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.
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.
Dream impossible dreams & work on them because sometime they DO in fact come true!
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
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***
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.]
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.
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
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 –
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***
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.
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.
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
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.
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)
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***
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.
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
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)
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***
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.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.30.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 30, 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 – What, Where and When was Seaview Beach? Come out to hear a wonderful presentation on the historic Seaview Beach. Don’t know what/where Seaview Beach was? This is a great opportunity to learn some amazing stories and background of this incredible hot spot situated on Shore Drive.
Sherry Dibari, a Norfolk resident who works on independent projects related to the documentation and preservation of regional traditions and cultures, will discuss her research on Seaview Beach that she gathered while creating a research paper funded with a 2017 Research Grant from the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.
Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Lynnhaven Colony Storm Water Improvements – City Council is moving $1 million from 2018/19 budget designated for land purchase in the Lynnhaven Colony project to a neighborhood in the southern part of the City. The budget will be replaced in the 2019/20 cycle and no delays are expected in the Lynnhaven project.
Short Term Rentals (STR) –City Council is still discussing how to proceed with STRs. Current plans are to send this item back to the Planning Commission to have them gather more public input and provide more structure to Council’s changes.
Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Two months of service and ridership numbers are almost double compared to 2017. Please continue to provide SDCC your comments on the route and will collect them to forward to the City and HRT.
New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf –The US Army Corps of Engineers are soliciting comments regarding this permit and have set August 6th as the deadline to receive written responses. SDCC would like to make a motion at tonight’s meeting to support an official response. Please be ready to discuss and vote.
Lesner Bridge Replacement – What is the scheduled opening date? What will be the traffic patterns and lane closure details to support the opening? Hopefully we will have some of these details to present.
Coyotes in the Bayfront Area – I spoke to the Director of First Landing State Park and they would be happy to send a ranger to our next meeting to talk about coyotes in our area. If there is interest, I will pursue a presentation for our August meeting.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 27, 2018***
View all documents at US Army Corps of Engineers website here.
FEDERAL EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: The decision whether to modify a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. The decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits which reasonably may be expected from the modification must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All of the modification’s relevant factors will be considered, including conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use classification, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, consideration of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people.
The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of this modification. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to modify, condition or deny this proposal. Comments are used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed modification. Anyone may request a public hearing to consider this modification by writing to the District Commander within 30 days of the date of this notice, stating specific reasons for holding the public hearing. The District Commander will then decide if a hearing should be held.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments on this request for modification should be in writing and can be sent by either email to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil or by regular mail, addressed to the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011, and should be received by the close of business on August 6, 2018.
From Irene Bowers, reporter for Virginian-Pilot:
Benjamin Heller is a visiting artist from NY on a grant from VBeach Office of Cultural Affairs. He is creating a sculpture—Terrapin Basin—near the Brock Environmental Center. His assistant had to leave, and he is finishing alone.
Here are two ways to help:
1. Interested adults can help polish the rock surfaces. Benjamin will show you how to use the polishers.
2. He could use 600 feet, yup that much, of three pronged or grounded electric cord. He already has one set of 600’ and hopes to borrow enough to run several polishers for any volunteers. He will tag and return the cord to owners upon completion.
You can find him out there early morning to night.
Contact him at: benjaminhellerart@gmail.com
You can read about Terrapin Basin here.
View DEQ response. (2pg PDF)
