View entire 39 page slideshow. (PDF)
You can watch it live at this link on Tuesday March 13th at 4pm.
Category Archives: Quality of Life
#LESNERBRIDGE update from your favorite Project Manager: “EB Shore Drive Lane Closure at East Stratford Street for March 12 thru March 15th 2018”
Including a fascinating intro from your Media & Communication specialist Drew:
Friends/Citizens/Learned Scholars/Buccaneers:
As the warm, sultry days of February ease into the frozen, icy days of March, I begin to wonder if any of it makes sense anymore. Nature is blooming and yet it’s crazy cold most days – cold enough that those kids standing by the highway for Liberty Tax Service are putting the torches inside that cheap costume to stay warm. God bless ‘em. It seems the only people I can trust anymore are the people who put together the Farmer’s Almanac. Now THERE is real wisdom in those pages.
Still we must turn our attention to matters of importance . . . like what is the latest on the Lesner Bridge. As you well know, I could never explain it in a way that would enlighten and inform you – or even sound like
English – so for that I turn to my favorite engineer of bridges, roads and sand castles on the beach – Chris the Kingfish.He has a handle on the work plans and accomplishments that wows those who listen. He knows all and sees all in all matters named Lesner. He keeps a close watch on the work and keeps a steady hand as they progress. And he also plays a mean polka on the accordion if you talk sweet to him.
Perusing today’s update, we find information concerning a “remaining moment slab,” “falsework for the gantry launch,” and “base and intermediate mixes of asphalt.” This is some heavy stuff . . . (someone hurry and bring me my smelling salts!). Of course, I normally hang with people who read “Beetle Baily” with a highlighter – not wanting to miss any of that deep sub-text.
Please pay special attention to his announcement about “single lane closures will be setup on EB Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street. EAST STRATFORD STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT SHORE DRIVE during each of these nights” . . . We really don’t want anyone inconvenienced any more than possible, so read and be prepared. It’s these kinds of thoughtful advance warnings that make Kingfish such a teddy bear.
So, have a seat by the fire, relax and read up on the news a lot of people won’t receive about the Lesner Bridge, and prepare yourself to outshine them when it comes to bridge talk. Please read and ingest . . . let the words flow over you . . . you will feel the knowledge seeping into the ol’ noggin.
As always, we appreciate your questions and e-mails, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. 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 haven’t already signed up for the City’s FB page or Twitter account, I encourage you to do so; that means you will receive timely updates from all things City-related and show that annoying friend you are far better informed than anyone else in your circle.
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 interest and patience throughout this project.
And don’t forget . . . stay safe, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving – don’t make an LOL a DOA. (Editor’s note: Emphasis ours.)
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353****************************************************
Folks:
Since the last update, Pier #5 has been completed and work on the bridge superstructure has resumed. While this bridge work continues, a lot of you have noticed that much of the sidewalk, handicap ramps, curb and gutter has been completed on the west side of the bridge (near East Stratford Street). We are finally at a point in the project that pavement can be placed on this western bridge approach and in the intersection of Shore Drive/East Stratford Street.
This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Eastbound (EB) Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street.
EB Shore Drive Lane Closure at East Stratford Street for March 12 thru March 15th 2018
Here are the details:
Paving work is scheduled (weather permitting) for three nights beginning on Monday, March 12th and ending in the early morning hours of March 15th. Working hours for each evening will be from 7:00PM to 5:00AM. Therefore, beginning the evening of Monday, March 12th at approximately 7:00 PM, single lane closures will be setup on EB Shore Drive between Dinwiddie Road and East Stratford Street. EAST STRATFORD STREET WILL BE CLOSED AT SHORE DRIVE during each of these nights, so plan accordingly.
Only the base and intermediate mixes of asphalt will be placed at this time. The final riding surface will be placed at a later date.
Progress on the bridge’s superstructure is finally beginning to pick up again. All of the segments for Piers #5 and #6 have been installed and the gantry is currently being readied to receive the 14 segments of span 6 (delivered by barge). Other work has also been completed since the last update in February 2018:
· The footing and column for Pier #5 have been completed;
· Both pier segments have been installed on pier column #5 and the gantry launched to EB bridge span #6;
· Both pier segments have been installed on pier column #6;
· The remaining wood timbers and steel piles for the channel fender system have been installed;
· The footing at Pier #8 has been completed and the reinforcing steel and formwork for the column has been installed;
· MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association has been completed;
· The 10-foot wide concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge has been completed;
· Installation of the curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge has been completed;
· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed; and
· Dominion Energy has installed the new 3-phase switch and conduit for the new bridge power supply.
New 3-Phase Switch for Bridge Power Supply.
Completed Footing and Steel Reinforcing Column at Pier #8 new EB Bridge
Completed Footing and Column at Pier #5 EB Bridge
View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently completed 10-foot wide
multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
· Complete the column at Pier #8;
· Set all of the segments in Span #6;
· Pave the western bridge approach and the intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street;
· Install falsework for the gantry launch at Pier #7;
· Place the remaining moment slab along MSE Wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;
· Begin excavation for the Pier #9 footing (this is the last remaining footing for the EB bridge); and
· Complete the installation of ductbank behind MSE Wall #5.
Segments for Span #6 of the new EB Lesner Bridge Being Delivered to the Project Site
That’s it for now!
Drive Safely!
-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
FY 2019-2024 Roadways CIP City Council Briefing
“Residents disagree on how to handle vacation rentals in Virginia Beach”
View article and comments at Pilotonline.com.
The Planning Commission recommended an ordinance to allow short-term rentals and home-sharing anywhere in the city if the owners register and pay occupancy taxes to the Commissioner of Revenue.
Additional requirements for short-term rentals include limiting the number of contracts to two per week, submitting a parking plan to the city to show one space for each bedroom and a cap on the number of guests allowed.
“While residents have raised concerns over traffic, noise and “bad behavior” tied to the rentals, the crowd was split on whether or not to implement rules to be enforced by the city.”
Coverage at WAVY.com about Short Term Rental public hearing at City Council last night.
The city council did not take any action.
A vote is scheduled for later this month, however a bill making its way through the General Assembly is aimed at rolling back regulations to give renters more freedom. House Bill 824, if approved, would supersede any local ordinances. On Tuesday, the House rejected the bill and the Senate requested the bill go back to a committee.
City Council is currently scheduled to vote at their March 20th meeting.
Lesner Municipal Wharf audio presentation including Q&A
Start here to visit audio link at Google Drive.
Thanks to Mr. Phill Roehrs, P.E. Water Resources Engineer for the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Engineering, for coming out at our February 26th meeting to present and answer questions about the Lesner Municipal Wharf.
Here’s an old photo.
Thanks to the City Manager for requesting City Council Fund 100% of Phase 4 in FY2019-2024 Budget.
Big thanks also goes out to everyone who helped lobby for this!
No need to TAKE ACTION Tuesday evening.
If you were planning to attend City Council Open Mic night tomorrow night you can change your plans.
Phase 4, when completed, will bring Shore Drive up to date with sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.
Please be sure to thank City Manager Hansen, the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council for doing this!
You are invited to attend meeting where a Peer Recovery Specialist from the City’s new ‘Opioid Warm Line’ will make a presentation and have a Q&A.
MONDAY MARCH 12 at 730PM at the VB Resort Hotel 2800 Shore Drive.
A Peer Recovery Specialist from the City’s new ‘Opioid Warm Line’ has offered to present information on opioid abuse treatment and its related revive-training opportunity at our CSBT Civic League meeting next Monday night.
Opiate use and accidental overdoses are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. Our presenter will share information on what the City is working on, and what we as citizens can to to assist during these crises.
Although this e-mail is sent to the Civic Association members, ALL residents are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting to find out more about this latest epidemic. Please share this information with your neighbors, friends and others especially, those who have children or know (or are) young adults.
The CSBTS Civic League meeting starts at 7:30pm, on Monday, March 12, at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center, across from Cape Henry Shopping Center. The special presentation will start at 7:30pm; those who are there only for this are free to leave afterwards, before we begin the official meeting.
Thank you,
Diana/the CSBTS Civic Association Officers
City Council workshop includes significant STR discussion
From Tuesday February 27th.
Discussion includes:
Special event permits,
Home Sharing by right,
a Bill moving through Virginia General Assembly that would ban use of Conditional Use Permit(CPU) process for Short Term Rentals,
overlay districts if a community wanted them,
noise concerns,
enforcement,
grand fathering,
parking,
and more.
“Misinformation does not help anybody trying to get anything accomplished.”
~ Mayor Sessoms
Next City Council Workshop/Informal Session discussing this Monday March 6th.
City Council Public Hearing currently planned for March 6th.
City Council vote currently planned for March 20th.
Planning Director presentation to City Council about STR
WTKR coverage of STRs
“It doesn’t surprise me because Virginia Beach is a huge destination, and that makes me proud,” said Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms.
Now the mayor and city council members are working on a plan to better regulate those rentals.
(Note: The term “illegal” is disputed by many who have been following the move toward intelligent regulation.)
Exciting panel discussion about The Canoes at MOCA!
Join us for a discussion on the integration of two seemingly disconnected fields: Art and Engineering. Learn how the merging of creativity and calculation gives us a new perception of our community. Our distinguished panelists include:
Donald Lipski
Artist of The Canoes at Lesner BridgeChris Wojtowicz
City of Virginia Beach, Project Manager of the Lesner Bridge Replacement ProjectMel Price, Principal, Work Program Architects (WPA)
Moderated by Ron Williams, Virginia Beach Deputy City Manager
“The Planning Commission on Wednesday voted on regulations that would allow anyone to rent out a room or home for a short stay – as long as the owner registers with the city and pays taxes. The City Council is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposal March 6 and vote on a final version March 20.”
View article at Pilotonline.com:
Short-term rentals, according to the proposal, would be similar to home-sharing except the owner wouldn’t be living there. For short-term rentals, additional rules include limiting the number of contracts to two per week, submitting a parking plan to the city to show one space for each bedroom and a cap on the number of guests allowed.
Those rentals must also register with the Commissioner of the Revenue and pay occupancy taxes.
“The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.”
Report including video at 13 News Now.
The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.
PHP opportunity! “City of Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center, is looking to engage an artist or artist group for an artist residency to create a site-specific, environmentally responsive installation that spotlights the natural beauty, educates and reignites community appreciation for the Chesapeake Bay, while highlighting Virginia Beach’s natural spaces.”
PLEASURE HOUSE POINT ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIVE ARTIST RESIDENCY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL / CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH
Check out the exciting details here ! (8 page PDF)
Artist Opportunities at VBGov.com includes this amazing new opportunity for Ocean Park & PHP.
Ocean Park Civic League would like your help in helping Vice Mayor Jones secure funding for Phase 4 for Shore Drive upgrades in Ocean Park.
Please Email City Council now. You will make a difference at OPCL.org
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & City Council Members,
I am petitioning you to fund Shore Drive Phase IV immediately.
Specifically:
1. Please find 50% funding for CIP 2.118.000 Shore Drive Corridor Improvements-Phase 4 in 2018.
2. Please fund 100% of Phase 4 by 2019.
Finishing Phase IV now is critical to the health of Virginia Beach. Why?
The City Council commissioned Urban Land Institute Study of Shore Drive in 1996 and City Council Adopted Comprehensive Plan in 1997 state that:
“(Virginia Beach should) Recognize and improve the Shore Drive corridor as a resort gateway community, not a resort destination.”
“Shore Drive also serves as a tourist gateway for those heading to the oceanfront, offering for many their first glimpse of the City of Virginia Beach. Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression.”
City Council previously recognized the importance of this corridor:
1. City Council created the Shore Drive (Bayfront) Advisory Committee . . .
Click to view OPCL.org page.
Lynnhaven Wharf and Bulkhead
Permanent City Wharf at the Lynnhaven Inlet
Listening to the presentation given by Mr. Phill Roehrs of the Public Works Department given at the City Council workshop on 23 January, one might believe that this was just routine business as the city declares that the present 400 foot bulkhead located at the Lynnhaven Bay will become a permanent wharf and feature upon the completion of the Lesner Bridge. Not so fast Mr. Roehrs, Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and staff.
The Federal Public Notice 12-1169-09 issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District and posted 10/18/2012 states that the Joint Application for Federal and State Permits submitted by the City of Virginia Beach will “include the construction of a temporary bulkhead”. Further, “Upon the completion of construction, the temporary bulkhead will be removed”. This statement differs factually from what Mr. Roehrs told the Mayor, City Council and staff.
If the city’s permit application stating the bulkhead temporary intended for the Lesner Bridge construction, but actually had the intent to make it permanent to bypass certain Federal environmental requirements, than the city should correct their error and complete all the required Federal and state environmental impact studies required by law for such an operation.
The city’s most recently adopted Comprehensive Plan (May 17, 2016) “is the official land use policy framework for Virginia Beach…. “to guide responsible use of finite land resources….and protect neighborhoods”. A permanent bulkhead or wharf at the Lynnhaven Basin used for commercial operations and support for large commercial dredge vessels and scows would change the very nature for surrounding neighborhoods and degrade this pristine waterway. To use this bulkhead area as a permanent dredge spoils transfer site and commercial wharf would subject the estuary to unacceptable environmental pressure created by dredge silt then entering the estuary and flowing back into the vary areas where oyster replenishment and natural fish spawning areas have taken so much effort to restore. Harmful water turbidity levels and released pollution will continue to be an environmental issue if such a transfer operation should be permitted at this bulkhead. Mr. Roehrs was correct when he stated that the city should expect some pushback from the residents on this issue.
Respectfully,
David M. Williams
Past President and Secretary
Shore Drive Community Coalition
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
“Why not devote some energy as well as funds to finish the horrible mess known as Shore Drive.”
Opinion/Letter to the editor.
From an unedited email to us:
Hearing about the millions of dollars being discussed for the various proposed projects at the Beach astounds me. Why not devote some energy as well as funds to finish the horrible mess known as Shore Drive. The Lesner Bridge project is likely over 1 year behind schedule and much over budget. Shore Drive has to my knowledge never been completely resurfaced. The median strips east of the bridge have never been landscaped, sidewalks appear and disappear randomly and bike paths are non existent. Potholes remain untouched for years and after recent storms who knows when repairs will begin.
I see the major problem as the lack of representation from this area on city council. There is no one on the council that lives in this area. The Lesner Bridge splits our community into two zip codes and we have no one on city council that lives, works and transits this area on a daily basis. Bridge lighting works sporadically, trash on sidewalks on the bridge and sand and orange cones make it bicycle and pedestrian unfriendly.
One of the most traveled access points to the Beach deserves better as do the thousands of taxpayers. New roads, sidewalks and bike paths cover the oceanfront and the south side but sadly Shore Dr gets no attention at all.
Don Allen
Virginia Beach
“With construction of the Lesner Bridge expected to wrap up by the end of summer, Roehrs said it’s time to revisit the issue.”
View entire article at Pilotonline.com:
In the future, “we don’t want to lose the option to use it as a transfer site for neighborhood dredging,” Roehrs said.
In 1972, the city bought the space – southwest of the bridge and across from a cluster of waterfront seafood restaurants – to stockpile sand for Oceanfront beach replenishment.
“BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.” Saturday 10am to 10pm #LesnerBridge Update.
PLEASE SHARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY !
Expect delays caused by single lane in both directions from 10am to 10pm.
From an email update from Project Manager:
Folks:
In the last project update (11/22/2017) we mentioned that we had issues with one of the 10 drilled shaft foundations for Pier #5 of the new eastbound bridge. Between the holidays, cold weather, and a longer than expected duration for remediation of drilled shaft #1 at Pier #5 construction of the EB bridge superstructure had been temporarily suspended. That was the bad news.
Now the good news. Shaft #1 at Pier #5 has been fully remediated, all 10 drilled shafts in this footing have been cut down to the correct elevation, and all of the reinforcing steel for the footing has been placed. The footing is now ready to receive the 400 cubic yards of concrete which is planned for tomorrow, February 3rd, 2018. The concrete will be delivered to this footing via two concrete pumper trucks parked near the center span of the Lesner Bridge eastbound lanes.
This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Lesner Bridge for most of the day tomorrow, Saturday February 3, 2018. Here are the details:
Beginning tomorrow, 2/3/2018 at approximately 10:00 AM single lane closures will be setup on Shore Drive approaching eastbound Lesner Bridge between DuPont Circle and Vista Circle. Single lane closures will also be setup during this time for westbound Shore Drive traffic approaching Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. BOTH eastbound lanes on Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED until the concrete placement operations are completed. All work and temporary lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge are expected to be cleared by 10:00 PM Saturday night, February 3rd, 2018. Be advised that, in addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, there will also be flaggers present that will intermittently STOP all traffic in BOTH directions on the bridge to allow the arrival and departure of concrete delivery trucks.
There will be a lot of activity on the bridge tomorrow so please plan accordingly and drive slowly when crossing the bridge.
Once Pier #5 is complete, we will launch the gantry across the inlet, set the pier segments on Pier #5 and then launch to Pier #6 and set the pier segments on Pier column #6. Span #6 will then be assembled by picking segments off a barge moored in this location. After Span #6 is completed, the gantry will be back-launched toward the channel to complete the other half of the cantilever section of Span #5 that crosses the channel.
Footing Reinforcing Steel being placed at Pier #5 EB Bridge (Completed Pier Column #6 shown in background)
View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently graded area for the 10-foot wide multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.
Since the last update other work on the project continued while waiting for Pier #5 to be completed. The following work has been completed since the November 22, 2017 update:
· 4 additional segments of cantilever Span #5 have been constructed for the new EB bridge (8 total);
· The footing and column at Pier #7 have been completed;
· The cofferdam around the footing for Pier #8 has been installed and the and the area around the drilled shafts excavated;
· All four drilled shafts at Pier #9 have been installed (ALL DRILLED SHAFT INSTALLATION FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE);
· Abutment B for the EB bridge has been completed;
· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed;
· The remaining two street lights (four total) on the western bridge approach have been installed;
Completed Abutment B EB Bridge. Forms being removed.
Completed Footing and Column at Pier #7 new EB Bridge (Forms shown being removed).
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
· Complete the footing and column at Pier #5;
· Place reinforcement steel for the footing at Pier #8;
· Backfill Abutment B and complete MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;
· Install falsework for gantry launch at Pier #5;
· Complete concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge; and
· Complete curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge.
That’s it for now!
Drive Safely!
-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
#WeLoveShoreDrive 