Category Archives: Environment

SDCC General Meeting Mon Aug 28 – Disaster Preparedness Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 8.28.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 28, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –

Disaster Preparedness in Virginia Beach

Ms. Heather Gordon, Sr. Planner Office of Emergency Management, will discuss Virginia Beach’s plans on how to prepare and recover from potential natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. Come learn about the new “Know Your Zone” hurricane evacuation designations, Learn where the closest shelters are, Learn the best ways to prepare for a disaster. This meeting is open to the public, so bring a friend, your lives may depend on it.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update –
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments
• Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion
• Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility
• Mermaid Winery

Community Rating System (CRS) Application to FEMA/HUD – The City Manager has sent a letter to FEMA requesting that Virginia Beach be evaluated for inclusion in the CRS program. Copy of letter is on http://www.sdcc.info

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

VB proposed changes to Route 35 and other bus services – The City’s transportation planners have presented City Council with a draft 2018 plan to improve the City’s mass transit by increasing frequency and reliability. How does this impact test route 35?

Boat Repair Shop Demolition – It appears that the demolition of the boat repair shop on Shore Drive in Ocean Park had little to no oversite from City zoning inspectors. No storm water inlet barricades were used, no protection fencing and other alledged violations were noted by residents. What actions can be taken to prevent this from happening again on future projects?

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 25, 2017

News & petition about a unique, beloved live oak in Chics Beach neighbors are trying to save.

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News including video at 13 News Now.

Neighbors are so upset, they started a petition because they say this is history, although the tree is damaged they believe it can be saved.

“Fill it with a material, organic material that would help any increase of the decay,” Morrell said.

Others say this the tree is important and they will do anything to keep it standing.

View the petition at Change.org entitled SAVE A 100+ YEAR OLD LIVE OAK TREE!!!!

There is a lovely old (100-200 year old) Live Oak tree on Virginia Beach city property (in Chics Beach, corner of Chubb Lake & Bayview Avenues). The city has all but decided to take it down…

COVB has officially started application process with FEMA for CRS. Yay!

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Here’s the 1 page PDF of the letter sent to FEMA.

You’ll find more info about CRS at Search & Hot on this website.

Update on proposed parking lot for kayak launch on Pleasure House Point

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View 2017_0606 PLAN11-019-20 REV1 with CE (1 page PDF)

From an email about tree inventory & parking lot design revision:

The parking layout provides 2 ADA parking spaces with the required access aisle area between the two spaces. The minimum access aisle between ADA spaces for vans is 8ft so that is why it appears to be able to accommodate 3 vehicles. The ADA spaces are on the east side of the drive aisle. The 3 parking areas for 15 minute only to drop off equipment are on the west side of the drive aisle.

We do not have a separate tree inventory. The consultant was asked to survey the location and size of trees 2” caliper and larger in the area of the construction entrance/parking lot and provide that information on a plan sheet.

From an email about ADA requirements:

The ADA standards do not have a specific chapter addressing kayak launches. We use Chapter 2 Section 235 as a guide for the parking requirements. Then follow the applicable requirements in Chapters 2, 5 and 10 for accessible routes, parking space sizes, etc.

This link is to Chapter 2-Scoping Requirements.

Within Chapter 2;

  • Section 206 addresses the accessible routes required
  • Section 208 addresses the “shortest accessible route” requirement between the facility and the parking.
  • Section 235 addresses the parking requirements for “Recreational Boating Facilities”. The parking requirements are based on a marina’s number of boat slips. We are required to provide 1 ADA space. Providing 2 spaces seemed reasonable given the minimal amount of space needed to add the second parking stall and the likely use of a fully ADA accessible launch site in this area of the Lynnhaven.

This link is to Chapter 5-General Site and Building Elements.

  • Section 502 addresses the dimensions of the parking spaces and access aisles.

This link is to Chapter 10-Recreation Facilities.

  • Section 1003 addresses recreational boating facilities requirements

Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area

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Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area
Fort Story to Starfish Road Including First Landing State Park

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Cape Henry area of Virginia Beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road, including First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.

“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Heidi Kulberg, M.D., director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”

Signs will be posted on the beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory. The signs will read:

WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards. When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Kulberg. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.

For additional information, contact Brad DeLashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department at 757-518-2727.

CRS presentation made at SDCC Meeting June 26 ’17

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Presentation made about CRS by the very capable and friendly Whitney K. McNamara Virginia Beach Planning Department.

View and download 8 page PDF here.

View more about CRS at SDCC.info/Hot.

FEMA CRS info:

The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

    Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
    Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
    Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED

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Previously at SDCC.info.

We will keep you informed when we know more.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

“The old Lesner Bridge is getting a second life.”

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From Pilotonline.com:

Although the state is paying McLean Contracting to rebuild the bridge, the contractor is using its own money to hire crews that move tons of concrete to the reef. The VMRC monitors the process.

Crews load up a barge of concrete pieces roughly every two weeks and travel about 18 miles to Cabbage Patch Reef. They begin the ride at midnight and make it by the time the sun rises.

Screen Shot of Construction Cam photo taken February 18th at noon.

#LESNERBRIGE

You, the community, are invited to a meeting Tuesday May 23rd at 4pm at Brock re: parking lot idea ON PHP.

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Statement from Parks & Rec printed with permission:

“Parks and Rec has requested to have a tree inventory and survey completed of the construction entrance/parking lot area so amore environmentally sensitive parking area can be designed to accommodate 2 to 3 ADA compliant parking spaces and provide adequate space for a couple of vehicles to temporarily park to off load equipment then pull out onto the on street parking.

This parking area will be constructed at the end of the wetlands restoration project and utilize some of the area used for the construction ingress/egress into the wetlands project area.

The tree survey and inventory will also provide information needed for tree protection measures that will need to be put in place prior to and maintained during the wetlands mitigation project.”

Links to various info about Pleasure House Point on this website located here.

History of preservation of PHP back to 2003 is located on this website.

Brief highlights of the community’s involvement with preservation of Pleasure House Point 2001 – 2012:

  • Approximately $150,000 – $200,000 worth of consulting time was donated to efforts.
  • Those efforts resulted in the most recent real estate speculator to receive exactly 0 required permits.
  • The enforcement of the applicable laws & regulations governing wetlands, buffer, zoning etc reduced the perceived value of PHP & allowed the partners to purchase her for approximately $16.6M discount.

    • From VBGov.com/PHP:

    This high-profile property was once being considered for a large waterfront development, but with the help of The Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the surrounding community, the City has preserved one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.

    The community has been a vital part of Pleasure House Point for years and looks forward to continued participation with all the stakeholders going forward.

    About community engagement at this website from July ’14.

    correct link: https://weloveshoredrive.com/2014/07/24/the-pleasure-house-point-natural-area-represents-a-unique-opportunity-to-showcase-the-beauty-and-function-of-a-coastal-eco-system-in-the-midst-of-the-highly-developed-waterfront-community-in-the-bay/

    It’s official: “Item 6, Maurice M. Newton & et al – Shore Drive/Woodlawn Ave – GPIN 14891888970000 – Bayside, will be withdrawn at the May 22, 2017 Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) Board Public Hearing.”

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    Per email from Mr PJ Scully, PLA for COVB CBPA.

    Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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    Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda

    SDCC General Meeting Agenda

    Monday May 22, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

    Note date is a week early due to Memorial Day

    Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

    (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

    Special Presentation Lesner Bridge Sculpture “The Canoes” –  Ms. Nina Goodale-Salazar, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach will explain the process for choosing the piece and will also discuss how it is being funded.

    Officer’s Reports:  Secretary- David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President- Wally Damon; President -Todd Solomon

    Old Business-

    Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update.  Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC).  Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.

    Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11.  Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.

    Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed.  Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes

    New Business

    City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next?  Are the additions really necessary?

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

    Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

    Upcoming Presentations: 

    June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.

     Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017

    New drawings, link to Joint Permit Application & additional docs re: proposed CCW on Pleasure House Creek

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    Link to VMRC website for Application #20151622 CCW DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATES, LLC

    Note: Due to timing of May 22nd ’17 CBPA Hearing Date and no presentation made by applicant to Shore Drive Community Coalition, SDCC has not taken a vote on what action to take in response to this proposal.

    First Public Presentation of CCW on Pleasure House Creek is this Thursday May 18th ’17 Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting at Resort & Conference Center 2800 Shore Drive. Meeting starts at 3pm.

    “Virginia Beach plans to clear trees at a trailhead near the corner of Mystic Cove and Marlin Bay drives to make room for a 16-space parking lot, walkways and kayak launch.”

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    Recent press about the proposed parking lot in Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

    View article, photos and comment at Pilotonline.com:

    City officials told residents about the plan May 4 at the Ocean Park Civic League meeting. Ocean Park borders Pleasure House Point.

    Some residents think it’s hypocritical of the city to buy the land for conservation and then destroy part of it.

    Video at 13NewNow.com:

    Right now plans include a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, more trails, and of course the parking lot. Past drawings of the site included bathrooms and lights, but right now the city says the money just isn’t there. Julie Braley with Parks and Recreation says there are some misconceptions with the project.

    Learn more at SDCC.info/pleasure-house-point about Stakeholder Meetings, links to adopted Management Plan and more.

    This website is also a public record including documentation, news and more about Pleasure House Point since 2003.

    Pleasure House Point Mitigation plan to create wetlands includes parking lot on PHP.

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    Trees will be cut down on Pleasure House Point for the current plan that was presented this past Thursday at Ocean Park Civic League’s meeting in Brock.

    The $3M CIP is published here.

    Note: We’ve been trying to get all the detailed plans to share. Stay tuned.

    “I think we have been under the radar for years without a lot of attention,” Lundgren said of the frequent flooding on Lauderdale Avenue. “I don’t think people realize how severe the flooding is over here. We have been forgotten.”

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    View article at Pilotonline.com including more photos:

    When council votes on its budget Tuesday, it will likely vote to give $1 million more per year to address flooding issues. But the extra cash won’t go . . .

    “Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application? If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”

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    “Are you seeking or have you already obtained permits from other Local, State or Federal agencies in conjunction with this application?
    If yes, please describe: Yes, VMRC, DEQ, & Army Corps of Engineers, Regional General Permit for non-tidal wetlands impact”

    View & download 215-0033 Shore Drive_Commercial Site Plan (Revised 02-08-2017 Letter). (PDF)

    View and download WATER QUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT (WQIA) FORM-0033 Shore Drive_WQIA (PDF)

    October 24th ’16 CCW Application for CBPA (11pg PDF)
    Note: this might not be accurate for May 22nd ’17 CBPA Hearing as their appears to be revised plans that are not yet available.

    Official Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board at VBGov.com.

    The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board agenda is listed for the upcoming public hearing as it becomes available, usually two to three weeks prior to hearing.

    Previously at SDCC.info.

    HEARING MAY 22nd 10am CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

      Virginia Beach Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, May 22, 2017, at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers City Hall Bldg.

      The informal session to brief the Board will be held at 9:00 a.m. If you are physically disabled, visually impaired and need assistance at this meeting, please call the Planning Dept. at (757)385-4621.

    Governor McAuliffe Announces Updates to Virginia Flood Risk Information System

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    View Press Release:

    The new VFRIS was developed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management in partnership with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency responsible for the state floodplain management program.

    “Flooding is the most common natural disaster our we experience in the Commonwealth, and our Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore communities are particularly at risk for severe damages caused by recurrent flooding.” said Governor McAuliffe. “It is my hope that VFRIS becomes a mainstay for homeowners, businesses, and communities going forward. March begins Flood Safety Awareness Month and I encourage all Virginians to access VFRIS to see how a flood might affect their home or business.”

    View Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) info:

    Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) is a collaboration between DCR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Center for Coastal Resources Management. VFRIS helps communities, real estate agents, property buyers and property owners discern an area’s flood risk.

    Launch VFRIS here.

    Click screen shot to Launch VFRIS

    Click screen shot to Launch VFRIS

    Storm Water Improvement Plan Presentation – Mon. Jan 30th at 7:30pm SDCC Meeting

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    Are you concerned about flooding around your home? neighborhood? Shore Drive?

    If so, then you won’t want to miss this presentation. The presentation is open to all, so bring your friends and neighbors.

    SDCC General Meeting Presentation

    Monday January 30, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

    Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

    (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

    At this Monday’s Jan. 30th SDCC meeting, Mr. Mike Bumbaco, Project Manager with the City’s Public Works/Water Resources Department, will provide updates on the current storm water projects being worked in our area.  He will also discuss additional plans that are in the design phase and could benefit from public input.  The improvements could carry a price tag of $60+ million.  Some of the topics to be covered will include:

    • Sluice Gate installation in Cape Story and Lynnhaven Colony.  How they operate and project timeline.
    • Pump house upgrade at Poinciana in Cape Story
    • Storm water improvements for areas north of Shore Drive
    • Large collection pound for current treed area near Page Ave. and Shore Drive
    • What types of systems could be used along Shore Drive, large pipes and pump stations or gravity drains?

    shore-drive-storm-water-improvements

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    E-Cycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal at the Virginia Aquarium: Sat. Jan. 28th from 9am to 1pm

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    Location: Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot

    Cost: No charge (donations are always welcome)

    Contact: Virginia Aquarium

    Phone: (757) 385-FISH (3474)

    Upcoming Dates:

    • Saturday, January 28, 2017 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

    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 28, 2017, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot. There is no fee to drop off items, but donations are always appreciated.

    Click Here for more information on the event

    Click here for a map to the East Parking Lot of the Aquarium

    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 CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube TVs) – MUST be smaller than 32”* Flat Screen TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Stereo equipment and game systems
    • Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also 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)
    • For further tips visit www.VBgov.com/landfill

    *CRT TVs larger than 32” MUST be taken to the City of Virginia Beach Resource Recovery Center, located at 1989 Jake Sears Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 7a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    “Live Oak Grove is over 100 live oaks on 3 acres of open space in Virginia Beach. Let’s permanently preserve it.” SDCC agrees.

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    SDCC voted unanimously to support permanently preserving Live Oak Grove. Join us ?

    About Live Oak Grove:

    Live Oak Grove benefits Virginia Beach.

    It is land already owned by City of Virginia Beach.

    It contains over 100 live oaks, the Official City Tree…

    Click to visit LiveOakGrove.org

    Photo Credit: Kristina Bezanson