Category Archives: News

Ocean Park Civic League would like your help in helping Vice Mayor Jones secure funding for Phase 4 for Shore Drive upgrades in Ocean Park.

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Please Email City Council now. You will make a difference at OPCL.org

Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & City Council Members,

I am petitioning you to fund Shore Drive Phase IV immediately.

Specifically:

1. Please find 50% funding for CIP 2.118.000 Shore Drive Corridor Improvements-Phase 4 in 2018.

2. Please fund 100% of Phase 4 by 2019.

Finishing Phase IV now is critical to the health of Virginia Beach. Why?

The City Council commissioned Urban Land Institute Study of Shore Drive in 1996 and City Council Adopted Comprehensive Plan in 1997 state that:

“(Virginia Beach should) Recognize and improve the Shore Drive corridor as a resort gateway community, not a resort destination.”

“Shore Drive also serves as a tourist gateway for those heading to the oceanfront, offering for many their first glimpse of the City of Virginia Beach. Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression.”

City Council previously recognized the importance of this corridor:
1. City Council created the Shore Drive (Bayfront) Advisory Committee . . .

Click to view OPCL.org page.

“With construction of the Lesner Bridge expected to wrap up by the end of summer, Roehrs said it’s time to revisit the issue.”

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View entire article at Pilotonline.com:

In the future, “we don’t want to lose the option to use it as a transfer site for neighborhood dredging,” Roehrs said.

In 1972, the city bought the space – southwest of the bridge and across from a cluster of waterfront seafood restaurants – to stockpile sand for Oceanfront beach replenishment.

“BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.” Saturday 10am to 10pm #LesnerBridge Update.

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PLEASE SHARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY !

Expect delays caused by single lane in both directions from 10am to 10pm.

From an email update from Project Manager:

Folks:

In the last project update (11/22/2017) we mentioned that we had issues with one of the 10 drilled shaft foundations for Pier #5 of the new eastbound bridge. Between the holidays, cold weather, and a longer than expected duration for remediation of drilled shaft #1 at Pier #5 construction of the EB bridge superstructure had been temporarily suspended. That was the bad news.

Now the good news. Shaft #1 at Pier #5 has been fully remediated, all 10 drilled shafts in this footing have been cut down to the correct elevation, and all of the reinforcing steel for the footing has been placed. The footing is now ready to receive the 400 cubic yards of concrete which is planned for tomorrow, February 3rd, 2018. The concrete will be delivered to this footing via two concrete pumper trucks parked near the center span of the Lesner Bridge eastbound lanes.

This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Lesner Bridge for most of the day tomorrow, Saturday February 3, 2018. Here are the details:

Beginning tomorrow, 2/3/2018 at approximately 10:00 AM single lane closures will be setup on Shore Drive approaching eastbound Lesner Bridge between DuPont Circle and Vista Circle. Single lane closures will also be setup during this time for westbound Shore Drive traffic approaching Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. BOTH eastbound lanes on Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED until the concrete placement operations are completed. All work and temporary lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge are expected to be cleared by 10:00 PM Saturday night, February 3rd, 2018. Be advised that, in addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, there will also be flaggers present that will intermittently STOP all traffic in BOTH directions on the bridge to allow the arrival and departure of concrete delivery trucks.

There will be a lot of activity on the bridge tomorrow so please plan accordingly and drive slowly when crossing the bridge.

Once Pier #5 is complete, we will launch the gantry across the inlet, set the pier segments on Pier #5 and then launch to Pier #6 and set the pier segments on Pier column #6. Span #6 will then be assembled by picking segments off a barge moored in this location. After Span #6 is completed, the gantry will be back-launched toward the channel to complete the other half of the cantilever section of Span #5 that crosses the channel.

Footing Reinforcing Steel being placed at Pier #5 EB Bridge (Completed Pier Column #6 shown in background)

View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently graded area for the 10-foot wide multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.

Since the last update other work on the project continued while waiting for Pier #5 to be completed. The following work has been completed since the November 22, 2017 update:

· 4 additional segments of cantilever Span #5 have been constructed for the new EB bridge (8 total);

· The footing and column at Pier #7 have been completed;

· The cofferdam around the footing for Pier #8 has been installed and the and the area around the drilled shafts excavated;

· All four drilled shafts at Pier #9 have been installed (ALL DRILLED SHAFT INSTALLATION FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE);

· Abutment B for the EB bridge has been completed;

· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed;

· The remaining two street lights (four total) on the western bridge approach have been installed;

Completed Abutment B EB Bridge. Forms being removed.

Completed Footing and Column at Pier #7 new EB Bridge (Forms shown being removed).

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete the footing and column at Pier #5;

· Place reinforcement steel for the footing at Pier #8;

· Backfill Abutment B and complete MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;

· Install falsework for gantry launch at Pier #5;

· Complete concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge; and

· Complete curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge.

That’s it for now!

Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher 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

Meeting dates for STR and EH proposed ordinance changes

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Recent Planning Commission Workshop notes:

    Below is a summary of the Planning Commission Workshop held on January 24, 2018 on Short Term Rentals.
    Planning Commission Attending: Robert Thornton, David Weiner, Dee Oliver, David Redmond, Karen Kwasny, Jack Wall, and Jan Rucinski
    Staff Attending: Kay Wilson, Kevin Kemp, Carolyn Smith, Jimmy McNamara and Barry Frankenfield
    Public Attending: +/- 20
    Discussion and Briefings . . .

Upcoming meetings:

    Planning Commission: February 14, 2018
    City Council Briefing: February 20, 2018
    City Council Public Comment: March 6, 2018
    City Council Vote: March 20, 2018

SDCC General Meeting – Mon Jan 29th at 7:30pm – Working Meeting on Issues and Priorities

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 1.29.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday January 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 Discussion – This month’s presentation time will be used for a working group discussion to help identify community issues and priorities. What are your group’s biggest concerns? What Shore Drive issues are most important and need addressed immediately? Come help us prioritize our efforts for 2018.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Andrew Broyles;Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

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

 

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – Temporary trailer signs were used for 2 weeks in December. The City has been contacted to brief us on the results. Stay tuned.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property.

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The last of 6 public meetings is being held on Jan. 29th at Bayside HS. SDCC will contact the City for more information regarding the next steps in this effort.

4-Way Intersection at Indian Hill Rd. – Update on City’s planned expansion on this intersection into a non-traffic lighted 4-way intersection to support the new entrance of the recently approved retirement community expansion.

 

New Business –
Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Update on Phase 4 – CIP 2.118. An onsite meeting with City Manager has been requested. Plans to attend an Open Mic night to request budget funding are being made and need community support. The current construction date of 2026 is not acceptable.

Lesner Bridge Update – Would anyone be interested in attending a tour of the bridge? SDCC would be happy to try and set this up. We are also trying to have the Project Manager attend an SDCC to provide us an update on the project which should finish sometime this year.

Community Concerns– This will be addressed in the Special Discussion section.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday February 26, 2018***

E-Cycling at the Virginia Aquarium – Sat. Jan 27th from 9am to Noon

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Click here for more information on this event.

Location: East Parking Lot, Virginia Aquarium
Cost: Free to the public (donations welcome!)
Contact: Virginia Aquarium
Phone: (757) 385-FISH (3474)
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, January 27, 2018 – 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

*Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted.*
Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax Machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted

Acceptable Household Hazardous Waste items include:
Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: Alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), Boat, Car, Camera, Cell phone, Hearing aid, Lead acid, Lithium, Rechargeable, Trucks
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool Chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

BAC Meeting for Thursday cancelled

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From VBGov.com:

The Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 18 has been canceled. Meetings are normally held at 3:30 p.m., on the third Thursday of each month, at the Virginia Beach Resort and Conference Center.

Planning Commission December 13th meeting that includes STR and Event Home discussion.

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You can watch the 3 hours and 55 minute video below.

When Minutes are posted, they will be available at VBGov.com here.
Official page for Online Home Sharing Economy here.*
(*Please note: Broken links remain on page as of the time of this posting.)

Join us Monday to hear Detective J.I. Cole VBPD Economic Crimes Unit presentation!

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Come hear Detective J. I. Cole from the VB Economic Crimes Unit speak at our next SDCC meeting, this Monday 18 DEC at 7:30 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Building (Shore Drive and West Stratford just west of the Lesner Bridge).

Find out what you have to do if your identity gets stolen, or somebody steals your credit card
number. Find out how to end ROBOCALLs or how to stop all those credit card offers that you don’t want. Detective Cole will be there to give you the information that you will need to keep your identity and credit safe.

I have heard her speak and she is very good.

PEDESTRIAN STRUCK ON SHORE DRIVE at MARLIN BAY. Life threatening injuries.

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HAPPENING NOW

First news at WAVY.com.

The accident is being investigated by VBPD Fatal Crash Team.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Dec. 18th at 7:30pm – Holiday Gathering

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.18.17 SDCC Agenda

Please note the early date of the meeting.  It has been moved a week early to avoid conflict with Christmas.

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday December 18, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Special Presentation – Holiday Gathering – Come get to know your neighbors.  We will also be thanking our officers David Williams and Kathy Pawlak for their wonderful service to SDCC and will wish them well on their future endevours.

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

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

Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – They City has placed temporary “Your Speed Is” trailers east of Great Neck Road.  These signs and speed counter strips are being use to help slow down vehicles and to capture data for additional usage of signs.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property. Planning Commission is holding a public workshop and hearing on this issue.

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The City of Virginia Beach recognizes challenges and is exploring solutions to the issues caused by sea level rise and recurrent flooding. The public is encouraged to attend one of several upcoming meetings where city representatives will provide residents with the opportunity to share their views and concerns. The information collected from the meetings will be used to develop the City’s long-term plans for sea level rise and recurrent flooding.  The City has held 4 meetings and will hold 2 more in January 2018.  Shore Drive residents are encouraged to attend a meeting to have your concerns be captured.

New Business –

SDCC Officer Elections – We are in great need of volunteers to step up and serve as officers for SDCC.  All positions are welcomed, but we are in immediate need of a Secretary and Treasurer for 2018.  We will be accepting names from the floor and will vote once we have nominees. 

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

 ***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 29, 2018***

Coyotes are now your neighbor

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View article including photos at Pilotonline.com.

“Coyotes and wolves and dogs don’t normally get along,” Fies said. “But when a species is expanding its range, and there’s not enough of its own kind for mating, I guess they can get along for long enough.”

Because of that, Fies says, our coyotes are a little bigger than the ones out west, and come in more colors – from blonde to black – which can make them even harder to recognize.

Photo credit: Eric Hauser

Sea Level Rise Public Meetings Schedule for Shore Drive area including fascinating map designating areas.

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Main info page at VBGov.com.

All of the meetings will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

Shore Drive areas are split into 3,30 & 31.

​Mon., Dec. 11, 2017 ​8, 29, 30 ​
Oceanfront: Beach District and the Lynnhaven east of Great Neck Road ​​
Cooke Elementary School,
1501 Mediterranean Avenue

Thurs., Jan 25, 2018 ​​3, 4 ​
Western Lynnhaven: North of Princess Anne Road; bounded to the east by South Rosemont Road and Little Neck Road ​
Princess Anne High School,
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Mon., Jan. 29, 2018 1,31
Little Creek: Area to the east where Shore Drive meets Northampton Blvd.​ ​
Bayside High School,
4960 Haygood Road

Seems strange Bayfront community was spit up into 3 meetings none held here.

19 trees stolen from Tin Soldiers

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News including vid at WTKR.com.

For the small business, they said that’s a good amount of money. The police officer who responded to their call said that would be considered a felony.

Updated CIP Phase 3 page with all files

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Thanks to Chris Wojo for the great presentation last night!

He also uploaded all the files for Phase 3 also known as 2.117.000.

Here’s the Official Phase 3 2.1117.000 page.

As you heard last night, some highlights of Phase 3 includes:

    Stormwater work including saving live oaks at the new pond at Shore Drive & Page Ave.
    Stormwater work that’ll also tie into the CIP on the Cape Henry Ditch.
    Stormwater work on the north side of Shore Drive problem areas.
    Wider sidewalks on both the north and south side.
    Bike lanes on both the north and south side.

Young humpback whale died & had necropsy on Lynnhaven beach today

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Read and view more photos at Pilotonline.com.

Juvenile humpback whale found dead near Lynnhaven Fishing Pier at 13NewsNow.com.

Dead whale spotted in Chesapeake Bay brought ashore by Virginia Aquarium at WTKR.com.

Dead whale spotted near Chic’s Beach at WAVY.com.

Note: Area where humpback whale was brought to shore is not Chics Beach.

Monday Nov. 27th – SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation on Shore Drive Improvments Phase 3

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.27.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 (Lesner Bridge to First Landing State Park) – Mr. Christopher Wojtowicz, PE, Engineering Construction Manager for the City of VB Public Works will provide an update on the Shore Drive Improvement Phase 3 project. This project will add safety improvements, bike lanes, storm water upgrades, curb and gutter and other roadway changes to the section of Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and First Landing State Park. The project is 90% ready for construction. The last time the community had a chance to see and comment was at 30%. Come out and see if your past comments have been incorporated and if there are any new items of interest.

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

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update –
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments – Approved at Oct. 11th meeting of the Planning Commission. Will most likely be heard by City Council in December.

Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – SDCC sent resolution to City Council to purchase signs to be used specifically on Shore Drive. Councilman Wood has acknowledged the request and stated that City’s Public works has portable sign trailers. SDCC will continue dialogue with Councilman for purchase of Shore Drive signs.

Short Term Rentals – Update on City of Virginia Beach’s public input session and next steps for Short Term Rental (Airbnb, etc.) property.

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

Storm Water/Sea Level Rise Public Input Meetings – The City of Virginia Beach recognizes challenges and is exploring solutions to the issues caused by sea level rise and recurrent flooding. The public is encouraged to attend one of several upcoming meetings where city representatives will provide residents with the opportunity to share their views and concerns. The information collected from the meetings will be used to develop the City’s long-term plans for sea level rise and recurrent flooding. Click here for more information on these meetings

  • Mon., Dec. 11, 2017 8, 29, 30 Oceanfront: Beach District and the Lynnhaven east of Great Neck Road Cooke Elementary School, 1501 Mediterranean Avenue
  • Thurs., Jan 25, 2018 3, 4 Western Lynnhaven: North of Princess Anne Road; bounded to the east by South Rosemont Road and Little NEck Road Princess Anne High School,4400 Virginia Beach Blvd.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 18, 2017***
This meeting is a week early due to Holiday Season
SDCC Elections are coming up. Please let an officer know of your interest.

“The City Council approved a change in zoning for the Marina Shores Marina property off North Great Neck Road Tuesday, paving the way for a new apartment complex and restaurant to be built.”

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News at Pilotonline.com:

Also, there is no traffic signal or crosswalk at Lynnhaven Drive and North Great Neck Road, and residents want to be able to cross safely.

Councilman Jim Wood, who represents the Lynnhaven area, said he wants the city manager to evaluate options on North Great Neck Road, where the speed limit is 45 mph.