13NewsNow coverage of Ocean Park sand!
Our sincere condolences to Mr Louis Jones’ family, friends & associates.
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.
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
VB Residents Invited to Learn More About Changes to Local Election System
VB Residents Invited to Learn More
About Changes to Local Election System
Redistricting changes will impact how voters elect their City Council representatives.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 13, 2022) – The City of Virginia Beach invites residents and voters to attend any of the three upcoming public information meetings to learn more about the new VB10 election system and ask any questions they may have about this topic. Following a federal court case, the City’s original method of electing City Council representatives has been replaced with a new 10-1 system.
This change divides the city into 10 districts of approximately equal voting age population, replacing the 7-district, 3 at-large, and 1 mayor system. Most notably, Virginia Beach voters will now only be able to vote for a single City Council representative for their district, plus the mayor, when that seat is on the ballot. The City’s redistricting does not impact state or federal representation.
Interested individuals who wish to ask a question in advance may do so by email, voicemail, or text. Speaker registration information and the ways to provide feedback are available online at PublicInput.com/VBRedistricting. Meeting dates and times are as follows:
- Wednesday, June 22 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
In person and virtual participation options available
City Council Chambers (Old City Hall)
2403 Courthouse Drive- Email questions to WW4481@PublicInput.com
- Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
- Text WW4481 to 855-925-2801
- Thursday, June 23 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting- Email questions to A57886@PublicInput.com
- Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
- Text A57886 to 855-925-2801
- Wednesday, June 29 | 12:30 – 2 p.m.
Virtual meeting- Email questions to R32313@PublicInput.com
- Leave a voicemail by calling 855-925-2801 – use meeting code 4863
- Text R32313 to 855-925-2801
All meetings will be livestreamed on PublicInput.com/VBRedistricting. Submitted questions will be answered whether or not the submitter is present. Those who wish to watch and not ask a question do not need to register to view or attend any of the meetings.
“This change to our election system is a significant shift from how City Council members have been elected previously,” said Virginia Beach Communications Director Tiffany M. Russell. “We want to ensure our residents are well-informed about this change and what it means before they show up to vote this November. Come share your voice on your schedule on SpeakUpVB.com or join us at one of the meetings in person or virtually.”
More information about the changes to the Virginia Beach election system can be found online at VBgov.com/VB10.
About SpeakUpVB
Hearing from our residents about the topics and decisions that will impact where they live, work and play, is important to the City of Virginia Beach. SpeakUpVB is the one-stop shop for public engagement where Virginia Beach residents can provide feedback on topics of interest, attend virtual meetings, and review past meetings. Visit SpeakUpVB.com to view current surveys and public meeting opportunities.
BAC Agenda for June 16 22 330pm at OPVRS
See ya there!
CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Review and Approval of Minutes from 5/21/22
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair
STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES
Comprehensive Plan Public Input restart
Commercial Area Pattern book Update
COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES
Design – Bob Magoon
Communications – Vacant
Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Martin Thomas
PRESENTATIONS/COMMISSION ITEMS
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES
ADJOURN
“So many opportunities with hands on learning…”
Amazing achievement by so many for so long!
Ocean Park gettin a whole lotta sand
Permanently preserve open space on PHP you may think is preserved but is not or condos?
SDCC Asks City Council and Virginia Beach Economic Development for Details Regarding $164 mil Pass-through Bonds for Westminster-Canterbury Project
At the time of this post, no contact has been received from any Council Member, VBED, VBDA or City Staff.
Follow-up email sent May 24, 2022
Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,
I wanted to send this follow up email to confirm someone in the City is actively working on providing answers to the questions submitted last week. To date, we haven’t received any reply to the request. Excluding a blank email from Council Member Wilson, which I took to be a notification that she can’t discuss this issue due to her conflict of interest.
The community is aware that this 2nd round of Pass-Through Bonds was approved on consent with a 7-0 vote (2 COI, 2 Not Present), however, answers to the questions would go a long way to clearing up confusion that may be present in the community on this subject.
I assume the VBED department would be the ones to answer and if so, maybe Mr. Adams can send me the point of contact. I will be happy to follow up with them rather than reply via these large distribution emails.
Thank you for consideration and action,
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition President
Original email request sent May 17, 2022
From: Todd Solomon [mailto:todd@sdcc.info]
Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2022 1:20 PM
Subject: City Council Agenda – May 17, 2022 Item J(7) – Resolution to Approve $164mil Bond for WCCB
Importance: High
Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,
I am passing on some concerns and questions that have been raised by the Shore Drive community regarding today’s upcoming agenda item J(7) -Resolution to APPROVE the issuance of Residential Care Facility Revenue Bonds up to $164-Million re Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay.
We would greatly appreciate replies to the items below to help us better understand the details behind this resolution request.
- Will WCCB be exempt from property taxes or will they still be required to pay taxes during the bond period? It is my understanding that with Industrial Revenue Bonds/Passive Activity Bonds (IRB/PAB), the City becomes the deed holder until the bond is paid off. Bonds of this type usually exempt the developer from property taxes. WCCCB has stated it needs no help with this project, waving property taxes would be considered help.
- What are the VBDA’s rates/structure and what are the fees associated with this bond issuance? Most municipalities charge a fee or have a fee structure to manage these types of bonds. Example, Alexandria VA charges 25 basis points per bond amount and Loudoun has a structure Bond Financing Fee Schedule – Loudoun County Economic Development, VA
- Doesn’t the City hold some risk albeit very small? The City has stated that there is no risk to its bond rating for this request. If WCCB defaults on the bond payment and the bank covering the request isn’t able to sell the property or if the bank is no longer in existence, wouldn’t the City via the VBDA be next in line to cover the bond requirement?
- How can the VBDA/CC justify approving an additional $164mil bond pass through request for the Independent Living (IL) tower until several key issues are resolved? The previously approved $110mil bond issuance supported WCCB’s Memory Unit construction. This current request supports the IL tower which is still in litigation at the State Supreme Court. The designs for the tower also require the relocation of the existing beach access which needs a super majority Council approval.
- Will the City/VBDA be asked to supply an additional bond for the remaining $140mil in the future? The Fitch Bond Rating review below states that WCCB will need $400mil in debt service to complete the full campus expansion. The previous $110mil approval plus this $164mil request still leaves $140mil. https://www.fitchratings.com/research/us-public-finance/fitch-downgrades-westminster-canterbury-on-chesapeake-bay-va-rev-bonds-to-bb-outlook-stable-18-02-2022
- Where can I obtain a copy of the Bond Application submitted for this request?
Thank you for taking the time to educate us on this somewhat confusing method of financing development projects.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon Shore Drive Community Coalition President
SDCC Asks City Council to Approve Lesner Bridge Lighting Schedule and to Include May 31st Remembrance
Email sent May 25, 2022
Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,
I recently read on the City’s website that City facilities will light up blue in remembrance of the victims of the May 31, 2019 tragedy.
“Love For VB” Around Town
- The Love For VB symbol is displayed in the “Love” sign at the Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center.
- The forget-me-not flower will again be painted at Mount Trashmore on the front façade of the hill below the City seal. Weather permitting, it is scheduled to be completed around mid-May.
- Remembrance flags, featuring the Love For VB forget-me-not flower, will be flown at more than 40 locations throughout the city.
- City facilities including Building 30, the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center will light up blue in remembrance, May 23-31.
However, I would argue that one of the City’s signature structures was left off the list, the Lesner Bridge. The $100 million signature structure was designed to be a beacon of welcome to residents and visitors. The LED lighting was one of the few upgrades added to put the “Signature” in signature bridge. The first year after completion, the lights followed a well thought out schedule. After this time, the schedule was scrapped and the lights were set to permanent blue/white scheme.
Recently it took a City Council resolution to have the lights changed to a Blue/Yellow scheme in support of Ukraine. So it is possible to have the lighting colors changed, although it doesn’t seem easy to get approval.
I would like to pass on two requests that have been mentioned by Shore Drive residents and hope you will be able to take action on both.
- Can the Lesner Bridge lights be changed to all blue (matching the blue on City facilities) on May 31st in remembrance of the victims of the May 31, 2019 tragedy?
- Can the original lighting schedule be approved and reinstated for year round celebrations? The first opportunity would be the Red/White/Blue scheme for Memorial Day, which I know may be too quick a turn around, so maybe July 4th?
I have attached a link to the previous lighting schedule for information if needed. What’s up with the fancy lighting on Lesner? Check out the plan. | #WeLoveShoreDrive
Thank you for consideration of this request. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition President
Council Adopts FY2022-23 Budget
FY2022-23 budget has no increases to the solid waste fee, water service charges, sewer charges, stormwater charges, and avoids a real estate tax rate increase.
With the exception of a few fee increases for permits within the department of Planning and Community Development, the FY2022-23 budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are supported through natural growth in citywide revenues. Below are some of the key elements in the upcoming budget.
A few teaser photos of …
Ocean Park sand replenishment starts about May 30
“Due to the recent set of storms and the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend the Ocean Park sand nourishment project is scheduled to begin after the holiday, approximately May 30th.“
BAYFRONT SHUTTLE ROUTE 35 IS BACK PEOPLES !
Woot woot!
This is an EXCELLENT way to commute around the Bayfront and travel to the Oceanfront.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Route 35 possible!
BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad 3769 E. Stratford Drive(enter on side opposite Shore Drive) May 19, 2022 at 330pm.
Join us!
Fitch Downgrades Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (VA) Rev Bonds to BB+
On a forward-looking basis and assuming WCCB is able to proceed with the full scope of its capital plans, debt is expected to increase from $76 million to $496 million (or $508 million inclusive of it $12 million debt guarantee for the Senior Options Community’s acquisition of The Overture).
VIRGINIA BEACH VA DEV AUTH RESIDENTIAL CARE FAC REV Bond Detail.
CUSIP: 92774NAH3
#WeLoveShoreDrive 