Category Archives: News

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday June 29th @ 7:30pm

Posted on by

 Click Here for a Printable Version of the Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday June 29, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – Mr. Tuck Bowie, President of The Terry Peterson Companies, will provide an update on the Point Chesapeake development project located on the old Duck-In property.  

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

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s June 2nd meeting on proposed development between Citgo and Leaping Lizard.

NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC voted at May meeting to support the CRS program for Virginia Beach. City staff is working on the policy and City Managers are reviewing. This program has possibility to reduce flood insurance policy costs by 10% or 15%.

New Business –

Pedestrian Crossing Improvement near OPVRS – City Traffic Engineers plan to improve pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford/Roanoke Ave.

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Interim survey results.  Time permitting, we will also hold an Issues Framing session to talk about advantages/disadvantages of this proposed service.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?   

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • July 4th Fireworks Shows – Ocean Park Barge Show west of Lesner Bridge. Cape Story Show at First Landing State Park east of Lesner Bridge. 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 27, 2015

#LESNERBRIGE update from Project Manager – “Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, infamous engineer and project manager. Please add this to your paperbacks and magazines for great reading while on the beach.”

Posted on by

We couldn’t agree more!

As a matter of fact, if you haven’t experienced Mr. Chris Wojo… (we can’t pronounce it either) presentation on the Lesner, you’re in luck!

This coming Saturday June 20th 9am at Dockside he will be offering his very entertaining update which includes a lively Q&A. It’s for Lynnhaven Colony’s Civic League Meeting and the public is welcomed to attend.

We strongly encourage you to do so.

On to the …

June 17th 2015 update:

Bridge Lovers and Other Folks:

Put those thoughts of snow plows and sand and salt on the road while a cold wind whips off the bay out of your mind . . . . . and just enjoy this heat! Soak it up and savor the summer days living in Virginia Beach.

Progress on the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project is moving onward, and you can see the progress almost on a daily basis.

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, infamous engineer and project manager. Please add this to your paperbacks and magazines for great reading while on the beach.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them.

Please feel free to pass this along to others. Thanks again for all of your patience throughout this project.

Enjoy the summer weather, avoid the skeeters . . . AND STAY COOL AND SAFE!

*****************************************

“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it” – Russell Baker

The heat is on – and not just the temperature. With lost work days during this past winter McLean Contracting is re-sequencing work, adding more resources to the project (can we fit any more cranes in the Lynnhaven?), and working weekends to make up for the lost days on the schedule. Their efforts to make up the lost time are certainly having a positive impact on the construction of the new westbound Lesner Bridge.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

Temporary Trestle, Support Barges, and Cranes working concurrently on piers 3, 5, and 7.

As the segment launcher (gantry crane) comes together between piers 1 and 2 of the new westbound bridge, the casting yard is preparing the completed bridge segments for shipment. A total of 49 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast and is enough to complete 3 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge. The first bridge segment to be placed will be the expansion joint segment. This segment will be installed on Abutment “A” near 3556 On the Bay condominiums and will likely take place the first week of August 2015. Remember to check out the Lesner Bridge Construction Sequence Animation on YouTube!

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

Pre-cast Concrete Segments for the New Lesner Bridge stored at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA

While the segment launcher is being assembled, crews will be busy placing the reinforcing steel for the concrete cap in Pier 3 which is expected to be poured this week. Additionally, drilling crews have completed installing all of the drilled shafts for Piers 4 and 5 and are on track to complete the shafts for Pier 7 later this week before moving on to Pier 6. At the same time, a separate foundation crew has begun driving the steel pile foundation for Abutment B of the new westbound Lesner Bridge (next to the Point Chesapeake property).

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Placement of Reinforcing Steel for the concrete cap at Pier 3

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

Ø Mobilize the utility barges and drilling equipment to Pier #6;

Ø Complete pile installation at Abutment B;

Ø Complete assembly of the second gantry crane at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site;

Ø Continue casting segments for bridge span #4;

That’s it for now. Keep Cool and Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken on June 18, 2015 @ 600a

Screen shot of Construction Cam photo taken on June 18, 2015 @ 600a

Lesner Bridge Presentation Sat. June 20th, 9am at Dockside Restaurant

Posted on by

Lynnhaven Colony Civic League is hosting a talk plus Q & A  on current / future updates on the Lesner Bridge.  Mr. Chris Wojtowicz, City of VB Project Manager, will be the guest speaker.  The session will be held this coming Saturday, June 20,  9:00 a.m. at Dockside Restaurant on Vista Circle.

For those of us that live and drive over the bridge we need to be aware of upcoming lane changes, open walking areas and bike routes.

Guests are welcome.

 

“Dolphin tours canceled in Virginia Beach after guide spots 9-foot bull shark”

Posted on by

Kayak tours at Northend were canceled.

Might want to be aware.

News including video at WTKR.com.

approach

Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop Survey – We Want to Hear What You Think

Posted on by

survey

SDCC has created a short 5 to 10 minute survey regarding the possible Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley loop.

Please take a moment to give us your thoughts and to pass the survey link on to others that may be interested in providing their input.

Click here or on the “take survey” icon above to begin the survey.

 

Possible Trolley Loop between Shore Drive and Oceanfront – Virginian-Pilot Article

Posted on by

trolley 2

Trolleys from resort area could help Chic’s Beach lure tourists, group says

By Kathy Hieatt
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 15, 2015

The Shore Drive corridor along the Chesapeake Bay is a gateway to the Oceanfront for lots of summer visitors, but many simply bypass the area on the way to the Atlantic and don’t return until it’s time to leave.

To read the rest of Kathy’s article, click here

 

Accident on Shore Drive with school bus this morning.

Posted on by

News including more photos and video at WTKR.com. (Please note: Audio starts by default at WTKR.com.)

A white SUV and red pick-up truck were also involved in the crash. Both had to be towed from the scene.

Photo by Steven Linne, WTKR Viewer.

Photo by Steven Linne, WTKR Viewer.

NOAA: Below-normal Atlantic Hurricane Season is likely this year

Posted on by

From NOAA Hurricane Center website:

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season will likely be below-normal, but that’s no reason to believe coastal areas will have it easy.

And:

“A below-normal season doesn’t mean we’re off the hook. As we’ve seen before, below-normal seasons can still produce catastrophic impacts to communities,” said NOAA Administrator Kathryn Sullivan, Ph.D., referring to the 1992 season in which only seven named storms formed, yet the first was Andrew – a Category 5 Major Hurricane that devastated South Florida.

Outlook_2015_FINAL

Visit Hurricanes.gov to learn more.

Clean The Bay Day / National Trails Day info about how you can help

Posted on by

CTBD2015Poster_18x24highres_UPDATED FINAL

From an email:

Dear School, Community, and Media Partners,

Below is our official statewide Virginia State Parks press release for the June 6, 2015 Clean the Bay Day and National Trails Day events. However, I summarized our Hampton Roads programs and events for you. You can always find up to date event and program information, included guided hikes, guided kayak trips, crafts, fishing clinics, and more by visiting http://www.virginiastateparks.gov and clicking “What to Do”.

If you or any of your staff are interested in covering these programs for your media outlet, please feel free to contact me at staci.martin@dcr.virgnia.gov or 757-477-4046 so I can coordinate your visit. We sincerely appreciate your help in promoting these events to help keep our trails and waterways clean and healthy for outdoor recreation. (Please feel free to email me at staci.martin@dcr.virginia.gov to be removed from my event distribution list.)

First Landing State Park—VA Beach: 9 a.m. to 12noon Join volunteers all across Virginia in collecting trash and other debris in and around our local waterways. Volunteers will clean up areas around the Bald Cypress Swamps, Broad Bay, and of course the beach along the Chesapeake Bay. Meet at the Chesapeake Bay Center to register and pick up supplies.

False Cape State Park—VA Beach: Be a part of the Annual Clean the Bay & National Trails Day by getting outdoors and enjoying a day making a difference. Join park staff and volunteers in helping keep our beaches pristine by picking up shoreline debris or help spruce-up one of the many trails found within the park. Reservations are required. No charge. Call 757-426-7128 to reserve a spot.

Kiptopeke State Park—Eastern Shore: 9 a.m. – 12noon Come out and help us collect the items that the wind and waves have brought to Kiptopeke State Park. We will be picking up trash and marine debris on the beach, parking lots and trails. There is no entrance fee to the park and trash bags will be provided. Please tell the front gate staff that you are here for the clean up and they will direct you to the waterfront shed.

Chippokes Plantation State Park—Surry: Clean the Bay Day gets the public actively involved in improving the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by removing trash and contaminants in the bay’s watershed. During 2014’s Clean the Bay Day, 6,000 volunteers picked up 110,000 pounds of trash along more than 450 miles of shoreline. Let’s do better! Chippokes will be offering the following programs to contribute to the event:

9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Beach Cleanup
Leave your mark on the quality of the park and the bay! See the contact ranger inside the visitor center to get started!

9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.
Let’s Go Fishing!-Children’s Fishing Tournament ($2/person $6/family)
See the types of animals that call the James River home! Meet at the footbridge on College Run Trail.

York River State Park—Williamsburg: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (various programs) Celebrate the outdoors by hiking the miles of multi-purpose and hiking specific trails along Taskinas Creek and the York River. We have a full slate of ranger guided activities to enjoy. Help maintain the shoreline with our Clean The Bay Day event. The June Kid’s Fishing Tournament takes place on Woodstock Pond. Experience something new in the natural world with our Roaming Ranger. Hike along an estuarine marsh on the Taskinas Creek Trek. Take a trip thru the past with our Historic Wagon Ride. Or, take a self guided adventure alone or with a group. See individual event listings for more information http://tinyurl.com/monn927.

Belle Isle State Park—Lancaster: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Shoreline Clean-Up – Camp Store – Help keep the marshes of Belle Isle State Park clean. We will take a hayride down Neck Fields Trail and clean up trash and debris, keeping the marshes and shorelines healthy and looking good. Wear sturdy boots or waders, we will get muddy! Remember to bring plenty of water. It is also a good idea to bring some sturdy work gloves. Registration is required.*

2 p.m. That’s No Stick in the Mud – Picnic Area – If you like to hike, then you need a good hiking stick. And the best hiking sticks are decorated to showcase your style and personality! These also make a great souvenir! We’ve got everything you need to make your hiking stick truly unique. We even supply the stick! $2

4 p.m. Survival Bracelets – Picnic Area -You may have seen them in the store or on T.V., you may even own one, but would you know how to use a paracord survival bracelet? We will discuss some of the many uses of these versatile and fashionable accessories. Then, make your own paracord survival bracelet! Registration is recommended.* $5 per bracelet.

*To register, call the park office at (804) 462-5030 or stop by the camp store.


Contact: Jim Meisner Jr., DCR Public Relations Specialist, (804) 786-8442, jim.meisner@dcr.virginia.gov
Current news release is located at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr_relz_detail.shtml?id=2015-05-29-14-50-47-928503-d3e
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 29, 2015

Celebrate National Trails Day and Clean the Bay Day
in a Virginia State Park, June 6

(RICHMOND) – With more than 500 miles of trails, there’s no better place in Virginia to celebrate National Trails Day on June 6 than Virginia State Parks.

Whether hiking, biking, paddling or horseback riding, all state parks will offer special events or activities geared towards trails. State parks in the Chesapeake Bay watershed will also mark the 27th annual Clean the Bay Day with special activities.

National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society.

Activities across Virginia include:

High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville offers the annual 5K, “Run for Your Life.” Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane has a special horseback ride planned for riders who bring their own horse. Also at Sky Meadows, cyclists looking for a new challenge can join Element Sports of Winchester for a ride on the multi-use trails at the base of the Blue Ridge backcountry.

Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield is offering three different hikes throughout the day. Grayson Highlands in Mouth of Wilson will offer different experiences, including a 9-mile trek on the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, and trail maintenance on the Cabin Creek Trail.

Natural Tunnel in Duffield offers a canoe trip on the Clinch River, a historic hike, a wild cave tour and a night hike to demonstrate different trail experiences. New River Trail State Park partners with Mike McMillion, owner and head Bike Mechanic of Pulaski Bikes LLC, for a demonstration of basic road and trail side maintenance.

State parks will also offer opportunities to help maintain trails and improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. At Staunton River Battlefield, in Randolph, there will be work on the initial layout and construction of a new trail around Mulberry Hill Pond. At James River State Park in Gladstone, float along the James River to Treasure Island. Visitors can earn a free wagon ride by collecting 15 pieces of trash. At First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, volunteers will clear debris from Bald Cypress swamps, Broad Bay and the beach along the Chesapeake Bay.

Read the details of these and other programs here: http://bit.ly/2015NTD. Some activities require advance registration.

Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

For more information about state park activities and amenities, or to make cabin or camping reservations, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or visit http://www.virginiastateparks.gov.

# # #

#LESNERBRIGE update from Project Manager – “The large yellow girders for this gantry crane will begin to be assembled on the beach next week.”

Posted on by

May 19th 2015 update:

Friends and Fans of the Lesner Bridge Project:

The heat and beach weather have finally arrived, so you can officially put snow plows and ice and sand and salt out of your mind. Progress on the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project is moving onward, and we continue to receive a number of requests for information and updates – to which we gladly respond.

Below is the latest collection of facts and figures and other details – – updated for your reading pleasure – from Chris Wojtowicz, poster boy and mayor of “Wojo’s World.” Please give this a look when you have the time, and feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them.

Please feel free to pass this along to others. Thanks again for all of your patience throughout this project.

Enjoy the summer weather. . . AND 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

The bridge contractor has completed the erection of the temporary steel falsework between Pier #1 and Abutment A (this is near 3556 On The Bay condominiums) and has installed the support towers that the gantry trusses will rest on. The large yellow girders for this gantry crane will begin to be assembled on the beach next week. Once assembled, they will be moved to the temporary steel falsework to complete the assembly of the gantry crane.

image001-4

Temporary Falsework Tower Support at Pier #1

Pre-casting of the bridge segments at Atlantic Metrocast in Portsmouth, VA is now on a regular production schedule. 40 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast. In other words, we now have enough segments to complete 2 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge and will likely have the third span complete by Memorial Day. As soon as the gantry crane is assembled, the contractor will begin delivering the segments to the project site.

The foundation work on the westbound bridge continues. All of the drilled shafts for Pier #4 have been installed and the Contractor is anticipating the completion of the drilled shafts at Pier #5 by 5/21/2015. There are 9 piers per bridge, therefore the Contractor is already past the halfway mark in the drilled shaft installation.

image002-3

Drilled Shaft Installation at Pier #5 (Temporary Trestle being assembled in background as preparation for foundation construction at Pier #7)

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will;

Ø Mobilize the utility barges and drilling equipment to Pier #7 (east side of the Federal Channel in the Lynnhaven Inlet);

Ø Mobilize cranes to Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn site) to prepare for driving piles for the abutment foundation and temporary retaining wall;

Ø Continue work on the temporary overhead crane installation at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site;

Ø Dewater the cofferdam at Pier #3 and begin construction of the concrete cap at this pier location;

Please note, that when the Contractor begins installing the temporary retaining wall on the east side of Lesner Bridge next to Shore Drive he will have to temporarily close the outside lane of WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the bridge. All this work will be performed at night between the hours of 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM.

Through these project updates we’ve discussed a lot about the construction of the new bridges. Now as the project moves along we will be providing some information on the aesthetics of the new bridge – how the new bridge will look once complete. The new bridge will have a coating (TexCote® 300 Bridge Cote® ) Palomino Beige in color that will give the bridge a “finished” look as well as a protective layer to help protect the concrete from the elements as well as graffiti. The first application of this coating will be applied to the MSE wall near 3556 On the Bay Condominiums and Abutment A also located in this area.

image003

Bridge Coating – TexCote® 300 Bridge Cote® (Palomino Beige shown in upper left panel)

One last bit of information. We have posted a 3D animation of the bridge construction sequence on our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge The link is posted on the right side of the page under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION and is titled “Lesner Bridge Construction Sequence Animation”. This animation has been prepared using the expected sequence of construction to be used by the Contractor and shows – in scale – the relative size of the new bridges compared to the old bridges and how the traffic patterns will change over time as we move through the 5 phases of construction (we are in Phase 2 right now). We are also preparing a presentation that we will present periodically to the general public on the weekend. Dates and location have not yet been determined, but once we have the schedule we will post to the City’s website as well as send via this email update. This schedule and presentation will also be made available to the Bayfront Advisory Committee.

Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

A biker was hit on bike trail on Monday May 18th – please call 385-5000 with info to help find driver of vehicle.

Posted on by

From Cape Henry Shores Neighborhood Watch email:

A biker was hit at Bayberry St. and the bike trail on Monday 5/18 at
around 4:30 p.m. The driver of the car stopped to check on him but
then left. The person was an older lady with shoulder length gray
hair. She was driving a late model gray sedan—that now has a dent in
the front. The police were called and are seeking witnesses as well
as the person who hit him. If anyone has any information on this
driver, please call 385-5000.

“A preliminary report by the Fire Department ruled the April 23 fire accidental. It was likely caused by an electrical failure behind one of the units, Fire Investigator Alana Cooper said this afternoon.”

Posted on by

More at Pilotonline.com. 

“It would have been catastrophic, so those fire crews, they did a bang-up job,” she said. “We were blessed. We didn’t lose occupants, we didn’t lose pets. Property can be replaced.”

SDCC General Meeting – Monday May 18th at 7:30pm *** (One week early due to Memorial Day)***

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 5.18.15 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday May 18, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

Program/Presentation – No presentation planned.

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

Old Business–

Bishard Development Update – City Council’s May 5th review meeting was deferred. New date is expected to be June 2nd. Baylake Pines Civic League is meeting with Mr. Bishard to discuss changes/proffers. City Traffic Engineers informed that sidewalk will be installed along Shore Drive, a turn lane will be installed at the existing median cut across from gas station to allow westbound cars to “U-turn” to head eastbound, stacking should not be a problem.

Lesner Bridge Replacement– New animated construction video posted on www.sdcc.info. Walkway protection to be added to east side of bridge to prevent restaurant parking from blocking sidewalk.

New Business –

Proposed City Tree Task Force – SDCC is working with City Staff/Arborist to create a task force to discuss ways to help protect the City’s official tree (Live Oak) and maintain residential property rights.  Roadway encroachment lead to the planned removal of trees (200+ years old) at Shore Drive & Kleen St.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Citywide Civic Engagement Opportunities –

  • June 9, 2015 Republican Party primary election for the Virginia Senate in the 8th district (East of Lesner Bridge). First use of new optical scanner voting machines

NEXT SDCC Meeting – Monday June 29th at 7:30pm

More pedestrian & cyclists’ love at #LESNERBRIDGE on the way

Posted on by

Ya know the terrific south side multi use path heading over the Lesner?

You might have noticed it got blocked again this past weekend on east side by parked vehicles. 

No date on when the extra love will show up but there’ll be temporary fencing installed to keep it open. 

  
Hooray!

Unfortunately the live oak must be …

Posted on by

IMG_7696

…removed because of its impaired health & close proximity to Shore Drive.

Sad but true.

This is the remaining live oak at Kleen Street & Shore Drive.

Upset as much as everyone else is that this must happen!?

There are a few simple things you can do right now.

    Join Friends of Live Oaks

    Subscribe to our emailed newsletter The Advocate

    Contact Landscape Management Services of VB if you have concerns

Why?

The COVB has a great group of people including Susan French, City Arborist & her team yet they need help from us – the caring public – to ensure we all do our best to keep & increase our precious urban tree canopy.

Susan is very approachable and loves meeting people & chatting about trees. Call 757-385-4461 to reach her.

Stay tuned for future news about how you can help.

The COVB State of the Urban Forest Report is out and we get a C.

Posted on by

It is great see to the brutal honesty of the amount of work left to do to protect and increase our precious tree canopy.

Subscribe to The Advocate to learn more about what we'll be announcing soon to help

Subscribe to The Advocate to learn more about what we’ll be announcing soon to help

Start here to Subscribe to The Advocate – your resource for the latest news & info about the Shore Drive community.

Learn more about the Urban Forestry Management Plan, and the State of the Urban Forest Report at VBGov.com here.

The creation of this plan not only lays the framework for sustainable urban forest management in Virginia Beach, it indicates a high level of commitment to protecting trees and sharing knowledge about the important environmental, economic and social roles trees play in building healthy sustainable communities. The benefits of trees can be maximized when both professional management resources and an educated public coexist.

Protecting Pleasure House Point was used as a good example of what to do

Protecting Pleasure House Point was used as a good example of what to do

Starbuck’s at Shore Drive & Vista Circle to Close

Posted on by

Read more about our local coffee house moving on in a recent Virginian-Pilot Beacon article by Irene Bowers

SAYING GOODBYE TO COFFEE, AND CONVERSATION   By Irene Bowers 

     After 16 years, the conversation will be tabled at 3273 Shore Drive Starbucks. 

Since its opening in 1999, a loyal contingent of coffee lovers has found the perfect blend of people and place, beneath the billboard at the foot of Lesner Bridge. With its May closure looming, the shop’s longest running coffee klatch is savoring every drop.

Click here to read more

We’ve added a new area to our HOT page entitled Flood Mitigation

Posted on by

Inspired by a great presentation at tonight’s meeting by Mike Vernon of Flood Mitigation Hampton Roads.

Be sure to check out the new section over at SDCC.info/HOT.

The new info is shown below:

Flood Mitigation

You’ll be seeing a lot more information in this space in the coming weeks. (Posted April 27th ’15)

Here’s a good place to start in the meantime.

Search Results for: National Flood Insurance Program at SDCC.info

FEMA.gov: National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System

FEMA Region III: Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal Map

Screen grab of Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal map

Screen grab of Virginia Beach Flood Information Portal map

Sometimes all you have to do is ask for extra love. So we did. At the #LESNERBRIDGE.

Posted on by

Hooray for the new extra love for the City of Virginia Beach Official Tree at the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility!

We couldn’t understand why they weren’t already carefully marked off to protect them from the 3 year construction project – so we asked.

Orange fencing to add some extra visual cues for the hard working crews

Orange fencing to add some extra visual cues for the hard working crews

Orange fencing to add some extra visual cues for the hard working crews

Orange fencing to add some extra visual cues for the hard working crews

Love live oaks too?

Join Friends of Live Oaks today!

Live oaks are designated as the official tree of the City of Virginia Beach, and with good reason. Native to the area, live oaks were here long before European settlers. The tree is one of the most distinctive and recognizable plants in the city and immediately brings to mind our coastal areas and maritime ecosystem.