Category Archives: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility

“Charter businesses can and should operate from private facilities where proper oversight, management, ample parking, and public safety can be provided and insurance verified…”

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Motion at Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) that failed to pass November 20 ‘25:

Charter businesses can and should operate from private facilities where proper oversight, management, ample parking, and public safety can be provided and insurance verified.
Charter operations from public boat launch facilities should be prohibited by city code, unless by special permits.
Any permits issued to legally-operating charters should confirm proper business licenses and insurance that indemnifies the city from any suits. No PWC rentals should be permitted. Codes should include fines.

View Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Committee report here.

A busy LBR&BF.

District 9(D9) Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmember Joash Schulman December 1 ‘25 6pm – 8pm. Join us!

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Info including ADA love here.

Public meeting at Louis R. Jones Bayside Recreation Center 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455

Church Point/Thoroughgood BMP & Conveyance Improvements Project Number 100596 Council District 9 CIP Budget 2024-2030 Total Programmed Project Cost  $45,660,000.

Event Details: 

Councilmember Schulman will host a District 9 community meeting to update residents on current city projects and issues. Topics of discussion include the citywide benefits of tourism and what it brings to our overall economy, new cultural arts funding and related grant programs and pedestrian/bike connectivity improvements currently underway in the district.

“After years of complaints, Virginia Beach is stepping in to crack down on the issue: the city will now have overnight, armed security guards and Flock license plate reader cameras installed at the ramp.”

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Coverage at 13NewsNow.com.

Video coverage here.

“So while we already have eight Geneteccameras that are hooked into the police’s real time crime center and can be viewed in real time by the police, the Flock cameras are cameras that will automatically read your license plate as you enter or leave,” he said.

1 video of previous racing & drifting at LBR:

The installed speed bumps have accomplished nothing btw.

City’s holiday plans for Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility. “We can understand how frustrating this situation is for you and your neighbors.”

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Email from City Managers Office:

Thank you […] for reaching out as we navigate the upcoming holiday weekend. It is our hope that the information below addresses your concerns. We can understand how frustrating this situation is for you and your neighbors. We’ve worked to collaborate on a high-level synopsis of how the City is preparing for Memorial Day Weekend and the summer in general as it relates to the Shore Drive area and Bay Beaches.

We are excited to kick off the summer season welcoming locals and visitors alike to safely enjoy our many beautiful beaches and waterways. As always, City Departments have been planning months ahead of time in anticipation of the 2025 summer season.

What is the Public Safety plan for Memorial Day Weekend?

Police: The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to proactively addressing the concerns surrounding the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp. Following an incident in March, Captain Gordon attended an Ocean Park Civic League meeting with Director Kirschman from Parks and Recreation. This engagement allowed us to hear directly from residents about their concerns and share our constructive response. In response to the community feedback, we have significantly increased our patrols in the area, asking officers to remain visible for a period of time when circumstances allow. This includes patrol officers completing paperwork on-site of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from prior calls for service which also enhance their presence within the community.

To further discourage any issues, we’ve strategically placed a police vehicle in the parking lot on occasions, serving as a visible deterrent. Additionally, the 3rd Precinct has conducted musters (shift roll calls) in the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Parking lot which also increases visibility. Our Traffic Safety Unit has assisted with increased presence to ensure smoother traffic flow and enhance safety around the boat ramp. We have also intensified parking enforcement to effectively address violations. The feedback from the community meeting has been encouraging, demonstrating that our increased efforts are appreciated. We have also communicated our initiatives to those who couldn’t attend via outreach from the Ocean Park Civic League president. Since the March incident and the resulting increase in our presence, we are pleased to note that no further issues have been reported to the department.

Looking ahead to the upcoming weekend, we are deploying officers on ATVs, UTVs, and a Motor Carrier unit as additional resources for traffic management and beach oversight. Our marine unit, in collaboration with the Virginia Marine Police and Virginia Conservation Police, are resources that we can call upon to address boating violations. In addition, cameras at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp are being monitored by the VBPD Real Time Crime Center. We will do our best to monitor and address conditions at the boat ramp as they arise, realizing that this will be an incredibly busy weekend for the city with a significant number of events in all four precincts that will draw upon our finite resources.

Emergency Medical Services: through the Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad and Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, will have EMS personnel conducting ATV/UTV safety patrols on the beaches at various times throughout the summer.
In addition, the EMS Marine Rescue Team conducts weekend marine patrols off the beaches and in city waterways throughout the summer on Fridays through Sundays.

Emergency Communications & Citizen Services: ECCS is staffed 24/7/365 for informational calls, non-emergency reporting, and 9-1-1 Emergency Services.
Information: 3-1-1 or 757-385-3111
Non-emergency: 757-385-5000
Emergency: 9-1-1

Fire: Fire is upstaffing to ensure Fire boats will be staffed for the holiday weekend and most weekends throughout the summer.

How will the City address Waste Management on our beaches, boat ramps, and parks throughout the weekend?

Public Works Beach Operations | Beaches
Beach Operations is operating under normal conditions.
Regular service for all beach waste containers (barrels) is being provided at beach entrances and those on the sand.
Service for these containers occurs each morning around 5:30 a.m.
Should Beach Ops receive prior notification of a large unauthorized party on the beach, they will arrange to have roll-off containers for beachgoers to utilize.

Parks and Recreation | Boat Ramps and Parks
Boat Ramp staff are onsite from 5:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Service for the ramp’s dumpster is provided by a contracted commercial waste hauler and performed on a set schedule. If needed, they can request a special pick-up.
Parks Staff will be actively checking all parks and ensuring that waste containers are serviced as needed.

Public Works Waste Management | Residential Household Waste
Waste and Recycling Collection Services for the residential homes in the Shore Drive/Bay Beach areas occur on Wednesday.
To find when your next recycling service day will be, visit https://VirginiaBeach.gov/wastemgt and use the “Find My Trash Day” tool.
For service day reminders, residents can sign up to receive text or email notifications at VB Connect
To report a miss in service (trash, recycling, bulky or yard waste), residents can create a Service Request at https://vb311.virginiabeach.gov/assist/servicetypes

What happens if the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Reaches Maximum Capacity 

Ramp Signage: Parks and Recreation (PAR) will change all four ramp signs to full to indicate no availability. These are drop down “full” signs located on Shore Drive in the east and west bound directions.
Staff at Entrance: PAR will place two staff members at the entrance to the boat ramp, equipped with radios for communication. Staff are there to assist with the notification to boaters that the ramp is full and to continue traveling on East Stratford Road to exit the neighborhood.
If upon exiting the parking lot traffic becomes a problem, staff and/or residents are asked to notify Police to assist in either flushing the traffic out onto Shore Drive and out of the neighborhood. If a vehicle is unoccupied, Police will ticket the violator.
Barricade Road: PAR will use crowd control barricades to close off Piedmont Circle access into the facility. Once open spaces are available then staff will let trailers begin entering.  
Car Lot and Trailer Monitoring: PAR is going to consistently check the car lot and trailer numbers to ensure proper parking and space utilization. 
Launch and Recovery Monitoring: PAR will ensure individuals who are launching and recovering boats are exiting the ramp area promptly and moving to the designated areas. 
Ramp Control Staff: PAR will station one staff member for ramp control to maintain order and assist with operations. 
Staffing: Parks and Recreation has hired an additional staff person to support the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Supervisors are scheduled proactively during the busiest times.

Please let me know if you need anything additional.

Thank you,

CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE

Desk | 757.385.4242 | CMOffice@vbgov.com

City Hall, Building 1, Suite 2017

2401 Courthouse Drive | Virginia Beach, VA 23456

Hopefully these plans works this holiday weekend and the entire summer before people die.

City leadership is “alert” to potential issues at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp as summer kicks off this holiday weekend.

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Neighbors who’ve been concerned of the increasing public safety issues have started sharing videos on YouTube recently.

Hopefully the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility will be fun and safe for everyone this Memorial Day weekend.

“Join Parks & Rec for public input meetings on the proposed Urban Forest Management Plan to shape the future of the City’s forestation program. Share feedback online if unable to attend.”

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Start here to learn more!

Great Neck Rec Ctr, 11/14, 6-8 p.m.
Princess Anne Rec Ctr, 11/29, 6-8 p.m.

Urban Forest Management Plan Feedback Survey.

Your voice, even if it’s just a single person, does matter!

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility with treeeees!

Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting – Thursday August 17th 3:30pm in OPVRS

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Join us!

OPVRS is Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

Thanks to Hank for Agenda!

8-17-23 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload

COMMUNITY REPORTS AND UPDATES
Interim sidewalk improvements are expected in late fall, pending funding and land acquisition.

View of visible Chesapeake Bay from Environmental Studies Program deck at PHP.

2 SHOT at LYNNHAVEN BOAT RAMP coverage

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Coverage at WTKR.

Edit: Note, WTKR pulled working link down. Twice.

Edit: This link currently works https://www.wtkr.com/adult-juvenile-expected-to-recover-after-shooting-in-vb-by-lesner-bridge

Two victims, one juvenile and one adult, were struck by gunshots, but were driven to the hospital before officers arrived on scene.

Gunshots 140am Saturday, fortunately not at time of this photo. Also fortunate, both victims expected to recover.
Screenshot of coverage pulled offline.

Sand move from LBR to Cape Henry Beach complete!

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From Jim:

There is some cleanup to do at the beach and the contractor is completing the construction of the perimeter dike at the DMMA site. The cleanup and equipment removal at the beach should wrap up this week. The perimeter dike at the DMMA site will be completed by mid-August.

Facts about the project:
+Sand hauling to Cape Henry Beach began on May 2, 2023
+Sand hauling to Cape Henry Beach was completed on July 26, 2023
+Cape Henry beach was nourished between the Point Chesapeake +Condominium gazebo and just west of the Jade St beach access (approximately 1,800ft in length)
+Volume of sand placed within the Cape Henry Beach project limits = 70,200cys (or 38cys/ft)
+Number of trucks that hauled the sand = 5,220
+Average trucks per day = 93
+Average volume of sand transported in a single truck load = 13.5cys
+The base elevation at the DMMA site is +10ft above sea level
+The highest elevation at the DMMA site prior to the start of construction was +35ft above sea level
+The new sand perimeter dike at the DMMA site will have a crest elevation of between +15ft and +18ft above sea level

A successful project!

“There are no time of year restrictions imposed for this project. Salmons anticipates completing all sand hauling efforts by late July 2023.”

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Thanks for update about moving sand from Lynnhaven Boat Ramp to Cape Henry Beach!

Regarding work hours and days per week, the contractor is allowed to work between 7:30am and 4:30pm Monday through Friday as per the City contract. Salmons will be working these hours and will be allowed, as necessary, to extend the work hours to 7:00am to 5:00pm. Should Salmons request to work on a Saturday, our office will take serious consideration as to how this request will affect the use of the Lynnhaven Municipal Boat Ramp, expected traffic along the Lesner Bridge corridor and on Cape Henry Beach. If the weather forecast for a given Saturday is for a non-boating/non-beach day (i.e., due to rainy weather or rough seas), then we will consider allowing Salmons to work. Salmons will not be working on Memorial Day weekend (i.e., Saturday through Monday) or on the July 4th holiday. Salmons may work up to a half day on Friday, May 26th.

Salmons has been notified to take all necessary precautions to protect the public from the project site during sand placement operations. Salmons is using orange construction fence to cordon off the work areas and the truck haul corridor along the beach. There will be openings in the construction fence to allow residence to access the beach in the areas where the contractor is not working. Signs will be posted at the openings cautioning the public that the beach is a construction zone. The contractor has been notified to have flaggers and other safety personnel at the Jade St beach access and on the beach to protect the public.

Public Works Engineering is excited as I know the Cape Henry Beach community are to begin the truck haul in a safe and expedient fashion.

“This project first appeared in the FY 2007-08 CIP. On January 9, 2007, City Council established this project with the appropriation of FY 2005-06 fund balance from the General Fund.”

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Not to bury the lede:

Shore Drive is a major east-west arterial in the northern portion of the City. The existing roadway carries 38,800 vehicles per day with a current capacity of 36,900 vehicles per day. Without this project, the roadway will continue to experience vehicular, bicyclist, and pedestrian safety incidents, and restrict traffic volume due to inadequate stormwater drainage.

🟢 The City Manager’s Proposed City Budget at VBGOV.com.

Welcome to “The Gateway to Virginia Beach” until years & years & years past 2029 according to current City priorities.
City Manager Proposed Budget Presentation
FACE TO FACE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A few highlights of Proposed City Budget include:

Economic & Tourism Development

EV-22-0001 $200,000
Shore Drive Study Update
This project provides an update to the Shore Drive Corridor Plan (2000) and the Shore Drive Corridor Design Guidelines (2002). Flood mitigation strategies from the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) for JEB Little Creek and JEB Fort Story (2019) as well as the bond referendum projects will be integrated into the update creating a broader, more comprehensive Shore Drive Plan. The Bayfront Advisory Commission will be utilized as a steering committee for the development of the update, public input, coordination, and engagement with the local community. The updated plan/guidelines will include: determination of existing conditions; development of a community wide public input survey; identification of issues and opportunities; development of specific land use recommendations by corridor segment; and development of architectural/landscaping/signage/public infrastructure guidelines.

To bury the other lede:

By the way, with this current proposal YOUR real estate taxes will probably jump over 10% based on recent new assessments.

New Ordinance & User Agreement language for private use of LBR&BFDMTS

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Thanks to Public Works Director Lj Hansen, Senior Project Manager Dan Adams, City Manager Liaison Jonathan Torres, City Attorney Kay Wilson & Councilpersons Delceno Miles & John Moss, and OPCL President Danny Murphy for meeting with us Friday morning in the new Building One at the Municipal Center to work out the details of the Ordinance & User Agreement for private use of the LBR&BFDMTS.

We really appreciate the community engagement in this process!

Have any questions or comments?

Edit: Updated SOT added below.

SUMMARY OF TERMS TEMPORARY NONEXCLUSIVE USE AGREEMENTS FOR LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY Update SEPT2922 .docDownload
SUMMARY OF TERMS TEMPORARY NONEXCLUSIVE USE AGREEMENTS FOR LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY.docDownload
Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of Use Agreements between the City and Individual Property Owners Permitting Use of the City-Owned Lynnhaven Transfer Facility for Private Dredging Projects.docxDownload
WHEREAS, numerous waterfront property owners in the City of Virginia Beach (“Owners”) have expressed interest in hiring private contractors to dredge.docDownload

New potential Ordinance for LBR&BF dredge transfer station for private use update

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September 20th is new possible City Council hearing date.

From a City Attorney:

“This ordinance does not require a public hearing, but you will be able to speak on the agenda item.”

As of now the language in potential Ordinance & LBR&BF User Agreement is unknown.

View potential Ordinance language & potential LBR&BF User Agreement language below.

Ordinance (ORD-3454A).pdfDownload
Thalia Transfer Facility Use Agreement (2021-03-05 Revision) FORM.pdfDownload

This entire civic engagement thing about a historically controversial topic directly related to safety in the Bayfront area has been fascinating.

Previously, including links to the history of LBR&BF as a potential dredge transfer station for private use at “As of now there are no plans to use it as a dredge materials transfer station” and Updated Presentation info for BAC Thursday July 21 meeting.

Potential safety regulations for LBR&BF use?

BAC August 18th 330p at OPVRS. Join us!

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Thanks to Mark for Agenda.

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad

  3769 E. Stratford Drive 

(enter on side opposite Shore Drive)

August 18, 2022

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 7/21/22

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon

Communications – Vacant

​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS

1) Green Clean Car Wash Conditional Use Permit application – 4769 Shore Drive

2) Discussion of Virginia Beach Commercial Areas Pattern Book

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

“As of now there are no plans to use it as a dredge materials transfer station”

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Or:

A brief history of attempting to use the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility(LBR&BF) as an industrial operation including safety conflicts with families, kids & boaters without checks & balances and logical rules & regulations for its safe use.

We don’t think it’ll look like this but we haven’t seen “AN ORDINANCE”.

You probably heard by now BAC voted to support:

“AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS”

We look forward to working with all stakeholders of the LBR&BF in ensuring “private dredging operations” will be safe and have the least amount of negative impact on this wildly popular VB Parks & Recreation facility.

We also look forward to seeing the words in “AN ORDINANCE”.

You might want to contact your City Council person today about this.

BRIEF HISTORY

Today:

We believe a couple of the rules might come from Beaches & Waterways Commission Report from 2012.

2018

“…there are no plans to use the wharf for a dredge materials transfer station.”

“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.”

2012

“The Assistant City Manager and City Staff were there to present plans for the Lesner Bridge replacement AND Building a Permanent Industrial Site at Crab Creek.”

Links to, and screen shots of archived Official Western Branch Lynnhaven River Maintenance Dredging (CIP 8-005) Public Works page at VBGov.com.

Partial screen shot of Official Page at VBGov.com.

A response from Mayor Sessoms re: turning the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility into a permanent dredge spoils location for the entire Lynnhaven Watershed.

2009

LBR&BF will not have dredge spoils transfer station

2008

“Based upon feedback received at the Public Meeting, alternate sites for a dredged material transfer station were evaluated. The proposed transfer facility has been moved from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility to a site located near the crossing of Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd.” City of Virginia Beach April 2009

Do you remember a barge hitting the Lesner Bridge days before City Council was to vote on making the LBR&BF a “dredge material transfer station”?

Do you remember a boat going up in flames in minutes on beach in river by LBR&BF?

Do you remember the tractor trailer delving to Starbucks losing all electronics – as in no brakes, no lights etc on Lesner Bridge & fortunately the skilled driver successfully jack knifed the truck to stop it which closed the Lesner Bridge for hours?

2007

BAC was concerned with permanent dredge material transfer station.

BoatRampClosing.com.

“A public comment session will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Then, the council members will vote on the new Bayside representative.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com.

The Virginia Beach City Council reviewed the nine complete applications submitted for the Bayside District City Council vacancy and shortlisted three individuals for interviews. They are:

Delceno Miles
Ronald Ripley
Charlotte Zito

Review their resumes, statement of econmic interests and more at VBGov.com.

Updated Presentation info for BAC Thursday July 21 meeting

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Join us at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday July 21.

PRESENTATIONS

1) Informational presentation -Stop work order for CBF reefs Justin Worrell (Deputy Chief) and Tiffany Barge (Environmental Engineer) – Habitat Management Division Virginia Marina Resources Commission

2) Permit application of proposed aquaculture float application in Broad Bay – Benn Stagg (Chief), Shellfish Division, Virginia Marine Resources Commission

3) Informational presentation and Commission recommendation regarding the following: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS Dan Adams – Public Works

4) Informational presentation Ocean Park Sand Replenishment Dan Adams – Public Works

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) meets at OPVRS – Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

CALL TO ORDER is – 3:30 pm

BAC Agenda July 21 330p OPVRS. Join us!

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Thank you for Agenda Mark!

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

OPVRS is Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 6/16/22

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS ​

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon
Communications – Vacant
​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS

1) Informational presentation regarding stop work order for Chesapeake Bay Foundation underwater oyster reefs – Item pending meeting acceptance by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)

2) Informational presentation regarding floating oyster reefs – Item pending meeting acceptance by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

3) Informational presentation and Commission recommendation regarding the following: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS Dan Adams – Public Works

4) Informational presentation Ocean Park Sand Replenishment Dan Adams – Public Works

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
​
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Download Agenda PDF below.

BACJuly2022.pdfDownload

Interested in serving on City Council representing the Bayside District?

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As you know, Virginia Beach and the Bayside District lost our long time serving Mr. Louis Jones recently. The citizen appointed by City Council will hold office until Dec. 31, 2022 and must reside in the Bayside District.

Start here to learn more about applying to City Clerk Amanda Barnes.

3 items the potential candidate might be interested in advocating for for the Bayside District and Bayfront:

Helping enhance resiliency for SLR & storm water management plus helping leverage resources at Brock Environmental Center for Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads & Virginia.
Accelerating the completion of Phase 4 in Ocean Park.
Actively engage with SDCC, BAC, Civic Leagues & bayfront residents.

IT’S A GO FOR SUNDAY !

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