Category Archives: Safety

CASPER update family disaster prep & recovery plan.

Posted on by

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”

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

#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.”

Posted on by

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!

Posted on by

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.

“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.”

Posted on by

View news at VBGOV.com. 

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager: “Thursday July 6th, beginning at 12:01 AM and ending at 4:00 AM – Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane.”

Posted on by

Update from Email:

Folks:

Last week we successfully accomplished a major milestone in the project – moving the gantry crane from the north side of Shore Drive to the south side of Shore Drive and into position to begin assembly of the eastbound bridge superstructure segments. To do this, we had to close Shore Drive and setup a long detour until the move could be completed. The last piece of this move is to remove the two beams that are currently located on the western end of the bridge crossing Shore Drive.

Unlike the first two phases of this gantry crane move, a detour WILL NOT be required to remove these two beams. NEXT Thursday July 6th, beginning at 12:01 AM and ending at 4:00 AM – Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane and a flagger operation will control the direction of traffic across the bridge. Therefore, motorists should be PREPARED TO STOP on their approach to the bridge during this time period.

Bridge crossing delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected and motorists may want to plan an alternate route while these two beams are removed.

Area of Work and Restricted Traffic on Lesner Bridge July 6, 2017 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM

Please note that on Wednesday July 5th, beginning at 10:00 PM Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge will be reduced to a single lane in each direction in preparation for the flagger operation that will begin at midnight.

We appreciate your patience regarding these traffic interruptions along Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge!

Have a Happy and Safe Independence Day! …and of course 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

Have info about an assault on April 4th near Brock Environmental Center & Dinwiddie Road ?

Posted on by

Learn more at Southside Daily:

Later, the victim’s brother and mom were called by an unknown person saying they’d found the victim’s belongings and wanted to return them. The victim called that number, but did not get a response.

No one has been arrested in connection with the assault and robbery. Anyone with information on these crimes should call the Virginia Beach Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.

CRS presentation made at SDCC Meeting June 26 ’17

Posted on by

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.

Special Presentation – VB Participation in CRS Program – Monday June 26th at 7:30pm

Posted on by

SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation

A presentation on Virginia Beach’s participation in the FEMA/HUD Community Rating System (CRS) will be made by Ms. Whitney McNamara, City’s Environment and Sustainability Office.  Ms. McNamara will be providing an update on City’s progress in joining this program that will help residents save money on their flood insurance premiums and help improve overall city flood management plans.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Monday June 26th at 7:30pm in the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad hall (3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455)

Additional background information regarding CRS program and efforts to date can be found below:

We hope you can attend this informative meeting on a very important topic for the Bayfront neighborhoods.

Monday June 26th – SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 6.26.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday June 26, 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 – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD’s CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.

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

Old Business–
Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update. Presentation made by developer to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) at June meeting. Project lawyer informs that the dredge transfer easement will be included in the zoning boundary that includes the wetlands and open space.

Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board. Request was withdrawn. No new date has been scheduled.

Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle – Thoughts and feedback welcomed. Send comments to Todd@sdcc.info Comments will be collected and forwarded to City and HRT. Route operating times shown below.
Daily, May 21 – Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes.
Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 – October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes

Pleasure House Point Management Plan – SDCC has asked City staff for the most up to date information regarding the management plan and the CIP that identifies the creation of a wetlands mitigation bank, parking lot, rest rooms and kayak launch. SDCC has also requested the reconvening of the PHP Management Task Force that helped create the draft of the management plan.

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

Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

Civic Engagement Opportunities:
Community Meetings to discuss options for the new City Hall (more info here)

July 26 5-6 pm  Virtual – on Facebook Live
July 26 6-8 pm  Virginia Beach Convention Center
August 23 6-8 pm  Westin Hotel Ballroom, Town Center

Upcoming Presentations:
July 31st – (Proposed but not confirmed) – Mermaid Winery development planned for the old Foon’s restaurant next to Beach Buggy car wash. Existing building would be used for a Winery and Restaurant.

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday July 31, 2017

#LESNERBRIDGE IS CLOSING for BRIEF period of time soon!

Posted on by

From the classic update from a comedian in COVB Media and a guy from Public Works who <3 the Lesner:

This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Structural Scholars/Bridge Aficionados/Bored Readers:

For those of you who were wondering: “What am I going to read on the beach this weekend,” or “What can I read late at night that will stir me intellectually and heighten my awareness about structural engineering,” I have an answer – Before you is the latest from the Czar of Bridges, Chris Wojo, the Kingfish.

This is IMPORTANT information, so please take note. The Fish speaks of moving the gantry, substructure work, overheight vehicles, and most importantly . . . CLOSING SHORE DRIVE for a BRIEF period. He has gone to great pains to scratch out everything in details, and I have gone to great pains to check for spelling and punctuation errors . . . I know, it’s dirty work, but someone has to do it. It’s my lot in life.

There truly is a lot of information here and we are doing everything we can to get the word out to the local community so that everyone is aware of what will be taking place. Chris and his team have worked very hard to schedule everything so that there is a minimum of inconvenience to everyone.

We will be posting the latest info on our web pages, as well as the City’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you know of an organization or groups we should alert, please let me know and I will be glad to contact them. And 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.

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.

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:

A lot of you have been asking, “When is the gantry going to be moved?” Now that time has come. I hope most of you have heard about or seen the message on the portable signs on Shore Drive:

LES BRDG CLOSED 12AM-4AM
JUNE 19 THRU JUNE 24

We have reached that point in the construction schedule where we need the gantry crane that is currently stored on the north side of Shore Drive to be put in place so that the superstructure of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge can be assembled.

To do this, we need to temporarily close Shore Drive to slide the gantry over the roadway and into position on the south side of Shore Drive.

This move will be conducted over three nights: June 19th, 20th, and 21st.

We will need short-term closures of Shore Drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 4 am, so as to disrupt as little traffic as possible. Note: One lane of the bridge will be kept open for use by emergency vehicles. In the event that emergency vehicles need to cross the bridge during this time, work will be temporarily halted to let the emergency vehicles cross the bridge. The detour route for all other vehicles during these dates and times is provided below.

Detour Route for the Temporary Short-Term Closure of Lesner Bridge

The move of the gantry crane will take place with the following anticipated schedule:

Monday, June 19th: 12 midnight through 4 am.

We will be:

    + Installing two support beams across Shore Drive to connect the falsework on the north side of the bridge to the falsework located on the south side
    + Connecting cables from the winches located on the south side of the bridge to the gantry located on the north side.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED

Tuesday, June 20th: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.

We will be:

    + Completing preparations to the gantry rolling system and survey the falsework to ensure proper alignment of the channels.
    + Winching the gantry across Shore Drive and onto the falsework located on the south side of the bridge.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: AGAIN . . . OVERHEAD CLEARANCE WILL BE 13’9” THEREFORE, OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO USE ANOTHER ROUTE UNTIL THE SUPPORT BEAMS ARE REMOVED.

Wednesday, June 21st: 12 midnight until 4 a.m.

We will be:

    + Removing the two support beams from the falsework that crosses Shore Drive.
    + Re-opening Shore Drive to traffic.

NOTE: NO RESTRICTIONS TO OVERHEIGHT VEHICLES.

Gantry Support Falsework

Gantry Move

Other Bridge Construction News:

In addition to the preparations being made for the gantry move, substructure work on the new bridge continues.
Piers 1 and 2 (of 9) of the new eastbound bridge have been completed. All of the drilled shaft foundations and the footing for Pier 3 have been completed and only one drilled shaft remains to be installed for the foundation at Pier 4.

Reinforcing Steel at Pier Column 3

As McLean continues to build the new bridge substructure from the west, they are also continuing the demolition of the old bridges to the east and have completed approximately 80% of this demolition.

Bridge Demolition on the East side of Lynnhaven Inlet

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the superstructure of the new Lesner Bridge. A total of 143 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 August 2017.
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    + Continue bridge demolition;
    + Place concrete and complete construction of Pier #3;
    + Place reinforcing steel and concrete in the footing for Pier #4;
    + Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #5;
    + Install the falsework and seal slab for Pier #6:
    + Place the leveling pad for the new MSE wall along the south side of Shore Drive between East Stratford Street and the new bridge;
    + Continue filling and grading operations at the new bridge abutments;
    + Install the new traffic signal pole and mast arm on the southeast corner of Shore Drive and East Stratford Street (to be done during the night of the Shore Drive Road closure on June 19th – 20th).

Other information regarding the status of the bridge construction can also be found at http://www.vbgov.com\lesner-bridge

As always, please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this project and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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

4pm meeting at Brock about proposed parking lot CANCELLED

Posted on by

Previously at SDCC.info.

We will keep you informed when we know more.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

Monday May 22nd SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 5.22.17 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday May 22, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Note date is a week early due to Memorial Day

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation Lesner Bridge Sculpture “The Canoes” –  Ms. Nina Goodale-Salazar, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Virginia Beach will explain the process for choosing the piece and will also discuss how it is being funded.

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

Old Business-

Marina Shores Condo/Apartment Proposed Development – Brief update.  Presentation made to Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC).  Councilman Jim Wood questioning why a traffic light isn’t warranted at the intersection of North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive.

Proposed Development West of 7-11 near Marlin Bay Drive/Shore Drive – Update on proposed commercial building with a deck bar proposed for wooded, wetland area west of 7-11.  Variance request was scheduled for Monday May 22nd at Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Board.

Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Route – Thoughts and feedback welcomed.  Route 35, Bayfront Shuttle Starting May 21, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. Daily, May 21 to Labor Day, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes. Fri-Sat-Sun, September 8 to October 1, 8:00 a.m. until Midnight, every 45 minutes

New Business

City Proposed Parking Lot and Kayak Launch at Pleasure House Point (PHP)- Update on the City’s plans to create a kayak launch and supporting 16 space parking lot on the natural park at PHP. City says the plans were always part of the Management Plan for PHP. What happens next?  Are the additions really necessary?

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

Community Concerns and Suggestions for 2017 – General discussion of neighborhood and community concerns that may need SDCC attention. This is an opportunity for all to share information.

Upcoming Presentations: 

June 26th – Community Rating System (CRS) for Residents in Flood Zones – Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Planning Department will provide an update on the City’s application to FEMA/HUD CRS program. This is the program that all but 2 cities in Hampton Roads participate and can bring a 5% to 30% reduction in your flood insurance premiums.

 Next SDCC Meeting – Monday June 26, 2017

“Virginia Beach plans to clear trees at a trailhead near the corner of Mystic Cove and Marlin Bay drives to make room for a 16-space parking lot, walkways and kayak launch.”

Posted on by

Recent press about the proposed parking lot in Pleasure House Point Natural Area.

View article, photos and comment at Pilotonline.com:

City officials told residents about the plan May 4 at the Ocean Park Civic League meeting. Ocean Park borders Pleasure House Point.

Some residents think it’s hypocritical of the city to buy the land for conservation and then destroy part of it.

Video at 13NewNow.com:

Right now plans include a kayak launch, a pedestrian bridge, more trails, and of course the parking lot. Past drawings of the site included bathrooms and lights, but right now the city says the money just isn’t there. Julie Braley with Parks and Recreation says there are some misconceptions with the project.

Learn more at SDCC.info/pleasure-house-point about Stakeholder Meetings, links to adopted Management Plan and more.

This website is also a public record including documentation, news and more about Pleasure House Point since 2003.