“As of now there are no plans to use it as a dredge materials transfer station”

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Or:

A brief history of attempting to use the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility(LBR&BF) as an industrial operation including safety conflicts with families, kids & boaters without checks & balances and logical rules & regulations for its safe use.

We don’t think it’ll look like this but we haven’t seen “AN ORDINANCE”.

You probably heard by now BAC voted to support:

“AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS”

We look forward to working with all stakeholders of the LBR&BF in ensuring “private dredging operations” will be safe and have the least amount of negative impact on this wildly popular VB Parks & Recreation facility.

We also look forward to seeing the words in “AN ORDINANCE”.

You might want to contact your City Council person today about this.

BRIEF HISTORY

Today:

We believe a couple of the rules might come from Beaches & Waterways Commission Report from 2012.

2018

“…there are no plans to use the wharf for a dredge materials transfer station.”

“The wharf was approved on a temporary basis back in 2012, as part of the Lesner Bridge construction. Now, the city wants to keep the wharf permanently.”

2012

“The Assistant City Manager and City Staff were there to present plans for the Lesner Bridge replacement AND Building a Permanent Industrial Site at Crab Creek.”

Links to, and screen shots of archived Official Western Branch Lynnhaven River Maintenance Dredging (CIP 8-005) Public Works page at VBGov.com.

Partial screen shot of Official Page at VBGov.com.

A response from Mayor Sessoms re: turning the beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and Beach Facility into a permanent dredge spoils location for the entire Lynnhaven Watershed.

2009

LBR&BF will not have dredge spoils transfer station

2008

“Based upon feedback received at the Public Meeting, alternate sites for a dredged material transfer station were evaluated. The proposed transfer facility has been moved from the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility to a site located near the crossing of Thalia Creek and Virginia Beach Blvd.” City of Virginia Beach April 2009

Do you remember a barge hitting the Lesner Bridge days before City Council was to vote on making the LBR&BF a “dredge material transfer station”?

Do you remember a boat going up in flames in minutes on beach in river by LBR&BF?

Do you remember the tractor trailer delving to Starbucks losing all electronics – as in no brakes, no lights etc on Lesner Bridge & fortunately the skilled driver successfully jack knifed the truck to stop it which closed the Lesner Bridge for hours?

2007

BAC was concerned with permanent dredge material transfer station.

BoatRampClosing.com.

“A public comment session will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Then, the council members will vote on the new Bayside representative.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com.

The Virginia Beach City Council reviewed the nine complete applications submitted for the Bayside District City Council vacancy and shortlisted three individuals for interviews. They are:

Delceno Miles
Ronald Ripley
Charlotte Zito

Review their resumes, statement of econmic interests and more at VBGov.com.

Updated Presentation info for BAC Thursday July 21 meeting

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Join us at Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Thursday July 21.

PRESENTATIONS

1) Informational presentation -Stop work order for CBF reefs Justin Worrell (Deputy Chief) and Tiffany Barge (Environmental Engineer) – Habitat Management Division Virginia Marina Resources Commission

2) Permit application of proposed aquaculture float application in Broad Bay – Benn Stagg (Chief), Shellfish Division, Virginia Marine Resources Commission

3) Informational presentation and Commission recommendation regarding the following: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS Dan Adams – Public Works

4) Informational presentation Ocean Park Sand Replenishment Dan Adams – Public Works

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) meets at OPVRS – Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad at 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455. Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

CALL TO ORDER is – 3:30 pm

Chesapeake Bay Foundation ordered to stop work on 3 Virginia Beach reefs after inspections find asphalt chunks, metal wire

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The Virginia Marine Resources Commission mandated that Chesapeake Bay Foundation projects at Pleasure House Creek Oyster Reef, Brown Cove Reef and Keeling Drain Reef be halted due to public safety and environmental issues, according to a letter from the agency dated today.

A Virginia agency ordered work to cease on three human-made reefs in Virginia Beach.

Click here to read more. https://www.pilotonline.com/news/environment/vp-nw-cbf-reef-cease-20220713-kvf67pep2bfzdnk5vc7ytzd4zu-story.html

BAC Agenda July 21 330p OPVRS. Join us!

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Thank you for Agenda Mark!

Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

OPVRS is Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad 3769 E Stratford Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 6/16/22

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS ​

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon
Communications – Vacant
​Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas

PRESENTATIONS

1) Informational presentation regarding stop work order for Chesapeake Bay Foundation underwater oyster reefs – Item pending meeting acceptance by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)

2) Informational presentation regarding floating oyster reefs – Item pending meeting acceptance by Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

3) Informational presentation and Commission recommendation regarding the following: AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF USE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY AND INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS PERMITTING USE OF THE CITY-OWNED LYNNHAVEN TRANSFER FACILITY FOR PRIVATE DREDGING PROJECTS Dan Adams – Public Works

4) Informational presentation Ocean Park Sand Replenishment Dan Adams – Public Works

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
​
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES

ADJOURN

Download Agenda PDF below.

BACJuly2022.pdfDownload

Three Applicants Selected to Advance to Fill Bayside District Seat

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Review each applicant’s resume/CV, letter of interest and statement of economic interest.

The Virginia Beach City Council reviewed the nine complete applications submitted for the Bayside District City Council vacancy and shortlisted three individuals for interviews. They are:

Delceno Miles
Ronald Ripley
Charlotte Zito

City Council wants to hear from you about PLASTIC BAG FEE July 5th.

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💚 PLEASE HELP THE LAND CRITTERS & OUR WATER CRITTERS‼️

Why a PLASTIC BAG FEE makes good sense for Virginia Beach 👇🏽

🔴 Plastic bags are NOT FREE taxpayer dollars are spent cleaning up these and other nuisance plastics. The majority of the funds collected from bag fees will be returned to Virginia Beach to fund litter prevention and clean-up activities

🟢 Environment: Bag user fees reduce the plastic waste stream and protect the environment.

🟢 Reusable bags are better for the environment; many are not made from fossil fuels, but rather natural fibers, like cotton, and contrary to some misinformation, are NOT less “clean” compared to plastic bags.

🔴 Single-use bags are among the most commonly littered items in Virginia Beach and across the state (Virginians use nearly 3 billion annually!).

🔴 They end up on our roadways, waterways, and coastlines, threatening ecosystem health and creating eyesores. Reuse is also not usually an option as these bags have become thinner and tear-prone, causing grocery store baggers to double and triple bag items.

👉🏽 Please plan to attend the July 5th Council meeting at 6 PM to show your support 💚‼️

2401 Courthouse Drive,
City Hall Building #1, Room 281,
Municipal Center, Virginia Beach, VA.

If you want to speak in support, please call the City Clerk’s office in advance. A citizen who wishes to address the council concerning an agenda item must register with the city clerk or deputy city clerk at 757-385-4303 prior to the meeting.

If you’d rather not speak, then please consider showing up and being there for numbers and moral support. We’ll have a sticker for you to wear!

If you are unable to attend, please send an e-mail to all Virginia Beach City Council members voicing your support at CityCouncil@vbgov.com

Plastic bags ingested by a turtle. Plastic Bay Fee helps prevent this.

Two VB Public Input Surveys – Art & Lights Festival and 2040 Comprehensive Plan

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The City of Virginia Beach is asking for public input on two topics. Surveys for each item can be found by clicking the link in paragraphs below. Please take a moment to help shape the future of our City. Let your voice be heard.

International Art and Light Festival Feasibility Survey

The City of Virginia Beach engaged Keen Independent Research LLC (Keen Independent) to conduct a study to assess the feasibility of an international art and light festival at or near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront in the future. Similar festivals present large-scale, illuminated and interactive art installations created by local, regional and international artists that are on display for about 10 days and have free admission.  

The public input survey will be open for submissions June 21 – July 5, 2022.

International Art and Light Festival Feasibility Survey – PublicInput.com

Shaping Tomorrow Today: 2040 Comp Plan Phase 2

In 2019, the City initiated a survey to gather citizen input for the update of the Comprehensive Plan. This survey is meant to build off the 2019 survey to understand the current preferences of Virginia Beach residents and to analyze whether those preferences have shifted since 2019. 

Please provide a response to the questions below by Sept. 1.

Shaping Tomorrow Today: 2040 Comp Plan Phase 2 – PublicInput.com

Like a clean Lynnhaven River?

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From email invite:

Senator DeSteph asked me to let folks know that we have secured meeting space so that area Civic Leagues and other interested parties can meet regarding the Oyster Reefs in the Lynnhaven River and Broad Bay. It will be held Wednesday, July 6th at 6:00 pmat Wave Church on Great Neck Road.

The subject of this Public Hearing is the ongoing Lynnhaven River Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project. This project directly affects all recreational users and residents/homeowners of and along the Lynnhaven River, including Broad Bay, the Narrows, Linkhorn Bay, Lynnhaven Bay, Pleasure House Creek, Keeling Drain and other local tributaries.

This meeting will include affected Civic Leagues, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lynnhaven River Now, and the VMRC. The Secretary of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and the Army Corps of Engineers will be invited as well.

Please inform, invite & encourage your Civic League Members/residents to attend this public hearing if they are a boater, a waterfront resident, or a concerned citizen on the future of our waterways and fragile ecosystem.

Many thanks,

Jill

If you want to help maintain & improve a clean Lynnhaven River thanks to Lynnhaven River NOW & Chesapeake Bay Foundation, you’ll want to attend. Bring your kids.

FLOATOPIA! “The destruction gained national attention”

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Pilot coverage about FLOATOPIA this weekend.

Over 200 people attended including the Mayor, 2 Councilmen, City Manager, Public Works Director, 3rd Precinct Captain, Deputy Fire Chief, Deputy City Manager & other leadership from CoVB.

Hopefully the event will not be a national embarrassment for Virginia Beach again.

Interested in serving on City Council representing the Bayside District?

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As you know, Virginia Beach and the Bayside District lost our long time serving Mr. Louis Jones recently. The citizen appointed by City Council will hold office until Dec. 31, 2022 and must reside in the Bayside District.

Start here to learn more about applying to City Clerk Amanda Barnes.

3 items the potential candidate might be interested in advocating for for the Bayside District and Bayfront:

Helping enhance resiliency for SLR & storm water management plus helping leverage resources at Brock Environmental Center for Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads & Virginia.
Accelerating the completion of Phase 4 in Ocean Park.
Actively engage with SDCC, BAC, Civic Leagues & bayfront residents.

Thanks to VB Parks & Rec for the friendly reminder!

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Friendly reminder to keep dogs on a leash in our parks and natural areas to protect our environment and other wildlife, especially during nesting season as eggs and hatchlings from vulnerable diamondback terrapins can be threatened by unleashed dogs 🐢🐢🐢

We also want to remind folks when non-biodegradable confetti or microplastics are used to make popular gender reveal announcements, the wildlife habitat at our parks and natural areas suffers greatly. This harmful litter also pollutes our waterways which affects our community and our environment. 

It is critical that we all do our part to leave no trace and help protect and preserve our environment, waterways, and wildlife 🌎🌾🍃🐢🦮🐾

“Assist the Environmental Science Program teachers and coordinator in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks.”

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Looking for a great job at Pleasure House Point?

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the school coordinator and staff, the person will work in providing assistance to the Coordinator and Teacher of the Environmental Studies. The employee in this class is responsible for performing clerical and instructional tasks as well as participating and supporting the daily indoor and outdoor activities.

The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively with VBCPS team members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff, community stakeholders, and students.

Learn more about Environmental Studies Program here.

Shore Drive Commercial Property Development Plan Public Engagement Opportunity

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Residents have an opportunity to comment on potential plans for commercial development in the Shore Drive corridor. Proposed plans include mixed use development, pedestrian friendly connectivity, storm water prevention. If interested, please attend or submit comments at the links below

Public Meeting on Commercial Area Pattern Book and
Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit Set for June 30

​VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 17, 2022) —​ ​A public meeting for the community to provide input on concept drawings and illustrations for the Commercial Area Pattern Book and Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit will take place from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, at the Planning and Community Development Office, 2875 Sabre St., Suite 500.

The Virginia Beach Department of Planning and Community Development, in partnership with consultant Work Program Architects (WPA), introduced these projects to the public in February as “Community Revitalization Guidelines.” This two-part project evolved into the Commercial Area Pattern Book and Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit. WPA will present preliminary concepts based on the public input received in February and March for each project. Upon assessment and comment of the concept drawings and illustrations, drafts of both documents will be developed for further public review.

When completed, the Commercial Area Pattern Book will identify neighborhood compatibility strategies and develop design concepts based on community patterns, vision, and market trends within the strategic growth areas (SGA) and suburban areas of the city. The Bow Creek Neighborhood Resiliency Toolkit will provide guidance, flood resiliency strategies and best practices for residents in the Bow Creek area, which could be adapted to other areas of the city.     

For more information about the project, contact Mark E. Shea, AICP at meshea@vbgov.com or visit www.VBgov.com/revitalization.

“I think the biggest complaint we’re going to have now is how far they’re going to have to travel to get to the water.”

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13NewsNow coverage of Ocean Park sand!

Our sincere condolences to Mr Louis Jones’ family, friends & associates.

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He accomplished an enormous amount for Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads over his decades of leadership & service.

Statement by Mayor Robert D. “Bobby” Dyer on 

the passing of Councilman Louis Jones

​Today, I share with you my heartfelt sadness because of the sudden loss of a great leader and friend in our community.  Council Member Louis Jones dedicated decades of service to our community as a former Mayor, Vice Mayor, and council representative for the Bayside District.

His legacy is drawn from so many significant milestones and accomplishments for the city: the Lake Gaston pipeline, a new convention center, expanded growth in recreation centers throughout the city, protection of our coastal resources, and all the many challenges we overcame as a rapidly growing city.  His experience and love for his city helped us succeed on so many levels that carried us into the new millennium. 

Louis was a true leader, working and leading organizations throughout Hampton Roads:  Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization, Atlantic Park Community Development Authority, Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City’s Development Authority, the Lake Gaston Water Task Force, the Military Economic Development Advisory Committee, the Minority Business Council and the Stormwater Appeals Board. These were just a few of the many groups where Louis gave of his immeasurable time and commitment.  

Personally, I very much enjoyed serving on the Virginia Beach City Council with Louis.  In 2004 when I came on City Council, he took me under his wing as friend and mentor, and we formed a very strong bond and close friendship.  Louis was blessed with extraordinary business acumen and the ability to look at a situation, assess it, and cut to the core of the problem. Above all, his talent to inspire people resulted in so many good things for our city over the years.

Vision, persistence, knowledge, kindness, and love for Virginia Beach and its people were just a few of the characteristics that described Louis.  His dedication to Virginia Beach and the Bayside District was limitless. Because of his belief in what he did and his graciousness when working with anyone and everyone, we are a far, far better city.  I will miss him more than I can say.  

On behalf of all the members of our City Council, as well as the members of the City of Virginia Beach government, I express our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

​The City of Virginia Beach is inviting the public to share their opinions on proposed amendments to the City’s noise ordinance. 

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Proposed Changes

The proposed changes to the noise ordinance would streamline enforcement with reduced reliance on specialized sound meter equipment. The proposed ordinance would establish a hybrid penalty structure, imposing civil penalties for some violations while preserving criminal penalties for repeat or severe violations.  

A key change in the noise ordinance is the addition of a “plainly audible” standard, where certain sounds that are plainly audible inside an individual’s home or beyond a specified distance from its source would constitute violations.  Sound is plainly audible if it can be heard by the human ear with or without a medically approved hearing aid or device.  A violation of the plainly audible standard would result in a civil violation punishable by a fine of $250 for a first offense. Excessive noise as determined by decibel readings will continue to be violations under the proposed ordinance and may result in misdemeanor charges.  

Click here to learn more about the proposed changes- http://www.vbgov.com/noise

Click here to provide comments regarding the proposed changes – https://publicinput.com/R6847