SDCC’s Short Term Rental Overlay District Opposition Letter to City Council

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Click here for a printable version of the SDCC letter – SDCC STR Opposition Letter

Additional opposition to STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea:

Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association – CSBTS_BACLetter_STR_11192020signed

Bayfront Advisory Commission – BAC STR Overlay Opposition Email

SDCC Opposes STR Overlay District in Cape Story by the Sea and Anywhere Along Shore Drive Corridor

December 31, 2020

Dear Mayor Dyer and City Council Members,

The Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), a 20 year old organization made up of local civic groups representing residents in the Bayfront area of Virginia Beach, formally requests that the Short Term Rental (STR) Overlay District, randomly created by Vice Mayor Wood, for the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood (East Shore Drive) be removed immediately from the proposed STR ordinance change.

Similar to the official opposition positions taken by the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association and the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the SDCC voted unanimously at its November 23rd meeting to “Oppose the creation of a STR Overlay District in the Cape Story by the Sea (East Shore Drive) neighborhood as well as any future STR Overlay Districts in the Shore Drive Corridor.”

The Shore Drive Corridor Plan states, “The Shore Drive area is first and foremost a residential community, comprised primarily of residential neighborhoods…It is envisioned that this predominance as a residential community should continue to form the backbone of land use for the area.”

The Shore Drive Corridor, the most densely populated section of the City, consists of small lots sizes of 5000 and 7500 square feet narrow streets that don’t allow for on-street parking.  These conditions result in area that is not appropriate for the uncontrolled proliferation of “by right” STR business zoning that will be created by the overlay district that is being proposed.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at 667-8533 Cell or todd@sdcc.info

 

Sincerely,

Todd R. Solomon

Shore Drive Community Coalition, President

 

Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop – Thursday Jan. 7, 2021 at 6:00pm

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The City’s Planning Department will be holding a virtual workshop regarding the newly proposed ordinance to create Short Term Rental Overlay districts that will allow “by right” operation of STRs for all homes located in an overlay.  Shore Drive East (Cape Story by the Sea Neighborhood) is one of the proposed overlays.  For more information and to register for the workshop, see links below.  SDCC has also asked for an additional workshop to be scheduled since the mailer identifying the December workshop didn’t arrive in time to support that event.

City website for information on Short Term Rentals – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/planning/Pages/Short-Term-Rentals.aspx

 

STR VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2021
6PM-7PM

The next scheduled Short Term Rental Virtual Workshop is January 7th, 2021.

TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE

PRESENTATION FROM CITY STAFF — PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

 

Planning Commission sets another negative precedent expanding use of A-24 & A-36 Zoning in Shore Drive Community

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Windsong Expansion Planning Commission December 9 2020(24 page PDF)Download

“The curriculum is focused on hands-on experiments and solving real environmental problems, meant to put students in the world around them every single day, Freeman said.”

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In new environmental studies program, Virginia Beach students get a hands-on experience at Pilotonline.com.

“This isn’t a school. This is not at a school setting,” Freeman said. “It’s sort of redefining what a classroom looks like.”

To say we’re excited about this unique learning experience that we’ve been working on making happen since 2003 would be a profound understatement!

The first time the idea was written up in The Virginian-Pilot.

Marina Shores expansion presentation to BAC info

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Changes to original presentation posted at SDCC.info here.

Previous 60 unit expansion, now 49 unit that requires a Conditional Use Permit as they’re proffered at maximum units allowed right now.

New traffic light at North Great Neck and Lynnhaven Drive still turned down by CoVB even after more lobbying for it in spite of added minimum dozens of trips per day through that intersection from new condo & apartment development.

Pleasure House Road 7/11 presentation to BAC info

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Pleasure House Road new 7/11.

Not Greenwell Road new 7/11.

View new Pleasure House Road 7/11 plans presented to BAC.Download

SDCC General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Crime Improvement – Mon Nov. 23rd at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.23.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday November 23, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd

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

 

 

Special Presentation – 

Neighborhood Crime and Improvement Survey – Officer M.R. Torrance, Virginia Beach Police Department Third Precinct will update us on neighborhood crime issues and discuss a Neighborhood Improvement Survey his precinct is currently running.  He would also like to hear any additional concerns the residents may have and discuss ways to help.

 

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Empsy Munden; President – Todd Solomon

 

Old Business-
Proposed Developments –

  • Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council and the City were officially served on Nov. 13th. They have 21 days to reply from that date.  The Go Fund Me campaign has raised $22k of the $30k goal.
  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th. Updates will be provided.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.  This project is being presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission on Nov. 19th.  Updates will be provided.

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create a STR overlay district in Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association voted on Nov. 9th to oppose any STR overlay district in its neighborhood.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. 19th meeting on a STR position for the Bayfont.  SDCC will be discussing and voting on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront.

 

New Business –

City Council Policy for Public Outreach and Engagement – City Council is proposing a new policy for civic engagement for development applications.  Council voted to indefinitely defer the approval of this policy to allow time for adequate public engagement to be held and gather citizens input.  It was suggested the Bayfront/Shore Drive be a focus area for input.  Oh the irony…

  

Next SDCC Meeting – No meeting in December.  Happy Holidays

BAYFRONT ADVISORY COMMISSION PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION Virginia Beach Convention Center, Suite 5 1000 19th Street November 19

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Agenda:

REGULAR SESSION CALL TO ORDER – 3:30 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Review and Approval of Minutes from 10/15/2020

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Welcome Guests and Introductions – Phil Davenport, Chair

STAFF REPORTS & UPDATES

COMMITTEE REPORTS & UPDATES

Design – Bob Magoon, Faith Christie, Joe Bovee (volunteer) Communications – Vacant

Public Safety, Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access – Charles Malbon

PROJECT BRIEFINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

1) E and R incorporated, 4600 Lookout Road, (HK on the Bay)

2) Presmont Construction Services, LLC, 4769 Shore Dr. (7-Eleven)

3) MS Virginia Beach, LLC, 2257 Willow Oaks Rd (Marina Shores Apartments.

4) MP Shore, LLC, 3829 & 3785 Shore Drive (Marlin Bay Apts.)

5) Short Term Rental Ordinance and Cape Henry District

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMUNITY REPORTS & UPDATES ADJOURN

Thanks to Mark for the info!

CIty Council votes to defer CIvic Engagement policy indefinitely. Will discuss milestone timeline at Nov 24 City Council Workshop.

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View proposed Civic Engagement Resolution in PDF.

Civic Engagement discussion starts at about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Civic Engagement public testimony & vote starts at about 36 minutes.

“At the last general membership meeting, the OPCL voted to match Ocean Park residents’ contributions to the Stop Westminster Canterbury legal fund.”

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View info at OPCL.org

If you would like to make a matched contribution, use the link below and forward your email confirmation to the OPCL Treasurer or board member by Jan 31.

OPCL is matching up to $1,000.

Learn more about The Lawsuit & GoFundMe info here.

$19,505 has been raised so far.

Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

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Email update:

Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers: 

The City of Virginia Beach’s Public Works – Stormwater Engineering has scheduled a virtual open house meeting for the Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake (CIP 7-053) project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  For information to join the meeting virtually, please visit the project website: http://www.vbgov.com/LakeBradford.

Due to the Covid-19 public health crisis this meeting will not be held in-person and instead we will utilize a virtual platform to host this meeting and continue providing project updates and introduce the upcoming construction projects.

As most of you know, we held an open house/public meeting in November 2019 to hear from residents in the area regarding their flooding concerns and to assist in developing a program of drainage improvements.  We received valuable input and feedback from the community and are looking forward to our continued coordination.

Since we met last November, the City and RK&K have made progress on the drainage study and develop a concept of improvements to help mitigate flooding.  This concept requires further analysis and the drainage study is anticipated to be completed by the end of next summer.

This will be an informal open house public meeting and will begin with a 30 minute presentation providing an update on the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study as well as introduce the upcoming Lake Pleasure House Outfall and Lake Bradford Dredging construction projects.  Public Works representatives from the City of Virginia Beach will be available to answer questions via the virtual platform following the presentation.

After the presentation, we request attendees complete an online survey to provide feedback on the presentation as well as any comments or concerns for the upcoming construction projects.  A link to this online survey will be provided on the project website.  Our previous survey was very successful and provided valuable input on flooding concerns in the area.

Again, we want to thank each and every one of you who have participated in some way:  attending the meeting, marking maps, taking the survey, emailing us your thoughts and comments, and all the other ways you have contributed.  We feel strongly that this can be a very successful project with your suggestions and feedback.  

Please contact us at lakebradford@vbgov.com with your comments and questions.  Also, go to our website at http://www.vbgov.com/lakebradford for updated information. 

If you have any pictures of flooding, please email them to stormpics@vbgov.com.  Please include the location, date, and time the picture was taken.

Again, thank you for your participation in this project and we look forward to continue working with all of you.  Please stay safe during this difficult time.

 

Matthew Richardson, Project Manager

Lake Bradford / Chubb Lake Drainage Study (CIP #7-053).

Public Works – Engineering

757-385 -4131

“ The council doesn’t have enough votes for this action as three of 11 council members have declared conflicts of interest and can’t vote on issues related to Westminster-Canterbury.”

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Local coverage of THE LAWSUIT against WCCB & City of Virginia Beach continues at Virginian-Pilot:

“If this decision is allowed to stand, it could set a precedent for City Council to ignore zoning regulations in any neighborhood in any part of the city,”

13NewsNow continues local press coverage of the Shore Drive community coming together to stop the precedent setting subjective approval that clearly violates the City’s Zoning Ordinance & other development guidelines of Virginia Beach.

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View story including video at 13NewsNow.com:

“hold city council accountable for what the codes, and rules and guidelines are”

Visit GoFundMe to learn more now.

VOTE!

SDCC Monday Oct. 26th Membership Meeting Agenda 7:30pm at OPVRS Hall

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 10.26.20 SDCC Agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 26, 2020 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall – 3769 East Stratford Rd

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

 

 Special Presentation – None

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Empsy Munden;President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Proposed Developments –

  • Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – City Council approved the expansion on Sept 22. Ocean Shore Condos filed a lawsuit vs City Council on October 20.  A Go Fund Me campaign has been created to help pay for legal fees.  To date, $15k has been raised of the $30k goal.  SDCC requested City Council to reconsider their approval, but no reply was received from them.
  • Marina Shores Apartment Expansion – A 60 unit 5 story (65ft tall) building is being proposed along North Great Neck Rd. where the apartment’s tennis courts are currently located. This application is scheduled to go before the Planning Commission in November.  The Bayfront Advisory Commission did not support the request to remove the existing condition that limits density to 24 units/acre.
  • Marlin Bay Apartment Complex – 227 units 4 story buildings are being proposed at the intersection of Marlin Bay Drive and Shore Drive. The developer cancelled a presentation at the Oct. Bayfront Advisory Commission meeting.
  • Windsong Development – 411 units off of Pleasure House Road in Chic’s Beach. This project is scheduled to go before Planning Commission in December.

 New Business –

Short Term Rental Overlay Districts Proposed for Ocean Park and Cape Story by the Sea – Councilman Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood asked for an ordinance change to create STR overlay districts in Ocean Park and Cape Story which will allow “By Right” use of residents for STRs as long as they meet the guidelines in the code.  At the City Council Oct 20 meeting, Ocean Park residents showed up in opposition and Councilman Jones removed the Ocean Park overlay from the ordinance.  Councilman Wood has left the Cape Story overlay in place as a challenge to the residents to oppose if they want his overlay removed.  If not, then 50% of Cape Story will be “By Right” STR.  The BAC will vote at their Nov. meeting on a position for the Bayfont on STR.  It is recommended that SDCC vote on a position statement for STR Overlays in the Bayfront and it’s proposed that all overlays be prohibited from the Bayfront.

November SDCC Meeting – Officers from the 3rd Precinct has asked to come to a November meeting to discuss a community policing plan for Ocean Park and other neighborhoods that are experiencing vandalism and break-ins.  They plan to do a survey of neighborhoods to gather input on issues.  SDCC is working with them to create and promote an online survey.

“There were many more people who were interested in participating in the action but as a practical matter, the number of clients needs to be manageable and these 4 Petitioners are very representative of those adversely effected [sic] by Westminster Canterbury’s approved expansion,” Lauer wrote.

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First coverage at 13NewsNow.com:

In the last six days, a GoFundMe launched to raise money for the petitioners has raised more than $13,000.

Visit GoFundMe FUNDRAISING page.

Multiple Shore Drive Condominium Associations has organized a GoFundMe FUNDRAISER & LAWSUIT vs City of Virginia Beach & WCCB to stop precedent setting high rise in Shore Drive community subjectively approved by 5 City Council members

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Westminster Canterbury Expansion-Stop City Council GoFundMe FUNDRAISER link:

Virginia Beach City Council has approved plans to allow a 22 story building expansion of Westminster Canterbury. This will create  a structure rivaling Town Center and potentially supporting other high rise development in the Bayfront neighborhoods along Shore Drive.  This precedent setting decision was based solely on the opinions of 5 Council Members and not based on quantifiable City codes or requirements. 

VIEW LAWSUIT v. VIRGINIA BEACH CITY COUNCIL, CITY of VIRGINIA BEACH, WESTMINSTER-CANTERBURY on Chesapeake Bay ( 29 page PDF )

Over $11,000 has been raised in just a couple days.

Join us & many others who don’t want to see the Shore Drive community & potentially other areas of Virginia Beach have an explosion of density & high rises due to this arbitrary decision made by 5 people.

Westminster Canterbury Expansion-Stop City Council GoFundMe FUNDRAISER link:

Virginia Beach City Council has approved plans to allow a 22 story building expansion of Westminster Canterbury. This will create  a structure rivaling Town Center and potentially supporting other high rise development in the Bayfront neighborhoods along Shore Drive.  This precedent setting decision was based solely on the opinions of 5 Council Members and not based on quantifiable City codes or requirements.