Coverage including video at WAVY.com .
The mayor is asking people only to go to the beach to fish or exercise.
Category Archives: News
Absentee Ballot Voting for June 23rd Primary has Started. It’s Easy and a Great Way to Social Distance. Use Reason Code 2A (My Disability or Illness)
Currently the City of Virginia Beach is planning to hold in person voting for the upcoming Republican Party Primary. However, normal polling locations may change as a result of Covid-19 stay at home rules and election official worker availability. Voting absentee is a quick and safe way to still vote without having to visit a polling location. Information regarding how to sign up for Absentee Voting and a sample ballot are listed below.
Sign-up for Absentee Ballot here – https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
The City of Virginia Beach does not have May General Elections, our next schedule election is the June 23, 2020 Republican Party Primary Election. If you would like to submit an absentee ballot application to have your ballot mailed to you due to COVID-19 and Social Distancing you can submit the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form (SBE-701) only. The application can be submitted online, by mail, email or fax. In section 3 please indicate Reason Code 2A (My disability or illness).
Click to access Election_Schedule.pdf
Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Projects – City Update #1
The following is the first City update for the Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Project. Lots of good information, sign up with the City for direct email if you are interested in following this topic. SDCC will also post future updates on our website, so you can keep informed that way as well.
Click here to see the survey results document. Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake – Survey Results – January 2020
Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers:
For those of you who are somewhat new to following Public Works projects, you will find that we at VBPW believe very strongly in keeping the public informed and allowing 2-way communications. That means keeping you informed of how our projects are progressing, letting you know when we hit a snag or there is a change in plans, and whenever there will be traffic delays or traffic pattern changes. It’s robust work, but someone has to do it . . . and I volunteered because my boss told me to.
I can’t stress enough our belief in this concept, particularly in terms of hearing from you. We’ve learned from experience that the better-informed we keep you, the less chance there is of misinformation being passed around or needless anxiety. That’s why we have set up this specific email address for your questions and concerns. As Mr. Richardson, stormwater engineering savant and project manager for this explains below – you can contact us through this email address, you can go to our web page, or you can contact me. One way or another, we will get you an answer and the information you seek.
You’ll find as we continue to send out these updates that we try and keep it light as well as informative. We want you to have the information you need and the answers you seek . . . otherwise I have a lot of explaining to do to my boss.
As you can see, the email address to use is: lakebradford@vbgov.com. The esteemed Mr. Richardson has attached additional information in his section. Once we establish some social media contacts, I will pass them along to you as well.
Lastly . . . . as in this is the last thing I will mention – if you know of someone who should be included in these updates, or WANTS to be included, please pass this along to them, or send me their information and I will add them to the list.
We hope to set these up on a regular basis and I will let you know as we go along. I hope you will find the information helpful, and don’t hesitate to contact us if needed.
Enjoy what looks to be a great weekend weather wise and if possible, don’t cough on each other.
Stay safe!
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
*********************************************************************************************************************
Folks:
As most of you know, Public Works – Stormwater Engineering held an open house/public meeting at the Bayside Recreation Center last November.
We organized the meeting because we wanted to hear from the residents as to what their concerns were and to get their help in identifying flooding locations in their neighborhood.
The meeting began with a presentation that provided some background and history of the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study, along with reasons for the flooding and potential types of solutions.
After the presentation, attendees were directed to visit five stations that were set up around the room to gather different information. Of particular interest to the engineers was the station, “Flooding Locations/Surveys.” At this station, we encouraged everyone to mark areas of concern or known flooding on a map. They were also given a comment card to describe those concerns and the impact from the flooding in greater detail.
Prior to the meeting, we had developed an online survey for the public to take. We produced post cards with the survey link on the card to send to anyone who could not attend the meeting. That information was also given to the attendees, as well as the project’s web address – project’s webpage – where a link to the survey was available. Hard copies of the survey were also available at the meeting for those who preferred that method of input.
Much to our surprise – AND pleasure – we had over 100 people who participated in the survey. Thank you one and all who did – your input was very valuable in helping us understand your concerns about flooding and the impact on you. That kind of information is invaluable when developing our plans.
With the flooding locations map and the survey results, we were able to identify the problem areas and places of concern within the project area.
They included areas with known flooding problems in the neighborhoods of:
Bayville Gardens
Chesapeake Beach
Chubb Lake Terrace
Church Point
Thoroughgood neighborhoods
Some of the roads identified as areas of concern or flooding during the survey include:
Beaufort Avenue
Brigadoon Drive
Chubb Lake Avenue
Hermitage Road
Independence Boulevard (near the entrance to JEB LC)
Lauderdale Avenue
Lee Court
Lookout Road
Maycraft Road
Northampton Boulevard
Pleasure House Road
Shore Drive
Not surprisingly, these areas and roads align almost perfectly with the areas we had identified in our stormwater model.
The results from the survey and the flooding locations map are attached, and a copy of the map is at the bottom of this email. You can also find a Summary of the Public Survey and Comments on our project’s webpage.
Since we met in November, the City and RK&K have continued to analyze the project area and develop a recommendation to help mitigate flooding. The analysis includes:
Analyzing stormwater pipes and ditch capacities
Rainfall and tide joint probabilities
Sea level rise
One of our tasks now is to analyze each area within the project area with each of these possible scenarios.
As we all know, the public health crisis due to Covid-19 has scrambled all schedules, but IF things can work out, we hope to have another public meeting sometime this fall. If it doesn’t work out that we can meet as a group, we will look into some electronic options that may be possible.
Again, we want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in some way: attending the meeting, marking maps, taking the survey, emailing us your thoughts and comments, and all the other ways you have contributed. We feel strongly that this can be a very successful project with your suggestions and feedback.
Please contact us at lakebradford@vbgov.com with your comments and questions. Also, go to our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lakebradford for updated information.
If you have any pictures of flooding, please email them to stormpics@vbgov.com. Please include the location, date, and time the picture was taken.
Again, thank you for your participation in this project and we look forward to continue working with all of you. Please stay safe during this difficult time.
Matthew Richardson, Project Manager
Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake Drainage Study (CIP #7-053).
Public Works – Engineering
757-385 -4131
VNG Work Along Shore Drive Median Scheduled to Finish Feb 2021. Be Prepared for Traffic Pattern Changes.
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has begun replacement of gas piping under the median of Shore Drive between Cape Story and the Lesner Bridge. Most of the work is expected to take place on weekends and the current schedule has a construction finish date of Feb 2021. This work is being done as an upgrade for VNG systems and is taking place prior to the City’s planned Shore Drive Phase III improvements which will start shortly after VNG is finished in 2021.
The following information is being presented to help residents prepare for the new traffic patterns that will be required to support VNG’s work. VNG plans to spend 2 weekends at each intersection, start at North Great Neck Road and work their way westward to the Lesner Bridge. Below you will find an email with some Q&A between SDCC and VNG. You will also find the City approved traffic pattern plans and a VNG information flyer that was sent to residents living on Shore Drive.
Traffic Pattern Plans – Click here Traffic Plan Shore Dr Relocation Approved_Median_10-9-19
VNG Informational Flyer – Click here VNG_ShoreDrRelocation_Community Outreach Factsheet
SDCC/VNG Q&A Email:
Good Morning Mr. Solomon,
I appreciate your outreach and interest in the project. To answer the following questions you have:
1) Can someone send us the tentative schedule for the complete project? Preferably one that brakes it down by stages or intersections per week.
– Unfortunately we do not have a tentative schedule for these projects. We let our Contractor continue with the work to meet the deadlines – We are looking to complete this project by Feb 2021. What we can do to assist is make contact with you when we move along Shore Dr. in order to keep everyone informed giving estimated times within the intersections. Usually these intersections will only take ~2 weekends when drilling under.
2) The plans appear to keep each lighted intersection and median cut open when the left turn lanes are closed off. This didn’t happen during last Saturday work. What will be done differently moving forward? Will police be staged at these locations and if so will they just be at the lighted intersections, median cuts or both?
– Our Contractor and their associated Traffic Control Company will follow the plans as approved by the City. I realize their was an issue last weekend which has since been corrected. Their will be off-duty Police Officers at each lighted intersection along with the correct detour signs if needed.
3) Is there a point of contact residents can get in touch with on weekends if things don’t look right? Cell or email contact would be helpful.
– In the beginning of February I sent out a Community Outreach letter with information about the project along with affected streets and VNG contact information if any concerns or questions should come up. Our Contractor in each of the areas prior to working have door hangers in which lets the directly affected homeowner know that we will be in the area soon, what to expect, and provides a VNG point of contact. I have attached the Outreach Letter to this email that you can post in the Civic Leagues news letter if you would like.
Thank you sir,
Ben Longstreet
Intermediate Engineer
Mobile: 757.359.8203
Office: 757.466.5519
On Saturday, May 2nd, the boat ramp was closed to further launches at 9:20 a.m. because the parking lot was full, and traffic was gridlocked on adjoining streets by 10 a.m.
What’s going to happen this weekend?
Obviously it would be extremely challenging for first responders to use roads surrounding the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility if this is allowed to happen again.
Governor Outlines Phased Plan to Safely, Gradually Ease Restrictions
View at Governor.Virginia.gov:
May 4, 2020—Governor Ralph Northam outlined a three-phase plan to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings, when health data supports doing so.
Governor Northam said he will extend key provisions of Executive Order 53, which places restrictions on businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people, at least through next Thursday, May 14, at midnight. The Northam administration will continue to monitor health data to ensure that trends of positive cases are going downward, that hospital capacity remains steady, that testing is increased, and that hospitals and medical facilities have necessary supplies of PPE. For more information on key metrics, please see here.
Phase I of easing restrictions would continue social distancing, teleworking, recommendations that people wear face coverings in public, and the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people. It would ease some limits on business and faith communities, and would transition the stay at home directive to a “safer at home” guideline, especially for those in vulnerable populations.
It is expected that Phase I would last two to four weeks, as would the two subsequent phases, depending on health metrics.
More specific guidance on each phase will be available in the coming days. Slides from the Governor’s briefing are available here.
Accurate, reliable information about COVID-19 can be found on the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website.
Click to view slides from press conference.
Governor Northam Unveils Blueprint for Easing Public Health Restrictions
‘Forward Virginia’ blueprint informed by diverse health and business stakeholders, includes testing, tracing, and PPE priorities
‘Forward Virginia’ blueprint informed by diverse health and business stakeholders, includes testing, tracing, and PPE priorities
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today presented the “Forward Virginia” blueprint, which will help guide the Commonwealth on when to safely begin easing public health restrictions. The blueprint includes a phased approach that is grounded in the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and has specific goals to contain the spread of the virus through increased testing, personal protective equipment and supplies, and medical capacity.
“We will move forward, but in a way that prioritizes public health and builds public confidence,” said Governor Northam. “Businesses know that customers will return only when they feel that it is safe to do so. Our blueprint for the path forward is data-driven and provides clear guidance, so Virginians will know what to expect and understand how we will decide to when to lift certain public health restrictions.”
Virginia is looking at a wide range of public health data. The Governor emphasized that key indicators will include a 14-day downward trend in confirmed cases as a percentage of overall tests and in reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations. While hospitalization rates have largely stabilized in the Commonwealth, confirmed cases continue to rise.
The Forward Virginia blueprint includes the following priorities:
TESTING AND TRACING
To ensure the continued safety of Virginians, the Commonwealth aims to test at least 10,000 individuals per day. Karen Remley, former Commissioner of Health and current co-chair of Virginia’s Testing Work Group, outlined a four stage approach to meet this goal prior to safe reopening. The expanded testing plan includes hiring contact tracers, who will support local health departments in identifying individuals who may be exposed to COVID-19 and helping them self-isolate.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical to ramping up testing, ensuring the safety of healthcare staff, and expanding the medical workforce. Virginia’s PPE pipeline is improving, and hospitals are successfully managing their supplies. The Governor cautioned that safely easing restrictions will require an ongoing stable PPE supply chain across all sectors of healthcare, and ensuring that the supply is regularly replenished.
Virginia has ordered 17.4 million N95 masks, 8.3 million surgical masks, 17.1 million gloves, 1.7 million gowns, and 1 million face shields. This includes a contract signed jointly with Maryland and the District of Columbia for 5 million N95 masks.
Governor Northam announced that a second shipment from Northfield Medical Manufacturing is scheduled to arrive today and will be promptly distributed. The latest shipment includes 3 million nitrile exam gloves, 100,000 N95 masks, 500,000 3-ply procedure masks, and 40,000 isolation gowns.
HOSPITAL CAPACITY AND STAFF
Hospitalizations and ICU admissions are largely stable across Virginia, even as case counts continue to rise. To ensure continued capacity as Virginia move towards “Phase One” of easing restrictions, Governor Northam yesterday extended the ban on elective surgeries through May 1 and expanded the ability of physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners with two or more years of clinical experience to practice without a collaborative agreement.
The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) continues to recruit and deploy medical and non-medical volunteers to bolster the work of local health departments, hospitals, and healthcare providers. The MRC currently has over 16,500 trained volunteers, more than halfway to Virginia’s goal of 30,000.
PHASE ONE OF EASING RESTRICTIONS
Governor Northam outlined key benchmarks Virginians can expect in the first phase, which will begin no sooner than two weeks from now to allow for a 14-day downward trend in confirmed COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
Phase one includes continued social distancing, teleworking, limits on travel and public gatherings, and recommended use of face coverings. Any easing of restrictions will be informed by public health experts, members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Business Task Force, state and local officials, and other stakeholders.
The Commonwealth is developing two sets of guidance: one with broad based recommendations for all businesses, and another with industry specific recommendations for public-facing businesses like restaurants and non-essential retail. The guidance will be provided to businesses in early May.
The slides from today’s presentation are available here.
# # #
Stay home. Stay informed. Stay safe.
New Traffic Pattern at Intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road
In support for Storm Water drainage improvements, a new traffic pattern will be temporarily used for the intersection of Shore Drive and North Great Neck Road.
The new pattern will be set up Monday through Saturday, 7am to 7pm for the next two to three weeks. Please be careful as you head south onto N. Great Neck at this intersection.
Click here to read the City’s News Release on this subject – 20200401-News Release – REVISED -N Great Neck Road – March 2020
UPDATE:
Virginia Beach Public Works has announced a change in the schedule for work crews as stated in the news release of 2/16/2020; RE: the Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements project.
The work schedule for the crews is revised as follows for Southbound Traffic (west side) of North Great Neck Road:
Original Schedule:
7 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, April 5, 2020 through June 7, 2020.
Revised Schedule:
Beginning April 6th, 2020, there will be daytime work through Friday (Saturday if needed) 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The road will be re-opened at the end of each daily shift, to include temporary paving of the excavation, clean up and removing traffic control before returning it to the original traffic pattern each evening. Work at this location is expected to be complete by April 24th, 2020.
City Seeks Input from Virginia Beach Residents and Business Owners on COVID-19 Impacts
The City has created two online surveys to identify critical needs and issues Virginia Beach residents and business owners are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read this notice at the City’s website https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=4752&title=city+seeks+input+from+virginia+beach+residents+and+business+owners+on+covid-19+impacts
Resident Needs Assessment Survey
Virginia Beach residents can provide input relating to housing, employment and financial needs at PublicInput.com/COVID19Resident Needs through Friday, April 24.
Feedback from the Resident Needs Assessment survey will help guide the draft plan and priorities for funds the City will receive through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to address housing needs, such as eviction prevention, homelessness prevention and shelter. Federal CARES Act funding amounts the City will be receiving and proposed uses can be found at VBgov.com/housing.
The Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation will present its draft plan on the proposed uses of Federal CARES Act funds for housing assistance during a City Council Special Session that will occur after the survey deadline. If approved, the City Council will be asked to authorize the proposed uses of funds by ordinance during the special session. An announcement will be made when the special session has been scheduled.
Business Needs Assessment Survey
Virginia Beach business owners can provide input relating to issues such as workforce and service impacts at PublicInput.com/COVID19BusinessNeeds through Friday, April 24.
Feedback from the Business Needs Assessment survey will help focus on areas in which the City can support the business community. The information will also be used to identify the resources and services businesses may need or find useful as they adapt, even temporarily, to the range of conditions imposed as a result of the pandemic.
Detour Scheduled for West Great Neck Road on Wed April 15th from 9pm to 4am
Click here to read in .pdf format West Great Neck Road Detour – April 15th 2020
VB Public Works Schedules Detour for West Great Neck Road
VA Beach Public Works has announced a detour for the area near West Great Neck Road and Adam Keeling Road
on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The detour is scheduled so that crews can relocate a water line to the east side of
West Great Neck Road.
The detour hours will be from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.
The work is part of a project that will provide a 5-foot wide concrete sidewalk along the west side of West Great Neck Road
from Adam Keeling Road to the bridge over Long Creek, approximately 0.2 of a mile. Once completed, the sidewalk will
improve safety and provide a connection for pedestrians traveling from Great Neck Point to Shore Drive.
The contractor for the job is EL-X Enterprises, and Phillip Blackwell is the project manager. For emergency information,
contact him at (804) 698-0989.
“Current social distancing efforts starting March 15 have paused the growth of the epidemic in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this scenario, “paused” growth means that the rate of new cases is holding steady rather than increasing.”
View yesterday’s Governor’s briefing here.
Key takeaways from infectious disease models developed by the UVA Biocomplexity Institute include:
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Current social distancing efforts starting March 15 have paused the growth of the epidemic in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this scenario, “paused” growth means that the rate of new cases is holding steady rather than increasing.
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Current trends suggest that Virginia’s statewide hospital bed capacity will be sufficient in the near future.
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Lifting social distancing restrictions too soon can quickly lead to a second wave.
And:
“Currently, it appears as if the Commonwealth of Virginia is tracking with the pause scenario, which means that the residents of Virginia are doing an excellent job with mitigation,” said Bryan Lewis, Research Associate Professor for the Network Systems Science and Advanced Computing division for the Institute.
Additional links from Press Release includes:
RAND Healthcare Virginia COVID19 Models Initial Analysis.
Marlin Bay, Gateway to Virginia Beach proposal
VDH increases graphing & data breakdowns
How Privacy-Friendly Contact Tracing Can Help Stop the Spread of Covid-19
Billboard Appeals Case Update – Request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.
The following is an update regarding the Board of Zoning Appeals Case 2019‐BZA-0119 – Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards.
BZA hearings have been postponed during the Covid-19 pandemic, so the planned April 1st hearing of this appeal did not happen. Once normal hearing resume, this case will be rescheduled. In the meantime, here is some information regarding this topic. SDCC has already sent an email to the BZA expressing our opposition to the request to make the billboards digital. I have also attached a copy of the City’s Zoning Administrator letter that originally denied Adam’s request prior to this appeal case. The letter can be read by clicking here Billboard Letter
Bottom line, it looks like this appeal should be denied similar to the original request to make the billboards digital, however the SDCC will continue to follow this topic to make sure.
Dear Chairman Whitley and Board Members,
On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), I would like to express our opposition to Case 2019‐BZA-0119 Adam Outdoor Advertising’s request to upgrade the billboards along Shore Drive to digital boards. The existing billboards have been an eyesore to our area for many years and do not support the City Comprehensive Plan and Shore Drive Corridor Design Guidelines which recommend for the beautification of our residential area. Digital billboards would be extremely intrusive to the adjacent residential property owners and would exacerbate the incompatible aesthetics the structures already create.
Based on the detrimental impacts that the proposed upgrades would cause, we ask that you deny the applicants request for appeal.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Todd Solomon, SDCC President
I have included a couple of reference items below in case you need additional information on this topic:
1) There are 32 billboards in Virginia Beach. Adams Outdoor Advertising wants to add 13 and upgrade four of its existing billboards, city officials said. Among those the company hopes to change is a large one with two sides on Shore Drive next to the Lesner Bridge. https://www.pilotonline.com/business/consumer/vp-nw-billboards-0304-20200323-oqzr75yodzdyrnw2inpbbgpi3y-story.html
2) Board of Zoning Appeals Agenda of April 1, 2020 – Appeal Agenda: Case 2019‐BZA-0119: Adam Outdoor Advertising Request an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s determination letter dated November 7, 2019 for properties located at 3615 Virginia Beach Blvd; 624 Independence Blvd; 1314 Kempsville Rd; 660 N Witchduck Rd; 1009 Laskin Rd; 1195 Bells Rd; 1637 Independence Blvd; 5280 Princess Anne Rd; 3700 Shore Dr; 1309 Virginia Beach Blvd; 1347 Lynnhaven Pkwy; 6061 Indian River Rd; 3273 Shore Dr; 3894 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4390 Virginia Beach Blvd; 4719 Indian River Rd; 3948 Holland Rd
Birdsong Tablet Makes Social Media Software Designed for Older Adults Available Free During Pandemic
Local software developing company Birdsong Tablet, a division of faith-based, non-profit Westminster-Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay, is waving the monthly service fee of $19 for their Social Media Software designed for older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic. The software is also being made available to the general public during this time. More details about this software can be found at Westminster-Canterbury website – https://www.wcbay.com/news
Tips how to keep our EMS volunteers safe
Virginia Uses Genetic Technology to Combat COVID-19
“This genetic fingerprint gives us tremendous insight into this novel virus, helping us understand where Virginia cases originated and how they are being transmitted in our communities,” said DCLS Director Dr. Denise Toney. “Providing this information in real-time is unbelievably valuable for public health officials as they determine how to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in our communities.”
Birthday visits by Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad!
If your child has a birthday between now and June 10th and their birthday plans have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, please message us and let us know! If you live in our Shore Drive response area, spanning from First Court Rd to Cox High School in Virginia Beach, we would love to do an ambulance drive by to wish them a happy birthday.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 