Category Archives: Quality of Life

New traffic pattern Thursday August 30th #LESNERBRIDGE

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Latest update!

On July 6, 2018 the last segment of the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project was set in the new eastbound bridge.

Last Segment being placed in the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

On Saturday, July 28, 2018 Virginia Beach Public Arts dedicated “The Canoes” sculpture located in the scenic overlook of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge.

“The Canoes” Sculpture (Artist: Donald Lipski) Dedicated by Virginia Beach Public Arts

And on Thursday, August 30th, 2018 traffic will be moved to the new eastbound Lesner Bridge. We have all waited four years for this major milestone in the project and we are excited to deliver our newest piece of infrastructure to the citizens of Virginia Beach and all users of Shore Drive. This traffic switch will also include pedestrians wanting to cross the Lynnhaven Inlet.

Here are the details:

    Beginning approximately 8:00 PM on Thursday August 30th, traffic control will be installed on each side of the bridge; on Shore Drive at East Stratford Road and on Shore Drive at Page Avenue and Vista Circle. Once the old pavement markings at these intersections have been removed and replaced with the new ones the eastbound Shore Drive traffic will be moved to the new bridge.

    After moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic, the westbound Shore Drive traffic will be shifted over to the south side of the westbound bridge.

    The traffic switch will be completed by 5:00 AM Friday morning, August 31 2018.

The Contractor is currently preparing the eastbound bridge and approaches for this traffic switch. The gantry has been dismantled and removed, railings are beiing installed, the bridge deck has been planed and grooved, the remaining street lights are being prepared for installation, guardrail installation is nearing completion, traffic signals are being adjusted, and pavement markings for the bridge and approaches are scheduled for tomorrow, August 29th. We are just hoping that the weather will cooperate with this schedule.

​Deck and Multi-use path of the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    § ​​​Remove temporary concrete barrier wall and chain link screening from the westbound bridge;​
    § Begin building the new traffic barrier on the westbound bridge;
    § Continue work on the seawall located near the Virginia Pilots Association;
    § Continue installation of the bridge aesthetic lighting (necklace and pier column lights); and ​
    § Continue the bridge painting.

​​​​​​​View Looking Northeast at Bridge Engineers Inspecting the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

There will be a lot of work taking place Thursday evening, so please drive carefully.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Labor Day Weekend!

​-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

Monday Aug 27th General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Coyotes

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  8.27.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 27, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Neighborhood Coyotes – A new neighbor has moved into the Bayfront community. You may have spotted them on the beach, walking on the Cape Henry trail or even roaming your backyards. Ms. Jennifer Huggins, First Landing State Park Ranger, will talk to us about these amazing animals, their habits and how we can best live with our new friends.

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

Old Business-
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Ocean Park and SDCC opposition letters sent to the US Army Corps of Engineers taking exception to the proposed use of the site as a dredge material transfer station and asking for a public hearing. USACE’s response letter accepted comments, but decision has been made to not hold a public hearing on this permit.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – The Planning Commission has been given action to continue work on this topic. A public hearing and hopefully more opportunity for public comment will be available this Fall.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Ridership numbers for July should be available. May and June numbers were double 2017 ridership. Will the trend continue?

Lesner Bridge Replacement – New eastbound span was originally scheduled to be opened the weekend of August 25/26. We will try to provide updates on this progress/delay and any new details from the City.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Fireworks Study – The BAC is conducting a feasibility study for having a 4th of July Bayfront fireworks show sponsored/operated by the City. We welcome you input/thoughts regarding this idea.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 24, 2018***

ROUTE 35 SHUTTLE RIDERSHIP MORE THAN DOUBLES FROM LAST YEAR !

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Woo hoo !

Coverage at 13 News Now includes vid.

New numbers provided by the city say ridership from June 2017 to June 2018 has shot up 113%. A breakdown translates to about 3,000 trips by riders increasing to a little more than 6,000.

“It’s where we as locals can enjoy the Oceanfront during the tourist season and not have to pay 30, 40 dollars for parking or go see a sand soccer event,” said Todd Solomon, President of the Shore Drive Community Coalition.

Learn more about Route 35 at SDCC.info.

Baylines August Newsletter from BAC

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Check out the entire Baylines August edition. (6 pg PDF)

Includes info about:

Bayfront Advisory Commission meets
Thursday, August 16, 2018
1:30 -3:30 pm
Newsletter
Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center
2800 Shore Drive
City Council Appointed Advisory Board
Strategic Planning Meeting II
This annual meeting is open to the public but is a workshop meeting for the commission to compile priorities to be addressed by the BAC in the coming year. The public is welcome to observe. . . .

And:

The Ocean Park Civic League has officially notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of its opposition to making the Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf permanent and is seeking a public hearing on the matter.

New bike racks are coming to Shore Drive area!

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You might remember there was a mix up after a key staff member left COVB.

The new Bicycle/Trails Planner in Parks & Rec is Elaine Linn.

Here’s the updated locations.

SDCC and OPCL Opposition Letters to US Army Corps of Engineers re: Permanent Wharf Permit

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SDCC and Ocean Park Civic League have sent letters of opposition to the US Army Corps of Engineers regarding the City of Virginia Beach’s permit request to make the existing temporary wharf permanent and to use this permanent wharf as a dredge material transfer station to support the City’s neighborhood dredging program.

Click here to read the SDCC letter – SDCC LMW Permit Opposition Letter to Corps

Click here to read the OPCL letter – Letter to ACOE regarding wharf August 2 2018

You are welcomed and encouraged to send letters of your own to the Corps, but unfortunately they need to be sent by the Monday August 6th deadline.  If you can make the deadline, send your letters to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil

VB City Page coverage of The Canoes dedication

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Link at VBGov.com:

Virginia Beach’s newest public art sculpture, “The Canoes,” by nationally renowned artist ​Donald Lipski, welcomes visitors to Lynnhaven Inlet and the Chesapeake Bay.

The breathtaking sculpture showcases the rich history of the Lynnhaven Inlet and it will [welcome] residents and visitors to the bay area for many years to come.
~ Mayor Louis Jones

The Canoes is up!

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Great article, pics & vid at Pilotonline.com:

“I heard that it might rain,” said artist Donald Lipski on Tuesday morning as the wind flung a flurry of raindrops against his back, soaking his jeans.

Virginia Beach Public Art:

New Waterfront Sculpture Floats on the Rich Tides of History and Art

    Ten aluminum canoes are now permanently docked at the Lynnhaven Inlet.

Monday July 30th – SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Historic Seaview Beach

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.30.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 30, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – What, Where and When was Seaview Beach? Come out to hear a wonderful presentation on the historic Seaview Beach. Don’t know what/where Seaview Beach was? This is a great opportunity to learn some amazing stories and background of this incredible hot spot situated on Shore Drive.

Sherry Dibari, a Norfolk resident who works on independent projects related to the documentation and preservation of regional traditions and cultures, will discuss her research on Seaview Beach that she gathered while creating a research paper funded with a 2017 Research Grant from the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.

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

Old Business-
Lynnhaven Colony Storm Water Improvements – City Council is moving $1 million from 2018/19 budget designated for land purchase in the Lynnhaven Colony project to a neighborhood in the southern part of the City. The budget will be replaced in the 2019/20 cycle and no delays are expected in the Lynnhaven project.

Short Term Rentals (STR) –City Council is still discussing how to proceed with STRs. Current plans are to send this item back to the Planning Commission to have them gather more public input and provide more structure to Council’s changes.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Two months of service and ridership numbers are almost double compared to 2017. Please continue to provide SDCC your comments on the route and will collect them to forward to the City and HRT.

New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf –The US Army Corps of Engineers are soliciting comments regarding this permit and have set August 6th as the deadline to receive written responses. SDCC would like to make a motion at tonight’s meeting to support an official response. Please be ready to discuss and vote.

Lesner Bridge Replacement – What is the scheduled opening date? What will be the traffic patterns and lane closure details to support the opening? Hopefully we will have some of these details to present.

Coyotes in the Bayfront Area – I spoke to the Director of First Landing State Park and they would be happy to send a ranger to our next meeting to talk about coyotes in our area. If there is interest, I will pursue a presentation for our August meeting.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 27, 2018***

“FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE . . .PROPOSED MODIFICATION: The applicant proposes to modify the original permit to allow for a 360 linear feet wide by 20 feet long concrete wharf / bulkhead structure to remain in place.”

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View all documents at US Army Corps of Engineers website here.

FEDERAL EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: The decision whether to modify a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. The decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits which reasonably may be expected from the modification must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All of the modification’s relevant factors will be considered, including conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use classification, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, consideration of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of this modification. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to modify, condition or deny this proposal. Comments are used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed modification. Anyone may request a public hearing to consider this modification by writing to the District Commander within 30 days of the date of this notice, stating specific reasons for holding the public hearing. The District Commander will then decide if a hearing should be held.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments on this request for modification should be in writing and can be sent by either email to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil or by regular mail, addressed to the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011, and should be received by the close of business on August 6, 2018.

PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS 6 AUG 18

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager:”July 6th A major milestone will be reached – the placement of the final bridge segment of the EB bridge superstructure . . .”

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From an email:

On Friday, July 6th A major milestone will be reached – the placement of the final bridge segment of the EB bridge superstructure (see email below). Although not as important as opening the bridge to traffic (still anticipated the last week of August), this event does mark the end of all major bridge construction for the project. After that segment is placed and the tendons stressed and grouted, the gantry will be launched ahead to the bridge approach (in front of the VA/MD Pilots Association) and readied for disassembly. Work is already taking place for the disassembly of the loading gantry located in the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Area.

I just wanted to let you all know of this event just in case you wanted to be there Friday morning and view from the sidewalk of the WB Bridge. Right now somewhere between 9:30 AM and 11:00AM looks like about the time they will set that segment.

Hooray!

-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

From: Tom Bettcher [mailto:tbettcher@mcleancontracting.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 5, 2018 3:38 PM
To: Chris J. Wojtowicz
Cc: James P. Hess ; Vincent Smith
Subject: Span 10 Update

Chris,

As of 3:15 this afternoon (Thursday), the crew is working on the 7th of 13 total joints in Span 10. We lost a little time today with the passing showers and had to “unstack” the second half of the segments. Hopefully two more joints will be completed today, leaving 4 to do tomorrow. Typical joints take approximately 45 minutes with the last two, which are done somewhat concurrently, taking slightly longer. As of right now, my best guess for finishing would be between 9:30 AM & 11 AM tomorrow.

Tom Bettcher
Project Superintendent
tbettcher@mcleancontracting.com
Mobile: (757) 651-6265

Monday June 25th @7:30pm – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Route 35 Discount Tickets available at meeting!

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 6.25.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 25, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – No presentation scheduled

Seaview Beach presentation rescheduled to Monday July 30th meeting.

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

Old Business-
Short Term Rentals (STR) –City Council plans to send this item back to the Planning Commission on July 3rd and ask them to work on it more. To date, no comprehensive public conversation has been performed on the STR topic, only committee and commission hearings. Should SDCC request the City to hold a forum and would you attend to discuss concerns and ideas on STRs?

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf –Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – After a month of operation how is it working? We would like to hear your comments on the route and will collect them to forward to the City and HRT.

 

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission Outreach Meeting – Updates from BAC’s June 21st meeting to hear community concerns. What issues were identified? Does SDCC have any items that were missed?

Coyotes in the Bayfront Area – Coyotes have been spotted on our beaches, on the Cape Henry bike path, in the State Park, backyards and even walking on Shore Drive and Great Neck Road. Any thoughts, concerns? Possible speaker/presentation topic?

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 30, 2018***

VB “received $10 million last week for the river’s restoration project, and it provided a 50 percent match, worth $5 million, as a condition of the funding”

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Check out article at Pilotonline.com:

The area being restored is vital for a healthy water habitat, Forget said. It’s where many species spend the early period of their lifespan, and where animals lay eggs. The restoration will not only support aquatic life in Lynnhaven but also in the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean.

She said the restoration will also aid tourism, specifically the quickly growing sector of ecotourism, a major part of the Hampton Roads economy. With the changes, maybe another president will make a trip out for the oysters.

May 24, 2018 correspondence from Map Environmental to DEQ & ACOE re: proposed Lesner Municipal Wharf and potential uses.

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Re: Permit Modification #5 – Permanent Wharf
Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, Virginia Beach, VA NAO 2007-3405, VWP Permit 12-1169, MAP Job # 11111 (4 page PDF)

At an unspecified time in the future, the City of Virginia Beach may request to use the dredged material disposal site (landward of the wharf) as a dredged material transfer site for individual SSD dredging projects. The scope and timeline for such projects is unclear . . .

Note: Our understanding is DEQ is still looking for answers from City of Virginia Beach about more detailed info on each of the speific uses the city listed for the new wharf including frequency of trucks for DMTS, safety plan for truck access road, durations for mooring of boats, and more.

We strongly believe a public hearing with DEQ to allow the public to comment is appropriate considering the controversy and impact the industrial use of the wharf could have on the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility and the surrounding neighborhood including use of Shore Drive.