Stands for those whom we play golf with at private clubs; personal agenda for pet projects with friends and campaign contributors, and too much city business as usual. Stands for Good Ol’Boy System. I guess if we wanted to hear more answers to our questions, we would have a private invitation to play golf with some of our elected and appointed city officials.
Category Archives: Safety
Why Unanswered Questions?
SDCC recently posted the 28 questions that were presented to Chairman Fraim of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission (B&WAC) at the city’s official and only public hearing held OCT 13, 2011. Now, almost one year ago. As some of you who attended this public forum for the Neighborhood Dredging (Spoils) Program, these questions were officially presented in writing to the chairman and were to be officially answered by this officially appointed city commission. The city would like citizens to think that our voices are heard on such important matters as this costly program (potentially $100 million) directly impacting citizen safety and our tax dollars. All that I can say is that SDCC has not received any satisfactory answers from either the city or the B&WAC chairman, although their official report was submitted to the city nine months ago.
Why are the city and the B&WAC chairman so quiet? I believe that they can not answer SDCC’s questions related to neighborhood impact, safety, environmental issues, traffic impact, costs, and operational concerns of this program. If they cannot answer my questions satisfactorily, how can they continue to proceed with the Neighborhood Dredging (Spoils) Program? I have forwarded these questions to Councilwoman Wilson (City representative to the B&WAC) a month ago to see if she could pry required answers out of the city, and so far no response. Bottom line- NO ANSWERS. It may not be that important, but it does concern public safety, impact on neighborhoods, impact on traffic through three major school areas, and your present and future tax dollars. WHY no answers? Maybe there are no responsible answers.
Great Neck Road and Lynnhaven Dr improvements
From an email from Chris
There were some questions as to the road improvements on Great Neck. Per the City, they are offsetting the turn lanes to improve visibility. There have been 15 accidents at the intersection in just the last 5 years, so apparently it is pretty dangerous. Many of those reported as drivers in the lefts being unable to see oncoming traffic due to vehicles in the opposing left turn lane.
In FY10 the City applied for and was approved to receive federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds for the project, so it is being funded by the Feds.
The improvements will be completed by early December
September 9th – 15th Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week
SHARE THE ROAD
Motorists have a responsibility to share the road with those who enjoy biking and walking along Virginia’s roadways.
When you pass a bicyclists slow down and allow at least 2 feet between the bike and the vehicle.
Look for hand signals a bicyclist may use to signal a turn. When approaching a crosswalk, stop for pedestrians.
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and should ride with traffic.
Bicyclists should obey all Virginia traffic laws, use flashing lights, and wear bright clothing.
Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians.
If you’re out walking, move against traffic and use sidewalks when possible.
“A Child Safety Town Hall Meeting, sponsored by Virginia Beach City Councilmember James L. Wood, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. “
More at VBGov.com News Center.
FBI Special Agents from the Norfolk Field Office will provide detailed and interesting information on threats from child predators.
Twenty-seven (27) unresolved questions that SDCC had submitted in writing to the Chairman of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission at the formal public hearing conducted by that Commission on October 13, 2011.
Posted unedited from SDCC’s submitted document:
Shore Drive Community Coalition
Questions Related to the Neighborhood Dredging Program
Impact on Neighborhoods:
NOTE: IF IT IS NOT DONE SAFELY, IT WILL IMPACT NEIGHBORHOODS, therefore Neighborhood Impact Related1. Will there be or has there been a city SAFETY IMPACT STUDY of issues related to the Neighborhood Dredging Program related to COMBINING HEAVILY LADEN DUMP TRUCKS WITH the NORMAL TRAFFIC FLOW ON N. GREATNECK Rd. through three major school traffic and pedestrian areas?
2.What are the professional safety qualifications and previous experience of the city’s person doing this NDP associated SAFETY IMPACT STUDY?
3.Will there be or has there been a city SAFETY IMPACT STUDY of issues related to the Neighborhood Dredging Program related to TRAFFIC FLOW WITH NORMAL TRAFFIC ON N. GREATNECK through three major school traffic and pedestrian areas?
4.Will there be or has there been a city SAFETY IMPACT STUDY of issues related to the NDP related to burdened barge traffic along narrow or congested channels ?
5.What are the professional safety qualifications and previous experience of the city’s person doing this NDP associated BARGE TRAFFIC ON THE WATERWAYS SAFETY IMPACT STUDY?
6.What safety precautions will be implemented and monitored to provide for adequate safety for work-tug and barge traffic anchored in the waterway during night and inclement weather?
7.As there are 4 or more crosswalks along N. Greatneck Road between Shore Drive and Virginia Beach Blvd, will the present 45 mph speed limit be reduced to 35 mph to provide for increased dump truck-vehicle safety?
8.What are the professional safety qualifications and previous experience of the city’s person evaluating the contracted companies Traffic and Safety Plans associated with this NDP? associated SAFETY IMPACT STUDY?
9.Who in the city will monitor spoils loaded dump trucks to ensure DOT Weight limitations for that vehicle are maintained?
10.Who in the city will monitor spoils loaded dump trucks to ensure DOT, State and city Weight Limitations for that designated truck route (primary roads/neighborhood roads) are not exceeded?
11.Who in the city will monitor spoils loaded dump trucks to ensure DOT and State Weight Limitations are not exceeded for the Lesner Bridge prior to its replacement?
12.How will tug-barge traffic be managed between city contracted barges and privately contracted barges approaching and at dredge transfer sites?
13.Who in the city will monitor, mitigate, correct, and report safety violations?
14.How will these safety records be maintained?
15.Will the public have access to these safety violations records?
16.What will be the process for citizens who sustain damage(s) to their property to have that damage repaired in the case of broken street pipes, broken sewage lines, broken storm water drains, or damage to their residential roadbed?
17.What will be the process for citizens who sustain damage(s) to their residential property associated with NDP dump trucks and equipment to have that damage repaired in the case of damaged foundations, or slabs, interior walls due to cracking, or sewage or water backup due to broken street drains, or damage to their residential roadbed?
18.What qualifications does the City’s Attorney have to accept the tasking of the B&WAC to conduct a SAFETY STUDY of the NDP related to significant associated safety issues?
OPERATIONAL PLANNING
1.What is the City’s BREAK-EVEN COST POINT for the initial cycle of the Neighborhood Dredge Spoils Program (where the cost of City’s dredging equals the revenue generated by the City’s Special Service District contract revenue)?
2.How will individuals who privately contract to have dredge spoils removed from their private dock turnaround to the city spur pay for the hauling and removal of those private spoils?
3.Will the city dredge spur channels to areas that have not signed SSD agreements?
4.Will the city dredge spur channels to Remote Areas when adjacent areas have not signed SSD agreements?
5.What will be the City’s Cost Determination to Construct a SPUR channel into areas that do not have a signed nor approved SSD agreements?
6.If the SSD process is incorrectly calculated, cost under estimated, or optimistically over assessed, who will identify these additional costs to the taxpayers and take responsibility for the increased tax rates to cover these NDP expenses?
7.Should the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Committee Study Report to be submitted to City Council serve as a COMPREHENSIVE study of the majority issues related to the NDP?
8.Should the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Committee Study Report to be submitted to City Council serve as an INDEPENDENT study of the majority issues related to the NDP?
9.IF the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Committee Study Report to be submitted to City Council serves neither as an INDEPENDENT nor Comprehensive study of the majority issues related to the NDP, when will such an independent and comprehensive study be funded and conducted?Submitted by:
David M. Williams
Pres. Shore Drive Community Coalition
Recently from SDCC.info:
“On the first day of dredging sand from the bottom of the creek on Long Creek in Virginia Beach, a containment box holding sand ended up on the bottom of the creek.”
Extremely loud fireworks reported in Cape Story. Again.
From Cape Story neighborhood watch:
A resident on Wake Forest St. heard very loud fireworks this afternoon at the end of Bayberry St. near Long Creek. The resident was certain the noise was something other than ordinary fireworks. Not only is this annoying, they could start a serious fire, and it can be very dangerous to some people who might have serious reactions to the loud noise. If you witness anyone setting off any explosive devices, or know who is doing it, please call 911. You have the option of remaining anonymous.
This is the second report of these extremely loud explosive sounds. I am forwarding this email to our Crime Prevention Officer with a request for forwarding to the Second Precinct.
Re: recent Chic’s Beach robberies – “Police Thursday morning said they arrested three juveniles ages 14, 15 and 17 in connection with the larcenies.”
“Police said more than 40 vehicles had items taken from them in the Chic’s Beach area between 10 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. the next morning.”
Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity.
“Swimming Advisory Lifted for the Chesapeake Bay from Rockbridge Road to Starfish Road”
“Swimming Advisory Issued for the Chesapeake Bay from Rockbridge Road to Starfish Road”
WARNING! SWIMMING ADVISORY
Bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards
Swimming and wading are prohibited until further notice
National Night Out tonight AUG7
Visit the website to learn more.
From Cape Story by The Sea neighborhood watch:
Tonight, Tuesday, August 7, is National Night Out. Please turn your porch lights on.
National Night Out is held annually to:
– Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
– Generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts;
– Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community relations; and
– Send a message to criminals letting them know local communities
are organized and are fighting back.
Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.
“On the first day of dredging sand from the bottom of the creek on Long Creek in Virginia Beach, a containment box holding sand ended up on the bottom of the creek.”
…it appears as though the barge hit an obstacle, raised up from rushing currents underneath it until the containment box hit the barge itself and slipped into the creek.
Photo Source: Save the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility.
Barge overturns in Long Creek on Maple Street dredge site
More to follow.
Car break ins & story about chase & apprehension
From Cape Story neighborhood watch email:
The following was received from a neighbor in the 2200 block of Beech St.
Last night (Saturday, July 21) around 12:00 midnight my husband witnessed 2 white males, around 20 years old, coming out of my neighbors driveway and headed down Poinciana toward Oak Street. Both were dressed in back shirts, black jeans and both wore black backpacks. My husband asked me to call the police and at least four police cars came to our area very quickly. In the meantime my husband followed them down Poinciana to Oak Street hiding behind trees and watching what they were up to. One went on one the left side of the street and the other went on the right side of the street. They walked very slowly as if they were walking home from a walk. Each male went to every driveway and checked if the cars were unlocked.
Upon entering one home’s yard they stole a nice looking red bicycle, with a basket and lock. They jumped on the bicycle and started to ride away and at that time my husband jumped out from hiding and grabbed hold of one and both of them came off the bicycle. One took off running down the street and the other one fell but was able to jump up really fast and ran away also. It appears they came prepared to steal with their black attire, looking for unlocked cars, bicycles, etc. My husband left the bicycle at a home on Oak St. He was not sure which house it came from as things happened pretty fast at that time.
I stopped by the house where he left the bicycle this morning and talked to the homeowner and some other neighbors around them. It was not their bicycle but they said they would check around with other neighbors to see if anyone is missing one. I also talked to some of my neighbors on Beech Street & Oak Street and found there were several that had left their cars doors unlocked and items such as nice sunglasses, money (small change & a few small bills) were taken along with a pack of chewing gum. Lucky for them. Nothing big from these neighbors was taken but not sure who else got their car ransacked or had anything stolen.
The police looked around for awhile but couldn’t find them. My husband told them about the bicycle that they stole and that he was able to retrieve it. He told them where it was if they wanted to check it for fingerprints.
Also, upon talking to a neighbor on Beech Street and one on Oak Street they both said around 10:30 they heard a gun shot.
Although our neighbor followed these guys and jumped them when they stole the bike, he was very fortunate that the bad guys ran away. The police strongly discourage residents from getting involved as they do not want our citizens to get hurt. If anyone had anything stolen from cars or yards or witnessed anything pertaining to this incident, please call the police at 385-5000. Also, the stolen bike can be claimed by calling Cathy at 412-7919.
Please remember to call 911 if you see a crime in action and call 385-5000, option 1, to report crimes after they have occurred or to report any suspicious activity. Also, please call or email the NW Coordinator so crime reports and suspicious activities can be shared with all of our residents.
“Mark your calendars now for the grand opening celebration, LRNow’s Fall Festival at Pleasure House Point on October 13th. We are so appreciative of the many people who have worked really hard to make aquisition of this property for the community a reality.”
And thank YOU Lynnhaven River NOW.
Read the entire Lynnhaven River NOW E-News July 19th 2012 edition.
From CBF: “Tremendous news today stemming from a community effort in Hampton Roads! Pleasure House Point…”
“”This is a legacy purchase,” Mayor Will Sessoms said in a news release. “By preserving this property, we are creating a brighter, more sustainable environment for future generations.””
The Closing for Pleasure House Point was yesterday, July 10th 2012.
Without a number of dedicated people in the community – who worked tirelessly for years – it would have been impossible for this legacy purchase to have happened.
Thanks to their hard work, the vast majority of which happened behind the scenes with little fanfare, this dream came true. Over $150,000 of consulting was generously donated since 2002 which achieved the result of developers receiving exactly -0- permits to build on Pleasure House Point.
Those people look forward to working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach and other concerned citizens and groups to ensure PHP becomes a leader in inspiring kids of all ages to achieve great things.
Photo Credit: KEVIN J O’HARA
“Animal Control officers are investigating the death of a pit bull that is believed to have been poisoned with antifreeze earlier this month. Mirage, 2 1/2, started showing symptoms of poisoning after coming in from the backyard of a home in the 4800 block of Lake Bradford Lane June 6.”
Lake Bradford Lane is in Chicks Beach.
Update: At WVEC.com, at WTKR.com, at WAVY.com.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 