Category Archives: ENGAGE

SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Crime Improvement – Mon Nov. 23rd at 7:30pm

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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

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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.

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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.

Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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Email update:

Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers: 

The City of Virginia Beach’s Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  For information to join the meeting virtually, please visit the project website: http://www.vbgov.com/LakeBradford.

Due to the Covid-19 public health crisis this meeting will not be held in-person and instead we will utilize a virtual platform to host this meeting and continue providing project updates and introduce the upcoming construction projects.

As most of you know, we held an open house/public meeting in November 2019 to hear from residents in the area regarding their flooding concerns and to assist in developing a program of drainage improvements.  We received valuable input and feedback from the community and are looking forward to our continued coordination.

Since we met last November, the City and RK&K have made progress on the drainage study and develop a concept of improvements to help mitigate flooding.  This concept requires further analysis and the drainage study is anticipated to be completed by the end of next summer.

This will be an informal open house public meeting and will begin with a 30 minute presentation providing an update on the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study as well as introduce the upcoming Lake Pleasure House Outfall and Lake Bradford Dredging construction projects.  Public Works representatives from the City of Virginia Beach will be available to answer questions via the virtual platform following the presentation.

After the presentation, we request attendees complete an online survey to provide feedback on the presentation as well as any comments or concerns for the upcoming construction projects.  A link to this online survey will be provided on the project website.  Our previous survey was very successful and provided valuable input on flooding concerns in the area.

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

SDCC Monday Oct. 26th Membership Meeting Agenda 7:30pm at OPVRS Hall

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.26.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 26, 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-
Proposed Developments –

  • Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council approved the expansion on Sept 22. Ocean Shore Condos filed a lawsuit vs City Council on October 20.  A Go Fund Me campaign has been created to help pay for legal fees.  To date, $15k has been raised of the $30k goal.  SDCC requested City Council to reconsider their approval, but no reply was received from them.
  • 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 application is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in November.  The Bayfront Advisory Commission did not support the request to remove the existing condition that limits density to 24 units/acre.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. The developer cancelled a presentation at the Oct. Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.

 New Business –

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed for Ocean Park and Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create STR overlay districts in Ocean Park and Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  At the City Council Oct 20 meeting, Ocean Park residents showed up in opposition and Councilman Jones removed the Ocean Park overlay from the ordinance.  Councilman Wood has left the Cape Story overlay in place as a challenge to the residents to oppose if they want his overlay removed.  If not, then 50% of Cape Story will be “By Right” STR.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. meeting on a position for the Bayfont on STR.  It is recommended that SDCC vote on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront and it’s proposed that all overlays be prohibited from the Bayfront.

November SDCC Meeting – Officers from the 3rd Precinct has asked to come to a November meeting to discuss a community policing plan for Ocean Park and other neighborhoods that are experiencing vandalism and break-ins.  They plan to do a survey of neighborhoods to gather input on issues.  SDCC is working with them to create and promote an online survey.

Multiple Shore Drive Condominium Associations has organized a GoFundMe FUNDRAISER & LAWSUIT vs City of Virginia Beach & WCCB to stop precedent setting high rise in Shore Drive community subjectively approved by 5 City Council members

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Westminster Canterbury Expansion-Stop City Council GoFundMe FUNDRAISER link:

Virginia Beach City Council has approved plans to allow a 22 story building expansion of Westminster Canterbury. This will create  a structure rivaling Town Center and potentially supporting other high rise development in the Bayfront neighborhoods along Shore Drive.  This precedent setting decision was based solely on the opinions of 5 Council Members and not based on quantifiable City codes or requirements. 

VIEW LAWSUIT v. VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL, CITY of VIRGINIA BEACH, WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY on Chesapeake Bay ( 29 page PDF )

Over $11,000 has been raised in just a couple days.

Join us & many others who don’t want to see the Shore Drive community & potentially other areas of Virginia Beach have an explosion of density & high rises due to this arbitrary decision made by 5 people.

Westminster Canterbury Expansion-Stop City Council GoFundMe FUNDRAISER link:

Virginia Beach City Council has approved plans to allow a 22 story building expansion of Westminster Canterbury. This will create  a structure rivaling Town Center and potentially supporting other high rise development in the Bayfront neighborhoods along Shore Drive.  This precedent setting decision was based solely on the opinions of 5 Council Members and not based on quantifiable City codes or requirements. 

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Meeting Agenda for Thurs. Oct. 15th at 3:30pm. Councilman Jim Wood has been asked to speak on his Short Term Rental Overlay Ordinance

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Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 15th at 3:30pm at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

Councilman Jim Wood has been asked to speak on his

Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay Ordinance

Residents of Cape Story by the Sea and Ocean Park (locations of proposed overlay districts) may want to attend since this may be the only public discussion opportunity other than upcoming Planning Commission and City Council public hearings.
***UPDATE – Both Councilmen Wood and Jones have confirmed their attendance per BAC Chair email***
From: Phil Davenport, BAC Chair
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:43 AM
Subject: RE: Tomorrow’s BAC meeting
Both CC members, Jones and Wood, are planning to attend today’s BAC meeting. 
Also, because at least one of them needs to leave by 4:30, I will likely move the SRT issue to the first item.
Thank you.

 

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – BAC Agenda 10.15.20

SDCC asks City Council to Reconsider Vote on Westminster Canterbury High Rise High Density Development

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Official email sent to City Council asking for reconsideration of vote to approve Westminster Canterbury high rise high density expansion.  Click here for printable version Request to CC to Reconsider WC Vote

Supporting documents:

Failure to provide HUD affordable housing;

1998 acknowledgement of 165ft senior housing height limit

=========================================================================

Dear Mayor Dyer and Council Members Berlucchi, Wooten, Tower and Henley,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), as voted at our September 28, 2020 meeting, formally requests City Council at your October 6th meeting to reconsider the approval vote of the Westminster Canterbury (WC) application heard on September 22, 2020.

It is our understanding that Council has a 2 week period to reconsider votes made at formal Council hearings.  There are a multitude of reasons the vote for the WC application should be reconsidered, several of them are listed below.  It is our hope that at least two of you will agree to reconsider your erroneous decision.

Reasons why Council needs to reconsider the WC application vote of September 22nd:

  • Council Member Abbott should be allowed to vote. Abbott was unable to attend the vote due to a family emergency, but with only 8 members able to vote as a result of conflict of interests, allowing all qualified voting members a chance to participate is a necessity.  Decisions like the WC application that are based solely on Council’s opinions need to have all voting members participate.
  • Council Members Berlucchi and Wooten should explain their reasons for support. Since the approval of the WC expansion was based solely on Council opinion, all the members provided explanation for their votes except Council members Berlucchi and Wooten.  A decision that changes the future of the Bayfont demands that they explain why they ignored the community’s concerns and voted in favor of the project.
  • WC’s claim that a density of +255% over code is needed to eliminate the approaching silver tsunami is irrelevant. This high density development will not provide enough housing for all the seniors that will be part of the tsunami, nor is it this project’s responsibility to do so.  A larger City approach should be taken.  One that requires all development to stay within the codes, plans and guidelines.  In fact there are over 1000 new units being built or planned within a 5 mile radius of WC.  New Millineium Senior Living – 250 units; Burton Station Senior Housing – 40 units; Overture Senior Apts – 150 apts; The Pearl – 260 apts; Marlin Bay – 230 apts; Marina Shores expansion – 60 apts;  Reducing the number of units for the WC expansion to be equal to the current campus density won’t adversely impact the senior housing market.  If the supply is there, the developers will come.
  • There are zero affordable housing units in this expansion. The Senior Housing Design Guideline allows density increases above code only for HUD defined affordable senior housing.  This type of allowance is common practice and shows up in California State laws as +20% for senior housing and even Alexandria Virginia as a +30% increase.  The City’s Senior Housing Advisory Committee identified the lack of affordable HUD housing in this project and requested WC to supply documentation as to how they are meeting this requirement.  None has been produced.  Allowing increased density because a business plan needs it to maximize profit is not allowed.
  • Maximizing tax collection is not a valid application review parameter. There is no requirement in the City codes, plans or guidelines that says tax revenue is more important than maintaining the character of a neighborhood.  A smaller scale project allows the characteristics of the area to be maintained and also allow an increase in taxes over what is being collected now.
  • Ignoring City codes, plans and guidelines will set precedent for future development in the Bayfront area. For the past 20 years, it has been the general opinion of the community that the development along Shore Drive has been too boxy and dense, but the residents have understood the overlay requirements and made sure projects didn’t violate them.  The WC project you approved ignores the height restriction of 165ft that was adhered to for the 2nd WC building.  The density of the 22 story tower site is 255% over the 24/units per acre code.  The Senior Housing Guidelines require the site to be a minimum of 3 acres, yet it is only 2.56.  The guidelines also require the project to have a mass and scale that doesn’t adversely impact the surrounding community’s character.  Approving a project that ignores all of these requirements will provide the legal precedent for all future developers to ignore codes and ask for approval based on conditional use similar to this one.

The City’s lack of civic engagement for a project of this magnitude and impact is appalling.  The Bayfront residents pride themselves on civil discourse and the ability to work with the City to find compromising solutions.  The fact that we were never given the chance to discuss our concerns is not acceptable.  All of you ran election campaigns that championed improved civic engagement for the citizens.  We demand that you take the opportunity at your October 6th meeting and reconsider your vote of September 22nd.  Denying the proposed WC development will allow the necessary City facilitated civic dialogue to take place needed to make an informed decision of this importance.  A smaller less dense development would be an acceptable compromise that will keep future development of the Bayfront in accordance with codes, plans and guidelines and also allow WC residents to enjoy their new amenities and City Council to enjoy an increase in tax revenue. Keeping the approval of the high rise high density project will lead to a Bayfront that resembles Town Center and result in the loss of our neighborhood character which is the main reason we all love this area.

 

Sincerely,

Todd Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition President

 

 

“I will express my disapproval on Nov. 3.” And “Virginia Beach citizens will know exactly who to vote out of office on Nov 3.”

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From Pilotonline.com Letters to the Editor:

Wrong move

For the first time in my 50 years of living in Virginia Beach, I attended a City Council meeting. The only topic was a vote on the massive $250 million expansion of Westminster-Canterbury on Shore Drive that includes a 22-story glass tower. Speakers for and against the expansion presented their views in a most informative manner. There is no doubt that the quality of life and care for hundreds of senior citizens is top-notch at Westminster-Canterbury. On the other hand, the quality of life in the Shore Drive area, which is primarily residential, will be forever changed for thousands.

Despite compelling evidence that current city zoning laws do not permit a structure greater than 165 feet in height, the council approved the Westminster-Canterbury expansion that is taller than 250 feet.

Some of the rationale for approval voiced by Mayor Bobby Dyer, Councilwoman Barbara Henley, and Councilman Guy Tower was that Virginia Beach needs medical care facilities for its senior citizens. I couldn’t agree more, but that care is in a different building, not in a 22-story, 250-foot independent living facility. This 22-story structure will only open the door for future developers to make Shore Drive “high-rise heaven.” I will express my disapproval on Nov. 3.

Richard Malla, Virginia Beach

 

Click here to see the results of City Council’s 5-2 Vote

on Westminster Canterbury

 

Why bother?

As a longtime resident of Lynnhaven Colony, I watched Tuesday’s Virginia Beach City Council meeting regarding the approval or disapproval of Westminster-Canterbury’s expansion with much interest. What I understood from Westminster proponents is: It’s a great place; they really care; Virginia Beach does not have enough senior housing; and that Beach boomers cannot wait to move there. What I heard from the opponents was that Westminster will destroy their view; shade their homes; and eliminate beach access that residents deserve, use and have grown to expect. It will incorporate a building that will be out of place, depreciate their home values, and that Westminster is actually unaffordable to most people.

What I heard from the council (except for Council members John Moss and Aaron Rouse, who I applaud for their sensibilities) was that the council meeting was a red herring, set up at the Virginia Beach Convention Center so as many people as possible could waste their time and voice their views; and, yes,

thanks for your comments and concerns, but we know better, don’t really care what you think or how this action might impact you,

and we’re going to pretend to think about it for say — five minutes — before announcing our foregone conclusion. Thank you very much. Virginia Beach citizens will know exactly who to vote out of office on Nov 3.

Kriste Brown Camsky, Virginia Beach

City Council Votes 5-2 to Support Westminster-Canterbury’s 22 Story High Rise High Density Application

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The Shore Drive Community Coalition would like to thank Council Member John Moss and Council Member Aaron Rouse for their leadership and understanding of the community’s concerns.  They made their decisions based on citizens input, adverse impact to neighborhoods and violations of existing codes, plans and guidelines.  They didn’t let the allure of tax dollars and promises to solve the perceived problem of the approaching silver tsunami of retires influence their opinions.  Please remember to thank them for their efforts.

The SDCC would like to thank all the members of the community for their emails, phone calls, letters and for speaking in opposition at hearings.  Your dedication and efforts spent the past 10 months fighting this precedent setting project were truly heroic.  As we see now, the lack of City civic engagement wasn’t by accident.  With more civic engagement, it would have been harder for those that voted in favor to justify their support of a high rise high density project.

The following table shows how each Council Member voted on the application.  This information may be helpful for future dealings with City Council.

Red – Voted in favor of the application (Dyer, Wooten, Berlucchi*, Henley, Tower**); Green – Voted against the application (Moss, Rouse); Yellow – Conflict of Interest (Wilson, Wood, Jones); White – Absent from Vote (Abbott)

*-Made motion to approve, **-2nd motion

 

A Call a Day Keeps the High Rise Away – Call City Council Campaign to Deny Proposed Westminster Canterbury 22 Story High Rise Development

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Dear Shore Drive/Bayfront Residents,

It’s been 9 months since the community first learned of Westminster Canterbury’s plans to build the monstrous 22 story, 217 unit precedence setting high rise structure in the Bayfront neighborhood.  Next week, on Tuesday September 22nd at 6:00pm, City Council will hold the final hearing and vote on this application.  Mountains of information has been obtained by SDCC and the adjacent impacted residents.  This data be reviewed here https://weloveshoredrive.com/category/wccb/

Suffice to say, it can all come down to the votes of 7 Council Members.  With 3 of the 11 members recusing themselves due to Conflict of Interests, the remaining 8 would require a 5 to 3 vote in favor to approve the application.  A 4 to 4 tie vote fails.  So the goal to stop this proposed plan is to get 4 “NO” votes from the remaining 8 members.  One member, Mr. John Moss, has gone on public record as voting “NO”, so that leaves 7 members and the need to gain 3 “NO” votes.

With 7 days remaining until the hearing, we are asking all Bayfront Residents to call a different Council Member each day and ask them to vote “NO” to this proposed application.  Seven days and seven Council Members, pretty easy.  The list of Council Members and their contact information is provided below.

It’s pretty simple, just ask the Council Members highlighted in YELLOW below (in person if they answer or on their voicemail) to vote “NO” to the proposed WC High Rise.  Tell them the development doesn’t comply with any of the CIty’s codes, plans or guidelines and ask them to facilitate a civic discussion with the residents, developer and City Staff that can work towards a smaller and less dense compromise that isn’t precedent setting.

Here is the list of Council Members and their phone numbers.  If you don’t feel comfortable calling them, please send them an email.  You can send the entire City Council an email by using the following address, CityCouncil@vbgov.com

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad 3769 E. Stratford Drive (enter on side opposite Shore Drive) September 17, 2020 2:30 pm

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Agenda Thursday:

STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION – 2:30-3:30 pm (Prioritization of items from last month’s discussion)

 

REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 8/20/2020

 

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

Conditional Use Permit for 7/11 with gas pumps – 4493 Shore Drive

Discussion of short term rental districts along Shore Drive

OLD BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Ocean Shores Condominium Board Fundraising for Legal Fees to Oppose Westminster Canterbury Proposed Expansion

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The following letter is from the Ocean Shores Condominium Board requesting support to help cover costs for legal fees to help them oppose the current proposed 22 story tall expansion of Westminster Canterbury.  Ocean Shores Condos are located directly to the east of the proposed high rise and will be impacted the most by the massive structure.  If you believe the proposed iconic landmark hire rise is not in keeping with the neighborhood character of the Bayfront area, Please help by donating and/or forwarding this post to others.

Ocean Shores Condo Legal Fees Fundraiser Letter

 

Dear Shore Drive Community members:

We are writing you concerning the expansion of Westminster Canterbury.  Most of you have gone to meetings opposing the expansion of Westminster Canterbury, or have expressed personal interest against the expansion as it stands now.

This letter/email is from The Ocean Shore Condominiums.  We are a 63 unit condo directly to the east of Westminster Canterbury on Ocean Shore Avenue.

The board of Ocean Shore Condominium, has been fighting to mitigate some of the most egregious design plans of Westminster Canterbury’s expansion since the details were presented to Ocean Shore Condominium owners December 17, 2019, by WC management; the expansion plan was presented as final.   We have attended many meetings, written numerous letters to the planning commission, and made presentations to that commission March 11, 2020.  Now we are actively in contact with the City Council and are prepared to attend their meeting on September 22, 2020, in order to voice our concerns.  Beginning with the Dec. 17, 2019, presentation, Ocean Shore hired an attorney and an architect to help represent us and the community through this entire process.  Many of us have attended meetings with the attorney, and she helped voice our opposition in front of the planning commission.  In addition, she will be making a case against aspects of the expansion plan at the City Council Meeting.

To date, we have spent over $19,500 on legal fees and another $6,000 for the advice and representation we have gotten from our architect.  We have more costs coming as our attorney and architect will be representing all of us at the City Council Meeting upcoming on September 22, 2020.  We are trying to protect the housing values and the wonderful lifestyle of the entire Shore Drive Area and therefore we are all in this together.

We are asking you to help support us financially.  Please consider contributing to our bills in the quest to get Westminster Canterbury to change their expansion.  If you are an individual and can afford $10, $25, $100, or any other amount we would appreciate your help.  If you represent an association or a civic league and you have the same passion as Ocean Shore to continue this fight, then we ask you to financially support us as a community with as much as you deem appropriate.  Ocean Shore Condo is fighting for the entire Shore Drive Area.  We need your financial help and cannot continue to fight without your help.

 

To contribute, please write a check made out to Ocean Shore Condominium and forward it to the address below:

Ocean Shore Condominium

Attn: Jay Frieden, Treasurer

2416 Ocean Shore Crescent #401

Virginia Beach, Va. 23451

 

Whether you contribute financially or not we still need your support.  Please keep contacting the City Council, your Congressional representative and the Governor to keep the pressure on our City Council.  We want to protect everyone in The Shore Drive Area.

Very Truly Yours,

Ocean Shore Condo Board

City Council Plans to Reschedule Hearing of Westminster Canterbury Proposed Expansion to Tuesday Sept. 22nd

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Tuesday September 22nd will be the new scheduled date for City Council to hear Westminster Canterbury’s proposed expansion application.

***PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF HEARING DATE***

City Council at their Tuesday briefing agreed to move ahead with a motion to defer the upcoming August 25th advertised hearing of the WC application to the new hearing date of Tuesday September 22nd.  The September 22nd City Council hearing will still take place at Convention Center at 6:00pm.

The following is an official email from Mr. Mark Stiles, City Attorney, confirming the decision of Council to defer and reschedule.

From: Mark Stiles
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 3:18 PM
To: Todd Solomon
Cc: William R. Landfair
Subject: Re: Westminster Canterbury Hearing Deferral Documentation

Mr. Solomon,

Yesterday the Council agreed to defer the Westminster item to a special meeting on September 22.  A formal vote to that effect will occur next Tuesday and the published agenda for next week will show that it is on for deferral to that date.

Best wishes,

Mark Stiles

 

The main reason for the requested change in hearing date was to allow this item to be the only Planning Item on the agenda which will create a more manageable meeting.  The August 25th agenda contains 28 Planning Items and is scheduled to be a joint City Council and Planning Commission hearing which potentially doubles the time for each item to be heard.  A brief excerpt from the City Manager’s letter to City Council is shown below explaining this in more detail.  The entire letter can be read by clicking below

CM letter to CC re Deferral of WC to 9.22

The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) will be holding their annual Strategic Planning session prior to their regular meeting at 1 PM on August 20, 2020.

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Email from Mark:

Good Morning,

Phil Davenport, Chairman of the Bayfront Advisory Commission, asked me to send out this email to the various civic league/homeowner association contacts to obtain written comments regarding two topics:

The Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) will be holding their annual Strategic Planning session prior to their regular meeting at 1 PM on August 20, 2020. Phil has requested that the various organizations provide BAC with their written comments/or concerns about the bayfront area in general to help with the strategic plan discussion.

At the regular meeting, BAC will be discussing the Westminster-Canterbury application. This item has been delayed until the August 25, 2020 City Council meeting. Please provide any written comments or concerns that your organization may have regarding this application.

Please email me your comments about these items no later than Monday 8/17/20 so I can compile and send to the BAC members prior to the meeting. BAC meetings are now being held at the Ocean Park Rescue Squad meeting room, 3769 E. Stratford Road to allow for more social distancing. However, due to the spacing requirements, there will be extremely limited seating.

Thank you for your help and please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Mark E. Shea, AICP
Comprehensive Planning Coordinator
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Planning and Community Development
Meshea@vbov.com
757-385-2908

Emphasis ours.

​City Manager Patrick Duhaney has declared a local state of emergency in preparation for the storm. “The Aug. 4 City Council meeting – items that were to be considered will be rescheduled for Council meetings on Aug. 18 or 25.”

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Virginia Beach Prepares for Arrival of Tropical Storm Isaias Local Emergency Declared in Virginia Beach at VBGov.com:

Due to expected high winds, rain and possible flooding from Tropical Storm Isaias, all City buildings and facilities will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 4. 

Closings & Cancellations for Tuesday, Aug. 4

  • The Aug. 4 City Council meeting – items that were to be considered will be rescheduled for Council meetings on Aug. 18 or 25. 
  • Recreation centers and Parks & Recreation summer childcare programs
  • Libraries
  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Boat Tours.

Waste Collection Suspended on Tuesday
All trash, recycling, bulky item and yard debris collections are suspended. Collections will resume on a sliding schedule: Tuesday routes will be collected Wednesday, Wednesday routes on Thursday, Thursday on Friday, and Friday routes on Saturday, Aug. 8.

 

Our understanding is WCCB is now scheduled for August 25th.

From: Paige T. McGraw
Sent: Monday, August 3, 2020 2:15 PM
To: Todd Solomon
Subject: RE: August 4th City Council Hearing – Westminster Canterbury Expansion Item

Todd,

The meeting tomorrow will be cancelled. The Westminster item will be heard on the 25th. Do you want to stay signed up?

Sincerely,

Paige McGraw

City of Virginia Beach | Deputy City Clerk

2401 Courthouse Drive | Bldg. 1, Rm. 281 | Va. Beach, VA 23456

| 757.385.4303 |

“Subsequent to the Planning Commission Public Hearing The Applicant has provided Staff with a New submittal…” ~ Planning Director July 28 2020

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Is it more appropriate to DEFER the Public Hearing scheduled for City Council Meeting August 4th 2020 to allow the City to hold the necessary public forum and reach an acceptable compromise rather than try to work a solution during a Public Hearing that also includes very real health risks for its participants considering:

  • The unknown recent changes
  • Large opposition to publicly seen proposed development
  • 3 Councilpersons needing to recuse themselves
  • Inconsistencies throughout the entire process to date
  • The complexity of the precedent setting “iconic building” WCCB will have in the Shore Drive Community for decades

    • Recent FOIA documents available below.
    Note: Attachments mentioned in many emails were not included for the public to view.

    R-F008829_-_Bloom

    R-F008829-072120_-_Mayors_Office_Responsive_Documents

    R-FOIA_F008829_Leahy_E-mail

    R-WC_FOIA

    Affects of the Westminster-Canterbury Expansion

    Re Westminster Canterbury potential expansion

    RE Westminster Canterbury Expansion concern

    RE Shore Drive Community Coalition Position Statement – Westminster Canterbury Expansion

    Westminster Canterbury Expansion concern

    Shore Drive Communtiy Coaltion Position Statement – Westminster Canterbury Expansion

    “We have 2 presentations coming up now because of the complexity . . .” ~ Mayor Dyer July 28th 2020

    It seems everyone understands how complex the proposed development is. What’s the rush to attempt to push it through with incomplete information & lack of public input on an unseen “new submittal”.

    “I drafted a survey that attempts to gather data and solicit for help to determine the extent of the problem. Any options presented to the City are going to have to be backed up with numbers and narratives of significant incidents that have occurred.”

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    A request from your neighbor at our DISCUSS Page:

    Darryl A. Stubbs says:July 22, 2020 at 9:45 am

    “Hello fellow Shore Drive neighbors,

    I am requesting the survey linked below be distributed to in order to get more respondents. Below is a post I made on “Next Door Safety” a few days ago and have received 55 individual person responses from communities located along the Bay Beach/Shore Drive. So far the information collected in the survey is revealing. It appears most folks have strict control of their dogs on the beach, however 90% of these same folks have encountered dogs not under control and 70% of the 90% say they have had concerns about the safety of their dog or person. 10% of the 70% have had slight or severe injury done to their dog by uncontrolled dogs.

    More survey respondents are necessary for this survey to provide actionable data. Not looking for opinions on what should be done. That will come after this survey data is analyzed, a committee is formed and more research is done. Looking to provide options to the City to make out beaches enjoyable for all. This is not, repeat is not, an effort to have a leash law for the beaches….”

    More info about the Survey:

    Here is the survey. No more posts of opinions and positions are required or desired on Next Door. If you have good intentions and are willing to back up comments with some action, please join the Committee referred to in the Survey”.

    https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BMLTHMQ

    Macaroni, an 8-year-old Shih Tzu, was attacked by a pit bull on Chic’s Beach on June 23, 2020. (HANDOUT)

    City Council Sets Special Meeting on May 7

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    View how to engage at VBGov.com:

    ​On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 4 p.m., the City Council will hold a workshop to discuss the search for a city manager and the monitoring of the FY 2020-2021 budget.

    Members of Council may participate via electronic communication means provided that a quorum of Council is physically present at the meeting location, and the Council member provides notice that he or she is unable to physically attend the meeting for a reason set forth in the City Council Policy for Remote Participation by Councilmembers in Council Meetings, adopted March 31, 2020 (attached).

    No public comment will be taken at this meeting, however because it is expected that three or more members of the City Council will be physically present, a few seats for the public will be available in the Council Chamber that are appropriately spaced apart. Citizens are encouraged to wear protective face coverings.

    This meeting will be live-streamed on VBTV (Cox channel 48 & Verizon channel 45), VBgov.com/media and Facebook.com/CityofVaBeach.

    The proposed budget is available at VBgov.com/budget. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, City staff presented a revised FY 2020-21 Budget and Resource Management Plan on Tuesday, April 14. It can be viewed on VBgov.com/media and youtube.com/VirginiaBeachTV.

    For the latest information, please visit emergency.vbgov.com/coronavirus and follow us on facebook.com/CityofVaBeach, twitter.com/CityofVaBeach and instagram.com/cityofvabeach.