District 9(D9) Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmember Joash Schulman December 1 ‘25 6pm – 8pm. Join us!

Info including ADA love here.

Public meeting at Louis R. Jones Bayside Recreation Center 4500 First Court Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455

Church Point/Thoroughgood BMP & Conveyance Improvements Project Number 100596 Council District 9 CIP Budget 2024-2030 Total Programmed Project Cost  $45,660,000.

Event Details: 

Councilmember Schulman will host a District 9 community meeting to update residents on current city projects and issues. Topics of discussion include the citywide benefits of tourism and what it brings to our overall economy, new cultural arts funding and related grant programs and pedestrian/bike connectivity improvements currently underway in the district.

“Virginia Beach citizens sue Army Corps over wetlands project that cleared forest at Pleasure House Point”

Learn more at WHRO.org:

He said he knows the lawsuit against federal officials may be an uphill battle, but he also wants to send a message.

“If we cannot get them to stop what they’re doing, at least we are going to put up some resistance to any future thoughts about taking out the rest of this park,” he said.

Katherine Hafner / WHRO News 
The site of the controversial wetlands project at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach, where the city cleared thousands of trees earlier this year. As seen Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

Thursday October 16th ‘25 330pm BAC meeting at OPVRS. Join us!

Ocean Park Fire and Rescue Squad(OPVRS) Building
3769 E. Stratford Road. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

The mission of the Bayfront Advisory Commission(BAC) is to review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding public and private projects and issues associated with the Bayfront area.

Prepping for storm blocking heavily used sidewalk.

District 8 Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmember Stacy Cummings

DATE & TIME

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025
5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. (2h 0m)

LOCATION

Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452

Join us!

Event info about community meeting here.

Dominion Power replacing high power tension lines that almost came down during September 16 storm. Hooray!

Curious about another idea to “preserve” Ocean Park Baptist Church?

Note, there’s a Public Notice posted for a potential Board of Zoning Appeals(BZA) Hearing July 2 2025.

The applicant did not engage with any of the adjacent property owners before submitting this new BZA application since previous attempt to “preserve” church by turning it into a bar “By Right” was pulled by the applicant due to overwhelming opposition and an enormous shortage of parking requirements.

Note:  there will be other land use requirements that will kick in once a plan is submitted that would kick in, as example, minimum requirements for storm water management(SWM).

Depending on direction this application goes – it will be precedent setting for various aspects.

PW Spreadsheet update & presentation entitled “How Can We Protect Tree Canopy Through Stormwater Management” at BAC meeting Thursday. Join us!

Click on file below to view all the slides for How Can We Protect Tree Canopy Through Stormwater Management

Previously on this website about Thursday’s BAC Meeting.

Bayfront Business Collective Inaugural Meeting info. Join us!

Shore Drive Phase 3 to start in May 2025 – Learn about this 3 year Improvement project

The Shore Drive Phase 3 Improvement Project(SDP3), first identified as a City Capital Improvement Project (CIP) in 2007, is finally getting ready to happen. This 3 year long construction project will improve the section of Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and North Great Neck Road, making the road safer for pedestrians and vehicles. Construction will take place over the next 3 years and will definitely have an impact on our Bayfront area in the process.

In an effort to help provide as much information to the residents as possible, we have been working with the City and Councilman Cummings to gather as many details as possible to help answer questions regarding this project. Thanks to the City’s Public Works and Councilman Cummings, we are able to provide the following detailed drawings for construction, traffic management and storm water plans. Please see below for a link to our project page for the SDP3 project.

https://weloveshoredrive.com/phase3/

The detailed project drawing documents should be able to help answer some of the following questions we have heard from the residents.

  • What is planned for the Storm Water control at the Page Harbor Landing area?
  • What is planned for the entrances at the boat ramp parking area near Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls?
  • What is planned for the BoBo’s Fine Chicken and Lynnhaven Colony Park parking areas?
  • What is planned for the Lynnhaven Beach Condominium entrance/ Westminster Canterbury acceleration lane area?
  • What impact to Live Oak trees is planned along the entrance area to Westminster Canterbury?
  • What are the impacts to entrances for Shorebreak, Bay Local, Cape Henry Exxon and CP Shuckers?
  • What are the Shore Drive median impacts to areas in Cape Story by the Sea near Beech Street?

Additional information regarding this CIP can be found at the City’s website link https://vbgov.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/11ca2d264a6c45aeaf6e6b4723297341

The City’s CIP data sheet can be seen below

We understand that this data is a lot to digest and we plan to help by posting drawing analysis reviews and City provided updates as best possible. Similar to the Lesner Bridge 3 year project, we can make it through the pain to get to the well deserved benefits and information will be a critical factor.

On Thursday May 1st, there will also be an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming construction project at the District 8 Councilman Cummings Community Meeting. More information on this meeting can be found below.

Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group first meeting Friday. Join us!

Start here at City’s website to learn more about the group, who’s on it & its mission.

The duties of the Stormwater Management Implementation Advisory Group shall be to:

  • Further review the topic of stormwater management and its impact and consequences on land use and redevelopment issues.
  • Identify whether there are any opportunities, advantages, or disadvantages to strengthening regulation alignment and specificity based on the City’s varied drainage basins, and a property’s land use and zoning characteristics.
  • Formalize a cost-sharing program relative to stormwater infrastructure and policy to include developing criteria for cost-sharing eligibility.
  • Determine whether there are any opportunities to …

PHP Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment(ESA) and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment

We apologize for the delay sharing these. We were offered them weeks ago and finally received them, from a FOIA request we chose to make, this afternoon.

They are also available on paper in Brock Environmental Center 3663 Marlin Bay Drive.

City Council public hearing on proposed Pleasure House Point Wetlands Mitigation Bank CIP transfer of funds including vote.

“[T]he City Manager is to bring forward publicly a plan to mitigate tree loss for those trees that are at least four inches in diameter.”

ITEM:
CITY OF VIRGINIA BEACH AGENDA ITEM
An Ordinance to Transfer Funds Within the Capital Improvement Program for the Pleasure House Point Mitigation Bank, to Provide Limitations upon the Use of
Mitigation Credits Created by the Pleasure House Point Mitigation Project, and to Provide for Efforts to Reduce Tree Loss
MEETING DATE: January 7, 2025
Background: Capital Project 100304, ” Pleasure House Point Mitigation Bank”

City Council January 7 ‘25 meeting info.

One example of “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen”.

Dec. 19, 2024 Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting Pleasure House Point presentation.

The video from City of Virginia Beach.

Please note: at the time of this post, currently proposed wetland mitigation bank details of the “90% design”, water budget and other info are still not available on official website.

Things learned last night: tidal wetland bank credits are available to purchase, 60,000 cubic yards (about 6,000 dump trucks) of fill will be removed, over 5,200 trees including live oaks over dozens & dozens of years old will be destroyed (number of dump trucks to move destroyed trees unknown).

Email your questions or concerns to: phpwetlands@vbgov.com

Note existing trees & tree canopy in 1958.

“Pleasure House Point Wetlands Restoration Project”

Please correct any errors and discuss in the comment section.

Our current understanding is hundreds of trees will be cut down and this project is at the 90% design stage.

Bayfront Advisory Commission will accept public input at their December 19th meeting at 230pm in Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Join us!

Note: this project does not include the controversial kayak launch which will potentially be located on western border of this project when built. It’s visible in graphics above.

Previously, several related links on this website here, here and here.

Love live oaks? Visit Friends of Live Oaks.

We are unsure if this live oak will be destroyed in either project. 

PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT UPDATE FOR BAC

Jeremy can not attend so here is his report from an email:

+ + +

I have a conflict and can’t make the meeting today. I’m working with the city engineer on a project spreadsheet, I’ll keep you posted. Here are the updates from the PW side.

Chesapeake Beach Renourishment
Status

A contract has been awarded to Seaward Marine Corporation.

Work is underway and is to be completed by October 13, 2024.

Lynnhaven Inlet Dredging and Cape Henry Beach Placement
Status

USACE opened bids on April 3rd.

The work includes dredging the federal channel system, removing underwater debris, and placing the sand along Cape Henry Beach.

USACE intends to award the contract to Cottrell Dredging located in Norfolk, Va.

The most recent update from USACE indicated a pre-construction meeting and issuance of a Notice to Proceed sometime between late July and early August. From that point, Cottrell is required to submit a schedule within 15 days after NTP is issued.

Eastern Branch Lynnhaven River (EBLR) Dredging
Status

The City’s ongoing dredging project of the EBLR is going well with the contractor scheduled to complete Keeling Drain dredging this summer.

Crab Creek/Long Creek
Status

The next dredging cycle is being planned for winter 2024/2025.

Pleasure House Point Trail Breach
Status

Work has been completed to construct an elevated crossing over a flood-prone area.

These improvements will make the path more accessible after heavy rain events.

Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
Status

A draft of the City’s first Comprehensive Local Road Safety Action Plan will be publicly available for review and comment in August. The Plan identifies and prioritizes countermeasures to address roadway safety issues throughout Virginia Beach. Stakeholders, including members of the Bayfront Advisory Commission, were briefed on the Plan on March 22nd and provided feedback to staff on current safety challenges. Public Works Engineering staff will brief City Council on the Draft Plan on August 27th, and the Plan is anticipated to be adopted in September or October.

Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake projects

We typically do not provide updates to the BAC, but since the BAC provided support letters for the BRIC grant, we thought an update was needed.

Lake Pleasure House Outfall – construction complete
Lake Bradford Ditch Dredging – construction complete
Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Pump Station and Outfall

STATUS

The city is currently in the process of selecting a Design-Build team. The expected selection will take place in the first quarter of 2025.

The city applied for a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant worth $35 million, but unfortunately, was not successful in receiving it.

Church Point-Thoroughgood BMP and Drainage Improvement – The City awarded the design contract to RK&K. Anticipated construction is in 2028.
STATUS

Design NTP – May 21, 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: February 2028

Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2028

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2031

Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvement Projects

Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Relocation of Sanitary Sewer Gravity Mains, 1C.2
The project was completed on October 2, 2023. The project was on time and Under Budget by $185,682.

Eastern Shore Drainage Improvements Phase I – Section I – $35.9M Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Grant Projects:

Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Colony Park Pump Station, 1B
Cape Henry Canal Phase II – Widening and Deeping, 1C.2
Eastern Shore Drive – Lynnhaven Drive Pump Station, 1D
Eastern Shore Drive – Elevate Lynnhaven Drive, 1E

STATUS

90% Design Completed January 2024 Project #1-3.

60% Design Completed March 2024 Project #4.

SCHEDULE

100% Design Submittal for all 4 projects – August 2024

Advertise for Bids: January 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: May 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028

Eastern Shore Drive – Vista Circle Pump Station, 1A
STATUS

PER Completed. Project detailed design has not begun.

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: October 2026

Estimated Construction Start Date: April 2027

Estimated Construction Completion: December 2029

Eastern Shore Drive – Poinciana Pump Station
STATUS

60% Design Submittal Received and compiling City and Peer Review Comments

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: April 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: August 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: May 2028

Eastern Shore Drive – North Shore Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1F & Eastern Shore Drive – Cape Henry Drive Street Drainage Improvements, 1G
STATUS

60% Design Submittal Received March 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: June 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: September 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: June 2027

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase III
STATUS

No change. Real estate acquisition and private utility relocations are underway.

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: September 2024

Estimated Construction Start Date: January 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: July 2028

Shore Drive Pedestrian Improvements
STATUS

90% Design Submittal Received July 2, 2024

SCHEDULE

Advertise for Bids: June 2025

Estimated Construction Start Date: October 2025

Estimated Construction Completion: April 2026

Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV
STATUS

No change. Final Preliminary Engineering Report received 11/15/2023. The project is not funded

Jeremy Kline

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Deputy Director

757.385.8420 | jekline@vbgov.com

+++

New bridge on PHP. In my estimation, based on 20 years of experience, potentially 4 to 7 more bridges before 2034 will be needed or choices made to leave sea level rise take over. Educational opportunities!

Phase 3 & Cape Henry beach replenishment updates

Public Works’ Jeremy Kline updates regarding Shore Drive Phase 3 and Cape Henry dredging/beach replenishment:

  1. Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase III
  • Real estate acquisition and private utility relocations are underway
  • Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of the year
  1. Cape Henry dredging plan/beach replenishment
  • USACE is forecasting a solicitation as early as the end of February.
  • Contract award expected in April with an NTP in May.
  • These dates are subject to change if the solicitation is not posted by the end of the month

View CIP in new tool here. Sorry can’t link directly to individual CIPs. Phase 3 is CIP #100381.

Be careful walking & running here folks.

Refresher on Bayfront documents including various planning, studies & guidelines.

Thanks Hank!

I’ve attached the 1997 ULI Study and the text from Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the Shore Drive Corridor Overlay District. Below are links to the following:

Comprehensive Plan (Section 1.3 – Suburban Area; Page 1-69 – Suburban Focus Area 1:

Shore Drive Corridor: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/virginia-beach-departments-docs/planning/Comprehensive-Plan/Adopted/Comp-Plan-2016_policy-doc.pdf

Shore Drive Corridor Plan:

Click to access Shore_Drive_Corridor_Plan_2000.pdf

Shore Drive Design Guidelines:

Click to access Shore_Drive_Corridor_Design_Guidelines_2002.pdf

Commercial Area Pattern Book:

Click to access Commercial-Area-Pattern-Book.pdf

Active Transportation Plan:

Click to access Active-Transportation-Plan.pdf

I believe this covers the current applicable documents with guidance on the Shore Drive Corridor, but if there are other documents that I may have missed in regards to the Shore Drive/Bayfront area, please let me know and I will be happy to pass them along as well.

Thanks,

Hank

Incredible Lesner Bridge 🤩

2024 srsly 🙄

City Council Informal & Formal sessions Nov 21 ‘23 Vacation of Easement for WCCB public hearing & vote and Wycliffe redevelopment in a lake public hearing & vote.

Vacation of Easement approved 9-1 including WCCB paying City $100,000 for future beach walkway replacement.

Wycliffe referred back to Planning Commission on 9-1 vote.

“I’m for that, but I’m not for what the applicant wants to do with the property: filling in the lakes.”

Maybe redeveloping lakes is not smart or sustainable way for a City that will be dramatically impacted by sea level rise(SLR) and attempting to keep its currently stellar bond rating & logical story telling for rating agencies.

A downgrade by ratings agencies would obviously increase interest costs for tax payers.

View coverage at WTKR.

Learn more at SaveLakeConrad.com including a link to Petition to stop this insanity. Join thousands who have signed the Petition.

Learn more about realities of sea level rise by starting at our SLR Resources page.

A speculator wants to redevelop a lake. A LAKE! How this idea has gotten so far is mind boggling.

Maybe only redevelopment NOT in City storm water management facilities and lakes is more intelligent considering we’re 2nd in the country for impacts from SLR.

“Join Parks & Rec for public input meetings on the proposed Urban Forest Management Plan to shape the future of the City’s forestation program. Share feedback online if unable to attend.”

Start here to learn more!

Great Neck Rec Ctr, 11/14, 6-8 p.m.
Princess Anne Rec Ctr, 11/29, 6-8 p.m.

Urban Forest Management Plan Feedback Survey.

Your voice, even if it’s just a single person, does matter!

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility with treeeees!