Category Archives: Environment

VB “received $10 million last week for the river’s restoration project, and it provided a 50 percent match, worth $5 million, as a condition of the funding”

Posted on by

Check out article at Pilotonline.com:

The area being restored is vital for a healthy water habitat, Forget said. It’s where many species spend the early period of their lifespan, and where animals lay eggs. The restoration will not only support aquatic life in Lynnhaven but also in the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean.

She said the restoration will also aid tourism, specifically the quickly growing sector of ecotourism, a major part of the Hampton Roads economy. With the changes, maybe another president will make a trip out for the oysters.

Film “Tidewater” and discussion at Brock

Posted on by

Third in our Conversations about Climate Change Series
June 14, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, Brock Environmental Center

“What’s our plan? And how do we become a part of the solution?

We have the knowledge and the technology. How can we export good ideas to the rest
of the world?”

The film Tidewater raises all of these issues and more. A terrific film about the challenges and opportunities that confront our region. How do we choose to move forward? Watch a trailer here: https://vimeo.com/213262018

Join us on June 14th to view the film followed by a facilitated discussion. Free and open to all, but please register at Office@LRNow.org or by calling, 757-962-5398.

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

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.30.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 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 – No presentation scheduled

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

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – VB City Traffic Engineering has completed a draft report for the results of the study. SDCC has shared the report on our website. We will discuss the report results and next steps/actions. Come join the conversation.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – City Council deferred a final vote on any STR policy until late May timeframe. On April 3rd Councilman Jones proposed a draft ordinance that permits home-sharing by-right and only requires registration with the Commissioner of Revenue Office. Short term rentals are permitted by-right in the Sandbridge SSD, Ocean Front Resort District, and the North End overlay. In all other parts of the City, short term rentals would require a conditional use permit. Where short term rentals are permitted by-right or where they require a conditional use permit, they must adhere to 11 conditions. Updates on STRs can be found at https://www.vbgov.com/residents/homes-neighborhoods/Pages/online-home-sharing-economy.aspx

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.

New Business –
Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Phase 4 – CIP 2.118 is still proposed for full funding in the upcoming FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote will be taken at our April meeting. Please prepare accordingly.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – The City Manager has allocated transitional funding to allow the expansion of this route for the 2018 season. The route will begin service the weekend before Memorial Day (Fri May 25th) and operate until the end of September. Replacement funding for this service is being requested as part of the proposed FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote is recommended. Please prepare accordingly.

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

Future SDCC meeting presentation suggestions – The History of Seaview Beach by Historian Sherry DiBari. More information about this topic can be found at https://sdcc.info/2018/04/19/familiar-with-seaview-beach-amusement-park/

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 21, 2018***
Please Note – This meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day

How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details City Council will vote on the budget on May 15; here are ways you can get more information and provide feedback.

Posted on by

How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details at VBGov.com.

Watch Budget Presentations Online:​​

City Council will vote on the FY2018-19 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program during the May 15 meeting at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers (2401 Courthouse Drive).​

Start here to review current budget proposals at VBGov.com.

Click graphic to visit VBGov.com.

“It has taken decades of planning and a court case for the city to be ready to add sand to the rapidly eroding Chesapeake Beach. And crews could start work as soon as next month, if the city borrows $1 million set aside for beach replenishment at the Oceanfront.”

Posted on by

Article at Pilotonline.com:

It’s been eroding for years, said coastal manager Phill Roehrs, and the shrinking beach poses a threat to properties facing the Chesapeake Bay.

Photo Credit: Bill Tiernan The Virginian-Pilot

Help select our April Meeting Presentation by VB Economic Development

Posted on by

You’ve heard of blockchain and ICO?

Blockchain at Wikipedia:

A blockchain,[1][2][3] originally block chain,[4][5] is a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography.

ICO at Investopedia:

An Initial Coin Offering (ICO) is used by startups to bypass the rigorous and regulated capital-raising process required by venture capitalists or banks.

One recent example of a technology firm VB Econ Dev brought here.

We’ve heard our Virginia Beach Economic Development team is working with partners to create unique opportunities to create funding sources to help with 3 possible vital items for VB’s sustainable growth & preservation of our unique culture.

We’re trying to line up a presentation of how one example could work.

Choose one or add your own idea below.

SDCC General Meeting Monday March 26th at 7:30pm – Special Storm Water and Shore Drive Improvements Presentation

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 3.26.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 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 – Storm Water and Shore Drive Roadway Improvements East of Lesner Bridge – Mr. Brad Vanderwarker and Mr. Mike Mundy, Public Works Engineers for the City of Virginia Beach, will discuss the City’s upcoming projects starting this Summer to help storm water/flooding issues between the Lesner Bridge and the State Park. They will also discuss the safety and beautification projects along Shore Drive that will start in August 2019. Brad and Mike will have project displays, handouts and will answer questions after their presentation.

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

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Old Business-

Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – We are still waiting to receive City report. Mr. Robert Gey, City Engineer, will be sharing the results of their study performed at the end of 2017. SDCC will share this data and collect comments and questions at our March meeting to present to the City for response.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – City Council approved a 60 day deferral for the final vote on any STR policy at their March 20th meeting. Additional comments can be emailed directly to City Council at ctycncl@vbgov.com One Councilmember has also set up an online survey. Ms. Jessica Abbott’s survey can be found at https://form.jotform.com/jessicapabbott/short-term-rentals-survey

Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Update on Phase 4 – CIP 2.118. The City Manager has included a full funding request for this CIP in the proposed FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item and official SDCC vote will be taken at our March or April meeting. Please prepare accordingly.

New Business –

Recurrent Flooding and Comprehensive Sea Level Rise – Update on Deputy Manager Tom Leahy’s presentation to the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organization and City’s plans for what happens next.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday April 30, 2018***
Remember meetings are the LAST Monday of each month and April has 5

City of Virginia Beach to Hold Public Meeting About Flood Risks and Resiliency at Central Library – Sat. March 24th

Posted on by

The City of Virginia Beach, Public Works Engineering, and the Old Dominion University Resilience Collaborative will be sponsoring a film and interactive community event concerning flooding and ways to respond at the Virginia Beach Central Library on Saturday, March 24, 2018, starting at 1:30 p.m. At 2 pm, there will be a presentation of the film, “Tidewater: Water is Rising, Land is Sinking, and the Military is Here to Stay,” which was produced by Roger Sorkin and the American Resilience Project.

For more information on this event, please click the here

“When you adopt a storm drain through the City of Virginia Beach Adopt-a-Drain program, you are volunteering to keep your storm drain clear from debris, such as grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, sediment, and trash.”

Posted on by

Adopt-A-Drain interactive resource at drains.VBGov.com.

By taking care of your adopted storm drain, you’re helping to keep our local waterways clean and healthy.

ScnShotAdoptADrain

Wharf Permit Modification update including letter to DEQ & ACOE

Posted on by

Reposted from OPCL.org.

Wharf Permit Modification Letter 3-5-18 (3 page PDF)

Thanks to Mr. Roehrs for also providing the recent email discussion below:

From: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
To: Myles Pocta
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2018 14:31:52 +0000
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169
Please include Dan Adams. Thanks.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.
Water Resources Engineer
City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering
757-385-8985

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 10:31 AM
To: Phillip J. Roehrs ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: Danny B. Taylor ; David A. Bradshaw
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Phil,

Roger; will do and look to shore up for mid-to-late AM on 3/30 (Friday).
Also, be I’ll be checking with Clark-Nexsen on their availability to host mtg.

Lastly, Is there anyone else at the City you’d like to invite ?
After hearing from you and CN, I’ll send out email invite.

Thanks,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Phillip J. Roehrs [mailto:PRoehrs@vbgov.com]
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2018 9:47 AM
To: Myles Pocta ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

I can do the 30th. Sorry for the delay, I was off Wed-Fri, and forgot to post a notification.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.
Water Resources Engineer
City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering
757-385-8985

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 2:18 PM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz ; Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Thanks Chris. Phil, how does the 30th look for you ?

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Chris J. Wojtowicz [mailto:CWojtowi@vbgov.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 11:26 AM
To: Myles Pocta ; Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Myles,

March 30th is Good Friday and I will be taking both the 29th and the 30th off.

-Chris

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 8, 2018 10:23 AM
To: Phillip J. Roehrs ; Chris J. Wojtowicz
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Good morning Phil,

After Tuesday’s email, Scharlene Floyd (COE) called to briefly talk about the extension/modification.
She thinks a meeting (w/her and Sheri, DEQ) has merit and suggested later this month at Clark Nexsen.

We think its wise to meet and include the following attendees: you, Chris W, Dave, Danny, COE (Scharlene & Greg Steele (?)) and the DEQ.
In terms of venue/date, we suggest mtg. at Clark Nexsen the last week of March (both the COE and DEQ are open Friday, March 30).

Are you amenable & does March 30th work or do we need another date for you ?

Please advise if you want me to canvass others and/or send an email invite ?

Thanks,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM
President

MAP Environmental Inc.
116 Landmark Square, Suite 101
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
(757) 498-6131 phone
(757) 498-6132 fax
(757) 615-4929 cell
http://www.mapenvironmental.com

—–Original Message—–
From: Floyd, Scharlene A CIV USARMY CENAO (US) [mailto:Scharlene.A.Floyd@usace.army.mil]
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 10:45 AM
To: Myles Pocta
Subject: RE: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

After our phone discussion, would it not make sense to have a meeting to discuss this proposal after our discussion about Elbow Road? Thanks, S

—–Original Message—–
From: Myles Pocta [mailto:mpocta@mapenvironmental.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 6, 2018 9:19 AM
To: Floyd, Scharlene A CIV USARMY CENAO (US) ; Kattan, Sheri (DEQ) ; Worrell, Justin (MRC)
Cc: Chris J. Wojtowicz ; Phillip J. Roehrs ; David A. Bradshaw ; Danny B.
Taylor ; Kelly Waldrop ; Mack Frost ; Hal Pitts ; Joe Wallenfelsz
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, Va NAO 2007-3405; VWP 12-1169

Good morning Scharlene and Sheri,

As recently discussed, please see the attached letter requesting an extension and modification to the City’s existing permits.

Please review and advise if you require additional information or wish to meet and discuss.

We appreciate your review and look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Myles A. Pocta, CEP. REM

President

MAP Environmental Inc.

116 Landmark Square, Suite 101

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

(757) 498-6131 phone

(757) 498-6132 fax

(757) 615-4929 cell

http://www.mapenvironmental.com

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: “Chris J. Wojtowicz”
To: Daniel Adams
Cc: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
Bcc:
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 18:43:31 +0000
Subject: RE: Council Briefings
Dan,

The cost was $1,138,799.24 to construct and was designed by Clark-Nexsen (A&E)

There is also a line item to remove this wharf in the amount of $32,142.47

There is about 753,000 lbs. of salvageable sheet pile in the temporary wharf. At $0.20/lb of scrap value that would equate to $150,600.

So, we expect a change order to be approximately ($150,600-$32,142) $118,000.

Thanks,
-Chris

From: Daniel Adams
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 9:31 AM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: Phillip J. Roehrs
Subject: FW: Council Briefings
Importance: High

Chris,

Need some cost information and history on the wharf.

What was the cost to construct?

What is the estimated cost for it to remain? (assume we are due a credit for removal labor and disposal cost minus any salvage value)

Was the facility designed by the project A/E or did the contractor design it based on their operational needs and equipment?

That is all.

Thanks,

Dan

From: Tom Leahy
Sent: Monday, January 8, 2018 5:54 PM
To: Mark A. Johnson
Cc: Tonia P. Alger ; Greg Johnson ; Shanda H. Davenport ; Charles Bodnar ; Bradley W Vanderwarker ; Phillip J. Roehrs ; Daniel Adams ; Shandra L. Cummings
Subject: Council Briefings

Stormwater was scheduled to provide a briefing on Ashville on January 16. That has been cancelled pending the development of more details of the cost sharing with HomeFed. However, please start roughing a presentation out. We may have to do it on February 6.

In its place on January 16, Coastal will provide a briefing on the Lesner Municipal Wharf. Dave does want some cost information about how much this cost us to construct, and how much it will cost us to make it permanent.

The Central Beach District Briefing will have to occur on February 6 because that is the day that Dave is taking the ordinance to City Council. I will discuss with him February 20, but don’t count on that. I will help work on this presentation. We will need to address the issues raised the last time we tried this. My notes of the November 21, 2017 Council meeting are included below:

Thanks,
Tom

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: “Steele, Gregory C CIV USARMY CENAO (US)”
To: “Phillip J. Roehrs”
Cc:
Bcc:
Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2018 14:44:20 +0000
Subject: RE: Lesner Municipal Wharf
Thanks, Phill!

Gregory C. Steele, P.E., WRCP
Chief, Water Resources Division
Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
803 Front Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 201-7764 office
(757) 805-4259 cell

Gregory.C.Steele@usace.army.mil

—–Original Message—–
From: Phillip J. Roehrs [mailto:PRoehrs@vbgov.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 9:21 AM
To: Steele, Gregory C CIV USARMY CENAO (US)
Subject: [Non-DoD Source] Lesner Municipal Wharf

Greg,

Thanks for meeting with me Friday. Here’s the letter regarding the wharf, just sent this morning.

Phill Roehrs, P.E.

Water Resources Engineer

City of Virginia Beach

Public Works Engineering

757-385-8985

Have questions about work on Shore Drive & storm water on east side of Lesner ? Join us March 26th!

Posted on by

Thanks to Mr. Vanderwarker for answering a few questions from our meeting last week:

Gentlemen,
Here are a few follow-up answers for questions you had on Friday.

· SAND DUNES and SHORE DR. FLOODING FALL 2016
Mr. Damon, your observations are correct. Cape Henry Beach historically had a wider taller dune field and was a “stable” to “accretional” beach for many years. Historically the toe of dune and shoreline position have been slowly advancing bayward over time.

CIP 8-020 Bay Beaches Resiliency was established in the FY 18 CIP to study and address erosion along Cape Henry and Ocean Park beaches. We are in the early study phase. This projects initiates the preliminary planning, design, and permitting framework necessary for instituting a beach management program for Cape Henry and Ocean Park beaches. The project will determine the required beach profile to provide protection to upland structures, apply for State and Federal permits, and development of a funding strategy for a long-term erosion control and storm protection project.

Regarding the lag effect of groundwater that percolated and inundated some parts of Shore Drive in the Fall of ’16; for a storm of this magnitude, we believe there is little to no correlation between the dune erosion and rainfall flooding. Keep in mind that Tropical Storm Hermine and Tropical Storm Julia supersaturated the soils prior to Hurricane Matthew’s arrival just two weeks after Julia. We understand that neither Isabel nor Nor’Ida (Nor’ida having the largest tidal inundation we’ve seen) were as bad as Matthew for this condition. Citizens have also reported the upward movement of groundwater even over at Cape Story By the Sea at the lower elevation properties (3.5 to 4), as there are adjacent higher properties near 10.0. See attached.

If you have any further questions, please direct them to Mr. Dan Adams, Office 757-385-4783 or DAdams@vbgov.com.

· SHORE DRIVE CITY WEBSITE
Yesterday I provided the Project Manager’s name, Mr. Bill Purcell, (757) 385-4887, WPurcell@vbgov.com if you wish to publish just the plan sheets to the website.

· SHORE DRIVE PH III DRAINAGE NEAR THE ROW LINES
For our meeting with the SDCC March 26th, I will bring you a few Shore Dr. PH III plan sheets and cross sections to show how the project handled drainage near the roadway toe of fill areas, and how either supplemental drainage structures were provided or small ditch systems. (Emphasis ours.)

· NEW DITCH TECHNOLOGIES – NEW PRODUCTS TO ENCOURAGE GREEN BUT BE MAINTENANCE FRIENDLY
Ditches will always need maintenance, as sedimentation is a foregone conclusion… But to fulfill both objectives above is very tough… a concrete lined channel may (not always) be easier to maintain for cleaning, but they are not green. If they break up or deteriorate though, a stream restoration project is usually needed to mitigate.

While natural ditches are green, and can grow vegetation, but in this coastal environment they can try to turn into a wetland area.

While some proprietary products are “hybrid” ditches that allow growth “through” concrete blocks and have a protective lining, sediment still has to be removed. During maintenance operations, the danger is that some of the excavator’s bucket “teeth” can grab the material, thus pulling it up, which can be a nightmare since the mats are overlapped (shingled).

PW OPERATIONS did not have new technology solutions that would fit your request.

· ACCEL/DECEL LANE NEAR WESTMINSTER CANTERBURY
There is a proposed dedicated 150’ right turn storage lane with a 150’ taper transition into the Westminster Canterbury site…beyond that entrance, there is continuous accel/decel lane all the way down to Kleen St.

Best Regards,

Brad

Bradley W. Vanderwarker, P.E.
Project Manager

City of Virginia Beach
PW/Stormwater Eng. Center
2405 Courthouse Drive, Suite 353
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4131 (main)
(757) 385-8556 (direct)
bvanderwarker@vbgov.com

Coastal CIP Presentation to City Council – March 6, 2018 if you missed it

Posted on by

Some slides pulled from presentation:


View entire Coastal CIP FY 2018-2024 presentation. ( 32 Page PDF)

Lesner Municipal Wharf audio presentation including Q&A

Posted on by

Start here to visit audio link at Google Drive.

Thanks to Mr. Phill Roehrs, P.E. Water Resources Engineer for the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Engineering, for coming out at our February 26th meeting to present and answer questions about the Lesner Municipal Wharf.

Here’s an old photo.

“The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.”

Posted on by

Report including video at 13 News Now.

The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.

PHP opportunity! “City of Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, is looking to engage an artist or artist group for an artist residency to create a site-specific, environmentally responsive installation that spotlights the natural beauty, educates and reignites community appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay, while highlighting Virginia Beach’s natural spaces.”

Posted on by

PLEASURE HOUSE POINT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE ARTIST RESIDENCY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL / CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH

Check out the exciting details here ! (8 page PDF)

Download 8 page PDF here too.

Artist Opportunities at VBGov.com includes this amazing new opportunity for Ocean Park & PHP.

Ocean Park Civic League would like your help in helping Vice Mayor Jones secure funding for Phase 4 for Shore Drive upgrades in Ocean Park.

Posted on by

Please Email City Council now. You will make a difference at OPCL.org

Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & City Council Members,

I am petitioning you to fund Shore Drive Phase IV immediately.

Specifically:

1. Please find 50% funding for CIP 2.118.000 Shore Drive Corridor Improvements-Phase 4 in 2018.

2. Please fund 100% of Phase 4 by 2019.

Finishing Phase IV now is critical to the health of Virginia Beach. Why?

The City Council commissioned Urban Land Institute Study of Shore Drive in 1996 and City Council Adopted Comprehensive Plan in 1997 state that:

“(Virginia Beach should) Recognize and improve the Shore Drive corridor as a resort gateway community, not a resort destination.”

“Shore Drive also serves as a tourist gateway for those heading to the oceanfront, offering for many their first glimpse of the City of Virginia Beach. Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression.”

City Council previously recognized the importance of this corridor:
1. City Council created the Shore Drive (Bayfront) Advisory Committee . . .

Click to view OPCL.org page.

Lynnhaven Wharf and Bulkhead

Posted on by

Permanent City Wharf at the Lynnhaven Inlet

Listening to the presentation given by Mr. Phill Roehrs of the Public Works Department given at the City Council workshop on 23 January, one might believe that this was just routine business as the city declares that the present 400 foot bulkhead located at the Lynnhaven Bay will become a permanent wharf and feature upon the completion of the Lesner Bridge. Not so fast Mr. Roehrs, Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and staff.

 

The Federal Public Notice 12-1169-09 issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District and posted 10/18/2012 states that the Joint Application for Federal and State Permits submitted by the City of Virginia Beach will “include the construction of a temporary bulkhead”.   Further, “Upon the completion of construction, the temporary bulkhead will be removed”. This statement differs factually from what Mr. Roehrs told the Mayor, City Council and staff.

 

If the city’s permit application stating the bulkhead temporary intended for the Lesner Bridge construction, but actually had the intent to make it permanent to bypass certain Federal environmental requirements, than the city should correct their error and complete all the required Federal and state environmental impact studies required by law for such an operation.

 

The city’s most recently adopted Comprehensive Plan (May 17, 2016) “is the official land use policy framework for Virginia Beach…. “to guide responsible use of finite land resources….and protect neighborhoods”. A permanent bulkhead or wharf at the Lynnhaven Basin used for commercial operations and support for large commercial dredge vessels and scows would change the very nature for surrounding neighborhoods and degrade this pristine waterway. To use this bulkhead area as a permanent dredge spoils transfer site and commercial wharf would subject the estuary to unacceptable environmental pressure created by dredge silt then entering the estuary and flowing back into the vary areas where oyster replenishment and natural fish spawning areas have taken so much effort to restore. Harmful water turbidity levels and released pollution will continue to be an environmental issue if such a transfer operation should be permitted at this bulkhead. Mr. Roehrs was correct when he stated that the city should expect some pushback from the residents on this issue.

 

Respectfully,

David M. Williams

Past President and Secretary

Shore Drive Community Coalition

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

 

“With construction of the Lesner Bridge expected to wrap up by the end of summer, Roehrs said it’s time to revisit the issue.”

Posted on by

View entire article at Pilotonline.com:

In the future, “we don’t want to lose the option to use it as a transfer site for neighborhood dredging,” Roehrs said.

In 1972, the city bought the space – southwest of the bridge and across from a cluster of waterfront seafood restaurants – to stockpile sand for Oceanfront beach replenishment.