Category Archives: Current Concerns

Message from COVB about Jonas

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From an email, posted unedited:

Subject: Winter Storm JONAS Update #3

My travels around the City this morning at high tide indicated the tidal flooding in the Lynnhaven watershed has been slightly higher than we estimated. Nothing I would consider greater than moderate/expected for this type weather.
Lynnhaven Colony , Bay Island and Cape Story having nuisance ponding across their usual low lying roads.

PW is reacting to Jim Woods call for assistance on issue at Cape Story Ditch and evaluating decision to close the tide gates before the next high tide. Atlantic Ocean is truly angry – haven’t seen the waves that big since Irene.

Bay Beaches holding up. Grommet Island Park berm did its job. Pics attached. Central Beach District at Baltic and 21st is dry. Rode the southern roads and ditches full but little to no encroachment onto roads.

About 200 power outages in the City – down from 800 at daybreak. Mostly due to downed tree limbs arcing out transformers. This evening after 7pm the temps will slowly fall.

Winter storm JONAS is wrapping around from the northwest and will continue to pushing frozen rain, sleet and some snow our way. Expect this up to Sunday day break. Precipitation ends Sunday morn and a cold day barely getting above freezing.

PW will have teams treating our bridges. Our City has fared well. Please pass this on to your constituents. Be safe and stay dry and warm. VR Dave    
Dave Hansen
Deputy City Manager
City of Virginia Beach
(757)385-4242

Read some letters requesting Virginia Beach City Council to oppose off shore drilling

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Seven letters requesting Virginia Beach City Council to oppose offshore drilling.

    Virginia Beach Restaurant Association

    Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Commission

    The Princess Anne Garden Club

    Virginia Beach Hotel Association

    City of Virginia Beach Green Ribbon Committee

    Sandbridge Civic League

    Lynnhaven River NOW

Are you, your civic league or organization writing a letter too ?

Don't Drill VA artwork.

Don’t Drill VA artwork.

If you haven’t been involved with this very controversial idea, you might choose to get involved now.

Recent press includes an article at Pilotonline.com entitled Virginia’s scant opposition to offshore drilling stands out.

Trace your finger along a map of the South Carolina coast and you’d be hard-pressed to find a town that hasn’t adopted a resolution against drilling for oil and gas. More than 20 communities there have lined up against the idea. It’s much the same in coastal North Carolina and Georgia.

Interestingly, the City of Virginia Beach does not list offshore drilling as a Hot Topic at VBGov.com. Shouldn’t it be listed?

Editor’s note: SDCC has not taken a vote on offshore drilling.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday Dec. 21st

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.21.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday December 21, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation – Special Thank You presentation to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

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

Old Business- Live Oak Task Force – SDCC will be working on setting up an initial Task Force meeting in January 2016. The group will discuss ways to help protect mature trees while respecting property owners by-right allowances. If you are interested in participating, please contact Todd at todd@sdcc.info .

Ocean Park Jade Street Beach Access – Update on City’s efforts to improve beach access.

Lynnhaven Colony Bulkhead Improvement – Last month it was asked what was happening with a deteriorated residential bulkhead in the neighborhood. Updates on the City’s actions to improve this situation will be presented.

New Business –

SAVE THE DATE – Shore Drive Phase III Presentation – Mr. Jason Wilson, City Project Manager, will provide a presentation on SD Phase III at the January 25th, 2016 SDCC meeting.  Mr. Wilson will discuss the projects plans for road, bike, pedestrian and storm water improvements.  As with all the SDCC meetings, this is open to the public, so please invite all those that would be interested.

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

Off Shore Oil/Gas Drilling – Update on City Council’s vote regarding this topic. What will happen next?

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 25, 2016 – SPECIAL PRESENTATION PHASE III SHORE DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS

Special Presentation Tonight – Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Study Results

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Mark you calendars and bring your friends to this interesting presentation scheduled for the upcoming SDCC meeting on Monday October 26th at 7:30pm

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Study Results

Mr. Brian Chenault from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Transportation Planner will present the results from their study of a possible bus loop between Shore Drive and the Oceanfront. Mr. Chenault and Mr. Shea will hold a question and answer session after the presentation. Brief background: The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) asked for the study and the SDCC ran a survey that collected almost 400 responses.

Click here to read the study results presented to the BAC – Shore Drive Shuttle Service Analysis FINAL2

Click here to see the SDCC survey results – http://sdcc.info/2015/07/22/385-survey-takers-provided-input-on-a-proposed-shore-drive-oceanfront-trolley/

City move forward with Community Rating System application

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City staff is moving forward with the application to add Virginia Beach to the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS).  Once part of the CRS, residents who pay flood insurance could see a savings of 10%-15% on their premiums.

Here is the City document supporting the policy and discussing the process being followed to submit the application.

Click here to read the document – 4 CommunityRatingSystemPolicyReport

City Manager Qualities/Experience identified by members of the Shore Drive Community Coalition at our 9/28/15 General Meeting

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· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad

· Experience with topics/items in VB Comprehensive Plan and be supportive of them

· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:

    o Sea Level Rise

    o Master Planning

    o Safety & Environmental Health

    o Dealing with Military

· Should be or have been a City Manager of a large city

· Should be coming from a tourism city/area

· Familiar with the Dillon Rule

· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement

· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making

· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept

· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike

· Needs to understand and be willing to work on new initiatives/approaches regarding National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Disaster Preparedness

· Good financial management skills. Come from a city that holds a AAA or better bond rating

Business Avatars Set

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW

Have you submitted your ideas ?

Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.

START HERE.

SDCC Sept. 28th Shore Drive Project Presentation Postponed

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Unfortunately the Shore Drive Project Presentation scheduled for Monday Sept. 28th has been postponed.  City Engineers are having difficulties planning the storm water improvements that are part of this project and won’t be able to provide details until the storm water component is complete.  Storm water outfalls and piping has a big impact on the road work components that are part of the project along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and Great Neck Road.

City Engineers expect the details to be finalized in the next 2 months, so a presentation is expected to take place in November or December 2015.  Stay tuned and we apologize for any inconvenience this rescheduling may have caused.

Todd Solomon, SDCC President

Mark Your Calendars – Upcoming SDCC Meeting Presentations

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We have two very interesting presentations scheduled for the next two SDCC general meetings.  So mark your calendars and I hope to see you there.  And remember, SDCC meetings are open to all, so spread the word and bring a friend.

Monday August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd., Mr. O’Neil Clarke, City of VB Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Wilson, City of VB Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling. 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Aug. 31st at 7:30pm – Special Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 8.31.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday August 31, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd. Mr. Oneil Clarke, Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.

Officer’s Reports 

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

Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – City Staff has sent an official Policy Report to Council stating their intent to move forward with applying for the CRS program by late 2016. Public Works and Planning endorsed the policy and stated the necessary actions they will be taking over the next year to make this happen. They also informed Council that they will need to create/hire a new CRS coordinator for program oversight.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – SDCC has asked Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit for updates. Stay tuned and check www.sdcc.info for updates.

Storm Water Sluice Gates Project for Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Story – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Mike Bumbacco, stated that the project start has been delayed and the construction time increased. The contract is now scheduled to start Dec. 2015 and finish Dec 2016.

New Business –

Neighbor Dredging Program – June 2nd City Council briefing presented plans for the Dix Creek neighborhood. The alternate spoils transfer site recommended was the Crab Creek Municipal Wharf. This is the temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp currently being used for the Lesner Bridge replacement project that is contracted to be removed after the bridge is completed.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide

  • Lynnhaven River Now Fall Festival – Sat. Sept. 19th, 11am to 3pm at Pleasure House Point and the CBF Brock Environmental Center. Fun and Family friendly events and activities.
  • CVB Public Libraries Community Conversations – Tues. Sept. 29th at 7pm in the Central Library. Help the VBPL plan their conversations for 2016 by discussing what are the most important issues and concerns for Virginia Beach.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.

Contact Virginia Marine Police for Marine Violations and Emergencies

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At tonight’s SDCC meeting a member asked who should be contacted to report illegal crabbing on the Bay.  The following may help with this issue as well as other marine violations or emergencies.

Virginia Marine Police check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents or conducting educational programs.  They also conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.

For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646.

For more information, check out the Virginia Marine Police website by clicking here

Upcoming SDCC Meeting – Point Chesapeake Update & Interim Trolley Service Survey Results

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Join Us Monday June 29th at 7:30pm to learn/talk about the following topics:

  • Point Chesapeake Update – Mr. Tuck Bowie of The Terry Peterson Companies will talk to us and answer questions regarding the Point Chesapeake development planned for the old Duck-In property.

  • Proposed Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service – Interim survey results will be presented and discussed.  Time permitting an Issues Framing session will also be held to identify any information that the survey may have missed.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday June 29th @ 7:30pm

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 Click Here for a Printable Version of the Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday June 29, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

 

Program/Presentation – Mr. Tuck Bowie, President of The Terry Peterson Companies, will provide an update on the Point Chesapeake development project located on the old Duck-In property.  

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

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s June 2nd meeting on proposed development between Citgo and Leaping Lizard.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC voted at May meeting to support the CRS program for Virginia Beach. City staff is working on the policy and City Managers are reviewing. This program has possibility to reduce flood insurance policy costs by 10% or 15%.

New Business –

Pedestrian Crossing Improvement near OPVRS – City Traffic Engineers plan to improve pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford/Roanoke Ave.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Interim survey results.  Time permitting, we will also hold an Issues Framing session to talk about advantages/disadvantages of this proposed service.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?   

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • July 4th Fireworks Shows – Ocean Park Barge Show west of Lesner Bridge. Cape Story Show at First Landing State Park east of Lesner Bridge. 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 27, 2015

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Survey – We Want to Hear What You Think

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survey

SDCC has created a short 5 to 10 minute survey regarding the possible Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley loop.

Please take a moment to give us your thoughts and to pass the survey link on to others that may be interested in providing their input.

Click here or on the “take survey” icon above to begin the survey.

 

Possible Trolley Loop between Shore Drive and Oceanfront – Virginian-Pilot Article

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Trolleys from resort area could help Chic’s Beach lure tourists, group says

By Kathy Hieatt
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 15, 2015

The Shore Drive corridor along the Chesapeake Bay is a gateway to the Oceanfront for lots of summer visitors, but many simply bypass the area on the way to the Atlantic and don’t return until it’s time to leave.

To read the rest of Kathy’s article, click here

 

“I wanted to let you know that the large, damaged Live Oak that we spoke about at the corner of Shore Dr. and Kleen St. was removed …”

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Email posted unedited.

Gentlemen,

I wanted to let you know that the large, damaged Live Oak that we spoke about at the corner of Shore Dr. and Kleen St. was removed today. A Miss Utility ticket has gone in for both stumps to be ground, and we hope to be able to take care of removing them next week. I’m very sorry that this tree had to be removed due to extensive decay and structural issues, but I’m glad that removal was carried out without causing damage or harm. We’ll be planting a replacement live oak this fall, however it won’t be at this same site due to the proximity to the roadway at this intersection.

Best wishes,

Susan

Susan French
City Arborist, Landscape Management Division
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
ISA Certified Arborist #MA-4747A

Landscape Management | 4141 Dam Neck Road | Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone 757-385-4076 | Fax 757-427-1895 | sfrench@vbgov.com | VBgov.com/parks

Connect with Parks & Rec!
Find us on Facebook: Facebook.com/VBParksRec
Sign up for our email newsletters: VBgov.com/eNews

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association

We appreciate the work that went into trying to save this live oak.

Susan loves meeting people in the field to chat about live oaks, The City Tree, and any other tree for that matter!

Preserving precious live oaks at beloved LBR&BF and public safety

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Some photos of recent pruning of live oaks at beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility. 

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Planned is some cabling, a fence around both to strongly discourage climbing, which could lead to them being cut down for public safety reasons, plus signage with information about these live oaks.

Join us at our meeting this Monday where we will be discussing:

Proposed City Tree Task Force – SDCC is working with City Staff/Arborist to create a task force to discuss ways to help protect the City’s official tree (Live Oak) and maintain residential property rights.  Roadway encroachment lead to the planned removal of trees (200+ years old) at Shore Drive & Kleen St.

 

Unfortunately the live oak must be …

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IMG_7696

…removed because of its impaired health & close proximity to Shore Drive.

Sad but true.

This is the remaining live oak at Kleen Street & Shore Drive.

Upset as much as everyone else is that this must happen!?

There are a few simple things you can do right now.

    Join Friends of Live Oaks

    Subscribe to our emailed newsletter The Advocate

    Contact Landscape Management Services of VB if you have concerns

Why?

The COVB has a great group of people including Susan French, City Arborist & her team yet they need help from us – the caring public – to ensure we all do our best to keep & increase our precious urban tree canopy.

Susan is very approachable and loves meeting people & chatting about trees. Call 757-385-4461 to reach her.

Stay tuned for future news about how you can help.

The COVB State of the Urban Forest Report is out and we get a C.

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It is great see to the brutal honesty of the amount of work left to do to protect and increase our precious tree canopy.

Subscribe to The Advocate to learn more about what we'll be announcing soon to help

Subscribe to The Advocate to learn more about what we’ll be announcing soon to help

Start here to Subscribe to The Advocate – your resource for the latest news & info about the Shore Drive community.

Learn more about the Urban Forestry Management Plan, and the State of the Urban Forest Report at VBGov.com here.

The creation of this plan not only lays the framework for sustainable urban forest management in Virginia Beach, it indicates a high level of commitment to protecting trees and sharing knowledge about the important environmental, economic and social roles trees play in building healthy sustainable communities. The benefits of trees can be maximized when both professional management resources and an educated public coexist.

Protecting Pleasure House Point was used as a good example of what to do

Protecting Pleasure House Point was used as a good example of what to do

We’ve added a new area to our HOT page entitled Flood Mitigation

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Inspired by a great presentation at tonight’s meeting by Mike Vernon of Flood Mitigation Hampton Roads.

Be sure to check out the new section over at SDCC.info/HOT.

The new info is shown below:

Flood Mitigation

You’ll be seeing a lot more information in this space in the coming weeks. (Posted April 27th ’15)

Here’s a good place to start in the meantime.

Search Results for: National Flood Insurance Program at SDCC.info

FEMA.gov: National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System

FEMA Region III: Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal Map

Screen grab of Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal map

Screen grab of Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal map