Category Archives: Environment

City’s Dewberry Study on Sea Level Rise and Flooding Recommends Average $3.0 Billion Worth of Solutions

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On January 15th, Dewberry consultants presented a draft strategies plan to City Council identifying various projects to help prepare Virginia Beach for a Sea Level Rise (SLR) of 3 feet.  The draft plan was created with input from City Staff, a SLR Working Group and consultants.  One of the key recommendations in the plan is to build flood walls all along the Bayfront Beaches and flood gates at the Lynnhaven Inlet.

 

The following timeline identifies stakeholder outreach and input sometime in 2019.  It is SDCC’s hope that a meaningful community dialogue can be held that will allow residents a chance to discuss implementation priorities and potential funding methods for the large price tag of $3.0 Billion.

 

To read Dewberry’s slide show presentation to City Council, click here https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/public-works/comp-sea-level-rise/Documents/slr-rf-plan-study-policy-strat-council-brief-1-15-19.pdf

Dewberry presentation to City Council from Jan 15th ’19 Informal Session

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Informal City Council workshop yesterday Dewberry made an in-depth presentation on sea level rise threats and possible solutions.

This is the first tier with a tiered approach.

E-cycling January 19, 2019 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Virginia Aquarium

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Details here.

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 Saturday, January 19, 2019, from 9a.m. to 12 noon, at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.

***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted.***

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 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: Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), 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)

We thought you might be interested in a simple step to help move a bill that will help increase residential and commercial tree canopy throughout VA, in the name of water quality improvement and flood mitigation.

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From Tanner:

Delegate Keam’s proposed tree canopy Bill HB 2333 is something we have been looking forward to for some time.

View Bill HB 2333 here.

Why is the legislation needed?
Virginia state code currently limits the amount of canopy a locality may require a developer to plant/replace/preserve.

For example, under current law, for a residential parcel zoned for 10 or fewer units per acre, the locality may not require a tree canopy greater than 20% in 20 years’ time. For a commercial parcel, the maximum tree canopy a locality can require is 10%. That’s right, there is a maximum amount of trees a locality can require to be replaced.

What does HB 2333 do?
It exempts a locality from those caps if they’re using trees to achieve a water quality (i.e. Bay TMDL) or quantity (i.e. flood mitigation) goal.

See this attachment to see how it changes to existing law. (2pg PDF)

What can you do to support this common-sense legislation?
Simple. We are building a consortium of groups to add their names to our sign-on letter of support (see below how to join).

We will share this list with members of the House Counties, Cities and Towns subcommittee to ensure it makes its way to full committee vote.

From there we think it has a good chance of making it to the floor.

To join the sign-on letter all we need is:
Organization, Lead Signatory, and Title. You can see who else is already on board and add your organization to our running list here.

Or just email Tanner at CBF & let me know you are in!

View letter that will be sent that will include list of supporting organizations.

Have capacity to help?
Share this email with others who might be interested — HOAs, civic leagues, local government, tree stewards, healthcare companies, nurseries, tree care companies, botanical gardens, small and large businesses – anyone that has a stake in increasing tree canopy in the Bay watershed.

What is the deadline for signing?
We’ll leave the letter open until the bill is on the House Counties, Cities and Towns subcommittee #2 docket, which could be as early as next Thursday.

Thanks for your consideration. We hope you will join us. Please don’t hesitate to call if I can answer any questions about the bill.

Cheers,

Tanner Council
Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Brock Environmental Center | 757.644.4113

Bubba’s being elevated 5′ over the next few weeks. Some photos.

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View the article & photos at Pilotonline.com.

The Blackwater-based company moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for the National Park Service 20 years ago and is elevating several homes in Virginia Beach through a federal flooding assistance program.

Bubba’s will be one of the most challenging, he said, because most of the work will have to be done during low tide.

More photos below.

VB City Public Schools and CBF are partnering on a new environmental science program for high school students, which will be based at CBF’s Brock Environmental Center in OCEAN PARK PEOPLE!

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What is the goal of the new environmental studies program at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, which will use the new classroom?
The Environmental Studies Program will empower students to broaden their understanding of sustainability and the environment by using the Brock Center and surrounding natural community, implementing environmental service learning projects, and integrating interdisciplinary instruction.

Learn more.

Dream impossible dreams & work on them because sometime they DO in fact come true!

SDCC General Meeting Monday Dec 17th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation “Bayside Rec Center”

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Please note the meeting is this Monday.  I apologize for the short notice, the advanced date for the meeting due to holidays snuck up on me.  Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.17.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday December 17, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Bayside Recreation Center
Mr. C.J. Gajan, City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department, will inform us of all the amazing activities and opportunities the Bayside Rec Center has to offer. Did you know if you are a group retiree or part of Medicare you may be eligible for a “No Cost” membership? Come learn about the many programs and ask C.J. any questions you may have about this amazing City amenity.

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

Old Business-
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The official ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the completion of the bridge was held on Wednesday Dec. 12th. Check out the amazing photos taken by Tim Solanic on our website http://www.sdcc.info

Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Dewberry, continues to assist Public Works in the long term potential solutions/planning for the four major watersheds in the City: 1) Atlantic Ocean and Vicinity 2) Lynnhaven Inlet 3) Elizabeth River 4) Southern Watersheds. Analysis uses a combination of the EPA software and MIKE21, another dynamic modeling tool primarily used for the Southern Watersheds that includes analysis for wind based tides. The ASERT program – Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, had many Open-House offerings this past winter. There are many different strategies, some of which could include larger scale Dredging, Seawalls and Tide Gate structures. City Council will be reviewing these strategies in the January/February 2019 timeframe and then will re-engage the ASERT meetings with the public following that review.

Short Term Rentals (STRs) – The Planning Commission on Wed. Dec. 12th approved a list of regulations and code changes regarding STRs. These changes will be sent to City Council for review and approval. The City Council hearing date has not been set. Some of the highlights (Conditional Use Permits for new STRs; Two contracts per seven day period; Minimum one on-site parking spot per bedroom with overflow parking off street only)

New Business –
Pleasure House Point (PHP) Wetlands Mitigation Bank – Updates regarding the upcoming project that will convert parts of PHP into wetlands. Learn about plans for the parking lot, walkways, live oak tree removals.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future – In preparation for the start of a new year, we will discuss ideas for the future of SDCC. Will new leaders step forward to help continue? Is cutting back to quarterly meetings a possibility? Would a website presence with emergency meetings model work? Let’s bounce some ideas around.

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

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

 

“Gov. Ralph Northam made the announcement Wednesday in the sustainable Brock Environmental Center”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

He proposed dedicating $90 million each year starting in fiscal 2020 to a cost-sharing program to help farmers make their properties more environmentally friendly and a one-time $50 million deposit into the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund. The plans require General Assembly approval.

[Emphasis ours.]

More about Stormwater Local Assistance Fund here.

Trees are the answer for Overture at the Lesner Bridge

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You may remember the proposed Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC which was to be located next to Overture at Ocean Shore Ave & Cherry Tree Place near intersection on east side of Lesner Bridge.

The property will NOT be developed.  Thanks to all who helped make this happen.

Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC has sold the lot to Greystar, owners of Overture, for permanent preservation including 2 gorgeous live oak.

Photo from application to BZA

Monday Nov. 26th SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation “Bayfront Beach Sand Replenishment”

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING – May you enjoy your time with friends and family.

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 11.26.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation-

Bayfront Beaches Sand Replenishment Update
Mr. Phillip Roehrs, City of Virginia Beach Public Works – Water Resource Engineer, will provide an update on current plans for sand replenishment project for Bayfront beaches. The last replenishment happened 5 years ago and our beaches are in dire need of help. When will dredging and replenishment begin? Where will the sand be placed? How long will the projects take? Will sand from the spoil sites be required as in past projects? These questions and others you may have will be discussed.

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

Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Update – According to the current property owner, the proposed mixed use development will not be built. The property will be sold to Greystar/Overture Apartments.

Shore Drive Phase III Update – Shore Drive Phase III (CIP 2-117) is set to go out for bid in Feburary 2019 with construction to start sometime in the summer of 2019. This $26 million project will provide sidewalks, crosswalks, LED street lighting, bike lanes, improved traffic signals and landscaping. 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction to minimize traffic delays. In addition to the road safety improvements, storm water upgrades will be made to some streets to help improve heavy rain collection and removal capabilities.

Lesner Bridge Replacement – The end is in sight. Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings should be taking place soon now that the sidewalk has been completed. Updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received.

New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Latest rumor is the site will be used as a staging site by Dominion Power for construction of offshore wind turbines. Does anyone have additional information regarding this subject?

Virginia Beach Police Department New Initiatives – Next Generation 9-1-1(texting based 9-1-1) and ePRO (electronic Police Reports Online), an interactive web application that allows public access to reported crime, traffic accident reports, and active warrants are new systems currently being used by the City. Check them out at the City’s website –

• NG 9-1-1 Link
• ePRO Link

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

PLEASE NOTE REVISED MEETING DATE
Due to Christmas and New Year Eve

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 17, 2018***

“Thanks to a $1.5 million gift, the school system could soon start an environmental studies program at one of the world’s greenest buildings. The division hopes to debut the program at the Brock Environmental Center in 2020.”

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Learn more at Pilotonline.com article:

But few, if any, have access to a facility with the Brock Center’s acclaim. In 2016, it became one of the first 11 projects in the world to pass the “Living Building Challenge,” considered by many to be the highest honor for green buildings.

That news is outstanding! However . . .

Not all of Pleasure House Point is permanently preserved yet.

Note photo on this page. There is also private property located just off Dinwiddie Road next to Brock that is not permanently preserved. There’s also an opportunity to preserve what’s known as PHPN located next to 7/11 on Shore Drive & Shady Oaks and a slimmer chance of preserving 2 lots located next to Pleasure House Creek overlook on Shore Drive.

Note the amount of trees and vital habitat that is at risk for destruction. Birds, including those migrating in the Atlantic Flyway, depend on Pleasure House Point and it’s open space to survive.

“The Virginian-Pilot has found mounting evidence that real estate values across Hampton Roads are being driven down as a result of recurrent flooding and sea level rise.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

Values of seemingly safe houses several blocks from the water are hurting as well.

Several recent studies have shown that impacts from flooding – from water in the basement to inundated streets – already have hamstrung property prices and cost Hampton Roads homeowners hundreds of millions of dollars in lost or unrealized values.

And:

A group of university economists published a study this summer showing that severe storms – which scientists say have become stronger and more frequent in recent years due to climate change – can have a meaningful impact on property value and how long a home spends on the market in Hampton Roads.

Properties in high-risk areas declined in value after major storms and stayed on the market longer – and not just in the initial aftermath.

In related news, UN IPCC released report illustrating we have 12 years to stop global warming at + 1.5C.

The world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

Start at The Guardian article to learn more.

It’ll be interesting to see if stakeholders in Virginia Beach find the will to mitigate climate change & sea level rise impacts so it can exist another 50 years.

City Council Candidate Forums for October

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Here are some opportunities for you to learn about candidates in our upcoming November City Council Elections.  Fourm list provided by the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO).

Wednesday October 10th – Forum is for the two Mayoral Candidates and the six candidates running for the two at-large seats – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now.  6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.

Monday October 15th – City Council Candidate Forum.  Sponsored by the Sandbridge Civic League. 7:00pm at the Sandbridge Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 17th – Forum is for the candidates running for the Beach, Bayside, Lynnhaven, Centerville, and Princess Anne District seats. – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now. 6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.

Thursday October 18th – City Council Candidate Forum. Sponsored by the Farm Bureau. 6:30pm at the Creeds Ruitan Community Complex 1057 Princess Anne Road

Saturday Sept 29th 9:00am to Noon – E-cycling Event at the Virgina Aquarium (Electronics and Hazardous Wastes)

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Personal note: this is a very efficient set up and a great way to dispose of any hazardous material you may have in your house or garage.  You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle.  A loop is set up in the east parking lot and you just drive around it, the volunteers empty you vehicle and you drive home.

Gather up Old Electronics and Hazardous Waste and Dispose of Them Responsibly at the Fall E-cycling Event Sept. 29

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is partnering with Goodwill Industries, Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling to offer its semi-annual e-cycling event Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The e-cycling event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the aquarium’s east parking lot. The following items will be accepted:

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 cannot be accepted***

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: alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), boat, car, camera, cell phone, hearing aid, lead acid, lithium, rechargeable, truck
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)

 

Monday Sept 24th SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 9.24.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 24, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(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 – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Bayfront Storm/Flood Water Plans – Update on City’s long term discussion and plans for Bayfront improvements to storm and flood water. City studies and information gathering meetings have been held. City is working on solutions to present to communities. Should residents be involved in identifying solutions? If so, when?

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates from City’s permit request to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Quality to keep the wharf as a permanent structure for multiple uses. One of them which the community opposes is for a Dredge Material Transfer Station.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – Update on City Council’s recent actions. Council has been focusing on the legal issues and applications of STRs.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Operating weekends only until Sunday September 30th. If you haven’t tried it, Neptune Festival is a great opportunity before the service stops until next season.

New Business –
Lesner Bridge Replacement – Both sides of the bridge are finally open. Any concerns? We will be collecting any issues and submitting them to the Project Manager for answers.

Shore Drive Area Properties LLC request to build 2 single family homes along Shore Drive – Shore Drive Area Properties LLC is requesting to build 2 single family homes along Shore Drive in Ocean Park. The request to build in the Resource Protection Area (RPA) will be presented to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board on Monday Sept. 24th. Updates will be presented at our SDCC meeting.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 29, 2018***

What are those blue signs on Shore Drive next to PHP ? Proposed 3925 Shore Drive single family houses & swimming pools.

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3925 Shore Drive 20180924-PCD-CBPA-Staff Report (14 page PDF)

Variance Request
Encroachment into the Resource Protection Area (RPA) 50 foot landward buffer and variable width buffer to construct 2 single family residences with a shared driveway.

Our Neighbors the Coyotes – Slideshow Presentation by First Landing State Park

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In case you missed Monday night’s presentation by Jennifer Huggins, Chief Ranger at First Landing State Park, here is a copy of her informative slideshow from that evening.

And as we learned from Jennifer, the coyotes are here to stay, so like all wildlife, please respect them, don’t feed them and just enjoy them from a distance.

And more importantly, watch out for errant golf balls and champagne corks (look for the details in Jennifer’s slides)…

Click here for the slideshow file  Our Neighbors the Coyotes

Monday Aug 27th General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Coyotes

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  8.27.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 27, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Neighborhood Coyotes – A new neighbor has moved into the Bayfront community. You may have spotted them on the beach, walking on the Cape Henry trail or even roaming your backyards. Ms. Jennifer Huggins, First Landing State Park Ranger, will talk to us about these amazing animals, their habits and how we can best live with our new friends.

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

Old Business-
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Ocean Park and SDCC opposition letters sent to the US Army Corps of Engineers taking exception to the proposed use of the site as a dredge material transfer station and asking for a public hearing. USACE’s response letter accepted comments, but decision has been made to not hold a public hearing on this permit.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – The Planning Commission has been given action to continue work on this topic. A public hearing and hopefully more opportunity for public comment will be available this Fall.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Ridership numbers for July should be available. May and June numbers were double 2017 ridership. Will the trend continue?

Lesner Bridge Replacement – New eastbound span was originally scheduled to be opened the weekend of August 25/26. We will try to provide updates on this progress/delay and any new details from the City.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Fireworks Study – The BAC is conducting a feasibility study for having a 4th of July Bayfront fireworks show sponsored/operated by the City. We welcome you input/thoughts regarding this idea.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 24, 2018***

ROUTE 35 SHUTTLE RIDERSHIP MORE THAN DOUBLES FROM LAST YEAR !

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Woo hoo !

Coverage at 13 News Now includes vid.

New numbers provided by the city say ridership from June 2017 to June 2018 has shot up 113%. A breakdown translates to about 3,000 trips by riders increasing to a little more than 6,000.

“It’s where we as locals can enjoy the Oceanfront during the tourist season and not have to pay 30, 40 dollars for parking or go see a sand soccer event,” said Todd Solomon, President of the Shore Drive Community Coalition.

Learn more about Route 35 at SDCC.info.