for conservation and then destroy part of it.
Right now plans include a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, more trails, and of course the parking lot. Past drawings of the site included bathrooms and lights, but right now the city says the money just isn’t there. Julie Braley with Parks and Recreation says there are some misconceptions with the project.
This website is also a public record including documentation, news and more about Pleasure House Point since 2003.
“I think we have been under the radar for years without a lot of attention,” Lundgren said of the frequent flooding on Lauderdale Avenue. “I don’t think people realize how severe the flooding is over here. We have been forgotten.”
View article at Pilotonline.com including more photos:
When council votes on its budget Tuesday, it will likely vote to give $1 million more per year to address flooding issues. But the extra cash won’t go . . .
“Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application? If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”
“Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application?
If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”
View & download 215-0033 Shore Drive_Commercial Site Plan (Revised 02-08-2017 Letter). (PDF)
View and download WATER QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (WQIA) FORM-0033 Shore Drive_WQIA (PDF)
October 24th ’16 CCW Application for CBPA (11pg PDF)
Note: this might not be accurate for May 22nd ’17 CBPA Hearing as their appears to be revised plans that are not yet available.
Official Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board at VBGov.com.
The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board agenda is listed for the upcoming public hearing as it becomes available, usually two to three weeks prior to hearing.
HEARING MAY 22nd 10am CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
- Virginia Beach Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 22, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers City Hall Bldg.
The informal session to brief the Board will be held at 9:00 a.m. If you are physically disabled, visually impaired and need assistance at this meeting, please call the Planning Dept. at (757)385-4621.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 24th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.24.17 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 24, 2017 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 Special Presentation
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Developer plans to present to the Planning Commission as early as June. The developer told Cape Story Civic Association that the dredge transfer land would be added to the proffer for unbuildable natural area to prevent it from being used as such. City traffic studies supposedly show that traffic counts won’t be high enough and a potential for increased accidents prevent a stop light from being installed at N Great Neck and Lynnhaven Dr.
Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Update on City’s plans for the test route. City and Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) are working on finalizing the bus stops and should have a brochure created soon.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Road/Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive – VB Works (See-Click-Fix) has been used to identify possible improvement to pedestrian crossing at Red Tide and Shore Drive. Better signage identifying pedestrian right of way when in crosswalk and confirmation of adequate operation of motion detection system were addressed.
City of Virginia Beach Bike and Trails Plan Input – The City is asking for public input on this plan. Residents can take an online survey and also provide comment using Virtual Town Hall. Comments will be taken until April 30th. So if you ride a bike or use sidewalks and trails, let the City hear your opinions. Click here for City website links
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 22, 2017
(Please note the meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day)
“How can we make walking and biking better in Virginia Beach?”
Let’s do it again Shore Drive!
(Remember: you MUST sign in to have your voice heard. You do NOT need to share your name publicly. “Off Forum” comments are “not counted”.)
Start short survey here at VBGov.com’s Virtual Townhall:
Residents have expressed interest in improving alternatives for people who wish to navigate the city without an automobile. But walking and biking around some areas of Virginia Beach can be difficult. The city is reaching out to citizens for input on how we can make it better.
“The Governor has signed the legislation dealing with Online Rental Platforms. It will become effective on July 1st of this year.”
Letter to Ad Hoc Committee. (1 page PDF)
New Virginia Online Rental Platform Legislation.(10 page PDF)
…
C. 1. If a locality adopts a registry ordinance pursuant to this section, such ordinance may include a
554 penalty not to exceed $500 per violation for an operator required to register who offers for short-term
555 rental a property that is not registered with the locality. Such ordinance may provide that unless and
556 until an operator pays the penalty and registers such property, the operator may not continue to offer
557 such property for short-term rental. Upon repeated violations of a registry ordinance as it relates to a
558 specific property, an operator may be prohibited from registering and offering that property for
559 short-term rental.
560 2. Such ordinance may further provide that an operator required to register may be prohibited from
561 offering a specific property for short-term rental in the locality upon multiple violations on more than
562 three occasions of applicable state and local laws, ordinances, and regulations, as they relate to the
563 short-term rental.
564 D. Except as provided in this section, nothing herein shall…
City of VB hosting Transit Planning Workshop – Wed. March 22nd @ 6pm
Transit Planning Community Workshop – Part II
Let’s get going! Join us Wednesday, March 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts to learn about and help plan our transportation future.
Residents are invited to help plan improvements to public transportation in Virginia Beach and throughout our region. This interactive session will review work to date, including feedback from more than 560 survey responses following the first public meeting (Jan-Feb 2017). We’ll look at potential new routes as well as issues involving frequency, schedules and more.
Click here for more details on this workshop
Governor McAuliffe Announces Updates to Virginia Flood Risk Information System
The new VFRIS was developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency responsible for the state floodplain management program.
“Flooding is the most common natural disaster our we experience in the Commonwealth, and our Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore communities are particularly at risk for severe damages caused by recurrent flooding.” said Governor McAuliffe. “It is my hope that VFRIS becomes a mainstay for homeowners, businesses, and communities going forward. March begins Flood Safety Awareness Month and I encourage all Virginians to access VFRIS to see how a flood might affect their home or business.”
View Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) info:
Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is a collaboration between DCR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management. VFRIS helps communities, real estate agents, property buyers and property owners discern an area’s flood risk.
Click screen shot to Launch VFRIS
There’s a short Survey at VBGov.com that could help get Shore Drive upgraded in Ocean Park.
Question #9 please choose Shore Drive !
Help Ocean Park!
Question 9. Please rank the following roadway projects 1-8 in order of priority, with 1 being the highest priority and 8 being lowest. (Project | Unfunded Amount)
Please choose “Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV as #1 or slide it to top.
Extra bonus points.
Question 8. What else should we consider as we plan the future of public transit in Virginia Beach and the region?
Answer Question #8 by Write in: We want Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Loop
Even more love for Ocean Park & Shore Drive.
Question 10. If you have any additional comments or questions, please write them here:
Write in: PLEASE FINISH SHORE DRIVE PHASE IV NOW
Click to start short survey.
Storm Water Improvement Plan Presentation – Mon. Jan 30th at 7:30pm SDCC Meeting
Are you concerned about flooding around your home? neighborhood? Shore Drive?
If so, then you won’t want to miss this presentation. The presentation is open to all, so bring your friends and neighbors.
SDCC General Meeting Presentation
Monday January 30, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
At this Monday’s Jan. 30th SDCC meeting, Mr. Mike Bumbaco, Project Manager with the City’s Public Works/Water Resources Department, will provide updates on the current storm water projects being worked in our area. He will also discuss additional plans that are in the design phase and could benefit from public input. The improvements could carry a price tag of $60+ million. Some of the topics to be covered will include:
- Sluice Gate installation in Cape Story and Lynnhaven Colony. How they operate and project timeline.
- Pump house upgrade at Poinciana in Cape Story
- Storm water improvements for areas north of Shore Drive
- Large collection pound for current treed area near Page Ave. and Shore Drive
- What types of systems could be used along Shore Drive, large pipes and pump stations or gravity drains?
#LESNERBRIDGE open. Avoid driving best.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday December 19th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 12-19-16-sdcc-agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday December 19th 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
Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report – Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on the City’s progress in joining the HUD-FEMA CRS program that could save 5-20% on Flood Insurance premiums.
Proposed Marina Shores Condominium Development – Update on proposed development of 261 condos to take the place of boat dry storage and commercial building currently located on the site.
Proposed Commercial Development Near 7-11 near Shady Oaks and Shore Drive – Update on the proposed commercial development planned for the portion of land just west of the 7-11.
Shore Drive Storm Water Capital Improvement Project – Update on active CIPs 7.151.000-003 are active projects designed to improve storm water collection and removal in the neighborhoods east of the Lesner Bridge along Shore Drive.
New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
SDCC Vote on Proposed Shore Drive to Oceanfront Shuttle – Membership will vote on proposed trial bus service between Shore Drive and Oceanfront that will operate between May and September 2017.
SDCC Vote on Proposed Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) Proposal – FOLO is requesting support to save the City’s largest Live Oak grove currently located on City owned property.
Light Rail Funds to Support Storm Water Improvements – City Council is entertaining the idea of redirecting funds appropriated for Light Rail to help make $500 million worth of storm water improvements. What do SDCC members think about this proposal?
Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 30, 2017
“Virginia Beach floats idea to use light rail money to pay for $464M in stormwater projects”
One idea presented by budget staff is to use $7.3 million of the $27.3 million light rail fund to jump-start paying for some of the drainage projects. In addition, 1.8 cents of the real estate tax rate that is going toward light rail could be redirected to pay for stormwater improvements.
That would require City Council approval.
Update on CRS
What’s the CRS again?
Community Rating System (CRS) is to reward communities that are doing more than meeting the minimum NFIP requirements to help their citizens prevent or reduce flood losses. The CRS also provides an incentive for communities to initiate new flood protection activities.
Update from Whitney McNamara, City of Virginia Beach Planning and Community Development:
City Council was briefed on CRS earlier this year – in August. At that time, no formal decisions were made, it was more to make them aware that it is a program the City is exploring. At this time, we are still awaiting final approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan from FEMA and adoption by City Council. Once it is officially adopted, the plan can be sent to FEMA’s CRS consultant to review for CRS Compliance (FEMA is currently reviewing and approving it as a Hazard Mitigation Plan, not a Floodplain Management Plan). A Floodplain Management Plan is a minimum requirement for participation due to the number of repetitively flooded structures in Virginia Beach. If it is approved as a Floodplain Management Plan, the CRS program will be taken back to Council for a final decision to join or not. If and when we get the official go ahead, it is an 18-24 month process before Virginia Beach will officially be in the program, so the earliest residents would begin to receive the discounts would most likely be in 2019.
So it looks like the earliest you could start seeing Flood Insurance Premium discounts is 2019 if the COVB participates in FEMA’s CRS.
Additional resources:
- 500 Series: Flood Damage Reduction
(Pay special attention to Activity 510)
One slide from presentation
NFIP CRS City Council Presentation August 9th 2016 PDF (11pages)
More info at FEMA here:
#WeLoveShoreDrive 
