Category Archives: News

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT UPDATE FOR BAC

Posted on by

Jeremy can not attend so here is his report from an email:

+ + +

I have a conflict and can’t make the meeting today. I’m working with the city engineer on a project spreadsheet, I’ll keep you posted. Here are the updates from the PW side.

Chesapeake Beach Renourishment
Status

A contract has been awarded to Seaward Marine Corporation.

Work is underway and is to be completed by October 13, 2024.

Lynnhaven Inlet Dredging and Cape Henry Beach Placement
Status

USACE opened bids on April 3rd.

The work includes dredging the federal channel system, removing underwater debris, and placing the sand along Cape Henry Beach.

USACE intends to award the contract to Cottrell Dredging located in Norfolk, Va.

The most recent update from USACE indicated a pre-construction meeting and issuance of a Notice to Proceed sometime between late July and early August. From that point, Cottrell is required to submit a schedule within 15 days after NTP is issued.

Eastern Branch Lynnhaven River (EBLR) Dredging
Status

The City’s ongoing dredging project of the EBLR is going well with the contractor scheduled to complete Keeling Drain dredging this summer.

Crab Creek/Long Creek
Status

The next dredging cycle is being planned for winter 2024/2025.

Pleasure House Point Trail Breach
Status

Work has been completed to construct an elevated crossing over a flood-prone area.

These improvements will make the path more accessible after heavy rain events.

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Status

A draft of the City’s first Comprehensive Local Road Safety Action Plan will be publicly available for review and comment in August. The Plan identifies and prioritizes countermeasures to address roadway safety issues throughout Virginia Beach. Stakeholders, including members of the Bayfront Advisory Commission, were briefed on the Plan on March 22nd and provided feedback to staff on current safety challenges. Public Works Engineering staff will brief City Council on the Draft Plan on August 27th, and the Plan is anticipated to be adopted in September or October.

Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake projects

We typically do not provide updates to the BAC, but since the BAC provided support letters for the BRIC grant, we thought an update was needed.

Lake Pleasure House Outfall – construction complete
Lake Bradford Ditch Dredging – construction complete
Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Pump Station and Outfall

STATUS

The city is currently in the process of selecting a Design-Build team. The expected selection will take place in the first quarter of 2025.

The city applied for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant worth $35 million, but unfortunately, was not successful in receiving it.

Church Point-Thoroughgood BMP and Drainage Improvement – The City awarded the design contract to RK&K. Anticipated construction is in 2028.
STATUS

Design NTP – May 21, 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: February 2028

Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2028

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2031

Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Projects

Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Relocation of Sanitary Sewer Gravity Mains, 1C.2
The project was completed on October 2, 2023. The project was on time and Under Budget by $185,682.

Eastern Shore Drainage Improvements Phase I – Section I – $35.9M Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Projects:

Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Colony Park Pump Station, 1B
Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Widening and Deeping, 1C.2
Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Drive Pump Station, 1D
Eastern Shore Drive – Elevate Lynnhaven Drive, 1E

STATUS

90% Design Completed January 2024 Project #1-3.

60% Design Completed March 2024 Project #4.

SCHEDULE

100% Design Submittal for all 4 projects – August 2024

Advertise for Bids: January 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: May 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028

Eastern Shore Drive – Vista Circle Pump Station, 1A
STATUS

PER Completed. Project detailed design has not begun.

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: October 2026

Estimated Construction Start Date: April 2027

Estimated Construction Completion: December 2029

Eastern Shore Drive – Poinciana Pump Station
STATUS

60% Design Submittal Received and compiling City and Peer Review Comments

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: April 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028

Eastern Shore Drive – North Shore Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1F & Eastern Shore Drive – Cape Henry Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1G
STATUS

60% Design Submittal Received March 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: June 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: September 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: June 2027

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase III
STATUS

No change. Real estate acquisition and private utility relocations are underway.

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: September 2024

Estimated Construction Start Date: January 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: July 2028

Shore Drive Pedestrian Improvements
STATUS

90% Design Submittal Received July 2, 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: June 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: October 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: April 2026

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV
STATUS

No change. Final Preliminary Engineering Report received 11/15/2023. The project is not funded

Jeremy Kline

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Deputy Director

757.385.8420 | jekline@vbgov.com

+++

New bridge on PHP. In my estimation, based on 20 years of experience, potentially 4 to 7 more bridges before 2034 will be needed or choices made to leave sea level rise take over. Educational opportunities!

BAC Thursday JULY 18th 330pm at OPVRS. Join us!

Posted on by

BAC, the Bayfront Advisory Commission meets at OPVRS, the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday February 15th at 330pm. Join us!

OPVRS is located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

7-18-24 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload
Osprey nest with chicks!

BAC Thursday MAY 16 330pm at OPVRS. Join us!

Posted on by

BAC, the Bayfront Advisory Commission meets at OPVRS, the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday February 15th at 330pm. Join us!

OPVRS is located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

5-16-24 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload
Sidewalk with Phase 3?

Local Road Safety Action Plan. Take a survey to improve safety!

Posted on by

The new action plan by City.

1 example slide.

START HERE TO TAKE THE NEW SURVEY. (opens in new tab)

1 of the broken sidewalks on Bayfront.
City can improve internal procedures to improve Public Safety.

Some press at 13NewNow story:

Virginia Beach officials outline plans to improve road safety

After many accidents involving pedestrians, the city is working to improve pedestrian safety.

BAC Thursday MAR 21 330pm at OPVRS. Join us!

Posted on by

BAC, the Bayfront Advisory Commission meets at OPVRS, the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday February 15th at 330pm. Join us!

OPVRS is located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

Preserve buildings & live oaks and use as an event space?
3-21-24 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload

Refresher on Bayfront documents including various planning, studies & guidelines.

Posted on by

Thanks Hank!

I’ve attached the 1997 ULI Study and the text from Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the Shore Drive Corridor Overlay District. Below are links to the following:

Comprehensive Plan (Section 1.3 – Suburban Area; Page 1-69 – Suburban Focus Area 1:

Shore Drive Corridor: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/virginia-beach-departments-docs/planning/Comprehensive-Plan/Adopted/Comp-Plan-2016_policy-doc.pdf

Shore Drive Corridor Plan:

Click to access Shore_Drive_Corridor_Plan_2000.pdf

Shore Drive Design Guidelines:

Click to access Shore_Drive_Corridor_Design_Guidelines_2002.pdf

Commercial Area Pattern Book:

Click to access Commercial-Area-Pattern-Book.pdf

Active Transportation Plan:

Click to access Active-Transportation-Plan.pdf

I believe this covers the current applicable documents with guidance on the Shore Drive Corridor, but if there are other documents that I may have missed in regards to the Shore Drive/Bayfront area, please let me know and I will be happy to pass them along as well.

Thanks,

Hank

Article 17 Zoning Ordinance Shore Drive Corridor Overlay.pdfDownload
ULI BAYFRONT STUDY 1997.pdfDownload
Incredible Lesner Bridge 🤩

2024 srsly 🙄

Can you help ID who trashed an area off Greenwell Road in Bayville Park?

Posted on by
Can you ID?
Can you ID?
Apparently they trashed this area Sunday about 5pm-530pm.

BAC Thursday FEB 15 330pm at OPVRS. Join us!

Posted on by

BAC, the Bayfront Advisory Commission meets at OPVRS, the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday February 15th at 330pm. Join us!

OPVRS is located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

2-15-24 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload
After a terrifying few months for pedestrians & cyclists, some love! 👍🏽

Hooray for finally some pedestrian love at Shore Drive & Pleasure House Road!

Posted on by

Sincerely hope this never happens again in the entire city!!

Depending on a miracle that no pedestrians or cyclists would get killed by blocking their only safe access is completely unacceptable & unconscionable.

Does City of VB hates pedestrians & cyclists?

“The purpose of the Complete Streets Policy is to improve Virginia Beach’s transportation system by providing safe, attractive travel options for all users that emphasize connectivity and are designed in harmony with adjacent land uses.”

Posted on by

Learn about Complete Streets adopted by City at their website.

Pleasure House Road & Shore Drive.

But Complete Streets adoption are for:

“This policy will ensure that all users are considered during the design and construction of new roadways” you say.

Ok, ok… what about the unanimously adopted by City Council Shore Drive Safety Task Force recommendations of 2006 then?

The point?

How is it possible, again, safety for residents & users of Bayfront infrastructure for pedestrian & cycling safety is ignored by the City?!

It’s a MIRACLE no pedestrians or cyclists have been killed here yet.

Hopefully there’ll be an update soon as to:

1. How this could possibly happen?!

1. How will this never happen again?

1. What time is this getting fixed yesterday to improve the safety for pedestrians and cyclists?

This completely unacceptable pedestrian & cyclist “infrastructure” has been blocked for months. Many many human beings depend on a safe area right here every day.

Extra love coming to Bayfront users of HRT

Posted on by

Here’s the Public Notice to get your feedback.

Here’s the plans.

Here’s the scoop:

“Thank you for your inquiry about the planned improvements at HRT stops #1376 and #1304 in the Bayfront area. We’re always eager to keep our community informed and involved in our developments.

I am pleased to confirm that as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and convenience for all our passengers, concrete ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant landing pads will be installed at both stops. These pads are specially designed to ensure safe and easy access, particularly for those with mobility challenges.

Regarding the installation of bus stop shelters, I’d like to clarify that these will be undertaken directly by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). HRT is responsible for the installation and maintenance of these shelters, and they will be managing this aspect of the improvement project.

Enclosed are the detailed plans for the improvements at both stops. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the enhancements, including the layout and features of the new ADA landing pads.

Your interest and support in improving our local transit facilities are greatly appreciated. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Ali Salim, P.E., PMP, PMI-RMP

Transportation Project Manager

757-385-5639

asalim@vbgov.com”

BAC Thursday JAN 18 330pm at OPVRS. Join us!

Posted on by

BAC, the Bayfront Advisory Commission meets at OPVRS, the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday January 18th at 330pm. Join us!

OPVRS is located at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

1-18-24 BAC Meeting Package.pdfDownload

Pleasure House Road Phase I & II Improvements public comment period extended to December 29th!

Posted on by

Let ‘em know – start here!

Potentially in the future.

Reality today.

Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmembers Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond and Joash Schulman WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2023 (6:30PM – 8:00PM) Renaissance Academy

Posted on by

More info at City’s website.

Councilmember Dr. Ross-Hammond and Councilmember Schulman will host a joint District 4 and District 9 community meeting to update residents on current City projects and issues. Topics of discussion include homelessness, recycling, and neighborhood preservation and zoning enforcement. Attendees will also have an opportunity to have their questions addressed.

City Council Informal & Formal sessions Nov 21 ‘23 Vacation of Easement for WCCB public hearing & vote and Wycliffe redevelopment in a lake public hearing & vote.

Posted on by

Vacation of Easement approved 9-1 including WCCB paying City $100,000 for future beach walkway replacement.

Wycliffe referred back to Planning Commission on 9-1 vote.

“I am speaking on behalf of my community that we oppose the closing of the public beach access at the end of Starfish Road for many reasons: First: a public right-of-way should only be closed when there is no other alternative. Westminster has admitted that they do have a plan that would not involve closing the access…”

Posted on by

My name is Lisa Leidig and I am the president of the Lynnshore Condominium HOA. I am travelling on business and will unfortunately not able to attend the vote on Tuesday. I am speaking on behalf of my community that we oppose the closing of the public beach access at the end of Starfish Road for many reasons:

First: a public right-of-way should only be closed when there is no other alternative. Westminster has admitted that they do have a plan that would not involve closing the access. Since this is the case, this should be an easy decision to make – deny the request. You should not have to decide who is more important – the public or residents of Westminster and who is going to be inconvenienced. The only reason that Westminster wants to close the public beach access is that a handful of people expressed concern about walking through a parking garage. I am sure that Westminster has a contingency plan to protect the residents and prevent public access to their buildings. So is it better to inconvenience the thousands of people that use the Starfish beach access to accommodate a few people by making them walk through a garage? Why is it constantly ok to impact the public and residents but not Westminster?

Second: With the pier remaining, there is a problem when we have persistent northeast winds or a storm off our coast – the winds push the waves up to the point that during the periods around high tide (2 hours before and after) the beach west of the pier is inaccessible due to the water rising and being pushed up past the fencing under the pier. This has happened 5 times this year since September (once this past week) and even resulted in significant dune loss in front of Casa de Playa.

Third: Perception. Closing this access provides the perception that the beach in front of Westminster’s property is now private. I have had conversations with residents of Westminster and they stated that they “couldn’t wait until the beach is private and THOSE people (pointing to fisherman/crabbers) won’t be able to come down here anymore”. WC is also leaving the stairs from the bulkhead to the beach, further cementing the perception that the beach is now private. Surf Rider foundation advocates that public beach access remain public – https://www.surfrider.org/pages/policy-on-beach-access – excerpts such as “Development must not be allowed to interfere with public access”, “The public should be afforded full and fair access to beaches which are public trust resources by minimizing the possibility of impediment including development”, “Should not be burdensome for the potential beachgoer to utilize”.

Fourth: Ben Unkle has said that this new beach access is more convenient to “everyone”. That is simply not true. Anyone that lives on Starfish road – the access is more inconvenient. For anyone riding HRT route 35 which drops off in front of Westminster, this is not more convenient. For anyone wanting to access the beach and are crossing Shore Drive at a crosswalk (there are two – one at Starfish, the other at Great Neck) – this is not convenient. For anyone wanting to sit west of the fishing pier, this is not convenient. Ben Unkle has also said that the beach access bisects Westminster property – while that is now a correct statement, the access was in existance long before they bought the properties. Westminster took a chance by buying these properties with full knowledge of the public access. Do not punish the public for a risky venture made by Westminster.

Fifth: The sidewalk on the south side of Ocean Shore and Starfish Road is almost impassible. It has not been maintained for years and the sidewalk is blocked by shrubs and growth. The City had also just spent public dollars to repair the beach access at Starfish road so those improvements are wasted money if you allow the access to close and be torn up.

In closing – this should be an easy decision to make as Westminster has a plan to work around the public beach access. Deny the request and keep our beach access public and open.

Sincerely,

Lisa Leidig
President, Lynnshore Condominiums
xxxx Starfish Road
757-xxx-xxxx

Click for entire WCCB Survey Summary Results

Website & survey for Pleasure House Road Improvements: Phase I & Phase II

Posted on by

Start here to learn more about Pleasure House Road Improvements and take the survey.

PLEASE CONTACT THE MAYOR & YOUR ELECTED OFFICIAL NOW IN SUPPORT OF …

Posted on by

[T]he City is set to realize about $20MM in proceeds from the sale of easements to Dominion Energy for their Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, and Staff is recommending that nearly half of those proceeds be appropriated to Shore Drive Phase IV ($6.98MM) and to Pleasure House Road Phase II ($1.36MM) & Shore Drive Phase III ($ 2.24MM).

Please email Mayor & City Council to support this vital funding: citycouncil@vbgov.com

City Council vote is on November 21st 2023.

Shore Drive Phase IV

Pleasure House Road Phase II

Shore Drive Phase III

”Data shows the city has the most crashes involving PEDESTRIANS in all of Hampton Roads”

Posted on by

View coverage at 13NewsNow.com.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles data shows just this year, there were three pedestrian-involved crashes on Shore Drive, one of which ended with a fatality.
“I hope that we actually see some action on these throughout the city… because safety is the biggest priority, I think within all of our communities,” Murphy said.

Please take the Local Road Safety Action Plan SURVEY now!

Some dangerous choices pedestrians get to make navigating this. How is blocking safe pedestrians access approriate!?

That blockade to pedestrians & cyclists to safely navigate is at southeast corner of Shore Drive & Pleasure House Road where there is NO contiguous sidewalks on north side of Shore Drive. Minimum of dozens of pedestrians & cyclists commute through this area daily.