Planning Conference Room, Building 2. The public is invited to attend, but there will be no public comment.
Category Archives: News
Monday Nov. 26th SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation “Bayfront Beach Sand Replenishment”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING – May you enjoy your time with friends and family.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 11.26.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation-
Bayfront Beaches Sand Replenishment Update
Mr. Phillip Roehrs, City of Virginia Beach Public Works – Water Resource Engineer, will provide an update on current plans for sand replenishment project for Bayfront beaches. The last replenishment happened 5 years ago and our beaches are in dire need of help. When will dredging and replenishment begin? Where will the sand be placed? How long will the projects take? Will sand from the spoil sites be required as in past projects? These questions and others you may have will be discussed.
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Update – According to the current property owner, the proposed mixed use development will not be built. The property will be sold to Greystar/Overture Apartments.
Shore Drive Phase III Update – Shore Drive Phase III (CIP 2-117) is set to go out for bid in Feburary 2019 with construction to start sometime in the summer of 2019. This $26 million project will provide sidewalks, crosswalks, LED street lighting, bike lanes, improved traffic signals and landscaping. 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction to minimize traffic delays. In addition to the road safety improvements, storm water upgrades will be made to some streets to help improve heavy rain collection and removal capabilities.
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The end is in sight. Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings should be taking place soon now that the sidewalk has been completed. Updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received.
New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Latest rumor is the site will be used as a staging site by Dominion Power for construction of offshore wind turbines. Does anyone have additional information regarding this subject?
Virginia Beach Police Department New Initiatives – Next Generation 9-1-1(texting based 9-1-1) and ePRO (electronic Police Reports Online), an interactive web application that allows public access to reported crime, traffic accident reports, and active warrants are new systems currently being used by the City. Check them out at the City’s website –
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
PLEASE NOTE REVISED MEETING DATE
Due to Christmas and New Year Eve
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 17, 2018***
“Text-to-911 is part of the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) project. It is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers (911 telecommunicators) from your mobile phone or device.”
Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help citizens use the tool more efficiently and effectively if needed:
Texting should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency issues should still be communicated by calling the non-emergency number, 385-5000.
Calling 9-1-1 is quicker, more efficient and preferred, so texting to 9-1-1 should be reserved for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, unable to speak and those who are in a situation where speaking is unsafe.
Provide the location and nature of the emergency in the first text. This will enable help to be dispatched as quickly as possible . . .
Virginia Beach is among only 10% of municipalities in the nation where this is possible. It’s always better to call if you can, but you do have the option to text if you can’t.
Coverage of Shore Drive Phase III at 13 News Now
Brief update on #LESNERBRIDGE from Project Manager about paving
From an email:
Regarding Lesner Bridge:
Placement of the remaining sidewalks on the north side of Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road is taking place this week and will be completed by next Friday (11/16/2018).
On Sunday night (11/11/2018) between the hours of 9:00PM and 5:00AM, Public Utilities will be working in the inside lane of Shore Drive installing a valve into the new 16-inch water main located approximately 350 feet west of the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection. After this valve is installed, McLean is on schedule to pave westbound Shore Drive between the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection and the WB Bridge and between the WB bridge and the Shore Drive/East Stratford Road intersection. McLean anticipates the paving of Shore Drive to take place over two evenings, 11/15 and 11/16/2018. All required jackhammering will be performed during the day prior to the nighttime work.
Once this work is completed, only the landscaping and boardwalk remains to be completed for the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project.
Thank You,
-Chris
Almost done!
Screen shot of construction cam shot on Nov 9 9am
“Thanks to a $1.5 million gift, the school system could soon start an environmental studies program at one of the world’s greenest buildings. The division hopes to debut the program at the Brock Environmental Center in 2020.”
Learn more at Pilotonline.com article:
But few, if any, have access to a facility with the Brock Center’s acclaim. In 2016, it became one of the first 11 projects in the world to pass the “Living Building Challenge,” considered by many to be the highest honor for green buildings.
That news is outstanding! However . . .
Not all of Pleasure House Point is permanently preserved yet.
Note photo on this page. There is also private property located just off Dinwiddie Road next to Brock that is not permanently preserved. There’s also an opportunity to preserve what’s known as PHPN located next to 7/11 on Shore Drive & Shady Oaks and a slimmer chance of preserving 2 lots located next to Pleasure House Creek overlook on Shore Drive.
Note the amount of trees and vital habitat that is at risk for destruction. Birds, including those migrating in the Atlantic Flyway, depend on Pleasure House Point and it’s open space to survive.
SDCC General Meeting – Mon Oct 29th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation “Heads Up Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program”
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 10.29.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 29, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation –
Heads Up Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program
Ms. Tanya Barnes, Vice President Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, will discuss their program that helps identify residents that need special assistance and support during emergencies and disasters. She will also discuss ways that the community can better serve these individuals.
Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Approval – The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the variance request to build a 4 story, 2 condo and commercial space structure at the corner of Ocean Shore Ave. and Cherry Tree Lane. Many adjacent residents attended the meeting in opposition. This was the only required approval needed and no conditional use permit will be necessary.
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates from City’s permit request to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Quality to keep the wharf as a permanent structure for multiple uses. The DEQ has approved of permit.
Short Term Rentals (STR) – On Sept 1st, City Council passed a resolution regarding regulations for STRs. An update on this resolution will be presented.
Lesner Bridge Replacement – Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings will be taking place and updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received. A separate turning lane will be added during restriping to the eastbound landing at Vista Circle intersection. LED lighting has been installed on bridge structure and supports and is in the testing phase.
New Business –
Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Operating Season is over and was considered a success by HRT and the City. Plans to budget and operate next year are in the works. SDCC will be creating a questionnaire to gather input and suggestions to pass on to HRT/City staff to help make next years service even better.
Shore Drive Overlay Development Review Requirements– The resent approval of the Ocean Shore Shoppes brings into question a possible loophole for building development review process. It appears review of mixed use (residential + commercial) depends on the number of units and zoning. Not all projects require a conditional use permit (CUP) or board/committee/council approval at which the public has the opportunity to comment. Should this be changed?
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 26, 2018***
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Haunted House Fri Oct 26 & Sat Oct 27 from 6-10pm
Visit our second annual night of frights at the OPVRS Haunted House. This event is free, open to the public, and family friendly. The event will be held on Friday October 26th and Saturday October 27th from 6-10pm at the station. Station address is 3769 Shore Drive. Donations are welcome.
More information can be found by clicking this link http://www.opvrs.com/events.html
#LESNERBRIDGE update on paving and single lane traffic
From an email:
Folks:
As with every project where there are many players, schedules change – this one is NO EXCEPTION. Some of the paving work that was supposed to have been completed last night wasn’t; therefore, our paving schedule for tomorrow has changed a bit.
Here are the details:
Beginning tomorrow, 10/25/2018 at approximately 9:00 AM and ending at approximately 12:30 PM, the final course of pavement will be placed on Vista Circle between Shore Drive and Cape Henry Drive, as well as Cape Henry Drive from Vista Circle to the entrance to Bubba’s Restaurant. This work will require intermittent street closures of both Vista Circle and Cape Henry Drive, so please plan accordingly.
Paving crews will move to the west side of the bridge (East Stratford Road) immediately after paving is completed on Cape Henry Drive.
Paving work on East Stratford Road and Piedmont Circle will begin tomorrow, Thursday 10/25/2018 at approximately 1:00PM. Therefore, beginning at approximately 1:00 PM and ending some time near 10:00 PM on 10/25/2018 expect East Stratford Road to be CLOSED between Piedmont Circle and Shore Drive and Piedmont Circle to be CLOSED between East Stratford Road and the showers at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp while paving operations are underway. Paving crews will also attempt to pave the RIGHT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Road (the one in front of J&A Racing) during this same time period.
Finally, on Friday 10/26/2018, expect single lane closures on both eastbound and westbound Shore Drive between Vista Circle and East Stratford Road between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On eastbound Shore Drive crews will be placing the permanent pavement markings on the asphalt pavement between East Stratford Road and Vista Circle. On westbound Shore Drive crews will be working on sidewalk and utility work along the north side of Shore Drive.
We will continue to provide updates on anticipated lane/street closures as we near the final stages of this work.
PLEASE Drive Carefully through this work zone as we complete this work.
Sincerely,
-ChrisChristopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
Update about jackhammering in the middle of Monday & Tuesday nights by LBR&BF
From an email:
Folks:
Hopefully everyone has been enjoying the new eastbound Lesner Bridge since its opening on Labor Day weekend. First of all, I want to apologize to all of you who live in Ocean Park that endured the noise from road work on East Stratford Road in the early morning hours of Monday 10/22 and Tuesday 10/23. Several lines of communication within the project team were broken and resulted in not just one night of disturbance, but two. For that we sincerely apologize to everyone affected.
We scheduled this night time work on East Stratford Road to minimize the disruption of operations of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and American Brew. However, in order to minimize the night time noise created by this milling and paving work, we are going to complete the paving work on East Stratford Road and Piedmont Circle during the day on Thursday 10/25/2018. Therefore, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM and ending some time near 6:00 PM on 10/25/2018 expect East Stratford Road to be CLOSED between Piedmont Circle and Shore Drive and Piedmont Circle to be CLOSED between East Stratford Road and the showers at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp while paving operations are underway.
Piedmont Circle Closure at Lynnhaven Boat Ramps for October 25, 2018
Piedmont Circle Closure at East Stratford Road for October 25, 2018
East Stratford Road Closure for October 25, 2018
Paving work is also taking place TONIGHT, 10/23/2018. Beginning tonight about 8:00 PM and lasting until 5:00 AM, road crews will be preparing to place the final asphalt surface course on eastbound Shore Drive located between the bridge and Vista Circle. This paving work will also include the intersection of Shore Drive and Vista Circle, Vista Circle between Shore Drive and Cape Henry Drive, and Cape Henry Drive between Vista Circle and the entrance to Bubba’s Restaurant.
Another update will be sent out once we have a firm schedule for the upcoming paving work for westbound Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road.
Thank you all again for your patience as we push through the final stages of this multi-year project.
Sincerely,
-ChrisChristopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
“The Virginian-Pilot has found mounting evidence that real estate values across Hampton Roads are being driven down as a result of recurrent flooding and sea level rise.”
View article at Pilotonline.com:
Values of seemingly safe houses several blocks from the water are hurting as well.
Several recent studies have shown that impacts from flooding – from water in the basement to inundated streets – already have hamstrung property prices and cost Hampton Roads homeowners hundreds of millions of dollars in lost or unrealized values.
And:
A group of university economists published a study this summer showing that severe storms – which scientists say have become stronger and more frequent in recent years due to climate change – can have a meaningful impact on property value and how long a home spends on the market in Hampton Roads.
Properties in high-risk areas declined in value after major storms and stayed on the market longer – and not just in the initial aftermath.
In related news, UN IPCC released report illustrating we have 12 years to stop global warming at + 1.5C.
The world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.
Start at The Guardian article to learn more.
It’ll be interesting to see if stakeholders in Virginia Beach find the will to mitigate climate change & sea level rise impacts so it can exist another 50 years.
City Council passes Resolution regarding regulating Home Sharing & STR
Good Friend of Shore Drive Passes – Mr. Andrew Barnett
It is with sad heart that we learn of the recent passing of Mr. Andrew “Andy” Barnett on October 9th. Andy was frequent visitor to our SDCC meetings and very often the voice of reason regarding issues. Andy was truly a “Good Friend” to his community and neighbors along Shore Drive. May fair winds and following seas be yours Captain Barnett.
Andrew Flowers Barnett, Jr., 89, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away October 9, 2018. Born in Buxton, NC, he was the son of the late Andrew and Nellie Barnett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty H. Barnett. He retired as a Captain from the U.S. Navy. Left to cherish his memory: his son, Mark M. Pruett-Barnett and wife, Anne; his daughter, Sharon L. Hopper and husband, Michael; four grandchildren, Jessica Pruett-Barnett, Michelle Harris, Matthew Sassmann, and Meredith Hopper; great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Margot, and Andrew Harris. The family will receive friends at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the church sanctuary by Rev. Anne Pruett-Barnett. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Hollomon-Brown, Great Neck Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Dare County Library Foundation at http://www.darecountylibraryfoundation.org or Pasquotank County Library Foundation at http://www.library.earlibrary.org. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.
Baylines October Newsletter from BAC
View October 18 Baylines (5 page PDF)
A proposed ordinance governing short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods has been referred to the Planning Commission for eventual return to the City Council, B. Kay Wilson, deputy city attorney told the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
The latest iteration of the city’s efforts to govern when homes are rented for fewer than 30 days, the proposal would require property owners to seek a conditional use zoning permit from the City Council, with some exceptions.
One such exception would “grandfather” owners whose properties were operating as short-term rentals as of July 1 and were registered legally and had paid applicable taxes by that deadline. Homesharing, in which an owner rents all or part of the property for no more than 30 consecutive days continues to live there during such rentals, can take place anywhere in the city, Wilson said, as long as they are registered and pay taxes. . . .
Proposed Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC headed for BZA on October 3rd
Case 2018-BZA-00056
Applicant: Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC Representative: Eddie Bourdon, Sykes Bourdon, Ahern & Levy
Address: 3301 Ocean Shore Ave GPIN: 1489-89-3069
Zoning District: B-4
Staff: Kevin KempProject: Proposed Residential Duplex and Retail Building
Request:
• 15-foot front yard setback from the property line adjacent to Ocean Shore Ave, instead of 35-feet as required;
• 15-foot side corner setback from the property line adjacent to Cherry Tree Place, instead of 35-feet as required.
View BZA Oct 3 Case # 2018-BZA-00056 (16 page PDF)
City Council Candidate Forums for October
Here are some opportunities for you to learn about candidates in our upcoming November City Council Elections. Fourm list provided by the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO).
Wednesday October 10th – Forum is for the two Mayoral Candidates and the six candidates running for the two at-large seats – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now. 6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.
Monday October 15th – City Council Candidate Forum. Sponsored by the Sandbridge Civic League. 7:00pm at the Sandbridge Community Chapel
Wednesday, October 17th – Forum is for the candidates running for the Beach, Bayside, Lynnhaven, Centerville, and Princess Anne District seats. – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now. 6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.
Thursday October 18th – City Council Candidate Forum. Sponsored by the Farm Bureau. 6:30pm at the Creeds Ruitan Community Complex 1057 Princess Anne Road
Saturday Sept 29th 9:00am to Noon – E-cycling Event at the Virgina Aquarium (Electronics and Hazardous Wastes)
Personal note: this is a very efficient set up and a great way to dispose of any hazardous material you may have in your house or garage. You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle. A loop is set up in the east parking lot and you just drive around it, the volunteers empty you vehicle and you drive home.
Gather up Old Electronics and Hazardous Waste and Dispose of Them Responsibly at the Fall E-cycling Event Sept. 29
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is partnering with Goodwill Industries, Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling to offer its semi-annual e-cycling event Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The e-cycling event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the aquarium’s east parking lot. The following items will be accepted:
Personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.
***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted***
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, truck
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)
Route 35 Detour for Arctic & 19th – Route 35 operates weekends until Sept. 30th
Route 35 is the Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle. It operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until September 30th.
Arctic & 19th Detour Revised
Effective: Monday, September 17, 2018
Due to construction, the bus shelters at Arctic Ave/19th Street will be inaccessible from Monday, September 17, 2018, to Sunday, October 14, 2018. Portions of Arctic Avenue and 19th Street will also be closed during construction. The Arctic Ave/19th Street bus lineup for the Routes 33, and 960 will be moved to the bus loop along southbound Pacific Avenue at 19th Street. The Route 20, and 35 will service a temporary stop on southbound Pacific Avenue adjacent to the bus loop before 19th Street. The routes will be detoured as follows:
Stops Missed
6066 Arctic & 19th
1096 Arctic & Virginia Beach Blvd
Route 35
Outbound
via Pacific Ave.:
R – 19th Street
L – Atlantic Ave.
L – 22nd Street
L – Pacific Ave.
Service at Temp Stop on Pacific Ave. at 19th Street (NOT IN THE LOOP)
Outbound
to Shore Dr.:
L – 19th Street
L – Atlantic Ave.
L – 22nd Street
R – Pacific Ave.
Regular Route
Inbound
via Pacific Ave.:
Service at Temp Stop on Pacific Ave. at 19th Street (NOT IN THE LOOP)
For more information, please visit gohrt.com or call 757-222-6100.
Para más información en español, por favor llame 757-222-6000.
Dial 711 for TTY service provided by Virginia Relay.
Thank you for riding with Hampton Roads Transit!
Removal Date:
What are those blue signs on Shore Drive next to PHP ? Proposed 3925 Shore Drive single family houses & swimming pools.
3925 Shore Drive 20180924-PCD-CBPA-Staff Report (14 page PDF)
Variance Request
Encroachment into the Resource Protection Area (RPA) 50 foot landward buffer and variable width buffer to construct 2 single family residences with a shared driveway.
“Hurricane Florence no longer viewed as life-threatening for Virginia Beach, city manager says”
View article at Pilotonline.com:
Hansen said during Wednesday’s briefing that the current forecast shows conditions equivalent to “less than a nor’easter.” He said that wind conditions are not expected to reach hurricane level and “will be on the low end of tropical storm, at best,” giving him more optimism for vulnerable areas like Sandbridge and the rural areas.
“An informed citizen would probably have waited to the last movement of the storm before making that decision” to evacuate, he said.
Visit NOAA Hurricane Center for Florence.
“This graphic is created by the NWS/NCEP Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and shows rainfall potential for the United States when a tropical cyclone threatens land. The graphic is displayed as a Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF), which shows rainfall totals for a specified time period, based on forecaster discretion.”
#WeLoveShoreDrive 