Category Archives: Current Concerns

Monday July 31st – SDCC General Meeting Special Presentation and Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.31.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 31, 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 – Proposed Urban Winery on Shore Drive – Jennifer Eichert, owner and operator of Mermaid Winery in Norfolk, will discuss her plans to open a winery at 4365 Shore Drive. The plans include an outside seating area with fire pits and a tasting room that will be available for private parties. The project was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on July 12th.

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams
Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

 

Old Business-
Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Update on ridership numbers and HRT’s ideas to expand and make this route more effective. Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT.

Pleasure House Point Management Plan – City Staff met with an Ocean Park Civic League steering committee to discuss the planned parking lot, ADA requirements and the wetland mitigation bank.

 

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

Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion – The owners of Bay Lake plan to expand by adding new buildings to their vacant lot at the corner of First Court and Shore Drive. The plan requires a Conditional Use Permit and may be heard by the Planning Commission as early as August. The site layout shows an entrance off Shore Drive across from Indian Hill Rd and another off First Court.

Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility – VB Planning received a Conditional Use Permit application for the transition of the VB Resort and Conference Center to become Housing for Seniors and Disabled Persons. The request is to specifically convert the hotel into independent, assisted and memory care units. A hearing may be as early as September.

 

Community Concerns and Suggestions – 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 August 28, 2017

Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area

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Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area
Fort Story to Starfish Road Including First Landing State Park

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Cape Henry area of Virginia Beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road, including First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.

“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Heidi Kulberg, M.D., director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”

Signs will be posted on the beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory. The signs will read:

WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards. When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Kulberg. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.

For additional information, contact Brad DeLashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department at 757-518-2727.

BAC Capital Improvement Projects’ Briefing

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View and download PDF of presentation briefing. (27 page PDF)

PDF includes info such as:

Completed Projects FY17

Shore Drive Bike Facilities CIP 2-300.101
• EB & WB On road bike lanes from Diamond Springs Road to
Northampton Boulevard, approx. 3 miles.
• Completed February 2017
• Total Project Cost: $4.4M
Crab Creek & Long Creek Dredging CIP 8-011 • Spot dredging to address shoaling
• Completed February 2017 • Total Project Cost: $285K
Lynnhaven Inlet Maintenance Dredging • Minor dredging to address shoaling
• Completed August 2016
• Annualized Payments to USACE – $363K
CIP 8-013

Have info about an assault on April 4th near Brock Environmental Center & Dinwiddie Road ?

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Learn more at Southside Daily:

Later, the victim’s brother and mom were called by an unknown person saying they’d found the victim’s belongings and wanted to return them. The victim called that number, but did not get a response.

No one has been arrested in connection with the assault and robbery. Anyone with information on these crimes should call the Virginia Beach Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

CRS presentation made at SDCC Meeting June 26 ’17

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Presentation made about CRS by the very capable and friendly Whitney K. McNamara Virginia Beach Planning Department.

View and download 8 page PDF here.

View more about CRS at SDCC.info/Hot.

FEMA CRS info:

The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

    Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
    Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
    Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

New Bayfront Shuttle – Route 35 Information Webpage

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This will be a work in progress and is being compiled by a crack staff of volunteers (Tim and Todd).  We are working with existing HRT information and trying to put it into a usable format.  So if you have any corrections are would like to have additional information added to the page, please email Todd at todd@sdcc.info and we will try to accommodate your requests.

Bayfront Shuttle – Route 35 Webpage – Click here

Special Presentation – VB Participation in CRS Program – Monday June 26th at 7:30pm

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SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation

A presentation on Virginia Beach’s participation in the FEMA/HUD Community Rating System (CRS) will be made by Ms. Whitney McNamara, City’s Environment and Sustainability Office.  Ms. McNamara will be providing an update on City’s progress in joining this program that will help residents save money on their flood insurance premiums and help improve overall city flood management plans.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Monday June 26th at 7:30pm in the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad hall (3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455)

Additional background information regarding CRS program and efforts to date can be found below:

We hope you can attend this informative meeting on a very important topic for the Bayfront neighborhoods.

Monday June 26th – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 6.26.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 26, 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 – 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’s 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.

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 by developer to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) at June meeting. Project lawyer informs that the dredge transfer easement will be included in the zoning boundary that includes the wetlands and open space.

Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board. Request was withdrawn. No new date has been scheduled.

Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT. Route operating times shown below.
Daily, May 21 – Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 – October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes

Pleasure House Point Management Plan – SDCC has asked City staff for the most up to date information regarding the management plan and the CIP that identifies the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank, parking lot, rest rooms and kayak launch. SDCC has also requested the reconvening of the PHP Management Task Force that helped create the draft of the management plan.

New Business –
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.

Civic Engagement Opportunities:
Community Meetings to discuss options for the new City Hall (more info here)

July 26 5-6 pm  Virtual – on Facebook Live
July 26 6-8 pm  Virginia Beach Convention Center
August 23 6-8 pm  Westin Hotel Ballroom, Town Center

Upcoming Presentations:
July 31st – (Proposed but not confirmed) – Mermaid Winery development planned for the old Foon’s restaurant next to Beach Buggy car wash. Existing building would be used for a Winery and Restaurant.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 31, 2017

4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED

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Previously at SDCC.info.

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.

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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.

    • From VBGov.com/PHP:

    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.

    About community engagement at this website from July ’14.

    correct link: https://weloveshoredrive.com/2014/07/24/the-pleasure-house-point-natural-area-represents-a-unique-opportunity-to-showcase-the-beauty-and-function-of-a-coastal-eco-system-in-the-midst-of-the-highly-developed-waterfront-community-in-the-bay/

    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.”

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    Per email from Mr PJ Scully, PLA for COVB CBPA.

    Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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    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

    “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.”

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    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.

    Video at 13NewNow.com:

    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.

    Learn more at SDCC.info/pleasure-house-point about Stakeholder Meetings, links to adopted Management Plan and more.

    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.”

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    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”

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    “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.

    Previously at SDCC.info.

    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

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    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?”

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    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.”

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    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…