Due to the bad weather, this event has been cancelled.
- Come out for the Lynnhaven River NOW Fall Festival this Saturday!
Category Archives: News
“This wonderful piece of land, it’s so wonderful. It’s protected because it was slated for very dense development, and now with the cooperation of Virginia Beach, it’s going to be preserved forever and be completely environmentally friendly,” said Macon Brock.
Watch video coverage at WAVY.com.
You can also read about it in the Virginian-Pilot article, click here
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation this morning plans to mark the start of construction at Pleasure House Point on a roughly $5 million environmental education center and office designed to be the greenest in the state.
“The trial is the next iteration of an ongoing legal battle between the Lynnhaven Dunes Condominium Association and the city, stretching back to 2009 when the association first contested the city’s taking of easements allowing it to use and maintain its section of Cape Henry Beach.”
Read the entire article at Pilotonline.com.
But the condominium no longer owns the shoreline abutting its property after the city condemned portions of Cape Henry Beach in 2009 to place sand dredged from Lynnhaven Inlet there.
Now they’re going to court to see how much the rights to that land are worth.
To prevent future litigation like this, city officials are seeking a clarification to state law that says a waterfront property owner maintains his or her riparian rights after a sand-replenishment project.
To view the City’s draft Legislative Plan for this issue, Click here
Bayfront Advisory Committee to Meet Thursday October 17th
The Bayfront Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, October 17 at the Resort and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The agenda for the meeting will include the following:
- Update on public and private projects in the Bayfront area
- Update on committee activities in the Bayfront area
- The Department of Parks and Recreation will present on bike trails in the Bayfront area.
There will be an opportunity for presentations from the public on projects in the Bayfront area. The committee generally concludes its deliberations around 4:30 p.m. The meeting is then opened to the public for comments.
Subcommittees will meet from 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. at the Resort and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive. The subcommittees will discuss public and private parking with Mr. Robert Gey, P.E., from City of Virginia Beach Public Works. Subcommittee meetings are open for the public to observe.
For additional information or to obtain a copy of the draft agenda, contact Kristine Gay in the Planning Department at (757) 385-4621 or kgay@vbgov.com. For more information regarding the Bayfront Advisory Committee, visit www.VBgov.com/Bayfront.
FRIENDS OF LIVE OAKS PRESERVATION GROUP DOLING OUT 150 FREE LIVE OAK SAPLINGS – SAT. OCT 12th
The Friends of Live Oaks group has been doing a wonderful job of preserving the City’s official tree. Many of the trees they hand out were collected by local residents of Shore Drive back in 2005/2006.
The Friends of Live Oaks, together with the Virginia Beach Environment and Sustainability Office, will be giving away about 150 young live oak trees on Saturday October 12th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Linkhorn Annex, 1413 Laskin Road. As in the past, there will be no charge for the trees, but recipients are encouraged to become official Friends of Live Oaks members by purchasing a $10 membership.
In addition to giving away 150 trees, the group will also plant 50 live oaks along Marlin Bay, Shore Drive and Pleasure House Point to celebrate the city’s 50th anniversary
Click here to read the entire Beacon article – PRESERVATION GROUP DOLING OUT 150 FREE SAPLINGS on Page TXBE1 of Sunday, October 06, 2013 issue of The Virginian-Pilot
A WALK ON THE WILD (MARSH) SIDE by Mary Reid Barrow
In case you missed it, Mary Reid Barrow had a terrific article in the 9/29/13 Virginian-Pilot that showcased Pleasure House Point.
TALL GRASS HERE, scraggly grass there, tiny flower here, weird berry there.
That’s about all you see growing in the marsh unless you visit with someone who opens your eyes wide to the beautiful plants that live in the sand along the river’s edge.
A walk with Lynnhaven River Now and naturalist Vickie Shufer at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach did just that recently. Lynnhaven River NOW is a group that works to keep the Virginia Beach river clean, and Shufer is a native-plant expert.
Click here to read the entire article A WALK ON THE WILD (MARSH) SIDE on Page F3 of Sunday, September 29, 2013 issue of The Virginian-Pilot
Golf Tournament To Benefit OPVRS – Monday Oct 14th at 7:30am at Lake Wright GC
Froggie’s Cantina will host the 1st Annual Benefit Golf Tournament for the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad. The event will take place Monday October 14, 2013 and will help provide funds for much-needed emergency medical equipment.
Registration starts at 7:30am at Lake Wright GC in Norfolk.
Pe-reg cost $60, after Oct. 7th $80
Click herefor a registration/sponsorship form
LRNOW Candidate Forum – Tues. Oct. 1st 7-9pm at Cape Henry Collegiate
One of the easiest ways to be a good citizen is to VOTE. In order to make an educated choice, the more you can learn about each candidate the better. In an effort to provide the community with the most information possible, Lynnhaven River Now has coordinated this upcoming forum. Even though some of the districts are uncontested and you may not live in others, you can still learn about all the candidates. No matter who is elected, you can still help influence the eventual winners to make good decisions once they are elected.
Click here for a printable version of the flyer below
List of candidates and districts attending:
District 21
Susan Hippen
Ron Villanueva
District 81
Barry Knight
District 82
Bill Fleming
Bill DeSteph
District 83
Chris Stolle
District 84
Glenn Davis
Brent McKenzie
District 85
Bill Dale
Scott Taylor (unconfirmed as of 9.27.13)
3 people injured in crash on Shore Drive in Va. Beach – Thurs. Sept. 26th at 8:30pm
The Virginian-Pilot is reporting that 3 people were injured in a crash tonight. To read the article, please click here
SDCC General Meeting and 82nd District Candidates Forum (DeSteph & Fleming) – Monday Sept 30th
Click here for a printable version of the agenda SDCC Agenda SEP2013
SDCC General Meeting
Monday, 30 SEPT – 7:30-8:30 pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.)
Call to order
Meeting Topic:
Hear the Assembly Candidates
82nd District Candidates Bill DeSteph & Bill Fleming
Discuss the Assembly and Governing Process
Questions & Answers
Officers’ Reports:
President’s Report David Williams
Vice President’s report Rick Mercadante
Secretary’s Report Todd Solomon –Aug Minutes
Treasurer’s Report Ann Williams (acting treas.)
Old Business
New Business
Adjourn
Next SDCC- Monday OCT 28, 2013
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Center
Speaker- Councilman Jim Wood speaking about
Storm Water Capital Improvement Project
Please check www.sdcc.info for more information on area news and events
Barbara Duke to Speak at Friends of Live Oaks Meeting Monday Sep. 23rd
Friends of Live Oaks meeting
Monday, Sep. 23rd
at the Bayside Rec Center on
First Court Road.
Barbara Duke, Senior Planner with the Department of Parks and Recreation,
will talk to us about the city’s new Urban Forest Management Plan.
There will be an opportunity for questions.
For more information contact Karen at tomandkarenmurphy@gmail.com
Swimming Advisory Issued for Two Locations on the Chesapeake Bay
Swimming Advisory Issued for Two Locations on the Chesapeake Bay
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for two locations on the Chesapeake Bay: between Ocean View Avenue (5000 block) and Mortons Road, and between Rockbridge Road and Starfish Road. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards. The advisory does not affect the Virginia Beach oceanfront or resort area.
For more information click here to read the City’s notice http://www.vbgov.com/news/Pages/selected.aspx?release=1630
Areas in RED are under a swimming Advisory
“Staff will continue to brainstorm ideas with the stakeholders and the contractor (once determined) in order to try to find a resolution to this issue.” Phase 3 construction of Lesner Bridge.
The following information has been received from the city about bicycle and pedestrian access on the Lesner during construction: “Public Works staff has been coordinating with Mr. Wayne Wilcox, who is the City’s liaison to the BTAC. Although several options have been explored to provide temporary pedestrian and bicycle access across the bridge, during Phase 3 of construction, staff has not found a safe, buildable and economically-feasible solution. Phase 3 is the critical phase because the entire width of the bridge is needed to handle the four lanes of traffic, and there is no additional space for a sidewalk or a bike lane. Staff will continue to brainstorm ideas with the stakeholders and the contractor (once determined) in order to try to find a resolution to this issue.”
Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) will be giving away about 150 live oak trees on Saturday October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO) will be giving away about 150 live oak trees on Saturday October 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Linkhorn Annex (the former Linkhorn Elementary School) at 1413 Linkhorn Road. Live Oaks are the official tree of the City of Virginia Beach, and FOLO members want to assure their survival for future generations to enjoy.
Since its founding three years ago, FOLO has given away about 500 live oaks (approximately 7 feet tall). If you would like to have a live oak for your yard, request forms are available at Virginia Beach public libraries and recreation centers and online at vbgov.com/liveoaks.
Although there is no charge for the trees to be given away on October 12, recipients of the trees ( and those who admire live oaks and want to ensure their presence here for future generations) are encouraged to purchase a yearly membership in Friends of Live Oaks, for only $10.
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. They resist salt spray and storm surges, having survived Hurricane Katrina in areas where everything else was reduced to rubble.
Save a tree and request your live oak tree at this link at VBGov.com.
Prossible New Changes to the once dead SB926
SB926 at SDCC.info previously.
Newest info follows below
Line 98 proposed changes:
Line 98: 10. Governmental activity in wetlands owned or leased or within an easement held by the Commonwealth or a subdivision thereof or in wetlands subject to a local government approved neighborhood navigation dredging project within a special services district adopted by the local governing body in accordance with 15.2-2400, et seq., of the Code of Virginia (“SSD Neighborhood Dredging Project”). Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, any such
special service district neighborhood dredging projectSSD Neighborhood Dredging Project shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission rather than the local wetlands board, if any. In exercising its jurisdiction over neighborhood dredging projects, the Commission shall process permit applications in accordance with the provisions ofthethis chapterand the applicable wetlands zoning ordinance, if any,and shall provide an opportunity for public comment.
Previous 2013 Virginia Beach Legislative Agenda Wording
Link to Previous 2013 version of SB926 as Introduced
SENATE BILL NO. 926
Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 7, 2013
13100867D
A BILL to amend and reenact § 28.2-1302 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the jurisdiction of local wetlands boards.
–––––––––– Patron––McWaters
––––––––––
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
––––––––––2013 SB 926 Wetlands; governmental activity.
01/31/13 Senate: Stricken at request of Patron in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (10-Y )
YEAS–Hanger, Watkins, Puckett, Ruff, McEachin, Petersen, Northam, Marsden, Black, Miller–10.
NAYS–0.
ABSTENTIONS–0.
Pleasure House Point Plant Walk & Children’s Night Hike
Pleasure House Point Plant Walk
Wednesday, September 18, 5:30-7:00 PM
Join us for a nature walk through Pleasure House Point with Vicki Shufer, naturalist, author, and local plant expert. Hear stories about how these plants were used hundreds of years ago and which ones are good to eat. Enjoy the beautiful sunset along the Lynnhaven River as we wrap up the tour at dusk.
Free, but you must register ahead. Email or call 757-962-5398 to register.
Children’s Night Hike
First Landing State Park
Friday, September 20, 7:30-9:30 PM
Bring your children for a exciting night hike in First Landing State Park on the banks of the Lynnhaven River. Search for night creatures, listen to the sounds of the forest at night and look for glowing owl eyes hiding in the trees.
For more information or to register, contact LRNow at 757-962-5398 or Trista@LRNow.org.
“Four lanes of traffic will remain open throughout construction, although there will be a 15-month period during which pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to cross the bridge, Jarman said. The city is looking into options, including busing, to assist pedestrians across Lynnhaven Inlet.”
…there will be a 15-month period during which pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to cross the bridge…
Read the entire article at Pilotonline.com.
After the Lesner Bridge project, Jarman said, the city may consider keeping the bulkhead at Crab Creek permanently and request a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During the first phase of construction, the pedestrian walkway on the westbound span of the existing bridge will be removed. The new westbound span will be built just north of the current bridge, and all traffic will remain open on the old bridge. That could take about 15 months, wrapping up by summer 2015, Jarman said.
Photo Credit: Share Shore Drive Day July 11 2009
Night kayaker or swimmer?
Have you experienced this yet?
The bioluminscence has been world class off our beach all week long. A species of dinoflaggelate (microscopic plankton) that makes a blue/green flash when disturbed under the right conditions is blooming in the lower Bay. Neon blue kayak bow wave. Ball of blue green light with each paddle stroke. Thousands of tiny light specks when you wave your hand through the water.
I highly recommend people go for a night kayak / swim in the Bay over the next several days in hopes that conditions are right and they get to experience the magic. I find that it’s best on moonless nights, generally 50 feet or more from shore and when the water is calm. Currents or conditions change daily, so it may be around for a week, or gone tonight. It’s really neat with or without a mask on.
Maybe you could email this information out because it’s really worth experiencing if it’s still around.
Captain Octopus (Bob)
Be safe if you check it out!
“The Bayfront Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Resort and Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.”
Visit VBGov.com to learn more.
Subcommittees will meet from 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Resort and Conference Center. The subcommittees will continue their deliberations regarding recommendations for commercial design standards and safety issues along the Shore Drive corridor. The subcommittee meetings will be open for the public to observe, but there will not be an opportunity for the public to participate in the subcommittee’s deliberations.
Photo Credit: Steve Coari at Pleasure House Point
#WeLoveShoreDrive 