It’s cool!
Walking, strolling, riding, running west of the Lesner Bridge on the south side of Shore Drive – if you head back into the PHP side of Ocean Park – can all be done on a multi-use path all the way to Independence Blvd. Thanks!
When Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV in Ocean Park is completed, surely there’ll be continuous multi-use paths on both the northbound and southbound sides of Shore Drive.
More at SavePHP.org:
$1 million grant will add 82 acres to Virginia Beach’s park and open space system
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, partnering with the City of Virginia Beach and the Trust for Public Land, will use this grant and non-federal match of $540,000 to acquire and preserve one of Hampton Roads’ largest undeveloped waterfront properties.
FYI, from an email to Cape Story’s neighborhood watch coordinator:
We had an individual that was jumping on a gentleman on the King Fisher Trail. The person has psychological issues and was arrested on Friday shortly after the incident. I spoke with this person on Tuesday because we had a report of an individual touching/grabbing men when they went by her along Cape Henry Trail. No one wished to press charges so the individual was told to leave the park for the day. The park will seek a court order banning this individual from park property when her court day arrives. This was an isolated incident and dealt with swiftly.
Let me know if I may be of further assistance.
Bruce
Who is Bruce?
Bruce is Bruce Widener the Park Ranger at First Landing State Park. He receives all of my NW emails and is really sensitive about what is said about any trouble in the park.
Read and comment at Pilotonline.com:
As part of the deal, the city agreed to several conditions to mitigate those concerns, including promises to cease operations during student dismissal and to restrict dump trucks from crossing in front of the school.
Before Wells Fargo took over ownership of the property last year, developers had planned to build a large waterfront development known as Indigo Dunes. TPL intends to buy the property from Wells Fargo and sell most of the land to the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department for open space preservation and public access to the Lynnhaven River.
“It’s gratifying to see the progress we’ve made toward preserving this unique property,” said Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. “I thank Dominion Virginia Power and the Dominion Foundation for their generosity, and for joining this partnership to save the largest piece of undeveloped waterfront property on the Lynnhaven.”
Pleasure House Point. Critical habitat for wildlife, you & future generations!
Update: In Biz Buzz at Pilotonline.com.
Plans to build a dredge spoils transfer station in a residential neighborhood off Long Creek appear to be on hold.
The Beaches and Waterways Commission, an advisory group to the City Council, voted Thursday to recommended an alternative site.
Call me naive maybe, but I was taught in public school and spent my college and military years believing in our Democracy. Even after egregious and impeachable acts of Richard Nixon, LCol Oliver North, and J. Edgar Hoover, and unnamed others who have hacked into our rights, our freedoms have prevailed somewhat intact.
The politicians of that “ill-clique” up in Washington seemed removed from who we are and how we live our daily lives in a city like Virginia Beach.
I am reminded that all politics are local. The violations of our trust and confidence do not always occur just from Washington. Some of our citizens have experienced a trampling of their rights from our city staff and city appointed “Advisory” committees. Any violations of our Constitutional rights should be directly challenged and corrected.
Should citizens be prevented from speaking at scheduled open forums or from asking the city questions concerning the safety of public projects that involve our neighborhoods? Should the city’s Public Works Department be the safety monitor and enforcer for those projects? Should a neighborhood’s rights be mauled to enable a “good ol’gal” private business expansion? Should a neighborhood be pulped from dump truck traffic just to support one private party who would commercially benefit? Mr. Fraim has so stated. Ask Thomas Fraim, Chairman of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Committee about open and transparent city staff meetings or free and open public committee meetings.
This Veteran’s Day, consider all those who have fought for our freedoms and our very Constitution. Consider this, if Hitler’s Third Reich had defeated us in WWII, or if Stalin’s communists had won the Cold War, would our rights and our freedoms continue today? So, why should we accept any trampling on our rights, back door politics, special deals, lack of transparency, and egregious acts from some city staff members?
Will the Mayor and City Council arrive at an honorable course of action that recognizes the mounting and significant citizen opposition to the Neighborhood Dredge (Spoils) Program? Will city staff acknowledge the numerous serious flaws and lack of sufficient studies that exist in the Neighborhood Dredge (Spoils) Program? We citizens will watch closely while some in City Council deliberate their fate and our given rights.
Welcome to ePRO (electronic Police Reports Online), an interactive web application that allows public access to reported crime, traffic accident reports, and active warrants.
Read entire article at Pilotonline.com.
This is about:
[A] city proposal to put a permanent dredge transfer station on Maple Street next to the Marina Shores marina.
And:
The commission, which will present its final report in the coming months, suggested that the city use the site for only 90 working days a year, avoid bringing in barges during the summer, and haul 30 truckloads a day of dredge spoils out of the site.
“There are methods of mitigation and opportunities for controls that will eliminate or significantly reduce, many of the issues of concern,” the draft report states.
The city launched its neighborhood dredging program last year to help residents deepen their channels if they agree to a tax rate increase.
From an email:
We have received a number of calls about this evening’s public meeting and the guidelines for those who wish to speak.
1) Anyone wishing to speak must sign up before the meeting starts
2) Each speaker will be limited to 3 minutes.
3) If a group is in attendance and has chosen someone to speak for them, that speaker will be allowed up to 10 minutes to speak on behalf of the group.
4) Any questions to the commission from the public can be submitted in advance on cards that will be provided at the meeting. Those who wish to submit a question can get a card from Rebecca Lear and submit the card to the moderator.
5) Because the commission wants to hear from as many speakers as possible, speaking time will be only for direct comments. Any questions will be addressed through the cards that are submitted to the moderator.
6) Public comments will be taken (from those who sign up) until 9:00 when the meeting will adjourn.
The Commission will answer questions and take comments on the four following topics only:
· The feasibility of alternative dredging methods, such as hydraulic rather than mechanical dredging;
· The potential for beneficial re-use of spoils;
· An analysis of the impact on affected communities (both those receiving dredging and those in the vicinity of the existing and proposed transfer stations) with a focus on identifying sites that are sufficient to support the needs of the project but have the least potential for adverse impact for the community; and
· A proposed framework with parameters for operation of the spoils sites, including potential use of the site by the public for dredging by entities or individuals other than the City.
If you wish to sign up in advance to speak, you may contact Rebecca Lear at 385-1948, or e-mail her at: rlear@vbgov.com
The meeting will be held 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive.
Thank you.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
Note: Received this email at 1129a Oct 13 2011.
Letter to the Editor about proposed Maple Street Dredge Spoils area at Pilotonline.com:
Re ‘Beach plans appeal over dredge site,’ Hampton Roads, Oct. 5: It is beyond my comprehension that the city of Virginia Beach, through its city attorney, would contemplate appealing to the Virginia Beach Circuit Court to reverse the Board of Zoning Appeals’ determination that the Maple Street site on Long Creek cannot be used for a public purpose. I was stunned to read of the appeal, especially since the public purpose intended is for the construction of a permanent, industrial dredged spoils transfer operation in the heart of a residentially zoned neighborhood.
The Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission will hold a public meeting Thursday, October 13 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The Commission will answer questions and take comments on the four following topics only:
The feasibility of alternative dredging methods, such as hydraulic rather than mechanical dredging;
The potential for beneficial re-use of spoils;
An analysis of the impact on affected communities (both those receiving dredging and those in the vicinity of the existing and proposed transfer stations) with a focus on identifying sites that are sufficient to support the needs of the project but have the least potential for adverse impact for the community; and
A proposed framework with parameters for operation of the spoils sites, including potential use of the site by the public for dredging by entities or individuals other than the City.
Public comments will be limited to three minutes per speaker, ten minutes if you are representing a group.
Citizens wishing to comment may sign up at the meeting or by contacting Rebecca Lear @ (757) 385-1948, or rlear@vbgov.com.
I recently received on the 1st of August an email sent 3:17 PM of that day from Councilman Wood giving notice of the initial meeting of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission. This important meeting will be held 4 August at 4 PM (Thursday) Building 2, Third Floor Public Works Engineering Conference Room at the Municipal Center. This initial meeting will be our first dialog to discuss the dredge spoils removal and transfer stations proposed for the Lynnhaven basin. SDCC and the other attending civic representatives will seek open discussions concerning the design, scope, safety, duration, viability, and the appropriateness of this commercial project for our neighborhoods and residential roads. More about the specific design aspects will be forthcoming after this initial meeting.
In a letter to the Editor entitled “City Violates Zoning” (Sunday 6/18), Ms. Lynn Hume points out rightfully that the city is ignoring (violating) their own zoning protections. What is appropriate for one area may not be appropriate for another area and that is why the city has zoning codes. Would you want a tattoo parlor operating in the middle of a residential area? I did not think so. So, why should the city be allowed to operate an industrial scale dredge spoils transfer site in a residential area? If the city can expect us to accept this zoning violation, they will continue to ignore their city laws, misrepresent us while ignoring our petitions. Do we have a right to be represented by our elected government? I think we already declared our right to a representational form government. Something about “taxation without representation” if I recall.
March 15 was Tornado Preparedness Day across the Country, but we know that we in Virginia Beach will probably not be hit by one. Well, except for the one that hit Suffolk and the water spout that was sighted in the Chesapeake just off the beach near the Lesner Bridge. My point, we don’t think we will be impacted because most of us do not have a personal experience with one of these events, BUT this area has come close. Should we also think that a hurricane will probably not hit us here? We might want to reconsider that line of thought. I am not a weather man, but realize that the U.S. has had a very rough winter and we should most likely expect an equally rough summer. What would it take to have a simple level of preparedness? A simple kit might have three days of food and water, basic first aid kit, and some emergency supplies, all kept in a closable plastic container for easy carrying. And the MOST important part of your emergency kit? Your Family Emergency Plan. More about that next month.
Lesner Bridge has now been funded according to a conversation I had with a city official in Public Works. The Commonwealth of Virginia conducted an audit and found approximately $250 million dollars in unspent transportation funds. The city official stated that the bridge will have a northern alignment and the width and lane issues have been resolved. Construction should start within 12-16 months.
March 2, 2011
Mr. James L. Wood
Councilman District 5- Lynnhaven
Virginia Beach City Council
City of Virginia Beach
Municipal Center, Building 1
2401 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9001
Dear Councilman Wood:
Shore Drive Community Coalition is requesting your direct assistance in finalizing the administrative action to designate as P-1, the 4.221 acre estuary directly east of the present Marina Shores Marina property as previously agreed to in 1987. Due to an administrative error in that year, Virginia Beach City Council never applied P-1 zoning to this property as agreed to by the present business owner, Ms. Gail Levine-Higgs. As was specifically agreed, that subject property:
“not be developed in any manner other than a for walkways, bird nests and bird feeders, and shall be preserved as a nature conservancy. The Grantors hereby concur and give their consent to any motion which may be made by the City of Virginia Beach to rezone Parcel 1 to P-1, Preservation District. By this restriction, it is the Grantors intent that the marchlands on Parcel 1 shall be protected and that the entire parcel shall remain in a natural state, free from development other than that stated herein….”
Any excavation of the land or development impacting the present estuary would clearly violate the original agreed to proffer. The residents of Cape Story By the Sea, and Cape Henry Shores consider the expansion of Marina Shores Marina eastward into the estuary as both a violation of the original legal agreement and a potential safety and environmental threat to their subdivisions. Any decrease to the current tidal flushing of the estuary would result in degradation of the ecosystem due to increased pollutant buildup from storm water drainage piped into the estuary. When a significant tidal event occurs as in November 2009, water flow out of the estuary would be impeded resulting in prolonged and potentially damaging residential flooding in the adjacent communities.
The members of Shore Drive Community Coalition seek your support and corrective administrative action to zone the subject 4.221 acre estuary property as P-1 as legally agreed to by all parties in 1987.
Most respectfully,
David M. Williams
President, Shore Drive Community Coalition
3 February 2011
Mr. William D. Sessoms
Mayor
City of Virginia Beach
Municipal Center, Building Number 1
2401 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9001
Dear Mr. Mayor:
As Water Boxes LLC (Miss Gail Levine-Higgs) seeks to expand the Marina Shores Marina by adding 184 feet of 50 foot floating docks into Long Creek, I respectfully request that the Mayor and City Council members to remember the original conditions agreed upon on June 1, 1987 by Ms. Levine to restrict the use of parcel 1 (4.221 acres) to:
“not be developed in any manner other than a for walkways, bird nests and bird feeders, and shall be preserved as a nature conservancy. The Grantors hereby concur and give their consent to any motion which may be made by the City of Virginia Beach to rezone Parcel 1 to P-1, Preservation District. By this restriction, it is the Grantors intent that the marchlands on Parcel 1 shall be protected and that the entire parcel shall remain in a natural state, free from development other than that stated herein….”
Obviously, any excavation along Long Creek adjacent to the P-1 estuary to permit large 50 foot motor boats to dock would require sufficient draft to allow adequate propeller clearance with the bottom at low tide. The amount of dredged material to permit these large boats along the north side of Long Creek and the relocation of the dredged channel to accommodate the required turning clearances will have a major impact on the P-1 parcel. The proposed excavation along the north bank will degrade the shore stability resulting in a gradual collapse of the bank unless bulkheading is provided. No bulkheading is indicated in the current permit application. If bulkheading were to be used, change to the current tidal flushing of the P-1 estuary would result in the degradation of the estuary due to increased pollutant buildup from city storm water drainage into the estuary. If a significant tidal storm event should occur as in November 2009, water flow out of the estuary would be restricted resulting in prolonged residential flooding in the adjacent Cape Story By the Sea and Cape Henry Shores communities.
Clearly, any expansion of the present Marina Shore Marina will violate the signed proffer of the original rezoning agreement, degrade the fragile ecological stability of the estuary and pose a flood threat to two major communities. The proposed expansion of the Marina Shores Marina should be rejected and the P-1 zoning for the estuary should be vigorously instated and maintained.
Most respectfully,
David M. Williams
President, Shore Drive Community Coalition
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
#WeLoveShoreDrive 