Category Archives: Environment

Stormwater Engineering Center page at VBGov.com has many resources

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View page at VBGov.com here:

The stormwater staff of the Public Works Department work to minimize flooding and protect the quality of Virginia Beach’s waterways by managing stormwater.

Resources include:

Stormwater Master Planning

The City of Virginia Beach is currently updating its citywide stormwater master plan, which was first completed in the early 1990’s.

Lake Bradford & Lake Chubb Stormwater (CIP 7-053)

Current Update

RK&K was chosen to provide technical engineering services and will analyze the City’s Master Drainage stormwater model for Watershed 31 to identify drainage improvements within the Lake Bradford Drainage Basin. The stormwater model was recently completed and RK&K have begun their analysis. Lake Bradford and Chubb Lake were identified as part of Targeted Area 4 in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) developed between Norfolk, Virginia Beach, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), and several U.S. Navy installations including Joint Expedition Base (JEB) Little Creek. Engineering design work has begun for two early drainage improvement projects.​

Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements

UNFUNDED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS​

Section 1F – Neighborhood Storm Drain Improvements North of Shore Drive

Section 1G – Neighborhood Storm Drain Improvements South of Cape Henry Drive

Phase I, Section II Poinciana Pump Station and Outfall (Cape Story By The Sea): This project includes replacing the existing pump station on Sandalwood Road. Collection system improvements will be constructed along Sandalwood Road, Bayberry Street and Poinciana Drive. The current proposed outfall force main alignment is down the center of Maple Street.​​

Sea Level Wise Adaption Strategy Draft Report

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Download the entire 306 page 106.6MB PDF report here.

A few highlights.

Executive Summary
In the last five years, the City of Virginia Beach has completed a comprehensive effort to develop strategies to respond to sea level rise and related increases in flooding. The study, known as Sea Level Wise, has produced a wealth of information to understand what challenges the City will face and develop diverse strategies to pro-actively reduce the impacts. This document presents the findings of the Sea Level Wise effort. . . .

Report includes:

A Call To Action
Maintaining Good Credit
The City’s flood risks are also recognized by organizations that rate the financial strength and borrowing ability of municipalities.

In 2014, the credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service Inc. sent a questionnaire to the City. It asked about the City’s sea level rise vulnerabilities, expenses, and plans to address future impacts. Thanks to the newly created Sea Level Wise program, the City was able to speak to proactive flood mitigation efforts underway, stating:

“The City firmly believes that the cost of damage done by ignoring sea level rise will far exceed the cost of mitigation.”

Satisfactory responses to these questions has allowed Virginia Beach to maintain a AAA credit rating. This high credit rating is essential for the affordable financing of City improvement projects through municipal bonds.

Page 8 Introduction.

Page 18 Community Engagement.

Page 46 Aging Infrastructure.

Page 58 Where are the losses occurring. Note Shore Drive area.

Page 72 City-Wide Objectives.

Page 78 Preserve Environmental Assets.

Page 104 Regulate Building and Development.

Page 110 Support Risk Mitigating Interventions. Note: “Priority areas for supporting risk-mitigating interventions at the parcel-level.”

Page 166 Lynnhaven. Note: “Over the last 40 years, this historically
agrarian community has undergone extensive development in both commercial and residential areas. However, the loss of naturalized landscapes has only served to make flooding worse, as development has formed on manufactured land and has surrounded the numerous water ways, rivers, tributaries, and bays that make up this region.”

Page 188 West of Lesner Bridge Neighborhood Alignment.

Page 190 East of Lesner Bridge Neighborhood Alignment.

Page 200 Residential Community Education.

Page 284 Planning and Coordination.

There is a massive amount of information in this report.

Download the entire 306 page 106.6MB PDF report here.

“To prepare for the threat of sea level rise in the coming decades, Virginia Beach will have to consider multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, restricting new development in some parts of the city and purchasing properties in danger of flooding, according to a new report.”

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Guess one of the top areas of VB at risk.

View article at Pilotonline.com:

Flooding in Virginia Beach is influenced by a host of factors. More intense rainfall, increased development on vulnerable lands and aging infrastructure have all contributed to more severe floods in recent years.

View the entire PDF report here.

“To protect more homes from future flooding and to lower flood insurance rates, Virginia Beach is considering funding a local program to buy out or elevate at-risk properties throughout the city.”

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News at Pilotonline.com:

There are hundreds of properties in the city that repeatedly flood. Local money could help fund a variety of strategies, including elevating homes, adding flood vents to properties, raising utilities and a quick-buy program after storms.

VBCPS is now accepting applications from current 10th grade students interested in attending the Environmental Studies Program, a new innovative program opening at the Brock Environmental Center in September 2020.

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10th graders, start here to begin application process:

Application Process

Before entering grade 11, students will apply for admission to the program in the fall of their sophomore year. An essay formulated around the topics of Sustainable Economics and Business Innovation, Social Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Stewardship will be included in the application and will be used to identify candidates who show a passion for and interest in the fields of study. . . .

Editors note: Dream big and never quit. You never know what you’ll be able to accomplish in spite of it being “impossible”.

Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy Public Meeting schedule includes one near Shore Drive!

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Schedule at VBGov.com:

February 15, 2020 – Cox High School – 2425 Shorehaven Drive – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

View Comprehensive Sea Level Rise page at VBGov.com.

It is well documented that sea levels have been rising over the last century. This impacts coastal communities as virtually all human infrastructure will experience some risk. The story of Sea Level Rise and how it effects the City of Virginia Beach is detailed below:

The threat of sea level rise is a very real one, and it’s one that coastal regions like Hampton Roads must face and prepare for. . . .

Graphic from just one idea that was discussed.

Update on PHP kayak launch & wetland mitigation bank

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From an email:

We are now anticipating a fall 2020 construction start for the PHP wetland restoration and mitigation bank project. Our Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) has been approved subject to a few minor clarifications.  We expect final approval in late January and will begin the JPA process and prepare final bidding documents.  We should be in a position to detail a firm construction schedule at that time.

“A classroom at Pleasure House Point opens a world of exciting possibilities that will have a ripple effect on the community and beyond for years to come. I’m so proud to support this mission.”

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The energy & excitement by students & VB Schools staff at the Ground Breaking Ceremony yesterday was incredible!

News from Augusta Free Press:

“Future legislators, scientists, engineers, and architects will walk these halls, explore these beautiful grounds, learn in this sustainably-built classroom, and ultimately change the world,” said VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “Where better can students experience our city’s and our division’s unique educational opportunities than here at the Brock Center, truly a monument to environmental design and sustainability.”

Learn more at CBF.org:

When will the classroom be built?
Construction will begin in early 2020, with completion during the summer of 2020. Students will begin attending the Environmental Studies Program after Labor Day, 2020.

It’s amazing how much has been accomplished since “RESIDENTS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO BUY PLEASURE HOUSE POINT Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) – Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Author: SCOTT HARPER THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT” was published:

The foundation will solicit public and private money and seeks to preserve the property for environmental education[.]

Yet, there is much more work to do as not all of what you think is PHP is permanently preserved yet.

“Once built, high school students in a new VBCPS Environmental Studies Program will learn inside every day in an inspiring classroom and outside on the Chesapeake Bay and Pleasure House Point.”

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Story at 13NewsNow.com:

Construction of the 1,600 square-foot facility will begin in early 2020 and students will begin attending classes there after Labor Day, 2020.

What Would You Like to See in a New City Manager?

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The closest public input meeting you could attend was no where near Shore Drive community. Again.

You can take a Survey created by the recruiting company searching for our next City Manager online however and we encourage you to do so.

Start at this link for their SurveyMonkey.com survey.

Questions include:

Which three of the following leadership traits do you believe are most important for the next Manager to possess?

Which five of the following abilities and skills do you believe are most essential to perform the work of the City Manager?

What are the top three challenges you think will face the new City Manager?

“Existing AM and PM peak hour traffic counts were conducted on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the US Route 60 (Shore Drive)/Pleasure House Road intersection.”

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You’ve heard about Bonaventure speculating on Windsong Apartments in Chesapeake Beach – here is their traffic study taken March 2019.

Click graphic to view their traffic study.

BEC Learning Series: Environmental Advocacy 101: How to Amplify Your Voice

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Learn more at CBF.org:

“The event is timed to give you new ideas and proven tools to employ in advance of the Virginia General Assembly (Jan-Mar 2020), perhaps the most decisive time for the Chesapeake Bay here in Virginia every year.”

Click to learn more!

LAKE BRADFORD / CHUBB LAKE DRAINAGE STUDY November 2019 | CIP 7-053 presentation from Open House, and Survey due DEC 12

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Visit main page at VBGov.com.

The City of Virginia Beach’s Department of Public Works is seeking public input on repetitive residential and roadway flooding within the area adjacent to Joint Expedition Base (JEB) Little Creek, Chesapeake Beach, Northampton Boulevard, and Shore Drive.

Start Official Survey here.

Survey will CLOSE DEC 12

Download Official Presentation

An Open House Meeting was held by the Virginia Beach Public Works Department, November 14, 2019, at the Bayside Recreation Center.

Official CIP 7-053 Page.

City District(s): Bayside

This project will be for the design, acquisition, and construction of stormwater and related roadway improvements necessary to alleviate widespread flooding due to moderate rain events, and during periods of significant high tides from the Chesapeake Bay. Lake Bradford and Lake Chubb are tidally influenced by the Chesapeake Bay via their outfall drainage ditch system that runs through Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek. The eastern portion of Stormwater Watershed 31 including areas west of Northampton Blvd and portions of Church Point and Thoroughgood drain into Lake Bradford before they drain through Little Creek and into the Chesapeake Bay. The drainage improvements include, but are not limited to, storm drain pipe and structure improvements, additional stormwater culverts under multi-lane arterial roadways, tide control devices such as mechanized sluice gates, stormwater management pond improvements and, potentially, some channel/ditch clearing.

“We would really like to see the city step up and take care of this area and implement Phase 4 and implement Phase 3 now,” said Ocean Park Civic League President Andrew Broyles.”

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View video & story by Reporter Ali Weatherton at 13NewsNow.com.

“nothing really safe there for pedestrians”

And:

“Shore Drive is the 3rd most traveled road in Virginia Beach”

Did you know it’ll be ~20 years between completing only 2 Phases of bringing Shore Drive up to the standards of the rest of the city.

Let’s step up and take care of this area now.

Please take our new Survey about Route 35 so we can help improve it!

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It should take you less then 3 minutes to complete it.

Start here for Survey.

Note: we will be making the Survey results public.

Thank you!

Have ideas which VB you want to live in? Take the Comprehensive Plan survey NOW to help CoVB set a vision for a city you want to live in.

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Start here to take the Official CoVB Comp Plan survey.

Questions include:

For the local economy to grow, what job sectors would you like to see develop or expand? (select all that apply)

Which of the following were reasons you chose to live where you do now? (select all that apply)

What 3 things would you change about Virginia Beach?

Start here to start the Official CoVB Comp Plan survey.

Route 35 numbers include a September 2019 blowup increase in ridership!

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Woo hoo fans of Route 35!

Please Note: when comparing the totals year over year(YOY) that Fiscal Year(FY) 2020 ends in June 2020.

Pro tip: Route 35 is a fun & easy way to travel around Shore Drive.

Thanks to everyone who continues to work on making Route 35 better!

Our main Route 35 page at SDCC.info.

Comp Plan presentation slideshow from our recent September meeting

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Learn more at VBGov.com about YOUR role in shaping the Comprehensive Plan.

Download Comp Plan slide show. (PowerPoint is 7.9MB)

Contact info for Mr Mark Shea Comprehensive Planning Coordinator​​ (757)​ ​385-2908 or meshea@vbgov.com.

Open House Public Meeting to be held by the Virginia Beach Public Works Department for the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake CIP (CIP 7-053).

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The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 6:00-7:30pm at the Bayside Recreation Center at 4500 First Court Road.

Link to Official City of Virginia Beach, VA Public Works Capital Project Detail Sheet 7.053.000: Lake Bradford/Lake Chubb CIP page.

Official Lake Bradford & Lake Chubb Stormwater page at VBGov.com.

Lake Bradford & Lake Chubb Stormwater

Project Manager contact info:

Matthew Richardson, P.E.
Project Manager
Department of Public Works
Stormwater Engineering Center
City of Virginia Beach
mrichardson@vbgov.com
Phone: (757) 385-8005

Thanks to Mr Richardson for the email of Open House & CIP details!

SDCC General Meeting – Mon Sept 30th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation on City’s Comprehensive Plan

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  – 9.30.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 30, 2019 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –

City to Begin Comprehensive Plan Update 

The City has to update its Comprehensive Plan every 5 years and will be seeking public input. Mr. Mark Shea, City of VB Comprehensive Planning Coordinator, will provide background on the Comp Plan, the update process and how the residents can have input into its modifications. He will have a Q&A after the presentation. SDCC meetings are open to the all, so bring a friend, we have cookies.

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

Old Business-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – Service for this year stops Sunday Sept 29th at Midnight. We will try to share ridership numbers for the months of May through August to compare with past years.

Hurricane Dorian Impacts – What type of impact did your residents see? How did the Cape Henry Beach sand replenishment hold up? Did Ocean Park Beach lose all of its protection? Was tidal flooding a concern?

Cape Henry Shore Entrance Safety Issue – The entrance/exit to CHS at intersection of Kendall and Shore Drive is being discussed in social media. There has been an increase in accidents and near misses and the residents are asking the City Traffic Engineers to once again look at fixes for this area.

New Business –
Ocean Park Beach Sand Replenishment – The City plans to replenish OP beach in 2020 and has submitted a proposed permit modification to the Army Corps of Engineers to allow the sand to be taken from the Chesapeake Beach Shoals Burrow Area. https://www.nao.usace.army.mil/Media/Public-Notices/Article/1954541/nao-2017-01269/

Tidal Sluice Gates Automatic Operation Broken – The tidal sluice gates installed east of the Lesner Bridge have had their automatic operation temporarily disabled. The components haven’t been working correctly so they have been removed/disabled until a fix is found. Unfortunately this means the gates will have to be operated manually by Public Works during storm events. Call 385-1470 during a storm event.

New Online Weather App – A new online weather app has been found very helpful during storm events. The app can be found at www.Windy.com and has also been linked on the www.SDCC.info/safety page. It provides rainfall predictions, wind speeds and directions, tidal information and other interesting details.

Electric Scooters – At their Sept meeting, the Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) took an official position to prohibit the operation of eScooters in the Bayfront area at this time. SDCC should discuss this and take a similar position in support of the BAC decision. Be prepared to discuss and vote.

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

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