Read entire article at Pilotonline.com.
Photo Credit: Margaret Allen Inge for all the photos below.
Thank you!
Photo Credit: Margaret Allen Inge
Coverage about Lynnhaven dredging, ending in January, including great photos
Category Archives: Current Concerns
Mon. Oct. 28th at 7:30pm Community Meeting with Councilman Wood – Shore Drive Flooding Issues – Present and Future Solutions
Click here for a printable version of the agenda SDCCAgendaOCT2013
Shore Drive Community Coalition
Monday, 28 OCT – 7:30-8:30 pm
SDCC General Meeting
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.)
Call to order:
Meeting topic: Councilman Jim Wood Discusses Shore Drive Flooding Issues, Present and Future Solutions
Officers’ Reports: President’s Report David Williams
Vice President’s report Rick Mercadante
Secretary’s Report Todd Solomon –SEPT Minutes
Treasurer’s Report Ann Williams (acting treas.)
Old Business
New Business
Adjourn
Next SDCC- Monday NOV 25, 2013 Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Center
Topic: City Topics (Light Rail, Dredging, Lesner Bridge Construction)
Please check www.sdcc.info for more information on area news and events
2014 Legislative Agenda – Recurring Flooding Item letter from the Mayor
Read the entire 75 page PDF which includes the Mayor’s letter, slides, etc.
As council is well aware, the recurrent flooding issue is of great concern to our citizens.
So the Mayor is asking City Council to add an additional item for VB’s legislative agenda.
…but to ask to support the authorization of the study.
Legislative Request # 1: The City of Norfolk requests the General Assembly to establish and fund a Joint Study Committee to further investigate and make recommendations on recurrent coastal flooding in Virginia.
A slide from the 75 page PDF
The VIMS Report concludes Virginia localities are not adequately equipped to address and
implement meaningful flood mitigation strategies required for responding to predicated
relative sea level rise on their own. Within the VIMS Report, there are a series of simulations
that show impacted areas as influenced by: a) storm surge, b) sea level rise, and c) the
recurrences of storms making land fall within the region. All of these factors both individually
and collectively, are anticipated to increase the frequency and the severity of coastal flooding
events. This will increase damages to public and private property, amplify impacts to public
safety, and increase disruption to individuals and the economy. Left unaddressed, the
Commonwealth can reasonably anticipate that it will see significant and profound coastal
flooding now and into the immediate planning horizon.
Lynnhaven Inlet Dredging to Begin in 30 days. Sand to be placed on Ocean Park Beach.
According to an email City staff sent to Mrs. Dorinda Ennis of 3356 on the Bay, the Lynnhaven Inlet dredging, which was scheduled to take place last year but was delayed because of funding problems, will start within the next 30 days. Please see the City staff email below
According to David Jarman….
Here is the feedback from our Coastal Group that handles the dredging work:
- The Corps inlet contract has been awarded. Notice to proceed will be issued 9/10/2013 and work will begin within 30 days. The dredged sand will be placed on the Ocean Park Beach. Project completion is anticipated by the end of February. If necessary, truck hauling from the boat ramp stockpile to the Ocean Park Beach will be available once the Corps dredging project is complete. This work would begin in March and last for a few weeks, again as needed.
- Crab Creek bids were opened two weeks ago, work will begin in November, with completion by the end of March.
What’s happening to Live Oaks re: Bridge Construction?
From the project manager in response to an email:
Thank you for your attached letter regarding the Lesner Bridge. We are very excited about this project and eager to begin the work next spring.
As you noted in your letter, there are going to be some impacts to the live oaks associated with this project. We do have to remove approximately 12 live oaks to accommodate the new bridge. We have already removed some of these trees with the gas line that was bored under the Lynnhaven Inlet (on the north side of the existing bridges). This work was completed several weeks ago. The remaining trees will be removed when construction begins next spring.
We do recognize that the live oaks are an important natural resource in this area. This point was made clear during the public meetings that were held for this project. In order to mitigate the loss of these trees, we are currently planning to install 25 new live oaks with the project—this equates to a 2:1 replacement ratio. These trees have been incorporated with the overall landscaping plan to ensure that they have the best opportunity for survival in this harsh environment.
With regards to relocating or transplanting the existing trees, I did speak with our Operations staff at Parks & Recreation. They take care of the landscaping maintenance throughout the City. Their experience with transplanting live oaks has not be very positive in this area. Specifically, they noted the following issues:
1. The soil is too sandy for live oaks
2. The live oak root systems are not compact, which makes transplanting difficult
3. The salt environment is harsh on trees in this area
Since our Parks & Recreation staff maintain the landscaping in this area, they do have a lot of firsthand knowledge regarding the survival rate for certain species. We try to incorporate this real world information into our landscaping designs so we can provide the best planting plan for each project. Based on this information, we are not planning to relocate any existing live oaks at this time.
If you have any further questions or need more information, please let me know. Thank you for your time and interest in this project.
Sincerely,
David S. Jarman, P.E.
Transportation Project Management Supervisor
Department of Public Works
City of Virgina Beach
757-385-4144 (direct)
757-385-4131 (main)
Public Meeting on Stormwater Management Program and Floodplain Ordinance Set for Sept. 26
The meeting agenda will include the following:
· The Floodplain Ordinance is being changed to meet the most recent FEMA requirements. An overview of the changes will be presented by city staff.
· Stormwater Management Program changes, including a revised ordinance and technical design criteria, are required by state law.
“Four lanes of traffic will remain open throughout construction, although there will be a 15-month period during which pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to cross the bridge, Jarman said. The city is looking into options, including busing, to assist pedestrians across Lynnhaven Inlet.”
…there will be a 15-month period during which pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to cross the bridge…
Read the entire article at Pilotonline.com.
After the Lesner Bridge project, Jarman said, the city may consider keeping the bulkhead at Crab Creek permanently and request a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During the first phase of construction, the pedestrian walkway on the westbound span of the existing bridge will be removed. The new westbound span will be built just north of the current bridge, and all traffic will remain open on the old bridge. That could take about 15 months, wrapping up by summer 2015, Jarman said.
Photo Credit: Share Shore Drive Day July 11 2009
“Early next year, staff will install devices that prevent flooding back-flow through city drains during high-water events at five locations in the Lynnhaven Colony neighborhood.”
Read entire article at Pilotonline.com:
The city is tasked with finding a permanent solution as it watches the sea levels rise, coupled with more intensive weather events, City Manager Jim Spore said in a letter to the council.
His staff will present a comprehensive plan early next year.
Crab Creek outfall back flow preventer installed
Hopefully they will be as successful as the one installed in Crab Creek that prevented storm surge flooding coming through the storm drains in October 2012 during Super Storm Sandy.
Previously at SDCC.info:
Article on dredging: “Two years ago, neighborhood residents packed a meeting room to tell city officials not to build a transfer site in a residential area on Maple Street along Long Creek.”
A crane on a barge will scoop mud and sand from the bottom of the Lynnhaven River. The dredged material will be brought ashore at the Thalia Dredged Material Transfer Facility, and trucked to a spoils site off Oceana Boulevard.
ATTEND OUR MEETING MONDAY! “Come hear the City’s interim plan to fix stormwater problems for areas east of the Lesner Bridge. There will also be an $80+ million project that could impact homes and businesses. You will definitely want to attend and learn the study details.”
Meeting at:
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
STARTS 730pm
VIEW MEETING AGENDA at SDCC.info
Dave L. Hansen – Deputy City Manager will be making the presentation.
As article below mentions, City Council will be voting on the recommendations in August 2013.
Vandalism on PHP
Certainly “grown ups” can’t be responsible for this.
From an email:
The past two weeks we have seen an elevated amount of vandalism at Pleasure House Point. The two dog boxes were ripped from their signs, along the two Marlin Bay trails, last week. We installed new ones and I inspected the site yesterday and found that the same occurred again. Last week we found that a household kitchen bag was dumped on a trail. Mail within the bag was addressed to (redacted). Yesterday, along the same trail I found four very large bags dumped on the trail. I removed the litter and pulled the dog boxes out of the woods from where they were thrown and placed them beside the posts from which they were installed. At this point we are discussing which dog boxes to reinstall. A police report was given and I have a case number pertaining to the issue.
I wanted to keep you posted as well as possibly ask if you wouldn’t mind mentioning something about this in your next OPCL Newsletter.
Please let me know if you need other information or anything on our end. I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Michael T. Moore; CNMP
Open Space and Resource Manager
Parks and Natural Areas
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Parks and Natural Areas Office | 2289 Lynnhaven Parkway | Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Photo taken at April 20th clean up on PHP.
Cape Story Residents Concerned About Tidal Flooding – WVEC News Report
Cape Story residents are concerned that the City’s interim plug is in the wrong spot and will not protect all 40 homes in the tidal flooding zone.
Coastal Storm Update from VBGov.com
Read the entire update at VBGov.com:
The City of Virginia Beach is closely monitoring the developing coastal storm. It is anticipated that the storm will cause higher than normal tide cycles.
Possible tidal flooding up to elevation +4 feet above sea level
Maps:
Online Petition to Preserve Live Oak in Ocean Park
Update: March 2, Saturday morning, lot is cleared. Thank you to all that signed the brief petition campaign.
One Tree. Why bother saving one tree? Well, in order to get to your destination, you have to take one step at a time.
Please take a minute and sign the online petition to show the property owner that One Tree really does matter. Click here for the petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-live-oak-at-bar-harbor/
Here are several additional reasons why saving one tree is a good thing.
- The Live Oak is the City of Virginia Beach’s official tree.
- The majority of Live Oaks in Virginia Beach are located in the Bayfront area.
- The property owner is an understanding developer. He has already agreed to save the logs from other live oaks that needed to be removed from this “by right” project.
- Having one “Tree Conscience” project may lead to other responsible developments.
For more about saving Live Oak Trees, visit www.friendsofliveoaks.org
COASTAL ACTION STORM PLAN Emergency Response “CASPER” FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY PLAN
“CASPER” FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY PLAN (24 pagePDF)
Thanks to Dave for having us repost his work! We highly recommend you download it, study it and take action before catastrophic storms are forecasted.
unexpected damage at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from Sandy Oct 2012
2013 Watersheds Forum – SIGN UP NOW
Brought to you by VIMS, LRNow, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
If you love the magnificent bounty of our local waters – GO.
View Lynnhaven River NOW’s E-News here.
2013 Watersheds Forum
March 21, 9:00-2:30, Virginia Beach Convention CenterOyster Roast 3 The first Virginia Beach Watersheds Forum will be held on March 21, 2013 at the Vriginia Beach Convention Center. Registration will begin at 8:15 AM and presentations begin at 9 AM. The Forum is 9 AM-1 PM and includes a box lunch.
The Forum is being held jointly by Lynnhaven River NOW and the Back Bay Restoration Foundation and is sponsored by the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.The 2013 Forum will have two panel presentations from regional experts on adapting to Sea Level Rise and how our natural resorces fit into Virginia Beach’s long range planning. Additionally, break-out sessions for the northern and southern watersheds will feature speakers from VIMS, LRNow, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Registration is $15 and includes light morning refreshments, a box lunch and all presentations. Add-on workshops will be held at the close of the informational presentations from 1:00-2:30. For an additional fee, participants can build their own rain barrel, learn about gardening with native plants and receive their own native plant, or build their own worm composting bin.
Please register here using PayPal. If you prefer to pay with a check, please contact Mary Tilton at mary.tilton@bbrf.org or 757-619-6429.
For more information, visit our website or contact Karen at Karen@LRNow.org or 757-962-5398.
We hope to see you all on March 21st for an interesting day!
“The Department of Parks and Recreation will begin the preliminary design and associated cost estimates for a dog park at Bayville Farms Park.”
The department will work to identify funding for the project within its upcoming FY 2013-14 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Funding Plan, and if so identified, the target date for completion and opening of the dog park would be Spring 2014.
Great news for dog lovers everywhere! Let’s help the project get funded!
“Outta control”. That’s the title of yet another message we’ve received about dogs NOT on leashes on PHP.
Currently – this person has counted 7.
ANIMAL CONTROL
tel:757-385-4444Yes they called.
Fatal accident reported on Shore Drive near First Landing State Park – 2/14/13
It’s very unfortunate, but after almost 3 years without a fatality on Shore Drive (April 2010), another tragic death has occured.
The following was taken from WTKR’s website:
UPDATE: As of 4:00pm., Shore Drive remains closed to East Bound traffic from Kendall Street to Fort story.
Virginia Beach, Va. – Police tell NewsChannel 3 one person has died and one has been injured in a vehicle crash on Shore Drive near First Landing.
It happened at 1:15 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2013, in the 2500 block of Shore Drive near First Landing. Police say a vehicle was heading eastbound in the 2500 block of Shore Drive near First Landing Park, when it crashed.
One person was reported deceased; and a second person was injured.
Eastbound traffic on Shore Drive is closed from Kendall Street to Fort Story.
NewsChannel 3 is working to find more details. Watch starting First at Four for updates.
“SB 926 Wetlands; governmental activity. 01/31/13 Senate: Stricken at request of Patron in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources”
YEAS–Hanger, Watkins, Puckett, Ruff, McEachin, Petersen, Northam, Marsden, Black, Miller–10.
NAYS–0.
ABSTENTIONS–0.
Thank you.
Members of the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources:
- Senator Emmett W. Hanger Jr.Republican-District 24
- Senator John C. Watkins Republican-District 10
- Senator Phillip P. Puckett Democrat-District 38
- Senator Frank M. Ruff Jr. Republican-District 15
- Senator A. Donald McEachin Democrat-District 9
- Senator J. Chap Chapman Petersen Democrat-District 34
- Senator Ralph S. Northam Democrat-District 6
- Senator David W. Marsden Democrat-District 37
- Senator Richard H. Black Republican-District 13
- Senator John C. Miller Democrat-District 1
Special thanks to Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters Republican-District 8 for requesting SB926 to be stricken.
Senator Jeffrey L. McWaters Republican-District 8
Commonwealth of VA Senate Bill 926 SHUTDOWN!
Senator McWaters has just informed me at 9:28 pm TONIGHT that SB926 will be dropped tomorrow due to the opposition voiced by so many of our civic organizations. He said the bill needs more study and was not ready for prime time. YES!!!!!!! The voice of the citizens CAN be heard when we have dedicated people to group together, inform our members, and collectively express our voice. I thank ALL of you who have voiced your concerns during this intense negotiating period. WELL DONE!
And to Senator McWaters and his very hard working staff, WE THANK YOU!!!!!
