Category Archives: eNewsletter

Absentee Ballot Voting for June 23rd Primary has Started. It’s Easy and a Great Way to Social Distance. Use Reason Code 2A (My Disability or Illness)

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Currently the City of Virginia Beach is planning to hold in person voting for the upcoming Republican Party Primary.  However, normal polling locations may change as a result of Covid-19 stay at home rules and election official worker availability.  Voting absentee is a quick and safe way to still vote without having to visit a polling location.  Information regarding how to sign up for Absentee Voting and a sample ballot are listed below.

 

Sign-up for Absentee Ballot here – https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation

 

Virginia Beach Voter Registrar Additional Voting Information here – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/voter-registrar/Pages/default.aspx

 

The City of Virginia Beach does not have May General Elections, our next schedule election is the June 23, 2020 Republican Party Primary Election. If you would like to submit an absentee ballot application to have your ballot mailed to you due to COVID-19 and Social Distancing you can submit the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form (SBE-701) only. The application can be submitted online​, by mail, email or fax. In section 3 please indicate Reason Code 2A (My disability or illness).

Click to access Election_Schedule.pdf

 

 

 

Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Projects – City Update #1

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The following is the first City update for the Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Project.  Lots of good information, sign up with the City for direct email if you are interested in following this topic.  SDCC will also post future updates on our website, so you can keep informed that way as well.

Click here to see the survey results document.  Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake – Survey Results – January 2020

Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers:

For those of you who are somewhat new to following Public Works projects, you will find that we at VBPW believe very strongly in keeping the public informed and allowing 2-way communications. That means keeping you informed of how our projects are progressing, letting you know when we hit a snag or there is a change in plans, and whenever there will be traffic delays or traffic pattern changes. It’s robust work, but someone has to do it . . . and I volunteered because my boss told me to.

I can’t stress enough our belief in this concept, particularly in terms of hearing from you. We’ve learned from experience that the better-informed we keep you, the less chance there is of misinformation being passed around or needless anxiety. That’s why we have set up this specific email address for your questions and concerns. As Mr. Richardson, stormwater engineering savant and project manager for this explains below – you can contact us through this email address, you can go to our web page, or you can contact me. One way or another, we will get you an answer and the information you seek.

You’ll find as we continue to send out these updates that we try and keep it light as well as informative. We want you to have the information you need and the answers you seek . . . otherwise I have a lot of explaining to do to my boss.

As you can see, the email address to use is: lakebradford@vbgov.com. The esteemed Mr. Richardson has attached additional information in his section. Once we establish some social media contacts, I will pass them along to you as well.

Lastly . . . . as in this is the last thing I will mention – if you know of someone who should be included in these updates, or WANTS to be included, please pass this along to them, or send me their information and I will add them to the list.

We hope to set these up on a regular basis and I will let you know as we go along. I hope you will find the information helpful, and don’t hesitate to contact us if needed.

Enjoy what looks to be a great weekend weather wise and if possible, don’t cough on each other.
Stay safe!

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

*********************************************************************************************************************

Folks:

As most of you know, Public Works – Stormwater Engineering held an open house/public meeting at the Bayside Recreation Center last November.

We organized the meeting because we wanted to hear from the residents as to what their concerns were and to get their help in identifying flooding locations in their neighborhood.

The meeting began with a presentation that provided some background and history of the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study, along with reasons for the flooding and potential types of solutions.

After the presentation, attendees were directed to visit five stations that were set up around the room to gather different information. Of particular interest to the engineers was the station, “Flooding Locations/Surveys.” At this station, we encouraged everyone to mark areas of concern or known flooding on a map. They were also given a comment card to describe those concerns and the impact from the flooding in greater detail.

Prior to the meeting, we had developed an online survey for the public to take. We produced post cards with the survey link on the card to send to anyone who could not attend the meeting. That information was also given to the attendees, as well as the project’s web address – project’s webpage – where a link to the survey was available. Hard copies of the survey were also available at the meeting for those who preferred that method of input.

Much to our surprise – AND pleasure – we had over 100 people who participated in the survey. Thank you one and all who did – your input was very valuable in helping us understand your concerns about flooding and the impact on you. That kind of information is invaluable when developing our plans.

With the flooding locations map and the survey results, we were able to identify the problem areas and places of concern within the project area.
They included areas with known flooding problems in the neighborhoods of:
 Bayville Gardens
 Chesapeake Beach
 Chubb Lake Terrace
 Church Point
 Thoroughgood neighborhoods

Some of the roads identified as areas of concern or flooding during the survey include:
 Beaufort Avenue
 Brigadoon Drive
 Chubb Lake Avenue
 Hermitage Road
 Independence Boulevard (near the entrance to JEB LC)
 Lauderdale Avenue
 Lee Court
 Lookout Road
 Maycraft Road
 Northampton Boulevard
 Pleasure House Road
 Shore Drive

Not surprisingly, these areas and roads align almost perfectly with the areas we had identified in our stormwater model.

The results from the survey and the flooding locations map are attached, and a copy of the map is at the bottom of this email. You can also find a Summary of the Public Survey and Comments on our project’s webpage.

Since we met in November, the City and RK&K have continued to analyze the project area and develop a recommendation to help mitigate flooding. The analysis includes:
 Analyzing stormwater pipes and ditch capacities
 Rainfall and tide joint probabilities
 Sea level rise

One of our tasks now is to analyze each area within the project area with each of these possible scenarios.

As we all know, the public health crisis due to Covid-19 has scrambled all schedules, but IF things can work out, we hope to have another public meeting sometime this fall. If it doesn’t work out that we can meet as a group, we will look into some electronic options that may be possible.

Again, we want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in some way: attending the meeting, marking maps, taking the survey, emailing us your thoughts and comments, and all the other ways you have contributed. We feel strongly that this can be a very successful project with your suggestions and feedback.

Please contact us at lakebradford@vbgov.com with your comments and questions. Also, go to our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lakebradford for updated information.

If you have any pictures of flooding, please email them to stormpics@vbgov.com. Please include the location, date, and time the picture was taken.

Again, thank you for your participation in this project and we look forward to continue working with all of you. Please stay safe during this difficult time.

Matthew Richardson, Project Manager
Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake Drainage Study (CIP #7-053).
Public Works – Engineering
757-385 -4131

VNG Work Along Shore Drive Median Scheduled to Finish Feb 2021. Be Prepared for Traffic Pattern Changes.

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Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has begun replacement of gas piping under the median of Shore Drive between Cape Story and the Lesner Bridge.  Most of the work is expected to take place on weekends and the current schedule has a construction finish date of Feb 2021.  This work is being done as an upgrade for VNG systems and is taking place prior to the City’s planned Shore Drive Phase III improvements which will start shortly after VNG is finished in 2021.

The following information is being presented to help residents prepare for the new traffic patterns that will be required to support VNG’s work.  VNG plans to spend 2 weekends at each intersection, start at North Great Neck Road and work their way westward to the Lesner Bridge.  Below you will find an email with some Q&A between SDCC and VNG.  You will also find the City approved traffic pattern plans and a VNG information flyer that was sent to residents living on Shore Drive.

Traffic Pattern Plans – Click here Traffic Plan Shore Dr Relocation Approved_Median_10-9-19

VNG Informational Flyer – Click here VNG_ShoreDrRelocation_Community Outreach Factsheet

 

SDCC/VNG Q&A Email:

Good Morning Mr. Solomon,

I appreciate your outreach and interest in the project. To answer the following questions you have:

1) Can someone send us the tentative schedule for the complete project? Preferably one that brakes it down by stages or intersections per week.

– Unfortunately we do not have a tentative schedule for these projects. We let our Contractor continue with the work to meet the deadlines – We are looking to complete this project by Feb 2021. What we can do to assist is make contact with you when we move along Shore Dr. in order to keep everyone informed giving estimated times within the intersections. Usually these intersections will only take ~2 weekends when drilling under.

2) The plans appear to keep each lighted intersection and median cut open when the left turn lanes are closed off. This didn’t happen during last Saturday work. What will be done differently moving forward? Will police be staged at these locations and if so will they just be at the lighted intersections, median cuts or both?

– Our Contractor and their associated Traffic Control Company will follow the plans as approved by the City. I realize their was an issue last weekend which has since been corrected. Their will be off-duty Police Officers at each lighted intersection along with the correct detour signs if needed.

3) Is there a point of contact residents can get in touch with on weekends if things don’t look right? Cell or email contact would be helpful.

– In the beginning of February I sent out a Community Outreach letter with information about the project along with affected streets and VNG contact information if any concerns or questions should come up. Our Contractor in each of the areas prior to working have door hangers in which lets the directly affected homeowner know that we will be in the area soon, what to expect, and provides a VNG point of contact. I have attached the Outreach Letter to this email that you can post in the Civic Leagues news letter if you would like.

Thank you sir,

Ben Longstreet
Intermediate Engineer
Mobile: 757.359.8203
Office: 757.466.5519

 

Billboard Appeals Case Update – Request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.

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The following is an update regarding the Board of Zoning Appeals Case 2019‐BZA-0119 – Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.

BZA hearings have been postponed during the Covid-19 pandemic, so the planned April 1st hearing of this appeal did not happen.  Once normal hearing resume, this case will be rescheduled.  In the meantime, here is some information regarding this topic.  SDCC has already sent an email to the BZA expressing our opposition to the request to make the billboards digital.  I have also attached a copy of the City’s Zoning Administrator letter that originally denied Adam’s request prior to this appeal case.  The letter can be read by clicking here Billboard Letter

Bottom line, it looks like this appeal should be denied similar to the original request to make the billboards digital, however the SDCC will continue to follow this topic to make sure.

 

Dear Chairman Whitley and Board Members,

On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), I would like to express our opposition to Case 2019‐BZA-0119 Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards. The existing billboards have been an eyesore to our area for many years and do not support the City Comprehensive Plan and Shore Drive Corridor Design Guidelines which recommend for the beautification of our residential area. Digital billboards would be extremely intrusive to the adjacent residential property owners and would exacerbate the incompatible aesthetics the structures already create.

Based on the detrimental impacts that the proposed upgrades would cause, we ask that you deny the applicants request for appeal.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,

Todd Solomon, SDCC President

I have included a couple of reference items below in case you need additional information on this topic:

1) There are 32 billboards in Virginia Beach. Adams Outdoor Advertising wants to add 13 and upgrade four of its existing billboards, city officials said. Among those the company hopes to change is a large one with two sides on Shore Drive next to the Lesner Bridge. https://www.pilotonline.com/business/consumer/vp-nw-billboards-0304-20200323-oqzr75yodzdyrnw2inpbbgpi3y-story.html

2) Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda of April 1, 2020 – Appeal Agenda: Case 2019‐BZA-0119: Adam Outdoor Advertising Request an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s determination letter dated November 7, 2019 for properties located at 3615 Virginia Beach Blvd; 624 Independence Blvd; 1314 Kempsville Rd; 660 N Witchduck Rd; 1009 Laskin Rd; 1195 Bells Rd; 1637 Independence Blvd; 5280 Princess Anne Rd; 3700 Shore Dr; 1309 Virginia Beach Blvd; 1347 Lynnhaven Pkwy; 6061 Indian River Rd; 3273 Shore Dr; 3894 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4390 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4719 Indian River Rd; 3948 Holland Rd

 

 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Feb. 24th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 2.24.20 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 24, 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 – None

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – Update on WC expansion project that included a 22 story high rise to be built at the Casa del Playa/Old Pier site and a memory center to be located on a current parking lot. All facilities are planned to be connected with pedestrian bridges crossing public streets at Ocean Shore Ave and Starfish Rd. Developer presented to 100 attendees at Lynnhaven Colony Civic meeting. Project will be heard by Planning Commission on Wed. March 11th at Noon. SDCC Survey on proposed development can be taken at

Sea Level Wise (SLW) Public Input – The Department of Public Works concluded their public presentations on the draft SLW plan. Thank you to all who attended. The meeting at Cox HS was largest crowd of all meetings. Next step will be formal adoption of the plan by City Council. Comments will still be accepted through the end of February and can be sent to C.J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com

New Business –
Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp for Commercial Use – City wants to lease part of property for 3 year as commercial use to support off-shore wind turbine construction. An office building, parking spots, 5000 gallon fuel tank and boat mooring are planned. Your comments and questions are needed and will be submitted to Staff for answers prior to a Council vote on Tues March 3rd.

Lesner Bridge Lighting Issues – Repairs will be made over the next 60 days to fix lighting problems with the overhead road pole lights, the under bridge pier lights and the Canoes sculpture accent lights.

“Your Speed” Sign – Public Works Engineer Phillip Koetter informed the Cape Story Civic Association that City Traffic engineers plan to install a “Your Speed” radar sign near the intersection of Shore Drive and Kendall Street for cars coming from the State Park heading west. Installation should be this summer/fall.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – Revisions to the SDCC Bylaws were presented and reviewed at Jan meeting. The proposed changes are posted online and will be voted upon at this meeting.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

Civic Engagement Opportunities

Sea Level Wise Draft Input – Comments on the draft can be sent to City Public Works Stormwater Engineer C. J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com Deadline is Feb. 29th.

Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp – City Council Meeting Tues March 3rd at 6:00pm in Building 1

Proposed Expansion of Westminster-Canterbury – Planning Commission Meeting Wed March 11th at Noon in Building 1 City Council Chambers. Briefing is held at 9:30am in City Managers meeting room. Take the SDCC Survey at

. Survey closes March 10th.

City Budget Citizen Discussion – Councilman John Moss will be holding public information sessions in the Bayfront area at the following dates and locations. Both meetings are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• Wed March 4th at the Bayside Rec Center & Wed March 18th at Great Neck Rec Center

 

 

SDCC General Meeting Monday Jan. 27th at 7:30pm – Storm Water Project Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 1.27.20 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday January 27, 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 – Storm Water Projects East of the Lesner Bridge
Public Works Engineers, Mike Mundy and Brad Vanderwarker, will provide an update and answer questions regarding improvement projects planned for the communities between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park. Lynnhaven Colony, Cape Story by the Sea, Areas along Cape Henry Trail and Condos north of Shore Drive will be specifically discussed. Come learn if you area will be included in improvements and if not, what you can do to help influence Councilmembers to allocate a portion of the possible $430mil bond monies to support.

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Bonaventure/Windsong Development – Project update and when it go before the Planning Commission.

Electric Scooters – E-scooter will be coming back to the Bayfront area starting April 1st. Rules for operation will be restricted from last year. Learn more about the new requirements.

New Business –
Westminster-Canterbury High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – At the Nov. BAC meeting, WC presented an expansion project that included a 22 story high rise to be built at the Casa del Playa/Old Pier site and a memory center to be located on a current parking lot. All facilities are planned to be connected with pedestrian bridges crossing public streets at Ocean Shore Ave and Starfish Rd.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – SDCC officers met and have put together a revision to our Bylaws. Some of the key changes include: tri-annual (3 times) meetings instead of monthly meetings; eliminating $25 membership dues; making officer positions flexible from minimum 2 to 4. These revisions will need to be voted on at the next upcoming meeting TBD.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

Civic Engagement Opportunities

Cape Henry Trail Kendall St. Retention Pond Meeting- Monday Feb. 10th the City will discuss this retention pond at the Cape Story by the Sea General Civic meeting. The meeting is held at the Lynnhaven Congregational Community Church on West Great Neck Rd at 7:30pm, all are welcome.

Sea Level Wise Public Input – The Department of Public Works will be holding six public meetings regarding the Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy. The closest meeting to the Bayfront will be:
February 15, 2020 – Cox High School – 2425 Shorehaven Drive – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

City Budget Citizen Discussion – Councilman John Moss will be holding public information sessions in the Bayfront area at the following dates and locations. Both meetings are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• Wed March 4th at the Bayside Rec Center
• Wed March 18th at Great Neck Rec Center

 

Free E-Cycling & Recycling Event – Sat. January 25, 2020 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at VA Aquarium

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This is a great service and you don’t even have to get out of your car so you can still drop off waste if it’s a rainy day.  For more details click here or on the image above

Click here for a map to the Aquarium.  East Parking Lot is away from the main building and towards the ocean.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, the City of Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling, will offer its semi-annual E-cycling event at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.

Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:

Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines​
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.
***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) cannot be accepted***​

Acceptable household hazardous waste items include:

Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
​Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Nov. 25th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.25.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 25, 2019 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 – None

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – SDCC has created a survey to collect feedback on the good and bad of the route. The survey results will be consolidated, posted on our website and shared with City Staff and HRT reps. The survey will be open until Nov. 30th. https://sdcc.survey.fm/sdcc-route-35-nov-19-survey

Electric Scooters – The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach. The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.

Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Meeting – The City’s Public Works held a public information session and presented background and initial improvement plans. Tidal gates, pump stations and channel improvements were shown. Residents asked for lake dredging. The presentation can be found here https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/18/lake-bradford-chubb-lake-drainage-study-november-2019-cip-7-053-presentation-from-open-house-and-survey-due-dec-12/

New Business –
Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 and Phase 4 – With the construction start date for Phase 3 moved to summer 2021, it may be possible to pursue an accelerated start date for Phase 4 which isn’t scheduled to begin until 2024. A cost of scope savings may be possible if construction projects are combined.

Bonaventure/Windsong Development – The developer pulled the application from the Planning Commission’s December 11th meeting. It is unclear if and when the developer will reapply.

Oceanfront TGIF Funding – Taxes collected from hotel rooms, meals and cigarettes goes into a fund for oceanfront projects. Should the portions paid by Shore Drive be used for projects in the Bayfront and what are some good ideas for projects that could use these funds.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – A new URL [website] http://www.WeLoveShoreDrive.com has been created to be a possible transition for the future. A list of ideas will be shared and discussed on how best to progress with a community organization next year. After 20 years, are monthly meetings necessary? Would once a year with the ability to set up emergency forums work? Will an online presence be acceptable to keep residents informed and what tools would be helpful?

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

*** Next SDCC Meeting – Should we have a meeting in December or break for holidays?***

All eScooters to be Removed from City After Dec. 16, 2019

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With the City’s amended ordinance, eScooter companies will have to remove scooter after 12/16/19 until Spring 2020.  See information from City’s website below.  Also check out the survey results and the over 2400 comments received from residents regarding eScooters and their use in Virginia Beach.

Important: Effective 12/16/19
The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach.
The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a ​franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.
The goal with the new requirements is to create a safer environment for all, while allowing businesses to provide additional mobility options to get around.  

eScooter information page – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/hot-topics/Pages/E-Scooter-Guidelines.aspx

eScooter Survey Results link – https://publicinput.com/E-Scooters

 

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Oct 28th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.28.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 28, 2019 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 – None

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Final ridership numbers showed an average increase of 15% for 2019 over last year. The numbers for 2019 should be leveling off and what can be expected as normal from now on without promotion. This route seems to be a good one and City council would be smart to continue it’s funding for future operation.

Tidal Sluice Gates Automatic Operation Broken – The tidal sluice gates near Citrus and Food Lion have had their automatic operation fixed. Parts are on order for the gate near First Landing Lane. It will be operated manually until fixed. Call Public Work Operations at 385-1470 during a storm event if these gates aren’t working or appear damaged.

Electric Scooters – City Council received position statements from BAC and SDCC requesting eScooter usage be prohibited in the Shore Drive Overlay District. City Council held an informal briefing on Oct 15th to discuss eScooters and how they should be regulated within the entire city. No decision has been made at this time, but staff wants regulations in place by the end of 2019. The Council meeting can be viewed at our website.

Ocean Park Beach Sand Replenishment –The Army Corps of Engineers permit change is now closed. The City will be soliciting bids for the project with a planned construction start set for early 2020.

New Business –
Bonaventure/Windsong Development – The proposed development is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on Wednesday December 11th at noon. Chesapeake Beach is still in opposition to the 50% increase in density and the adverse impact it will have on traffic along Pleasure House Road.

Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 – Great Neck to Lesner Bridge – We learned from Public Works Director, Mark Johnson, that this project has been delayed for another year and a half and is now scheduled to start Summer 2021. The delay is due to site acquisition and Dominion Power issues.

Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Meeting – The City’s Public Works will hold a public information meeting on Thursday November 14th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Bayside Rec Center (4500 First Court Rd). If your neighborhood drains into Lake Bradford, Chubb Lake and even Lake Joyce, this is a must attend meeting to see how changes may impact your area.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

Civic Engagement Opportunities –
• Comprehensive Plan Survey now live – https://www.publicinput.com/VBCompPlan
• ELECTION DAY – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5th – REMEMBER TO GET OUT AND VOTE

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 25, 2019***

 

FEMA/HUD Community Rating System (CRS) City Mailer

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As part of the CRS requirement, the City of Virginia Beach must provide the community with information and updates for the FEMA/HUD program.  If you live in a designated flood zone, you should have received the following notice.  It provides good information and links to other sites that are very helpful.  One of the biggest changes you should already be seeing is the 15% discount in your flood insurance premiums.  As the City continues to do more regarding flooding and storm water improvements, this discount should also increase to 20% and maybe even 25% over the next several years.

SDCC eScooter Position Memo to City Supporting BAC Position to Prohibit Use

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Click here to read the Bayfront Advisory Commission Position Statement Memo 04.BayfrontAdvCommScooterPosition

Date: Thursday October 10, 2019
To: Mayor Dyer, City Council Members and City Manager Leahy
From: Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC)
Topic: Position Statement Regarding Prohibited Use of eScooters in Shore Drive Area

 

Dear Mayor Dyer, City Council Members and City Manager Leahy,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), at their September General Meeting, voted unanimously “To support the Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) recommendation to prohibit eScooters in the Shore Drive Overlay District at this time.”

The SDCC representative communities reviewed the BAC position statement submitted to the City Manager on September 24, 2019 and agreed with the reasons presented in the correspondence for prohibiting the use of eScooters in our area.
In addition to those items presented in the BAC memo, the SDCC has also heard the following reasons why the scooters should be prohibited in this specific section of the City.

• The connectivity of sidewalks, multi-use pathways and bike lanes is too disjointed and haphazard and until all of the Shore Drive safety improvements are completed between Pleasure House Road and First Landing State Park, this area is just too unsafe for scooters.
• This is the most densely populated area in the City. As the safety improvements are completed, more pedestrian traffic will become the norm. Adding eScooters, which travel at a higher rates of speed than some bikes, into the mix is a recipe for disaster.
• Escooters have already been seen riding in the car lanes on Shore Drive both day and night. The safety improvements to date have reduced an area that used to average 3 fatalities per year down to 1 fatality every 3 years. Residents are fearful that allowing eScooters will do nothing but increase the potential for injury and worst case death, similar to what has been seen in Atlanta.

Thank you for listening to the residents of the Shore Drive area and for your oversight on this matter. If you have any questions regarding the SDCC position, please email me or call me at 757-667-8533.

Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition – President

SDCC General Meeting – Mon Sept 30th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation on City’s Comprehensive Plan

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  – 9.30.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 30, 2019 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 –

City to Begin Comprehensive Plan Update 

The City has to update its Comprehensive Plan every 5 years and will be seeking public input. Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Comprehensive Planning Coordinator, will provide background on the Comp Plan, the update process and how the residents can have input into its modifications. He will have a Q&A after the presentation. SDCC meetings are open to the all, so bring a friend, we have cookies.

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Service for this year stops Sunday Sept 29th at Midnight. We will try to share ridership numbers for the months of May through August to compare with past years.

Hurricane Dorian Impacts – What type of impact did your residents see? How did the Cape Henry Beach sand replenishment hold up? Did Ocean Park Beach lose all of its protection? Was tidal flooding a concern?

Cape Henry Shore Entrance Safety Issue – The entrance/exit to CHS at intersection of Kendall and Shore Drive is being discussed in social media. There has been an increase in accidents and near misses and the residents are asking the City Traffic Engineers to once again look at fixes for this area.

New Business –
Ocean Park Beach Sand Replenishment – The City plans to replenish OP beach in 2020 and has submitted a proposed permit modification to the Army Corps of Engineers to allow the sand to be taken from the Chesapeake Beach Shoals Burrow Area. https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/1954541/nao-2017-01269/

Tidal Sluice Gates Automatic Operation Broken – The tidal sluice gates installed east of the Lesner Bridge have had their automatic operation temporarily disabled. The components haven’t been working correctly so they have been removed/disabled until a fix is found. Unfortunately this means the gates will have to be operated manually by Public Works during storm events. Call 385-1470 during a storm event.

New Online Weather App – A new online weather app has been found very helpful during storm events. The app can be found at www.Windy.com and has also been linked on the www.SDCC.info/safety page. It provides rainfall predictions, wind speeds and directions, tidal information and other interesting details.

Electric Scooters – At their Sept meeting, the Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) took an official position to prohibit the operation of eScooters in the Bayfront area at this time. SDCC should discuss this and take a similar position in support of the BAC decision. Be prepared to discuss and vote.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 28, 2019***

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Aug. 26th at 7:30pm

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Click here to print the agenda – 8.26.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 26, 2019 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 – No presentation planned

Officer’s Reports
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Dredging of Lynnhaven Inlet and Broad Bay Channel and Cape Henry Beach Replenishment – Update on project to be discussed. Lynnhaven Inlet and Beach Replenishment complete. Channel work continues.
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Starting Sept 6th, service switches to weekend only. Ridership numbers for July will be shared.
Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) – An urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives (usually 75%) and technical and educational assistance to property owners. The program has hired a consultant to help improve service and handle increased demand. The new point of contact will be shared at the meeting.
Dewberry Report Sea Level Rise and Stormwater – Community forums have concluded but an online survey can still be filled out. See SDCC website for more information. Additional community input will be sought toward the end of this year and beginning of 2020.

New Business –
City seeks input for Active Transportation Plan – The city is asking citizens to take a survey and provide input regarding the new 2020 Bikeways and Trails Plan new 2020. This is a great chance for Bayfront residents to add our concerns to the plan.
City to Begin Comprehensive Plan Update – The City has to update its Comprehensive Plan every 5 years and will be seeking public input. We have asked Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Comprehensive Planning Coordinator, to attend our September meeting to discuss.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

 

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 30, 2019***

Update on Broad Bay Channel Dredging with Deposit on Maple St. Spoils Site

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The following is an email update from the US Army Corps of Engineers Project Manager regarding the Broad Bay Channel Dredging.

 

It is my understanding that the material being dredged from Broad Bay Channel with placement in Maple St. is beach quality sand. Historical maintenance dredging from Broad Bay Channel has been beach quality sand and based on recent site visits I have no reason to believe otherwise. I was out at the site last week and the material looked great for use as emergency sand on the Bayfront. A couple of pictures are attached for reference of the sand that is being stockpiled there currently.

The water in the site may look cloudy which may cause confusion and create the appearance of a lack of beach quality sand. This is just attributed to the slurry mixture of material that is created during the dredging operations. The sandy material settles out of the slurry leaving the quality sand in the site while the effluent water exits the site. We have been testing the effluent water while the Contractor has been working in Maple St. Tests have shown that the Contractor is within the effluent State water quality threshold requirements. The Contractor is currently letting the site dewater and will begin pumping into Maple St. again later this week as they continue dredging in Broad Bay Channel on the west side of the Bay Island/Great Neck Bridges.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Regards,
Chris

Christopher B. Tolson
Design Section, Operations Branch
Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Office: (757) 201-7012

 

 

City Council Votes to Ban eScooters at Oceanfront

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City Council voted this Tuesday to ban the use of eScooters (Lime, Bird, etc.) east of Artic Ave.  For more details you can read about it in this Virginian-Pilot article

https://www.pilotonline.com/government/local/vp-nw-scooter-ban-approved-0822-20190821-fp4flonsjvh7hfwb2urz5y6ede-story.html

City Seeks Citizen Input on Active Transporation Plan

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The City is asking citizens to participate in an online survey by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department on its 2020 “Active Transportation Plan.” The plan will focus on promoting safety and accessibility of walking and bicycling in Virginia Beach. The survey invites residents to provide feedback on their bicycling and walking habits, and it also includes an interactive map that will help determine where the greatest needs exists for a pedestrian and bicycle network throughout the city. To access the survey, click here https://tooledesign.github.io/5538.02_VAB_participation_map/

Public Information Meeting for Dredging Lynnhaven Drive Canal – Tuesday Aug. 20th from 5pm – 7pm at First Landing Fire Station

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The following letter was sent to residents near Cape Henry and Lynnhaven Drive.  If you live in this area or frequently travel these roads you may want to attend this meeting to see how the project may result in road closures.

The official letter can be found by clicking here Lynnhaven Drive Canal Drainage Imp._W_Attach (CIP-7-055.001)_2019-07-24.docx2

Subject: Lynnhaven Drive Canal Drainage Improvements (CIP-7-055.001)

Dear Property Owner:

This letter is to inform you the City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Works Operations will be performing dredging operations of Lynnhaven Drive Canal within the Lynnhaven Colony neighborhood area between October 30, 2019, and December 31, 2019, as part of the referenced project. The approximate limits between West Great Neck Road and Cape Arbor Drive bounded from the north Cape Henry Drive and 1,100 feet south to Lynnhaven Drive. The primary goal of the project is to proceed with the interim flood control drainage improvements for the Lynnhaven Drive Canal before the permanent flood control drainage improvements for the Lynnhaven Colony Neighborhood.
The City of Virginia Beach Public Works Operations, Public Works Engineering with Waterway, Surveys, and Engineering, Inc. will hold a public meeting to discuss the project including but not limited to project limits, daily hours of operations during the dredging operations, traffic control concerns, erosion and sediment control concerns, and other associated concerns with the proposed project.

The project team includes employees of the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Operations, Public Works Engineering, Waterway, Surveys, and Engineering, Inc., and Carolina Marine Structures. Members of the project team will be in your neighborhood performing the referenced work.

The dredging work will mainly be located within the City Drainage Easement, and City Right-of-Way but will include traffic control on Lynnhaven Drive for trucks entering the roadway during the construction hours of 9:00 am until 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

The place and time for the public meeting are August 20, 2019, at the City of Virginia Beach First Landing Fire and Rescue Station Number One located at 2837 Shore Drive Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

We are committed to conducting the dredging activities in the least disruptive way as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about the actions of the field personnel or other project issues, please contact Mr. Frank Janes directly at fjanes@vbgov.cokm or 385-4834 or Mr. Mark Jones at MAARJone@vbgov.com or 385-1470.
Sincerely,

Francis X. Janes, Jr.
Public Works Operations

 

Monday July 29th @7:30pm SDCC Presentation – Lime Scooters at the Bayfront – 2nd/3rd Precinct Police Captains Will Discuss

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Lime Scooters have made there way on to the Shore Drive landscape.  Social media has blown up with comments praising and condemning them.  The Virginian-Pilot recently discussed the resulting impact of scooters with an increase in hospital injury visits https://pilotonline.com/news/local/article_747ba370-ad59-11e9-b1d1-4b34e57df79f.html

Police Precinct Captains Wichtendahl-2nd and Hatfield-3rd have graciously offered to attend our Monday July 29th SDCC meeting to talk to us about our concerns.  They will also provide the current City requirements governing electric scooters in the Bayfront area.  They will also update us on any City plans regarding the their future.

So if you have questions about rules of operation, parking requirements, who to call with problems, what can and can’t be done to regulate them, what can be done to make them safer for users and the community.  Please come out Monday evening to discuss.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 29, 2019 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)

 

SDCC General Meeting – Monday July 29th at 7:30pm – Lime Scooter Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.29.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 29, 2019 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 – Lime Scooters and Their Operation in the Bayfront Area

Police Precinct Captains Reo Hatfield-3rd and Shannon Wichtendahl-2nd will discuss the recent inundation of electric scooters along Shore Drive. Come find out What is and isn’t legal for their operation? Does the City plan to regulate their operation? Who can residents and business owners call with issues? Where can electric scooters be legally operated? These and other questions you may have will be addressed.

 

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Empsy Munden
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Cape Henry Beach Replenishment – We have asked the USACE project manager for an update on project. Issues, Estimated Completion Date, etc.
4th of July Fireworks for Cape Henry Beach – The City never responded to the community request to take over the event, so as a result the show did not happen this year.
Shore Drive Improvements in Ocean Park – Updates and estimated completion date will be discussed.

New Business –
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Service will continue to operate until the end of September. HRT and the City have shared ridership numbers for May and June. We will discuss.
Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) – An urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives (usually 75%) and technical and educational assistance to property owners. SDCC is working with local VCAP organizers to have a presentation at our August meeting.
Dewberry Report Sea Level Rise and Stormwater – Community forums have been rescheduled. The remaining four meeting are listed below and more information can be found on our website. * are closest for Bayfront residents.

Monday, July 29, 6-8 PM — Creeds Elementary School, 920 Princess Anne Rd
*Tuesday, July 30, 6-8 PM — Thalia Elementary School, 421 Thalia Drive
Wednesday, July 31, 6-8 PM — Kellam High School, 2665 West Neck Road
*Saturday, August 3, 10 AM – 12 PM — Cox High School, 2425 Shorehaven Drive

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 26, 2019***