Category Archives: Pleasure House Point

Bayfront Public Works Projects Status Spreadsheet – September ‘26 update

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The following update was provided by the City’s Public Works Department. The spreadsheet identifies all of the current projects in the Bayfront Area. Updates are identified in RED.

Thanks! 

Alotta great info here.

PW Project Status Updates – Sep 2026 BAC Mtg.pdfDownload

If approved as implied in recent update, this is a perfect metaphor for so, so much.

WCCB “ADA COMPLIANT” LOL “PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS” TAX PAYORS ARE CLOSE TO PAYING FOR WITH POTENTIAL ADA VIOLATION LAWSUITS – WE ARE SELF INSURED – PLUS THE PROBABLE COSTS OF TEARING IT OUT & REBUILDING IT CORRECTLY.

Note: the above screenshot of text is in Public Works September Update Spreadsheet posted above.

PHOTO TAKEN 1259 MONDAY SEP 14 ‘26.
PHOTO TAKEN 1301 MONDAY SEP 14, ‘26

PHOTO TAKEN 1301 MONDAY SEP 14 ‘26.
PHOTO TAKEN 1301 MONDAY SEP 14 ‘26

PHOTO TAKEN 1303 MONDAY SEP 14, ‘26
PHOTO TAKEN 1258 MONDAY SEP 14, ‘26

VIRGINIABEACH.GOV/ACCESSIBILITY (opens in new tab)

Complaints that a City program, service, or activity is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to City of Virginia Beach ADA Coordinator Raymond Mattes at 757-385-8190 or ADAcoordinator@vbgov.com.

Also: https://virginiabeach.gov/americans-with-disabilities-act

And finally if you don’t want your tax dollars used to fix this:

VB MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL CONTACT INFO (opens in new tab)

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Meeting – Thursday September 17th at 3:30pm

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

9-17-26 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
$1.3 million of grasses look amazing in person! The $30,520 worth of saplings pretty much invisible as one would expect.

Bayfront Public Works Projects Status Spreadsheet – August ‘26 update

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The following update was provided by the City’s Public Works Department. The spreadsheet identifies all of the current projects in the Bayfront Area. Updates are identified in RED.

Thanks!

Alotta great info here.

BAC August Mtg – PW Project Spreadsheet.pdfDownload
Hooray for live oak protection!
WCCB “ADA” walkway at new public access still being worked out. “To date, the developer has not submitted the revised deed of easement and deed of dedication. The City Attorney’s Office will inform staff when the revised subdivision plat is resubmitted. No Change (Updated 08/14/2026).

Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting and Projects Update – Thursday August 20th 330pm at OPVRS

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8-20-26 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
Fascinating this area continues to look like this.

STAFF REPORTS

1) Public Works

• Shore Drive Phase III CIP Project Update

2) Planning

• Shore Drive Corridor Plan and Design Guidelines Scope of Work…

NEW BUSINESS

PRESENTATIONS/PROJECT BRIEFINGS

1) Pleasure House Point Kayak Launch Presentation

It’s also fascinating this new SWM work area is hidden from view.

Get involved!

Shore Drive Plan Scope DRAFT Document.pdfDownload
Note: This area is for contractor parking only.

PHP proposed kayak launch open house documents

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Thanks to Chad with P&R for the files!

Open House Handout – 3 pages.pdfDownload

Previous plans for proposed kayak launch:

Update on proposed parking lot for kayak launch on Pleasure House Point July ‘17.

Pleasure House Creek & her awesome oyster beds near low tide.

Councilman Schulman moves to approve “SHORE DRIVE AREA PROPERTIES, LLC for a Conditional Change of Zoning from PD-H1 Planned Unit Development District to Conditional B-4 (SD) Mixed Use District and a Conditional Use Permit re develop a fifty-two (52) condominium project with a small commercial component at…”

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SHORE DRIVE AREA PROPERTIES, LLC for a Conditional Change of Zoning from PD-H1 Planned Unit Development District to Conditional B-4. Marlin Bay & Shore Drive.

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CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING JULY 14, 2026

INFORMAL PRE-MEETING 3PM.

City Council Chamber
2401 Courthouse Drive, Building 1, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 

FORMAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6PM.

City Council Conference Room
2401 Courthouse Drive, Building 1, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456

SHORE DRIVE AREA PROPERTIES, LLC for a Conditional Change of Zoning from PD-H1 Planned Unit Development District to Conditional B-4 (SD) Mixed Use District and a Conditional Use Permit re develop a fifty-two (52) condominium project with a small commercial component at 3853

Shore Drive parcels directly Southeast of 3853 Shore Drive DISTRICT 9

SHORE DRIVE AREA LLC CITY COUNCIL JULY 14 26.pdfDownload

Visionaries who’ve accepted the realities & challenges of SLR(Sea Level Rise), climate change and the DewBerry Report understand this is not the highest & best land use of this particular location.

Virginia Beach in a very quick 20 years will be dramatically different in low lying neighborhoods like Ocean Park excluding any direct hits by large hurricanes, nor’easters or tornadoes.

One example opportunity to help build resiliency for future generations.

Proposed PHP Kayak Launch Open House scheduled

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We invite you to attend our Open House on July 27, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bayside Recreation Center, located at 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

The Open House will provide an opportunity to review project information, ask questions, and share feedback with the project team.

If built, it’ll certainly be a challenging location to paddle especially if it increases ADA use by novice ADA paddlers.

“However, he said the city has worked closely with community members throughout the planning process and remains willing to discuss project logistics and questions surrounding land credits.”

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View story including video at 13NewsNow.com.

The City’s public PR disaster over this project continues.

Full version of District 9 public meeting.

The shortened version missing 35 minutes recently shared.

The lack of attention to detail and continued PR disaster about this project starting in October ‘25 is truly astonishing.

Questions still remain unanswered such as why were only $30,520 worth of saplings planted – less than mulch for said saplings – vs staff recommended $1,562,665 for tree canopy replacement?

Note: City Council can choose to accept, fine tune or ignore staff recommendations when seeking guidance about Ordinances they Adopt.

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY passed unanimously by City Council and was Adopted May 19 2020.

District 9 Community Meeting June 10 videos

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Here: https://youtu.be/I9Z2ngPv158?is=jtMXgNHh5GXJtIRn

Strongly encourage you to watch the entire public meeting & in particular the Q&A which starts about 40 minutes in.

A comment: Zero live oak lumber was preserved. Public Works Director LJ Hansen misspoke about that. There were also another number of glaring errors in the presentation & answers in the Q&A. These errors are also on the public record based on FOIA documentation. Still remarkable the lack of detail about this highly controversial project & PR disaster.

The very talented Hutton Strader drone video of PHP WMB progress: https://youtu.be/dHKDQMVrdhQ?is=rTP1K0s7rgPJttH5

Follow the extremely talented Hutton Strader on his YouTube Channel.

Marlin Bay proposed condos Planning Commission Agenda Items 13 & 14 June 10 Public Hearing

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Applicant & Property Owner: Shore Drive Area Properties, LLC

Planning Commission Public Hearing: June 10, 2026

City Council District: District 9 (Schulman)

Select screenshots from application.

Still fascinating how City gives only 6 days instead of 30 to review submitted Planning Commission applications.

Public Comments 

A sign-up sheet for those interested in speaking in person on proposed applications is available in the Council Chamber prior to each Planning Commission meeting. 

To comment virtually, register for WebEx online and contact the Planning Department at (757) 385-8673 or bnharriso@vbgov.com before 5 p.m. the day before the public hearing. 

Those in need of reasonable accommodation due to a disability should also call the Planning Department prior to the meeting. People who are hearing impaired can contact Virginia Relay at 711 for TDD service.

Send an email to all Planning Commissioners.

Entire submitted application below:

2026.06.10_PLN_13 & 14_Shore Drive Area Properties, LLC.pdfDownload

Related:

An opportunity to transplant live oak trees, The City Tree, which may be destroyed for Westminister Canterbury new parking garage to these proposed condos. Homes with mature tree canopy typically sell for 3% to 15% more than similar properties without tree cover.

Councilmember Schulman will host a meeting regarding Pleasure House Point on June 8

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Info on City’s website here:

Councilmember Schulman will host a District 9 community meeting on Monday, June 8, to update residents on Pleasure House Point. The agenda will include a progress update presentation with time for questions and a general Q&A session with the council member. The meeting will be 6-8 p.m. at Williams Farm Recreation Center.

Directions to Williams Farm Recreation here. (Opens in new window)

Note: Councilman Schulman at last Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting (BAC) when asked if he had any updates on City Staff Recommendations driven by the RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED MARCH 11 2020 by City Council he mentioned city staff would answer the question why the recommended $1,562,655 for Pleasure House Point (PHP) 5,214 trees – tree canopy destruction in March ‘25 – has been replaced so far by 703 trees & according to public records the contract shows $30,520. 1/50th of staff recommendations.

Additional note: It is up to City Council whether they choose to follow, fine tune or ignore staff recommendations.

Google Earth satellite images above. The destroyed $353,874 of annual economic value is publicly available information calculated by the City.

The over $1,000,000 worth of wetlands grasses & shrubs planted look great in person btw!

Hooray! One step closer to preserving 100% of what people have believed was Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

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Coverage at WHRO.org:

Virginia Beach will spend $2.66 million to buy five undeveloped lots and add 0.57 acres at Crab Creek to the Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

Coverage at WAVY.com:

“Can you imagine if there were six duplexes, with six foot privacy fences, on pilings, how much that would change the nature of the park,” she said in a Wednesday afternoon interview.

Coverage at 13NewsNow.com:

“We are so excited for what the future holds,” said Rachael Childs, who volunteers with the program. “We hope to continue partnering with the city.”

Coverage at WTKR.com:

City leaders plan to use a combination of grant funding and open space money to help cover the cost of the acquisition, including $300,000 in approved grants.

Coverage at Pilotonline.com is paywalled.

The 5 parcels adjacent to “3608”.

AS SPECTACULAR AS THIS IS THERE’S STILL WORK TO BE DONE!

Encourage City Council & sign & share the PETITION to preserve the parcels that are along the walkway from Marlin Bay to Brock Environmental Center.

The tree canopy.

Our vital tree canopy. 5,214 trees were destroyed last year for the planned Wetlands Mitigation Bank. Currently $30,520 has been invested in 703 saplings to replace the 5,214 trees. Many find this completely unacceptable and it violates the spirit and a City Ordinance adopted years ago.

City Council UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED a RESOLUTION ADOPTING A REFORESTATION POLICY which according to staff recommendations the City should invest $1,562,655 in our vital tree canopy.

Bayfront Public Works Projects Status Spreadsheet – January ‘26 update

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The following update was provided by the City’s Public Works Department. The spreadsheet identifies all of the current projects in the Bayfront Area. Updates are identified in RED.

BAC Meeting – PW Project Updates – January 2026.pdfDownload

In Tree City USA, the PHP WMB plantings are complete including the 703 saplings listed in contract as $30,520. Less than the tree mulch cost of $34,240.

About WCCB “[m]entioned in [Thursday’s BAC] meeting that the City will not be accepting the beach access ramp from the private developer until it is made ADA compliant.  Once the ramp is ADA compliant, the City will accept the ramp and take over maintenance.”

“Virginia Beach citizens sue Army Corps over wetlands project that cleared forest at Pleasure House Point”

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Learn more at WHRO.org:

He said he knows the lawsuit against federal officials may be an uphill battle, but he also wants to send a message.

“If we cannot get them to stop what they’re doing, at least we are going to put up some resistance to any future thoughts about taking out the rest of this park,” he said.

Katherine Hafner / WHRO News 
The site of the controversial wetlands project at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, where the city cleared thousands of trees earlier this year. As seen Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

PW Spreadsheet update & presentation entitled “How Can We Protect Tree Canopy Through Stormwater Management” at BAC meeting Thursday. Join us!

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BAC Meeting Update (2).pdfDownload
Click on file below to view all the slides for How Can We Protect Tree Canopy Through Stormwater Management

Copy of AIA presentation .pdfDownload

Previously on this website about Thursday’s BAC Meeting.

Thursday May 15 ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

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Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

5-15-25 BAC Meeting Packet.pdfDownload
“Restoration” in progress at PHP.

Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group first meeting Friday. Join us!

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Start here at City’s website to learn more about the group, who’s on it & its mission.

The duties of the Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group shall be to:

  • Further review the topic of stormwater management and its impact and consequences on land use and redevelopment issues.
  • Identify whether there are any opportunities, advantages, or disadvantages to strengthening regulation alignment and specificity based on the City’s varied drainage basins, and a property’s land use and zoning characteristics.
  • Formalize a cost-sharing program relative to stormwater infrastructure and policy to include developing criteria for cost-sharing eligibility.
  • Determine whether there are any opportunities to …

Update on construction coming to “Pleasure House Point”

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Did you know not all of Pleasure House Point(PHP) is preserved? Start here to view, sign & share petition that asks PLEASE PRESERVE 100% OF PLEASURE HOUSE POINT NATURAL AREA in VIRGINIA BEACH VA. [opens in new window]

It’s too late to preserve this corner. Clear cutting this parcel starts June ‘25.
CHESTERFIELD AVE DP LOT 15 DSC# G03-008694 APPROVED PLAN (reduced).pdfDownload
Up next. Construction of this. Potential to preserve unknown. Sign & share petition link to hopefully preserve this area!
Ocean Park Presubmittal Meeting Request 4-23-2024.pdfDownload
Pre-submittal Meeting Notes for Ocean Park (14 lots on Marlin Bay).pdfDownload
Approved Protected Plan DSC File G03-011303ES-CGP.pdfDownload
50568C-Updated Ocean Park Layout.pdfDownload

STATE OF THE BIRDS REPORT – an email

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Please add this email, the following data & reports to the record for the proposed Pleasure House Point Wetlands Mitigation Bank in Virginia Beach. 

“The release of the 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was announced today at the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.”

“The downward trends in the 2025 State of the Birds report are screaming for all sectors to act with resolve to invest in recovering this important American resource.”

Link: https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/news-room/

Link to STATE OF THE BIRDS REPORT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:
https://www.stateofthebirds.org/2025/download-pdf-report/

Note these 4 graphics & their data: 

“NEXUS TO COMMERCE” 

“FUNCTION & VALUES” 

“SHIFTING BASELINE SYNDROME” 

“REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE” 

“UNQUANTIFIABLE RISK” 

PLEASE – ensure this proposed project is based on the most current & accurate data, uses at minimum industry best practices preferably above industry minimums – (does 3 partial samples of the material outside of proposed work area meet the industry standard “95% confidence level”?) and the most accurate science for this novel experiment proposed in a vital bird habitat. 

“What will the children learn?” 

Sincerely yours,

Tim Solanic