Category Archives: Current Concerns
SDCC Riterates Opposition to Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay District for East Shore Drive (Cape Story by the Sea)
In light of the recent shootout at a STR and the upcoming Planning Commission vote on the STR overlay district for East Shore Drive, the SDCC has sent the following email to the Planning Commission and City Council reiterating its opposition to any STR overlay in the Shore Drive Corridor.
Dear Planning Commission Members,
As we approach your Wednesday hearing on the proposed Short Term Rental ordinance change, I wanted to share this recent occurrence in Chic’s Beach in the Shore Drive area. Please take a moment to comprehend what you are proposing for the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood and how similar occurrences can impact well established city neighborhoods. Your recommendations, similar to those of City Council, will effectively change our residential neighborhood into a tourist destination similar to the oceanfront.
The following statement and attached flyer were provided by 3rd precinct officers.
Additionally, I would like to let you know that the on going issues associated with Air BnBs Rentals was a topic of conversation at the most recent Chiefs meeting. Officers have been informed that they are to forward any Air BnB issues up the chain of command. This will help develop a stronger argument backed with statistics when the issue is addressed by the city.
Again, to date, no reply or data has been provided to our requests regarding the total # of homes, total possible STRs, and explanation as to why the Cape Story neighborhood is targeted as a STR overlay compared to any other neighborhood in VB. We have asked for information the past 2+ weeks to help with the upcoming hearing. Since no data or any type of civic engagement outreach has been attempted for this entire process, it is still the Shore Drive Community Coalition’s recommendation to oppose any overlay created in the Cape Story neighborhood, no matter how the boundary is manipulated.
Thank you for your review of this information and we hope that you recognize that this whole process is flawed and any recommended overlay along Shore Drive is unjustified and just wrong.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition President
Sunday Feb. 28th Shootout at Chic’s Beach Short Term Rental – Police Seek Information
Police Detectives are circulating the following flyer in hopes to find information regarding a recent shootout that took place early Sunday morning February 28th at 4504 Ocean View Ave. If you have any information, you are asked to contact Detective Pittman, epittman@vbgov.com
Click here to see the Police flyer Shootout Flyer
Summary: On 02/28/21, at approximately 0538 hours, an unknown type of sedan (possible Toyota Celica) occupied by at least two suspects pictured below appeared to stage outside of a party located at 4504 Oceanview Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA. That vehicle moved slowly westbound appearing to have shots come out the passenger side before driving away being shot at by at least two shooters in the front yard of 4504 Oceanview. The sedan stops at Fentress/Oceanview, driver gets out firing one shot at the direction of 4504 Oceanview; the passenger gets out firing multiple shots in the same direction. Another vehicle, Jeep SUV black in color, comes from the direction of the firing of gunfire to turn off into a parking lot at Fentress/Oceanview. The driver gets out of the black Jeep (pictured below, appears female) and switches to passenger side of vehicle. The Jeep then goes back to the direction of 4504 Oceanview Avenue. Please let Detective Pittman know of any information or identification related to this incident and/or pictures below.
Planning Commission Hearing on Short Term Rental Overlay District – Wed. March 10th at Noon.
The Planning Commission will be voting at their Wed. March 10th meeting to adopt a proposed ordinance change to Short Term Rentals. The meeting will be held at Noon Wednesday in the VB Convention Center. The Commission will recommend that Short Term Rentals(STR) be allowed in a Cape Story by the Sea overlay district that includes a section of the Cape Story neighborhood north of Shore Drive between First Landing State Park and the Food Lion shopping Center. See the image below for the supported overlay district.
All STRs outside of overlay districts will be prohibited in the future if this ordinance is approved. So that will make Cape Story’s overlay one of only 3 areas in the City that will continue to allow STRs for the future. The Bayfront Advisory Commission, Shore Drive Community Coalition and Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association have all voted to oppose STR overlays. So it appears that the Planning Commission and City Council are ignoring the residents and attempting to set up a process that will be detrimental to neighborhood communities.
Anyone opposed to the proposed STR overlay district in the Shore Drive neighborhood is asked to register to speak against the ordinance at the Wednesday meeting. You can register to speak in person or virtually at the following link. In-person set up will be limited and socially distanced, so virtual is probably the best option if you plan to speak.
More information regarding the proposed ordinance change and the Planning Commission and City Staff review can be found here Microsoft Word – 20210310PLN-CUR-02-Short Term Rental Ordinance (vbgov.com)
To sign up to speak virtually or in-person, click here Planning Commission :: VBgov.com – City of Virginia Beach
“Three miles of coastline — from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel to east of the Lesner Bridge — will be replenished, possibly starting in November.”
Hooray!
“Up to $9 million is available in Virginia Beach’s coastal programs capital improvement fund to pay for it, said Dan Adams, who manages the program.”
Planning Commission Virtual Workshop Tues Feb 23 at 6pm – Short Term Rentals
The Planning Commission will hold it’s 2nd virtual workshop on Tuesday Feb 23rd at 6pm to continue discussion on the topic of Short Term Rentals and City Council’s recommended ordinance change to create overlay districts which include East Shore Drive (Cape Story by the Sea) neighborhoods.
Residents will not be permitted to talk, but can watch all the action virtually by registering at the link below. You can submit questions prior to the meeting that the Planning Commission may read and discuss.
More information regarding City Staff, the Planning Commission and City Council’s work on this topic can found at the following link Planning Commission Workshop :: VBgov.com – City of Virginia Beach
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
SHORT TERM RENTAL PROPOSED ORDINANCES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021
6:00 pmWorkshop will be held by Electronic Means (WebEx)
Registration Information:
https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6dc3567b617c4e2d2e2d8a98c74938a0
Members of the public may view the Workshop in real time as noted above. The public may submit comments to the Commission by sending an email to STR@vbgov.com no later than 5:00 p.m on February 22, 2021.
BAC virtual meeting today
Agenda info:
VIRGINIA BEACH
BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION
4525 MAIN STREET, SUITE 710
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA 23462
PHONE (757) 385-2908
FAX (757) 385-5667
BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION
January 21, 2021, 3:30 p.m
VIRTUAL MEETING
See Webex link below agenda to participate
Join from the meeting link
https://vbgov.webex.com/vbgov/j.php?MTID=m6c01e33bf5b4c61ead1e26bb69cd735c
Join by meeting number
Meeting number (access code): 180 307 2808
Meeting password: SGA1
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 11/19/2020
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair
STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES
COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES
Design – Bob Magoon, Faith Christie, Joe Bovee(volunteer)
Communications – Vacant
Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Charles Malbon
PROJECT BRIEFINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
1) 4769 Shore Dr., Presmont Construction Services, LLC(7/Eleven)
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES
ADJOURN
“The City is seeking your input regarding the proposed Short Term Overlay District Ordinances currently being considered for adoption. The results will be shared with the Planning Commission prior to their January 13th meeting as well as the City Council.”
SDCC’s Short Term Rental Overlay District Opposition Letter to City Council
Click here for a printable version of the SDCC letter – SDCC STR Opposition Letter
Additional opposition to STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea:
Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association – CSBTS_BACLetter_STR_11192020signed
Bayfront Advisory Commission – BAC STR Overlay Opposition Email
SDCC Opposes STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea and Anywhere Along Shore Drive Corridor
December 31, 2020
Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,
The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), a 20 year old organization made up of local civic groups representing residents in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach, formally requests that the Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay District, randomly created by Vice Mayor Wood, for the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood (East Shore Drive) be removed immediately from the proposed STR ordinance change.
Similar to the official opposition positions taken by the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association and the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the SDCC voted unanimously at its November 23rd meeting to “Oppose the creation of a STR Overlay District in the Cape Story by the Sea (East Shore Drive) neighborhood as well as any future STR Overlay Districts in the Shore Drive Corridor.”
The Shore Drive Corridor Plan states, “The Shore Drive area is first and foremost a residential community, comprised primarily of residential neighborhoods…It is envisioned that this predominance as a residential community should continue to form the backbone of land use for the area.”
The Shore Drive Corridor, the most densely populated section of the City, consists of small lots sizes of 5000 and 7500 square feet narrow streets that don’t allow for on-street parking. These conditions result in area that is not appropriate for the uncontrolled proliferation of “by right” STR business zoning that will be created by the overlay district that is being proposed.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info
Sincerely,
Todd R. Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition, President
Planning Commission sets another negative precedent expanding use of A-24 & A-36 Zoning in Shore Drive Community
Marina Shores expansion presentation to BAC info
Changes to original presentation posted at SDCC.info here.
Previous 60 unit expansion, now 49 unit that requires a Conditional Use Permit as they’re proffered at maximum units allowed right now.
New traffic light at North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive still turned down by CoVB even after more lobbying for it in spite of added minimum dozens of trips per day through that intersection from new condo & apartment development.
HK on the Bay presentation to BAC info
Pleasure House Road 7/11 presentation to BAC info
Pleasure House Road new 7/11.
Not Greenwell Road new 7/11.
Marlin Bay presentation to BAC info
SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Crime Improvement – Mon Nov. 23rd at 7:30pm
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.23.20 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 23, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation –
Neighborhood Crime and Improvement Survey – Officer M.R. Torrance, Virginia Beach Police Department Third Precinct will update us on neighborhood crime issues and discuss a Neighborhood Improvement Survey his precinct is currently running. He would also like to hear any additional concerns the residents may have and discuss ways to help.
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Empsy Munden; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Proposed Developments –
- Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council and the City were officially served on Nov. 13th. They have 21 days to reply from that date. The Go Fund Me campaign has raised $22k of the $30k goal.
- Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
- Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
- Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create a STR overlay district in Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code. Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association voted on Nov. 9th to oppose any STR overlay district in its neighborhood. The BAC will vote at their Nov. 19th meeting on a STR position for the Bayfont. SDCC will be discussing and voting on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront.
New Business –
City Council Policy for Public Outreach and Engagement – City Council is proposing a new policy for civic engagement for development applications. Council voted to indefinitely defer the approval of this policy to allow time for adequate public engagement to be held and gather citizens input. It was suggested the Bayfront/Shore Drive be a focus area for input. Oh the irony…
Next SDCC Meeting – No meeting in December. Happy Holidays
BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5 1000 19th Street November 19
Agenda:
REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 10/15/2020
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair
STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES
COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES
Design – Bob Magoon, Faith Christie, Joe Bovee (volunteer) Communications – Vacant
Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Charles Malbon
PROJECT BRIEFINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS
1) E and R incorporated, 4600 Lookout Road, (HK on the Bay)
2) Presmont Construction Services, LLC, 4769 Shore Dr. (7-Eleven)
3) MS Virginia Beach, LLC, 2257 Willow Oaks Rd (Marina Shores Apartments.
4) MP Shore, LLC, 3829 & 3785 Shore Drive (Marlin Bay Apts.)
5) Short Term Rental Ordinance and Cape Henry District
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES ADJOURN
Thanks to Mark for the info!
CIty Council votes to defer CIvic Engagement policy indefinitely. Will discuss milestone timeline at Nov 24 City Council Workshop.
View proposed Civic Engagement Resolution in PDF.
Civic Engagement discussion starts at about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Civic Engagement public testimony & vote starts at about 36 minutes.
STR Planning Commission Workshop Nov 4th ‘20
“At the last general membership meeting, the OPCL voted to match Ocean Park residents’ contributions to the Stop Westminster Canterbury legal fund.”
If you would like to make a matched contribution, use the link below and forward your email confirmation to the OPCL Treasurer or board member by Jan 31.
OPCL is matching up to $1,000.
Learn more about The Lawsuit & GoFundMe info here.
$19,505 has been raised so far.
“ The council doesn’t have enough votes for this action as three of 11 council members have declared conflicts of interest and can’t vote on issues related to Westminster-Canterbury.”
Local coverage of THE LAWSUIT against WCCB & City of Virginia Beach continues at Virginian-Pilot:
“If this decision is allowed to stand, it could set a precedent for City Council to ignore zoning regulations in any neighborhood in any part of the city,”
