Category Archives: Quality of Life

Swimming Advisory Lifted for Two Areas: Along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd Streets

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Swimming Advisory Lifted for Two Areas: Along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd Streets

The Virginia Beach Health Department has lifted the swimming and wading advisories that were issued yesterday, Wednesday, Sept. 20, along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd streets.

After re-sampling showed that the bacteria level in the water was once again safe for swimming and wading, the advisories were lifted and signs at both locations that had previously alerted the public of the advisory have now been removed.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters. Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters.

While enterococci do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or wading in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness and skin, eye and respiratory infections.

Environmental health officials sample recreational beach water on a weekly basis during the swimming season from May through September.

For additional information, contact Brad Delashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department, at (757) 518-2727.

News Release – Swimming Advisory Issued for Two Areas: Along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd Streets

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Swimming Advisory Issued for Two Areas: Along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd Streets

The Virginia Beach Health Department has issued two swimming and wading advisories today for two sections:

• along the Bay from Little Creek to Fort Story and
• along the Oceanfront from 8th to 22nd streets.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters. Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters.

Signs will be posted on the beach between to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory. The signs will read:

WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY

Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards

Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards. When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

While Enterococci do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or wading in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness and skin, eye and respiratory infections.

Environmental health officials sample recreational beach water on a weekly basis during the swimming season from May through September.

For additional information, contact Brad Delashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department, at (757) 518-2727.

# # #

News Release: goo.gl/kYW6YL

For more news: VBgov.com/News

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Sept. 25th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda.9.25.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 25, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – None Planned

Officer’s Reports

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

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update –
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments – Deferred until the Oct. 11th meeting of the Planning Commission. Presentation made to Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association. Updates will be discussed.
• Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion – Approved by City Council with an 11-0 vote. One speaker voiced concerns over adding two new left turns that cross Shore Drive at the intersection of Indian Hill Road. City Traffic Engineers said the low traffic volumes and slow speed limit of 35mph won’t make extra conflict points a safety hazard.
• Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility – No new details
• Mermaid Winery – Approved by City Council. Scheduled to open by the end of 2017.

VB proposed changes to Route 35 and other bus services – Bus route operation is now only Friday-Sunday until Labor Day. The City continues to make plans to run the route next summer with shorter wait times and improved service. Community support for increased budget of $100k for an extra bus may be required.

Pleasure House Wetland Mitigation Program – Project includes a wetlands mitigation bank for City projects, ADA access and parking lot for 5 vehicles and public water access. Planning is 60% complete and construction is set to start in December 2018. Ocean Park Civic League has taken lead on this and is working with the City to create a project that will work for the neighborhood.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Baylake Pine Lower School Development – Planned office/business space at old school location at Treasure Island Dr and Shore Dr intersection. The developer will be speaking at a special Baylake Pines Civic League meeting on Tuesday Sept. 26th.

Beach Sand Replenishment Projects – A replenishment of Chesapeake Beach is scheduled for early 2018. The $4.8mil will widen the beach 100-150 feet. Continued replenishment is set for a 4-5 year cycle. Lynnhaven Inlet dredging with replenishment to Ocean Park and Cape Henry beaches is scheduled for Fall 2018.

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 30, 2017
Special Presentation – 2040 Vision to Action Community Coalition Commission
The group conducts public outreach, monitors and reports on the City’s progress for achieving the vision

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager: “noting that should a storm impact this area and winds begin to gust above 90 mph, it will be necessary to TEMPORARILY CLOSE the Lesner”

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Update from email:

Residents/Folks/Travelers/Bridge Gazers:

As the hot, steamy days of summer give away to the almost-as-hot days of a Hampton Roads autumn, we find ourselves exchanging the soft summer breezes for the brutal breezes that feel like needles painfully piercing your face and arms from the winds of the latest tropical storm. As you fuel your generator and horde lots of Chef Boy-Ar-Dee and peanut butter, you might want to stockpile some reading material. Why not start with this update?

Mr. Chris the Kingfish and his crews having been plugging away all summer on the popular Lesner Bridge project. Included in this update is chit chat about the gantry, the fender system, a cofferdam, and mechanically stabilized earth. (Some of us will be breaking into discussion groups once we have completed the reading, hoping to dig through some of that deep sub-text that comes with these engineering updates.)

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 so that you receive timely updates from all things City-related.

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.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

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

Folks:

We are in the peak of hurricane season, and with all of the talk and news coverage of the hurricanes churning in the Atlantic, it is worth noting that should a storm impact this area and winds begin to gust above 90 mph, it will be necessary to TEMPORARILY CLOSE the Lesner Bridge to all but emergency vehicles due to the proximity of the construction gantry. We kept a very close eye on the storm track of Hurricane Irma and were ready to take the necessary precautions to secure the Lesner Bridge construction site, if needed. Fortunately, that no longer seems to be a concern.

Even though storm preparations were being made, construction work on the bridge continued. Since the last project update in early August, two more spans of the new eastbound bridge have been completed (spans 2 and 3) and if the weather holds out, McLean Contracting could launch the gantry crane to bridge span #4 as early as this Friday the 15th.

View Looking East from atop the Gantry (New Westbound Lesner Bridge shown on left)

New Westbound Lesner Bridge (left) and Completed Span #2 of the New Eastbound Lesner Bridge (right)

As work continues on the bridge superstructure, other work is also being completed concurrently. Folks that use the Lynnhaven Inlet will notice that the southern half of the new bridge fender system is now being constructed on either side of the main channel. Within the next few weeks all of the piles for the new fender system will be driven. The timber rails and walkways, as well as the permanent lighting for this fender system, will be installed through the month of October, and we anticipate completing it by the first week of November.

New Westbound Lesner Bridge (left) and Completed Span #2 of the New Eastbound Lesner Bridge (right)

New MSE wall in front of Bubba’s Restaurant and the Lesner Inn

A lot of work is also occurring along Cape Henry Drive on the east side of the bridge in front of the Lesner Inn, and the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association. At this location, work has begun on the last MSE (Mechanically Stabilized Earth) wall for the project. With a length of 645 feet, it is also the longest MSE wall on the project and is expected to be completed by the first week of October.

Installation of drilled shaft foundations for the bridge pier columns also continues. All but one of the drilled shafts have been installed for Pier #5 and at Pier #6 only one drilled shaft remains to be placed. McLean will mobilize the drilling equipment to Pier #7 at the completion of these two drilled shafts. Preparations for work at Pier #7 have already been made. The cofferdam at Pier #7 has been installed, and the permanent steel casings for the 5 drilled shafts at this location have been delivered to the work area.

In summary, the following work has been completed since our last project update in August:

    · Most of the old Lesner Bridges have been demolished, with only a few in-water concrete piles remaining to be removed;

    · Spans 1, 2, and 3 (of 10) for the new EB bridge have been completed and the gantry crane is being prepared for launching to Span #4;

    · The footing and column at Pier #4 have been completed;

    · Streetlight pole foundations on the new eastbound bridge approach between East Stratford Street and the new bridge have been installed;

    · 9 of the 10 drilled shafts for Pier #5 have been installed;

    · 4 of the 5 drilled shafts for Pier #6 have been installed;

    · Work on the southern half of the new bridge fender system has begun;

    · 9 of the 10 drilled shafts for Pier #5 have been installed;

    · Approximately 400 linear feet (of 645 linear feet) of MSE Wall #5 (in front of Lesner Inn) has been built.

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 163 of the 168 segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge. It is expected that all bridge segments for the eastbound bridge will be cast by the end of this month.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    · Complete drilled shaft foundations at Pier #5;

    · Complete drilled shaft foundations at Pier #6;

    · Complete pile installation for the new bridge fender system;

    · Begin assembly of the superstructure for bridge span #4; and

    · Continue work on the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between the new bridge and Vista Circle (in front of Lesner Inn);

That’s it for now. Please drive safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project 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

CASPER update family disaster prep & recovery plan.

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Thanks to David for the timely update to CASPER – Coastal Action Plan Storm Emergency Response.

View & download CASPER version 7. (28 page PDF)

DISCLAIMER
The statements, recommendations, and procedures provided in this planning guide are those of the author and Safety Net Consulting, Incorporated. This guide does not necessarily reflect all the available options for emergency planning, or preventing property loss or personal injuries associated with natural or man-made disasters. The material presented in this document reflects multiple accredited sources and the accumulated best practices of those involved in emergency planning and disaster recovery…

A snippet:

Many emergency agencies estimate that only 10-15% of the residents living in the coastal areas affected by hurricanes have an emergency plan. Without a plan, a family could be caught in a “lose- lose” situation not having considered the major problems that nature could present. Too late to leave, but without sufficient preparations to stay, you could be stranded in a dangerous situation. This Coastal Area Storm Plan Emergency Response (CASPER) is “bare bones” without lengthy explanations except when essential for a point. The CASPER is divided into three major sections; Long Term Planning and Preparation, Pre-Hurricane Warning Stage, and Post Storm Recovery. This plan contains buy lists to aid gathering the needed supplies…

unexpected damage at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from Sandy Oct 2012

“Thousands want to save a live oak tree in Chesapeake Beach but a tree expert says it’s decaying”

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View article including photos at Pilotonline.com.

“That tree is just gorgeous,” Morrell said. “It’s like a breath of fresh air.”

Since the residents’ petition surfaced, the city has delayed removing the tree and is seeking a second opinion, said Susan French, an arborist for Virginia Beach.

The resident who owns property impacted by the towering oak’s branches asked the city to inspect the tree a few months ago, French said.

Photo credit: Bill Tiernan | Virginian-Pilot

We’ll be discussing this tonight at our meeting.

Join us at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 730pm!

Info & the Agenda located here.

More news about a beloved live oak in Chics Beach.

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Coverage at WAVY.com including video.

Morrell would like to see a compromise. She’s proposed the city perhaps remove a portion of the tree.

“Can we look at options other than just whacking it?” she asked.

SDCC General Meeting Mon Aug 28 – Disaster Preparedness Presentation

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 8.28.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 28, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –

Disaster Preparedness in Virginia Beach

Ms. Heather Gordon, Sr. Planner Office of Emergency Management, will discuss Virginia Beach’s plans on how to prepare and recover from potential natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes. Come learn about the new “Know Your Zone” hurricane evacuation designations, Learn where the closest shelters are, Learn the best ways to prepare for a disaster. This meeting is open to the public, so bring a friend, your lives may depend on it.

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

Old Business-
Bayfront Development Projects Update –
• Marina Shores Marina Apartments
• Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion
• Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility
• Mermaid Winery

Community Rating System (CRS) Application to FEMA/HUD – The City Manager has sent a letter to FEMA requesting that Virginia Beach be evaluated for inclusion in the CRS program. Copy of letter is on http://www.sdcc.info

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

VB proposed changes to Route 35 and other bus services – The City’s transportation planners have presented City Council with a draft 2018 plan to improve the City’s mass transit by increasing frequency and reliability. How does this impact test route 35?

Boat Repair Shop Demolition – It appears that the demolition of the boat repair shop on Shore Drive in Ocean Park had little to no oversite from City zoning inspectors. No storm water inlet barricades were used, no protection fencing and other alledged violations were noted by residents. What actions can be taken to prevent this from happening again on future projects?

Community Concerns– General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 25, 2017

Update on expanding HRT Route 35 next year

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Exciting stuff !

Draft of 2018 plan includes adding another bus to route to reduce frequency to 30 minutes from 45, and running Route 35 over to HRT transfer station at Pleasure House Road that would help expand service to JEB Little Creek.

View Citywide Transit Planning Update made to City Council this week. (29 page PDF).

More info about Route 35 at this website.

Previously:
385 Survey Takers Provided Input on a Proposed Shore Drive – Oceanfront Trolley

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager: “Demolition of all the superstructure of the old bridges has been completed and most of the substructure (footings and pile foundations) of the old bridges have been removed.”

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Update from email:

Structural Scholars/Bridge Aficionados/Bored Readers Who Will Read This:

Just in case you are short on reading material for a Monday, and you’re asking yourself: “How can I be enlightened about the Lesner Bridge and the progress that we have been promised?” Rest your souls, for I present to you a quick update from Wojo the Kingfish of Bridges. You’ll be quite pleased to learn about the progress that is being made due to the diligent efforts of the crews and Kingfish and his trusty communications chump.
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 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. So . . . stay safe, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.

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

Folks:
Since the movement of the gantry crane into position for the construction of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge last month, much progress has been made on the project.

Demolition of all the superstructure of the old bridges has been completed and most of the substructure (footings and pile foundations) of the old bridges have been removed. Work is continuing in the federal channel of the Lynnhaven Inlet to cut and remove the large submerged footings of the old bridges (old piers 14 and 15) located on either side of this channel and is expected to be completed by 8/15/2017.

Old Bridge Main Span Bridge Footing (Pier 14 WB) Loaded on Barge – NOTE the 12-inch cutoff piles

Old Bridge Main Span Bridge Footings (Piers 14 EB /WB and 15 WB) Loaded on Barge

The final placement of concrete for the backwall of Abutment A (west side of the bridge by the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps) was completed on July 21st and the first span (of 10) of the new eastbound bridge was completed on July 24th, 2017. The drilled shaft foundations, footings, and columns for bridges piers 1, 2, and 3 (of 9) have also been completed. Last week the contractor completed the foundation and footing for pier column 4 and plans and completed the column for this pier last Friday. Work is also continuing on the MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) walls located on both the eastern and western bridge approaches.

MSE Wall at the Scenic Overlook at Abutment A near the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps

We anticipate that only 1 or 2 more barge loads of bridge demolition structures remain to be delivered to Cabbage Patch Reef. For those of you that are interested, MAP Environmental has put together a great drone video of the placement of the old bridge materials into Cabbage Patch Reef.

Drilled shaft foundations continue to be installed for the foundation at pier column 5. Concrete placement for these shafts are being performed from the eastbound outside lane on the new bridge between the hours of 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM. The next anticipated lane closures for this concrete placement is on Wednesday and Thursday August 16th and 17th and on Wednesday and Thursday August 23rd and 24th.

In summary, the following work has been completed since our last project update in June:

· The two temporary steel girders have been removed from across Shore Drive and the western end of the new WB Lesner Bridge;

· Approximately 95% of the old Lesner Bridges have been demolished;

· The backwall at Abutment A has been completed;

· Span 1 of 10 for the new EB bridge has been completed and the gantry crane launched to Span #2;

· The footing for Pier #4 has been completed and the steel reinforcing for the pier column has been installed;

· MSE Wall #2 (near the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps) and Wall #3 (Scenic Overlook) have been constructed;

· 8 of the 10 drilled shafts for Pier #5 have been installed;

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 162 of the 168 segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge. It is expected that all bridge segments for the eastbound bridge will be cast by September 2017.

Aerial view of the bridge segment casting yard located at Atlantic Metrocast, Inc. in Portsmouth, VA (note the number of completed segments being stored for Lesner Bridge)


Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete Bridge Demolition with the removal of the eastern bridge abutments and remaining in-water concrete piles;

· Complete drilled shaft foundations at Pier #5;

· Mobilize material and equipment to Pier #6;

· Fill the western bridge approach to rough grade;

· Complete the construction of Span #2 and launch the gantry crane to Span #3;

· Complete Pier Column #4;

· Begin excavation for the leveling pad of the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between the new bridge and Vista Circle (in front of Lesner Inn);

· Begin installation of the steel “H” piles for the new bridge fender system on the south side of the new EB Lesner Bridge;

That’s it for now. Please drive safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project 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

COVB has officially started application process with FEMA for CRS. Yay!

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Here’s the 1 page PDF of the letter sent to FEMA.

You’ll find more info about CRS at Search & Hot on this website.

CBF and Pleasure House Brewing Partner to Create Rain Barrel Beer

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Amazing and wonderful things just keep happening for our Bayfront Community.  The Virginian-Pilot recently reported that the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) and Pleasure House Brewing will partner to create a new beer for CBF’s 50th Anniversary.

To read the entire article at pilotonline.com, click the intro below

For Hampton Roads beer fans who might be prone to cursing the rain after a seemingly never-ending storm, there’s new reason to be thankful for the bounty that falls from those dark skies – Kimberly Pierceall, The Pilot 

Shore Drive Scores Top 2 for Best Steamed Shrimp

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Congratulations to Dockside and CP Shuckers, two local Shore Drive restaurants, for placing 1st and 2nd in a recent Virginian Pilot taste test.  Just another reason to love our Bayfront Community.

You can read the Pilot article by clicking the intro link below:

Steamed shrimp is one of summer’s simplest pleasures. To find the area’s best, we chose four readers as testers (culled from a big pile of applications) and spent a sweltering Saturday afternoon scoring piles of shrimp from the three restaurants most nominated by readers. Here’s what the testers found. – Lorraine Eaton, The Virginian-Pilot

 

“The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has lifted a swimming and wading advisory that was issued for the Cape Henry Area from Fort Story to Starfish Road, including First Landing State Park. Lab results showed bacteria levels in the water meet the State Water Quality Standards.”

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View news at VBGOV.com. 

Monday July 31st – SDCC General Meeting Special Presentation and Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 7.31.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 31, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Proposed Urban Winery on Shore Drive – Jennifer Eichert, owner and operator of Mermaid Winery in Norfolk, will discuss her plans to open a winery at 4365 Shore Drive. The plans include an outside seating area with fire pits and a tasting room that will be available for private parties. The project was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on July 12th.

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

 

Old Business-
Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Update on ridership numbers and HRT’s ideas to expand and make this route more effective. Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT.

Pleasure House Point Management Plan – City Staff met with an Ocean Park Civic League steering committee to discuss the planned parking lot, ADA requirements and the wetland mitigation bank.

 

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Bay Lake Assisted Living Facility Expansion – The owners of Bay Lake plan to expand by adding new buildings to their vacant lot at the corner of First Court and Shore Drive. The plan requires a Conditional Use Permit and may be heard by the Planning Commission as early as August. The site layout shows an entrance off Shore Drive across from Indian Hill Rd and another off First Court.

Resort Conference Hotel Proposal to Convert to Assisted Living Facility – VB Planning received a Conditional Use Permit application for the transition of the VB Resort and Conference Center to become Housing for Seniors and Disabled Persons. The request is to specifically convert the hotel into independent, assisted and memory care units. A hearing may be as early as September.

 

Community Concerns and Suggestions – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 28, 2017

Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area

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Swimming Advisory Issued for Cape Henry Area
Fort Story to Starfish Road Including First Landing State Park

The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health has issued a swimming and wading advisory for the Cape Henry area of Virginia Beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road, including First Landing State Park. Recent testing conducted by the Health Department showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the State Water Quality Standards.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria using indicator organisms such as Enterococcus, the indicator of choice in estuarine and marine waters.

“The coastal waters of Virginia are generally very clean, and we test them weekly from May through September,” said Heidi Kulberg, M.D., director of the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. “On the occasions when waters fail to meet the standards, we need to protect public health by letting residents and visitors know.”

Signs will be posted on the beach between Fort Story and Starfish Road to alert the public of the swimming and wading advisory. The signs will read:

WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice

Virginia Beach has conducted these tests since the mid-1970s. Health officials will continue testing the site until the water quality meets the state water quality standards. When the sampling test results meet the standards, the signs will be removed.

Enterococci are a group of organisms used to determine the extent of the fecal contamination of recreational waters. While they do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness, as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Kulberg. “Typically an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to safe levels.”

The results of this and all other sampling are located on the Virginia Department of Health Web site at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/BeachMonitoring.

For additional information, contact Brad DeLashmutt, Virginia Beach Health Department at 757-518-2727.

BAC Capital Improvement Projects’ Briefing

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View and download PDF of presentation briefing. (27 page PDF)

PDF includes info such as:

Completed Projects FY17

Shore Drive Bike Facilities CIP 2-300.101
• EB & WB On road bike lanes from Diamond Springs Road to
Northampton Boulevard, approx. 3 miles.
• Completed February 2017
• Total Project Cost: $4.4M
Crab Creek & Long Creek Dredging CIP 8-011 • Spot dredging to address shoaling
• Completed February 2017 • Total Project Cost: $285K
Lynnhaven Inlet Maintenance Dredging • Minor dredging to address shoaling
• Completed August 2016
• Annualized Payments to USACE – $363K
CIP 8-013

CRS presentation made at SDCC Meeting June 26 ’17

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Presentation made about CRS by the very capable and friendly Whitney K. McNamara Virginia Beach Planning Department.

View and download 8 page PDF here.

View more about CRS at SDCC.info/Hot.

FEMA CRS info:

The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements.

As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:

    Reduce flood damage to insurable property;
    Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP, and
    Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.

New Bayfront Shuttle – Route 35 Information Webpage

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This will be a work in progress and is being compiled by a crack staff of volunteers (Tim and Todd).  We are working with existing HRT information and trying to put it into a usable format.  So if you have any corrections are would like to have additional information added to the page, please email Todd at todd@sdcc.info and we will try to accommodate your requests.

Bayfront Shuttle – Route 35 Webpage – Click here