You too can follow Official Virginia Beach EMS YouTube Channel for their updates.
Virginia Beach Planning Commission Public Hearing March 11, 2020 Minutes
View PDF of Minutes at VBGov.com:
I would like to call the order the March 11th, 2020 public meeting of the Planning Commission. My name is David Wiener. I’m acting as Chair today. Dee Oliver will not be here. Before we get started, I’ve asked Commissioner Coston to lead us in prayer and Don Horsley, Mr. Horsley to lead us in pledge, please stand.
Download PDF of PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 11 2020 Formal Minutes (Binded) here.
EMERGENCY BLOOD DRIVE OPVRS JULY 10TH 2PM – 6PM
“On June 2-3, 2020, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay voluntarily accepted an offer by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to test all residents and staff for the COVID-19 virus.”
UPDATE: June 8, 2020
UPDATE: June 8, 2020
Virginia Department of Health Point of Prevalence Survey Results Show Westminster-Canterbury COVID-19 Free: More than 1100 Residents and Staff Tested
On June 2-3, 2020, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay voluntarily accepted an offer by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to test all residents and staff for the COVID-19 virus. None of the more than 1100 residents and staff that participated in the survey tested positive.
Because Westminster-Canterbury is a large campus of over 1100 residents and staff and has remained COVID-19 free, the VDH was extremely interested in performing this survey with our population. The campus’ experience runs contrary to the experience of other senior living communities of similar size.
“While we are extremely thankful that our community is COVID-19 free, we will continue with the protocols that got us to this point, including social distancing and wearing masks,” said Westminster-Canterbury President and CEO J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
Road Resurfacing Planned for Repair of Work Areas at Starfish Rd, N. Great Neck Rd, Red Tide Rd and the Cape Henry Trail
Hello Shore Drive Community,
The following emails are updates from our friendly neighborhood Project Engineer regarding the repaving of areas that have recently had stormwater improvements completed. It looks like paving of these areas is scheduled to be finished by the end of July.
Stay safe and stay healthy,
Todd
Dear SDCC,
An update for you on the some of the “rough-rides” you may be experiencing at Starfish Rd and N. Great Neck Rd.
Good news for these asphalt issues. We are trying to be fair to the contractor and limit his mobilization of final Asphalt surface course construction to two occurrences. The reason it is riding a little rough is because intermediate course has been placed on top for now, and yes, there are noticeable differences in elevation at the edge points that create a bump. The contractor is working at Red Tide Rd right now, and after he completes the storm sewer construction, we will then be milling (pavement planning) the asphalt down at Starfish Road, North Great Neck Road, the Cape Henry canal Trail and Red Tide Road. Then a complete overlay of surface course asphalt will be placed back in accordance with the Contract Documents.
At N. Great Neck Road, we are going to slightly beyond the limits of the trench excavation to make sure there is “no bump” and mill out the asphalt to only the right turn lane (northbound) and merging lane (southbound). But the future Shore Drive Phase III roadway project in a couple years (100% design) will be providing a complete intersection pavement rebuild along with that project. For Starfish Rd and Red Tide Rd, it will be complete face-of-curb (edge-of-pavement)) to the other face-of-curb (edge-of-pavement).
All This work will be completed by July.
The second mobilization of asphalt surface course will occur after the heavy construction at West Great Neck Road and Cape Henry Drive in the summer and fall.
Best Regards,
Brad
Bradley W. Vanderwarker, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
PW/Stormwater Eng. Center
2473 N. Landing Road, Building 23, Room 139
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 385-4131 (main)
(757) 385-8556 (direct)
(757) 705-7507 (cellular)
bvanderwarker@vbgov.com
Additional details of the work being done on the Cape Henry Trail. A plan of the work location can be seen by clicking here Cape Henry Trail Milling & Surface Course Overlay
Todd/Tim,
The milling and resurfacing of the Cape Henry Trail between W. Great Neck Road and N. Great Neck Road is graphically displayed in the attached.
This will provide a nice smooth trail system from the major construction at W. Great Neck Road over and through where the large 76”x48” Culvert behind the Fire Station was recently constructed. It ends just west of Sunstate Ct. where shown. It was not in the scope of this project to repair and resurface the trail to the east over to Beech Street.
Even with the localized construction at N. Great Neck Road, we are only repairing a localized section of the stamped brick area on the west side of N. Great Neck Road.
Further questions relative to the Cape Henry Trail program may be directed to Elaine Linn elinn@vbgov.com with Parks & Rec.
“I’m not for it and I’m not against it. I’m for working with the developers and the city and other stakeholders because the developers own property on Pleasure House Point that’s not preserved yet, so I think the smart thing would be to work with them,” he said.
There’s a plan to build more than 200 apartments on Shore Drive. The planned development would be located where an old boat and RV storage yard currently sits at the intersection of Marlin Bay and Shore Drive.
While people said there is a need for more housing in the area, some neighbors are pushing back on the plans.
Note the amount of trees and vital habitat that is at risk for destruction. Birds, including those migrating in the Atlantic Flyway, depend on Pleasure House Point and it’s open space to survive.
Sand Replenishment of Ocean Park Beach Scheduled for Spring 2020 Won’t Happen
The following email update was provided by City Staff explaining the reason the planned beach replenishment of Ocean Park beaches won’t be happening this Spring.
The City received three bids on April 7, 2020 for the beach nourishment of Ocean Park Beach. Unfortunately, all bids were over 50% higher than the available budget for the project. The primary driver as to why the bids came in significantly higher than the available budget is due to industry capacity related to the high demand for dredging along the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico for the next six months. No additional funding has been identified and not likely in the immediate future given the uncertainty in the proposed City budget. Therefore, a contract cannot be awarded based on the bids received.
Public Works staff has recommended rebidding the project with a longer period of performance to incentivize more favorable bids based on the available budget for Ocean Park Beach. A final determination on rebidding the project is pending. Please contact Mr. James White for additional information.
Respectfully,
James White, City of Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Boat Church 10:30am Sunday Service to Honor Victims of 5.31.19 Shootings
Here is another opportunity to remember the victims of 5.31.19.
Dear Friend,
We are so excited to join together on Sunday for the First Ever Virginia Beach Boat Church!
We have moved to a NEW LOCATION at First Landing State Park at the East End of the Narrows near Crystal Lake. Come by boat which you can launch at the west end of 64th Street, or you can walk and attend on the beach next to the boat ramp. Look for the pontoon boat stage with a pink “Boat Church” banner.
It will be a beautiful service and a chance to come together to pray and remember those who lost their lives one year ago to the day at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Join this service led by Trinity Church Pastor Randy Singer and two other great local churches, with special guests Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and others for this unique opportunity for fellowship.
See all the details attached. Please share this flyer with family and friends! You can also find us on Facebook at Virginia Beach Boat Church and Instagram @VirginiaBeachBoatChurch.
In the case of inclement weather, notice will be posted by 10pm Saturday evening on Facebook.
Be there to Worship on the Water at the Narrows off First Landing State Park, each Sunday from May 31 – September 6, 2020 at 10:30am.
Looking forward to seeing you,
Liz Seidel
Administrative Assistant
Virginia Beach Boat Church
virginiabeachboatchurch@gmail.com
Location:First Landing State Park, Sunday May 31-September 6, 2020
Find us on Facebook: Virginia Beach Boat Church
Find us on Instagram: @virginiabeachboatchurch
LOVE FOR VB
3 ways to donate to Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad
Check for mailer
Check out the Germ Mold Buster being used by OPVRS.
We Remember – Honoring the Victims on the Anniversary of the 5.31.19 Shootings
The City of Virginia Beach is planning several opportunities for residents to remember the victims and their families this weekend as we mark the anniversary of the awful events of 5.31.19.
Please visit the Love for VB website for a full list of events – https://www.loveforvb.com/remembrance
Additional remembrance activities can be found at the VB Strong Center website – https://thevbstrongcenter.org/services/
Some of the weekend highlights include:
Friday 5.29.20
- Wear Blue in remembrance
- Observe a moment of silence at 4:06pm
Saturday 5.30.20
- 10:00am Online Music Tribute – https://www.facebook.com/VB-Strong-Center-Music-Tribute-2020-100515855006113
Sunday 5.31.20
- 4:06 Online Remembrance Ceremony.
- Leave your porch light on blue/white in remembrance
“Science shows that face coverings are an effective way to prevent transmission of the virus, but wearing them is also a sign of respect.”
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Personal care and grooming businesses
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Essential and non-essential brick and mortar retail including grocery stores and pharmacies
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Food and beverage establishments
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Entertainment or public amusement establishments when permitted to open
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Train stations, bus stations, and on intrastate public transportation, including in waiting or congregating areas
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State and local government buildings and areas where the public accesses services
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Any indoor space shared by groups of people who may congregate within six feet of one another or who are in close proximity to each other for more than ten minutes.
One person died and three others were injured during a serious crash in the 5300 block of Shore Dr. on Sunday.
The fatal accident occurred when a silver Chrysler minivan traveling in the eastbound lanes crossed the center median and struck a white Mitsubishi SUV traveling in the westbound lanes.
“The VB Wave and Bayfront Shuttle services (Routes 30, 31, and 35) scheduled to start Memorial Day, May 25, 2020 have been suspended this summer due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.”
Governor Allows Virginia Beach Reopening with Restrictions
May 18, 2020—Governor Ralph Northam announced that he will allow Virginia Beach to open its beaches for recreation, with restrictions, on Friday.
Virginia Beach officials created a plan for reopening the beach, with restrictions on groups and activities. Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler helped make that proposal stronger. As finalized, Virginia Beach’s plan includes increased cleaning of high-touch areas, compliance monitoring by beach ambassadors, and a 50 percent reduction in parking in beach lots. While families and individuals will be allowed to sunbathe, swim, and surf, the new rules prohibit beach sports and gatherings by large groups, and require those using the beach to adhere to social distancing rules.
Governor Northam also announced the members of a working group that will craft guidance for how schools, from preK to higher education, can move forward with classes later this year. The group includes diverse stakeholders, including school superintendents, college presidents from private and public schools, and members with other educational backgrounds.
““If you come to the beach, we need to have safe distancing,” Dyer said. “No groups more than 10. Let’s just play by the rules and let’s remember there are still restrictions at the beach.”
Coverage including video at WAVY.com .
The mayor is asking people only to go to the beach to fish or exercise.
WHEN IT IS SAFE TO BE AROUND OTHERS: ENDING ISOLATION IN NON-HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
Absentee Ballot Voting for June 23rd Primary has Started. It’s Easy and a Great Way to Social Distance. Use Reason Code 2A (My Disability or Illness)
Currently the City of Virginia Beach is planning to hold in person voting for the upcoming Republican Party Primary. However, normal polling locations may change as a result of Covid-19 stay at home rules and election official worker availability. Voting absentee is a quick and safe way to still vote without having to visit a polling location. Information regarding how to sign up for Absentee Voting and a sample ballot are listed below.
Sign-up for Absentee Ballot here – https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation
The City of Virginia Beach does not have May General Elections, our next schedule election is the June 23, 2020 Republican Party Primary Election. If you would like to submit an absentee ballot application to have your ballot mailed to you due to COVID-19 and Social Distancing you can submit the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application Form (SBE-701) only. The application can be submitted online, by mail, email or fax. In section 3 please indicate Reason Code 2A (My disability or illness).
Click to access Election_Schedule.pdf
Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Projects – City Update #1
The following is the first City update for the Lake Bradford-Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Project. Lots of good information, sign up with the City for direct email if you are interested in following this topic. SDCC will also post future updates on our website, so you can keep informed that way as well.
Click here to see the survey results document. Lake Bradford – Chubb Lake – Survey Results – January 2020
Folks/Bradford-Chubb Project Followers:
For those of you who are somewhat new to following Public Works projects, you will find that we at VBPW believe very strongly in keeping the public informed and allowing 2-way communications. That means keeping you informed of how our projects are progressing, letting you know when we hit a snag or there is a change in plans, and whenever there will be traffic delays or traffic pattern changes. It’s robust work, but someone has to do it . . . and I volunteered because my boss told me to.
I can’t stress enough our belief in this concept, particularly in terms of hearing from you. We’ve learned from experience that the better-informed we keep you, the less chance there is of misinformation being passed around or needless anxiety. That’s why we have set up this specific email address for your questions and concerns. As Mr. Richardson, stormwater engineering savant and project manager for this explains below – you can contact us through this email address, you can go to our web page, or you can contact me. One way or another, we will get you an answer and the information you seek.
You’ll find as we continue to send out these updates that we try and keep it light as well as informative. We want you to have the information you need and the answers you seek . . . otherwise I have a lot of explaining to do to my boss.
As you can see, the email address to use is: lakebradford@vbgov.com. The esteemed Mr. Richardson has attached additional information in his section. Once we establish some social media contacts, I will pass them along to you as well.
Lastly . . . . as in this is the last thing I will mention – if you know of someone who should be included in these updates, or WANTS to be included, please pass this along to them, or send me their information and I will add them to the list.
We hope to set these up on a regular basis and I will let you know as we go along. I hope you will find the information helpful, and don’t hesitate to contact us if needed.
Enjoy what looks to be a great weekend weather wise and if possible, don’t cough on each other.
Stay safe!
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach
dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
*********************************************************************************************************************
Folks:
As most of you know, Public Works – Stormwater Engineering held an open house/public meeting at the Bayside Recreation Center last November.
We organized the meeting because we wanted to hear from the residents as to what their concerns were and to get their help in identifying flooding locations in their neighborhood.
The meeting began with a presentation that provided some background and history of the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Drainage Study, along with reasons for the flooding and potential types of solutions.
After the presentation, attendees were directed to visit five stations that were set up around the room to gather different information. Of particular interest to the engineers was the station, “Flooding Locations/Surveys.” At this station, we encouraged everyone to mark areas of concern or known flooding on a map. They were also given a comment card to describe those concerns and the impact from the flooding in greater detail.
Prior to the meeting, we had developed an online survey for the public to take. We produced post cards with the survey link on the card to send to anyone who could not attend the meeting. That information was also given to the attendees, as well as the project’s web address – project’s webpage – where a link to the survey was available. Hard copies of the survey were also available at the meeting for those who preferred that method of input.
Much to our surprise – AND pleasure – we had over 100 people who participated in the survey. Thank you one and all who did – your input was very valuable in helping us understand your concerns about flooding and the impact on you. That kind of information is invaluable when developing our plans.
With the flooding locations map and the survey results, we were able to identify the problem areas and places of concern within the project area.
They included areas with known flooding problems in the neighborhoods of:
Bayville Gardens
Chesapeake Beach
Chubb Lake Terrace
Church Point
Thoroughgood neighborhoods
Some of the roads identified as areas of concern or flooding during the survey include:
Beaufort Avenue
Brigadoon Drive
Chubb Lake Avenue
Hermitage Road
Independence Boulevard (near the entrance to JEB LC)
Lauderdale Avenue
Lee Court
Lookout Road
Maycraft Road
Northampton Boulevard
Pleasure House Road
Shore Drive
Not surprisingly, these areas and roads align almost perfectly with the areas we had identified in our stormwater model.
The results from the survey and the flooding locations map are attached, and a copy of the map is at the bottom of this email. You can also find a Summary of the Public Survey and Comments on our project’s webpage.
Since we met in November, the City and RK&K have continued to analyze the project area and develop a recommendation to help mitigate flooding. The analysis includes:
Analyzing stormwater pipes and ditch capacities
Rainfall and tide joint probabilities
Sea level rise
One of our tasks now is to analyze each area within the project area with each of these possible scenarios.
As we all know, the public health crisis due to Covid-19 has scrambled all schedules, but IF things can work out, we hope to have another public meeting sometime this fall. If it doesn’t work out that we can meet as a group, we will look into some electronic options that may be possible.
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
VNG Work Along Shore Drive Median Scheduled to Finish Feb 2021. Be Prepared for Traffic Pattern Changes.
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has begun replacement of gas piping under the median of Shore Drive between Cape Story and the Lesner Bridge. Most of the work is expected to take place on weekends and the current schedule has a construction finish date of Feb 2021. This work is being done as an upgrade for VNG systems and is taking place prior to the City’s planned Shore Drive Phase III improvements which will start shortly after VNG is finished in 2021.
The following information is being presented to help residents prepare for the new traffic patterns that will be required to support VNG’s work. VNG plans to spend 2 weekends at each intersection, start at North Great Neck Road and work their way westward to the Lesner Bridge. Below you will find an email with some Q&A between SDCC and VNG. You will also find the City approved traffic pattern plans and a VNG information flyer that was sent to residents living on Shore Drive.
Traffic Pattern Plans – Click here Traffic Plan Shore Dr Relocation Approved_Median_10-9-19
VNG Informational Flyer – Click here VNG_ShoreDrRelocation_Community Outreach Factsheet
SDCC/VNG Q&A Email:
Good Morning Mr. Solomon,
I appreciate your outreach and interest in the project. To answer the following questions you have:
1) Can someone send us the tentative schedule for the complete project? Preferably one that brakes it down by stages or intersections per week.
– Unfortunately we do not have a tentative schedule for these projects. We let our Contractor continue with the work to meet the deadlines – We are looking to complete this project by Feb 2021. What we can do to assist is make contact with you when we move along Shore Dr. in order to keep everyone informed giving estimated times within the intersections. Usually these intersections will only take ~2 weekends when drilling under.
2) The plans appear to keep each lighted intersection and median cut open when the left turn lanes are closed off. This didn’t happen during last Saturday work. What will be done differently moving forward? Will police be staged at these locations and if so will they just be at the lighted intersections, median cuts or both?
– Our Contractor and their associated Traffic Control Company will follow the plans as approved by the City. I realize their was an issue last weekend which has since been corrected. Their will be off-duty Police Officers at each lighted intersection along with the correct detour signs if needed.
3) Is there a point of contact residents can get in touch with on weekends if things don’t look right? Cell or email contact would be helpful.
– In the beginning of February I sent out a Community Outreach letter with information about the project along with affected streets and VNG contact information if any concerns or questions should come up. Our Contractor in each of the areas prior to working have door hangers in which lets the directly affected homeowner know that we will be in the area soon, what to expect, and provides a VNG point of contact. I have attached the Outreach Letter to this email that you can post in the Civic Leagues news letter if you would like.
Thank you sir,
Ben Longstreet
Intermediate Engineer
Mobile: 757.359.8203
Office: 757.466.5519
#WeLoveShoreDrive 