Category Archives: TAKE ACTION NOW

WCCB IS LOCKED DOWN STARTING MARCH 16 2020

Posted on by

Note: Original Press Release Noted Lockdown starting March 17th 2020 originally.

View update at WCBay.com:

As of March 16, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness & Response

UPDATE: March 15, 2020

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the United States and abroad has many of us deeply concerned. Please know Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is taking appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of residents, teammates, and their families.

Our leadership team is diligently monitoring updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments and following their recommended guidelines.

As a Life Plan Community which includes some nursing center residents at a high-risk for respiratory illnesses, we already have in place robust protocols to avoid flu and other illnesses.  We have an excellent track record over the years with flu prevention on our campus because we follow best practices and protocols.

For COVID-19, we have also implemented more drastic measures specific to this virus.  These measures include:

  • As of March 17, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.

  • We are screening all team members who enter our campus.

  • We are asking all residents to refrain from leaving and re-entering the campus unless medically necessary in order to reduce the risk of exposure.

  • We will suspend all campus transportation except for medical appointments, and convert that department into a personal shopping/delivery service for necessary items and groceries.

  • We are discouraging attendance at group gatherings, but Lifelong Learning and other events will be broadcast on our internal television station whenever possible.

  • We will continue to dine in our on-campus restaurants, but we are making plans for delivery of food if we deem that to be advisable.

  • In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are continuing to follow the request of the President of the United States and limiting visits to only medical/service visitors.  No visits are allowed by family members who live off of our campus. We are permitting Hospice patients to receive family members in accordance with their end of life wishes, after a visitor health screening has been completed.

  • We are continuing to screen all who enter and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.

  • Any visitors, vendors or team members with respiratory illness symptoms, a fever, or who have been on a cruise, or have traveled internationally within the past 14 days will not be allowed inside our campus.

  • Residents traveling internationally will be in a 14-day quarantine upon their return to campus to ensure they do not have COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission to the rest of the community. We have asked all residents planning a trip to any location outside of the United States to consult with their medical provider to discuss travel plans, how to protect themselves, and what to do when they return.

We strongly encourage team members and residents to follow CDC recommended practices which are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water; covering your cough; staying at home if you are sick; avoiding close contact with others who are sick; and carefully wiping down desks, computers, tables, door handles, etc., with disinfectant cleaners. We have posted signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors do not enter if they are experiencing these symptoms.

In closing, we want to assure you that providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and residents is a top priority at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. We are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and team members.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr.

President & CEO

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

VIRGINIA BEACH HEALTH DISTRICT CONFIRMS “PRESUMPTIVE POSITIVE” CASES OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19)

March 10, 2020

Media Contact: Larry Hill: larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

(Virginia Beach, VA.) – The Virginia Beach Health Department announced that two residents have tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These cases mark the first two cases in the Virginia Beach Health District, and the sixth and seventh cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All reported cases in Virginia have been travel related and there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID19 in Virginia.

“We are aware that exposure for these two individuals are travel related,” said Virginia Beach Health Director Dr. Demetria Lindsay. “The Public Health Department is in close communication with the two travelers and their care providers, and is conducting a thorough investigation of potential exposures. The two individuals are in stable condition and remain in isolation at this time.”

The two patients (a male in his 60’s and female in her 50’s) traveled on a Nile River cruise, which recently reported COVID-19 cases. They returned to United States on March 5. On Sunday March 8, the patients were tested at a Virginia Beach hospital. The positive test results returned today are considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.  In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause complications, including death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation.

Who made the reckless choice to bus 64 elderly residents of Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay to Virginia Beach Planning Commission Meeting on March 11 2020 ?

COVID-19 CASE UPDATES in VIRGINIA

Posted on by

VIEW MAP OF VIRGINIA COVID-19 CASES

View official Coronavirus (COVID-19) In Virginia webpage – source for map we are sharing on this website.

Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency, Outlines Additional Measures to Combat COVID-19

Posted on by

VIEW PRESS RELEASE

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.

While Virginia has been thoroughly preparing for weeks and has adequate funding to address the situation, this declaration will allow the Commonwealth increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians. In addition, it has become increasingly clear that states must take a primary leadership role in the national response to COVID-19. The full text of the Governor’s emergency declaration is available here.

“Our top priority is to make sure Virginians stay safe and healthy, and that our response to this situation leaves no one behind,” said Governor Northam. “From our health department, to our schools, to our hospitals, to our transit systems, Virginia’s agencies and institutions have been thoroughly planning for every scenario. This emergency declaration will ensure we can continue to prepare for and appropriately respond to Virginians’ needs during this time.”

Governor Northam also announced additional steps to ensure the health and safety of all Virginians, including:

Ban on State Employee Travel and Implementation of Telework Policies

Virginia has over 100,000 state employees stationed throughout the Commonwealth. Governor Northam has halted all official travel outside of Virginia by state employees, with increased flexibility for inter-state commuters and essential personnel. Specific guidance will be released to agency heads and state employees, and Virginia will revisit these guidelines after 30 days.

Governor Northam has also directed his Secretary of Administration to implement a phased transition to teleworking for state employees. The Department of Human Resources Management will work with the Virginia Department of Health’s Equity Workgroup to prioritize support for impacted state employees that may be unable to perform their duties from home, including janitorial, food, and grounds staff.

The Department of Human Resources Management has worked to ensure all agencies have updated emergency operations and leave policies. State employees, including part-time employees, can access paid Public Health Emergency Leave in the event of exposure to COVID-19 or high-risk travel.

Public Gatherings and Large Events

In accordance with advice from state public health experts, the Commonwealth of Virginia will cancel all specially-scheduled state conferences and large events for a minimum of 30 days.

Governor Northam is directing state agencies, through the Department of Human Resource Management, to limit in-person meetings and non-essential, work-related gatherings.

Governor Northam is also urging localities and non-profits to limit large public events, effective immediately. Localities should make these decisions in coordination with their local health departments and the Virginia Department of Health. Highly populated localities and those with close proximity to positive cases are strongly encouraged to announce updated event guidance by Friday, March 13, at 5:00 PM, in advance of the weekend.

Long-Term Economic Planning

Governor Northam is also assessing the potential long-term economic impacts of COVID-19. While containing the spread of the public health threat remains a top priority, Governor Northam is working with state and local partners to ensure Virginia are prepared for any continued economic disruption.

Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade will coordinate regularly with representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Virginia Tax Commission, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other relevant stakeholders.

Throughout his administration, Governor Northam has worked closely with state legislators to protect Virginia’s strong economy and prepare for unexpected economic shocks. The General Assembly will vote today on a budget that boosts Virginia’s reserve funds more than at any other time in the Commonwealth’s history, an essential mechanism to ensure continued state services regardless of economic uncertainty.

Ongoing State Response Efforts

The Commonwealth of Virginia is continuing to execute a multi-agency response plan across all levels of government. Efforts include the following:

Schools

The Department of Education has advised all school districts to update their pandemic guidelines, in consultation with their local health departments.
The Northam administration continues to be in regular communication with superintendents, university and community college presidents, to provide guidance on the unique situations they are facing on the ground.

Nursing Homes

The Virginia Department of Health has expanded its testing criteria to ensure that anyone who has symptoms and is in a nursing home is top priority and gets immediate testing.
Nursing homes and senior care facilities have updated their policies to provide additional visitor screening and increased monitoring of patients.

Vulnerable Virginians

Virginia’s social services agencies are preparing options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical services, including the potential for in-home care and food supports.
In the event of extended school closures, the Virginia Department of Social Services is working with local partners, such as food pantries, to ensure no one goes hungry.

Addressing Barriers to Care

Virginia is working with insurers to waive co-pays and diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.
Governor Northam continues to encourage private businesses to explore telework and paid time off options, including those with hourly workers.

Transportation

Across the Commonwealth’s transportation network, which includes airports, Metro, buses, and rail, the Virginia Department of Transportation is adjusting cleaning schedules according to CDC protocol.
Virginia is training all transportation employees to spot indications of COVID-19, help reduce the potential spread of disease, and provide accurate information on symptoms, prevention, and diagnostic testing.

Ocean Shore Condos & Ships Watch request your help over WCCB current expansion plans

Posted on by

Important Email addresses:

    Mayor & all City Council: CityCouncil@vbgov.com

    Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com

    Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com

    Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com

Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.

Partial list of concerns being shared about current WCCB expansion plans:

Dear March 11th Planning Commission participants,

I am sure by now that all of you have sent your letters out to the Mayor, the individuals of the Planning Commission and the City Council. Now it is time for the next step in our process to limit the encroachment of Westminster Canterbury on the Shore Drive District. However, if you have not sent your letter as of yet, it is not too late. Please send your letter and encourage any of your friends and family in Virginia to write a letter opposing the expansion of Westminster Canterbury as it now stands.

There are several things that we need to do in order to continue our fight and increase the pressure on the Planning Commission and then ultimately the City Council.

    1) Please make every effort to attend the Planning Commission on March 11th, 2020, 12:00 pm. The meeting will be at the Municipal Center, building #1. The meeting is scheduled to start at 12:00 pm, but I would like to encourage everyone to be there by 11:00 am. We understand that Westminster Canterbury is going to try to pack the meeting. We would like all of you and anyone else you can bring to be able to be seated in the meeting room. Also, there is a meeting at 9:00 am by the Planning Commission. The 9:00 am meeting will be in the same location as above, but we will not be able to speak at this meeting. The purpose of this meeting is for the Planning Commission to discuss the expansion. I believe it will give us great insight to their thought process. In addition, the more people the Planning Commission sees at the meetings, the more pressure it will put on their decision making process.
    2) We also need to have speakers at the 12:00 pm meeting. If you are willing to speak, please let us know. Please email paulterkeltaub@me.com and let us know your intention to speak. We want you to address the Planning Commission in your own words, but we do have topics that we want to make sure are covered. Listed below are the topics we wish to have individuals talk about in front of the Planning Commission. Please pick one or two topics that you would like to address. We want to make sure all topics are covered. You will have 3 minutes to state your position. All that we ask is that you respond to Paul above and let us know what topic or topics you will be addressing. We want to make sure all of the important points are covered.

The topics that we would like to see addressed are as follows:

    Reduce the height of the building from 22 stories to 14 stories.
    Have the building built of the same type of brick the other buildings are built of instead of glass to keep continuity within the development.
    If the building is built of glass, we would like the City to require them to do a solar study so that we will understand what the implications will be for the surrounding buildings.
    If the building is made of glass, we would like to know the implications of how much light it will put out at night.
    Whether the building is 22 stories or 14 stories, we would like to have a wind study done so we will understand the impact on the surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
    We would like to see a shadow study done to understand the implications for surrounding buildings as well as the beach.
    We would like the parking lot expanded to accommodate more cars. They need to allow two cars for each unit as well as parking for the staff. In addition, the parking lot needs to be designed to accommodate senior drivers.
    The City needs to restrict parking on Starfish and turn this into a 4 lane road having a dedicated right hand turn lane.
    The City needs to elongate the left hand turn lane from Shore Drive onto Starfish due to the increased traffic.
    The City needs to require a current traffic study. The prior study was done before The Overture and The Chesapeake on The Bay Condos, both on Shore Drive and The Pearl off of Great Neck Road by the marina were built. None of these have been leased or sold to capacity at this time.
    We would like to strongly encourage Westminster Canterbury to flip the tower with the assisted living facility.
    We would like them to keep the beach access where it is or at least on their property and not next to Ocean Shore Condos. The way the beach access is being planned, Westminster Canterbury will be creating a private beach for their residents that the public will not be able to access.
    3) The attorney and architect for Ocean Shore Condos will be addressing the technical parts of the project, but we need all of you to help us address the human side of such a large development. This is for all owners and renters in the Shore Drive District.

Please help us to preserve our neighborhood.

Very Truly Yours,

Each of you can change my email and sign this and send out to your perspective communities and organizations. Please feel free to make any changes you would like.

When emailing Planning Commission members, Mayor & City Council – anyone with CoVB -be sure to be respectful and truthful.

Important Email addresses:

    Mayor & all City Council: CityCouncil@vbgov.com

    Planning Commission Chairwoman: branch.oliver@gmail.com

    Planning Commission: planadmn@vbgov.com

    Staff Planner: WLandfair@vbgov.com

Use this link to Email Planning Commission Chairwoman, Staff Planner, Mayor and City Council.

Learn more about Planning Commission here.

Did you know WCCB is seeking variances to redevelop ~17 acres in the bayfront? PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY.

Posted on by

WCCB – Westminster Canterbury by Chesapeake Bay- has been “working with the City for about a year” on redeveloping 16.88 acres in the bayfront.

Planning Commission is scheduled to have a public hearing and vote as soon as MARCH 11 ’20.

CLICK HERE to start 8 question SURVEY.

SURVEY ENDS March 10. PLEASE TAKE IT NOW and share it.

We will be making the Survey results public.

Thank you!

Rendering of proposed redevelopment that needs regulatory approvals.

The Bayfont Community Needs Your Input – Four Opportunities for Your Voice to be Heard

Posted on by

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. As you’re lounging around the next few days with full bellies and stretch pants, here are a few opportunities for civic engagement that can have a direct impact on our Bayfront area. The first 2 items are quick surveys you can take while traveling or laying around the house. The second 2 items are upcoming public meetings scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving. Please share this email with all those that may be interested. And again, have a safe and wonderful holiday.

Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Survey
Survey Closes – Monday Dec. 2nd

In a continuing effort to improve the 3 year old seasonal Hampton Roads Transit shuttle, SDCC needs your help. Please take a couple of minutes to take our survey at the following link. We will post the survey results and share them with the City and HRT to continue to make this service better. You’ll find the survey at
https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/06/please-take-our-new-survey-about-route-35-so-we-can-help-improve-it/

Storm Water Survey for Neighborhoods Surrounding Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake
Survey Closes – Thursday Dec. 12th

Your input will greatly assist us in developing a storm water drainage improvement program that will address flooding in areas that include, but are not limited to: Bradford Acres, Chesapeake Beach, Church Point, Hermitage Elementary, Lake Shores, Northampton Boulevard, North Beach, Pleasure House Road, Shore Drive, and Thoroughgood. Click here to take the survey – https://www.publicinput.com/6003

 

Public Meeting on Planned Redevelopment of Windsong Apartments

Monday December 2nd– Bonaventure’s presentation of their proposed redevelopment of Windsong Apartments along Pleasure House Road. The public meeting will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church at 6pm. https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/26/invites-went-out-to-see-what-bonaventure-is-proposing-at-windsong-in-chesapeake-beach-join-us-dec-2nd/

 

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled For City Manager Recruitment Process

Dec 2nd through Dec 5th – Town Hall meetings to ask the public for input regarding attributes for the new City Manager. Unfortunately none of the meetings are north of Virginia Beach Blvd. Click here for times and locations – https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/26/town-hall-meetings-scheduled-for-city-manager-recruitment-process-dec-2nd-through-dec-5th/

Fox that Attacked Jogger Found to be Rabid

Posted on by

The following notice was received from VB Alert system and is being passed on as an update to the previous post linked below to a fox attack on Wednesday in Cape Story along the Cape Henry trail.  Previous post click here https://sdcc.info/2019/08/15/fox-attacks-jogger-along-cape-henry-trail-in-cape-story/

 

This is an emergency notification from the Virginia beach Department of Public Health. Please do not hang up. On Tuesday August 13, 2019, a rabid fox was found in the twenty two hundred block of Maple Street in the Cape Story by the Sea Subdivision. The fox tested positive for rabies after having an altercation with an adult on a bike path. The fox is now deceased. Rabies is 100% fatal if left untreated. If anyone in your household, including your pet, has had any exposure to stray or wild animals in this area within the past few weeks, please contact your physician or the Health Department at five one eight two seven zero zero between 8:15 to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency.

Dewberry Public Hearings scheduled this week are postponed.

Posted on by

Today at Cox High School

June 3, 2019 – Kellam High School (Southern)

June 5, 2019 – Princess Anne High School (Lynnhaven)

June 6, 2019 – Creeds Elementary School (Southern)

Note: sent with our Take Action Now Category so notice goes out asap.

We thought you might be interested in a simple step to help move a bill that will help increase residential and commercial tree canopy throughout VA, in the name of water quality improvement and flood mitigation.

Posted on by

From Tanner:

Delegate Keam’s proposed tree canopy Bill HB 2333 is something we have been looking forward to for some time.

View Bill HB 2333 here.

Why is the legislation needed?
Virginia state code currently limits the amount of canopy a locality may require a developer to plant/replace/preserve.

For example, under current law, for a residential parcel zoned for 10 or fewer units per acre, the locality may not require a tree canopy greater than 20% in 20 years’ time. For a commercial parcel, the maximum tree canopy a locality can require is 10%. That’s right, there is a maximum amount of trees a locality can require to be replaced.

What does HB 2333 do?
It exempts a locality from those caps if they’re using trees to achieve a water quality (i.e. Bay TMDL) or quantity (i.e. flood mitigation) goal.

See this attachment to see how it changes to existing law. (2pg PDF)

What can you do to support this common-sense legislation?
Simple. We are building a consortium of groups to add their names to our sign-on letter of support (see below how to join).

We will share this list with members of the House Counties, Cities and Towns subcommittee to ensure it makes its way to full committee vote.

From there we think it has a good chance of making it to the floor.

To join the sign-on letter all we need is:
Organization, Lead Signatory, and Title. You can see who else is already on board and add your organization to our running list here.

Or just email Tanner at CBF & let me know you are in!

View letter that will be sent that will include list of supporting organizations.

Have capacity to help?
Share this email with others who might be interested — HOAs, civic leagues, local government, tree stewards, healthcare companies, nurseries, tree care companies, botanical gardens, small and large businesses – anyone that has a stake in increasing tree canopy in the Bay watershed.

What is the deadline for signing?
We’ll leave the letter open until the bill is on the House Counties, Cities and Towns subcommittee #2 docket, which could be as early as next Thursday.

Thanks for your consideration. We hope you will join us. Please don’t hesitate to call if I can answer any questions about the bill.

Cheers,

Tanner Council
Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Brock Environmental Center | 757.644.4113

SDCC General Meeting Monday Dec 17th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation “Bayside Rec Center”

Posted on by

Please note the meeting is this Monday.  I apologize for the short notice, the advanced date for the meeting due to holidays snuck up on me.  Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.17.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday December 17, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Bayside Recreation Center
Mr. C.J. Gajan, City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department, will inform us of all the amazing activities and opportunities the Bayside Rec Center has to offer. Did you know if you are a group retiree or part of Medicare you may be eligible for a “No Cost” membership? Come learn about the many programs and ask C.J. any questions you may have about this amazing City amenity.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The official ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the completion of the bridge was held on Wednesday Dec. 12th. Check out the amazing photos taken by Tim Solanic on our website http://www.sdcc.info

Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Dewberry, continues to assist Public Works in the long term potential solutions/planning for the four major watersheds in the City: 1) Atlantic Ocean and Vicinity 2) Lynnhaven Inlet 3) Elizabeth River 4) Southern Watersheds. Analysis uses a combination of the EPA software and MIKE21, another dynamic modeling tool primarily used for the Southern Watersheds that includes analysis for wind based tides. The ASERT program – Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, had many Open-House offerings this past winter. There are many different strategies, some of which could include larger scale Dredging, Seawalls and Tide Gate structures. City Council will be reviewing these strategies in the January/February 2019 timeframe and then will re-engage the ASERT meetings with the public following that review.

Short Term Rentals (STRs) – The Planning Commission on Wed. Dec. 12th approved a list of regulations and code changes regarding STRs. These changes will be sent to City Council for review and approval. The City Council hearing date has not been set. Some of the highlights (Conditional Use Permits for new STRs; Two contracts per seven day period; Minimum one on-site parking spot per bedroom with overflow parking off street only)

New Business –
Pleasure House Point (PHP) Wetlands Mitigation Bank – Updates regarding the upcoming project that will convert parts of PHP into wetlands. Learn about plans for the parking lot, walkways, live oak tree removals.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future – In preparation for the start of a new year, we will discuss ideas for the future of SDCC. Will new leaders step forward to help continue? Is cutting back to quarterly meetings a possibility? Would a website presence with emergency meetings model work? Let’s bounce some ideas around.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 28, 2019***

 

GOVERNOR ORDERS MANDATORY EVACUATION INCLUDING AREAS OF SHORE DRIVE

Posted on by

“FEDERAL PUBLIC NOTICE . . .PROPOSED MODIFICATION: The applicant proposes to modify the original permit to allow for a 360 linear feet wide by 20 feet long concrete wharf / bulkhead structure to remain in place.”

Posted on by

View all documents at US Army Corps of Engineers website here.

FEDERAL EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: The decision whether to modify a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact including cumulative impacts of the proposed activity on the public interest. The decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefits which reasonably may be expected from the modification must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All of the modification’s relevant factors will be considered, including conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural values, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain values, land use classification, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food and fiber production, mineral needs, consideration of property ownership and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people.

The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments from the public; Federal, state, and local agencies and officials; Indian Tribes; and other interested parties in order to consider and evaluate the direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of this modification. Any comments received will be considered by the Corps of Engineers to determine whether to modify, condition or deny this proposal. Comments are used to determine the need for a public hearing and to determine the overall public interest of the proposed modification. Anyone may request a public hearing to consider this modification by writing to the District Commander within 30 days of the date of this notice, stating specific reasons for holding the public hearing. The District Commander will then decide if a hearing should be held.
COMMENT PERIOD: Comments on this request for modification should be in writing and can be sent by either email to scharlene.a.floyd@usace.army.mil or by regular mail, addressed to the Norfolk District, Corps of Engineers (ATTN: CENAO-WR-S), 803 Front Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510-1011, and should be received by the close of business on August 6, 2018.

PUBLIC COMMENT ENDS 6 AUG 18

SDCC Special Presentation Monday March 26th @ 7:30pm – Storm Water and Shore Drive Roadway Improvements East of Lesner Bridge

Posted on by

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday March 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Special Presentation – Storm Water and Shore Drive Roadway Improvements East of Lesner Bridge – Mr. Brad Vanderwarker and Mr. Mike Mundy, Public Works Engineers for the City of Virginia Beach, will discuss the City’s upcoming projects starting this Summer to help storm water/flooding issues between the Lesner Bridge and the State Park. They will also discuss the safety and beautification projects along Shore Drive that will start in August 2019. Brad and Mike will have project displays, handouts and will answer questions after their presentation.

You can click here to learn more about this topic.

SDCC General Meetings are open to all.  So if you care about Shore Drive and these upcoming changes, please attend and bring a friend.

Thanks to the City Manager for requesting City Council Fund 100% of Phase 4 in FY2019-2024 Budget.

Posted on by

Big thanks also goes out to everyone who helped lobby for this!

No need to TAKE ACTION Tuesday evening.

If you were planning to attend City Council Open Mic night tomorrow night you can change your plans.

Phase 4, when completed, will bring Shore Drive up to date with sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.

Please be sure to thank City Manager Hansen, the Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council for doing this!

Ocean Park Civic League would like your help in helping Vice Mayor Jones secure funding for Phase 4 for Shore Drive upgrades in Ocean Park.

Posted on by

Please Email City Council now. You will make a difference at OPCL.org

Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor & City Council Members,

I am petitioning you to fund Shore Drive Phase IV immediately.

Specifically:

1. Please find 50% funding for CIP 2.118.000 Shore Drive Corridor Improvements-Phase 4 in 2018.

2. Please fund 100% of Phase 4 by 2019.

Finishing Phase IV now is critical to the health of Virginia Beach. Why?

The City Council commissioned Urban Land Institute Study of Shore Drive in 1996 and City Council Adopted Comprehensive Plan in 1997 state that:

“(Virginia Beach should) Recognize and improve the Shore Drive corridor as a resort gateway community, not a resort destination.”

“Shore Drive also serves as a tourist gateway for those heading to the oceanfront, offering for many their first glimpse of the City of Virginia Beach. Therefore, it is important to make a good first impression.”

City Council previously recognized the importance of this corridor:
1. City Council created the Shore Drive (Bayfront) Advisory Committee . . .

Click to view OPCL.org page.

“BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION.” Saturday 10am to 10pm #LesnerBridge Update.

Posted on by

PLEASE SHARE ENTHUSIASTICALLY !

Expect delays caused by single lane in both directions from 10am to 10pm.

From an email update from Project Manager:

Folks:

In the last project update (11/22/2017) we mentioned that we had issues with one of the 10 drilled shaft foundations for Pier #5 of the new eastbound bridge. Between the holidays, cold weather, and a longer than expected duration for remediation of drilled shaft #1 at Pier #5 construction of the EB bridge superstructure had been temporarily suspended. That was the bad news.

Now the good news. Shaft #1 at Pier #5 has been fully remediated, all 10 drilled shafts in this footing have been cut down to the correct elevation, and all of the reinforcing steel for the footing has been placed. The footing is now ready to receive the 400 cubic yards of concrete which is planned for tomorrow, February 3rd, 2018. The concrete will be delivered to this footing via two concrete pumper trucks parked near the center span of the Lesner Bridge eastbound lanes.

This, unfortunately, means lane closures on Lesner Bridge for most of the day tomorrow, Saturday February 3, 2018. Here are the details:

Beginning tomorrow, 2/3/2018 at approximately 10:00 AM single lane closures will be setup on Shore Drive approaching eastbound Lesner Bridge between DuPont Circle and Vista Circle. Single lane closures will also be setup during this time for westbound Shore Drive traffic approaching Lesner Bridge between Page Avenue and East Stratford Street. BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC CROSSING THE BRIDGE WILL BE REDUCED TO A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION. BOTH eastbound lanes on Lesner Bridge will be CLOSED until the concrete placement operations are completed. All work and temporary lane closures on Shore Drive at Lesner Bridge are expected to be cleared by 10:00 PM Saturday night, February 3rd, 2018. Be advised that, in addition to the lane reductions on the bridge, there will also be flaggers present that will intermittently STOP all traffic in BOTH directions on the bridge to allow the arrival and departure of concrete delivery trucks.

There will be a lot of activity on the bridge tomorrow so please plan accordingly and drive slowly when crossing the bridge.

Once Pier #5 is complete, we will launch the gantry across the inlet, set the pier segments on Pier #5 and then launch to Pier #6 and set the pier segments on Pier column #6. Span #6 will then be assembled by picking segments off a barge moored in this location. After Span #6 is completed, the gantry will be back-launched toward the channel to complete the other half of the cantilever section of Span #5 that crosses the channel.

Footing Reinforcing Steel being placed at Pier #5 EB Bridge (Completed Pier Column #6 shown in background)

View looking East from East Stratford Street at the recently graded area for the 10-foot wide multi-use path that will cross the new EB Bridge.

Since the last update other work on the project continued while waiting for Pier #5 to be completed. The following work has been completed since the November 22, 2017 update:

· 4 additional segments of cantilever Span #5 have been constructed for the new EB bridge (8 total);

· The footing and column at Pier #7 have been completed;

· The cofferdam around the footing for Pier #8 has been installed and the and the area around the drilled shafts excavated;

· All four drilled shafts at Pier #9 have been installed (ALL DRILLED SHAFT INSTALLATION FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW COMPLETE);

· Abutment B for the EB bridge has been completed;

· Grading for the new 10-foot wide multi-use path between the new EB Bridge and East Stratford Street has been completed;

· The remaining two street lights (four total) on the western bridge approach have been installed;

Completed Abutment B EB Bridge. Forms being removed.

Completed Footing and Column at Pier #7 new EB Bridge (Forms shown being removed).

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Complete the footing and column at Pier #5;

· Place reinforcement steel for the footing at Pier #8;

· Backfill Abutment B and complete MSE wall #5 located in front of the Virginia and Maryland Pilots Association;

· Install falsework for gantry launch at Pier #5;

· Complete concrete multi-use path along MSE wall #2 between East Stratford and the new EB Bridge; and

· Complete curb & gutter and median curb on the west side of the bridge between East Stratford Street and the new EB Bridge.

That’s it for now!

Drive Safely!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction 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

NEW Public Engagement Tool by City of Virginia Beach requires YOUR ACTION.

Posted on by

From today’s email:

Transitioning to a New Public Engagement Tool

Dec 17, 2017 04:09 pm | The City of Virginia Beach

Thank you for participating in past Virtual Town Hall surveys. Your input helps city leaders make decisions about issues, projects and services that affect the community.

We wanted to let you know that we will be transitioning to a new public engagement tool in January. This new platform will enhance our capabilities to gather public input; it offers a mobile-first technology and broader tools to help us design options for people to provide feedback. We’ll start using it early in 2018 for projects such as the entertainment district at the Oceanfront and strategies for revitalizing neighborhoods, just to name a couple. Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer your email address to the new platform. If you would like to be notified when the new system is online, please send an email to news@vbgov.com asking to be added to the new database. Your information will only be used for this platform and will not be shared. Alternatively, watch for the announcements in January and please be sure to join in and spread the word so we can get as many people involved as possible.

We appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing from you in the new year.

Sincerely,

Julie Hill, PhD

Communications Director

If you would like to be notified when the new system is online, please send an email to news@vbgov.com asking to be added to the new database.

Bayfront Shuttle that’s starting SUNDAY 830am VISTA CIRCLE

Posted on by

Woo hoo!

You’ll be able to travel from Shore Drive area to the Oceanfront and back without having to drive.

Or it Starts
SUNDAY VISTA CIRCLE 800am!

(Editor note: Brand new service with kinks the first day no doubt.)

Google Map to Bayfront Shuttle Route 35 stop at Vista Circle.

There’s about a 45 minute wait between buses.

Please be patient expect a learning curve for timely, consistent service.

This test year has Shuttle starting at Vista Circle.

Info at GOHRT.com:

Route 35. 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. From May 22 through Labor Day, VB Wave shuttles will run every 45 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight every day. Then from September 8 through October 1, VB Wave shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight, but only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Survey we ran back in summer of 2015.

Article at Pilotlone.com.

Thanks so far to everyone who has worked on this!!

Two Special Presentations at Monday’s SDCC Meeting – (1)City Code Violations/Enforcement; (2)Marina Shore Proposed Development Update

Posted on by

Two Special Presentations have been scheduled for Monday’s SDCC Meeting.  These are two important issues to residents in the Shore Drive area.  Please come out and be informed and have your questions answered.  SDCC meetings are always open to the general public.  All are welcomed, so bring a friend or two.

Special Presentation (1) – City Code Violations and Enforcement

Ms. Denise Wethington, Housing & Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement Inspector, will discuss the code enforcement process and violations in our community.  Inspectors patrol their assigned areas for violations, conduct systematic exterior inspections of neighborhoods on an as-needed basis, notify property owners of violations and take appropriate legal action to obtain compliance. The division addresses code violations through enforcement of the Virginia Maintenance Code and the city’s property maintenance codes.

 

Special Presentation (2) – Marina Shores Proposed Development Update

Mr. Brad Weitzer, Project Developer, and Ms. Lisa Murphy, Project Attorney, will provide an update to their plan to build an apartment complex at the current Marina Shores Marina.  The original plan called for 261 four story tall units and the addition of a 2nd entrance roadway to the east of Long Creek Cove residents.

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday March 27, 2017 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

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

 

There’s a short Survey at VBGov.com that could help get Shore Drive upgraded in Ocean Park.

Posted on by
Question #9 please choose Shore Drive !

Question #9 please choose Shore Drive !

Help Ocean Park!

Question 9. Please rank the following roadway projects 1-8 in order of priority, with 1 being the highest priority and 8 being lowest. (Project | Unfunded Amount)
Please choose “Shore Drive Corridor Improvements Phase IV as #1 or slide it to top.

Extra bonus points.

Question 8. What else should we consider as we plan the future of public transit in Virginia Beach and the region?
Answer Question #8 by Write in: We want Shore Drive/Oceanfront Trolley Loop

Even more love for Ocean Park & Shore Drive.

Question 10. If you have any additional comments or questions, please write them here:
Write in: PLEASE FINISH SHORE DRIVE PHASE IV NOW

Click to start short survey.