WCCB IS LOCKED DOWN STARTING MARCH 16 2020

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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

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VIEW MAP OF VIRGINIA COVID-19 CASES

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

WCCB Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness & Response Update

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From WCCB News page:

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:

In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are following 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 screening all who visit and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.

We discourage social visitation by guests, including family members, for Independent Living and Enhanced Serices (Assisted Living) residents. Guests visiting IL and ES residents will be screened at the Courtesy Desk.
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.
Additionally, 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 and are doing everything in our power to combat COVID-19.

Thank you for your confidence and support.

Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
President & CEO
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay

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

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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.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

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OFFICIAL COVID-19 CASES in VIRGINIA

COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES IN VIRGINIA BEACH

VIRGINIA BEACH COVID-19 WEBSITE

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 WEBSITE

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COVID-19 WEBSITE

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION COVID-19 WEBSITE

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION COVID -19 WEBSITE

SENTARA COVID-19 WEBSITE

BON SECOURS COVID-19 WEBSITE

CHKD COVID-19 WEBSITE

“My job is not to scare you out of your wits it’s to scare you into your wits.”

WCCB Survey Summary Results

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Question 08 Comments PDF 1

I am a long time resident and a local Realtor that has clients living in the immediate area of Ocean Shore Ave and other condos down there. I also am currently representing a buyer that is concerned about a purchase on Urchin Rd because of the Westminster expansion. There are many concerns about personal property being devalued (city assessments are already dropping in the immediate area). I am also seriously concerned that because of the money and influence from the residents of Westminster this will get pushed through one way or another and any high rise of that caliber will have a high impact of the values there. Construction will have an environmental impact. And a high rise being allowed will open the way for new and similar developments and negatively impact the community.

Question 08 Comments PDF 2

The area of Shore Drive surrounding Westminster is a close and intimate community. If residents here wanted high rise living we would be at the ocean front. In order to preserve living style diversity we need to reserve some beach front areas as quiet community living.

Question 08 Comments PDF 3

This area of the city must have more senior care facilities. Independent living as well as assisted living are a going to be a big growth factor in less than ten years. The current Westminster Canterbury buildings on Shore Drive have been good for the neighborhood for over thirty years. They haven proven time and time again that they do a lot of good for the community and local area. Let them expand and build additional building. They are the number one provider of a full service living home environment in America Which treats all seniors medical and living needs. Westminster Canterbury is a not for profit run base organization. They give back to their residents and local area non residents, senior medical care needed. If Westminster Canterbury does not make this investment to build a first class “state of the latest” building, then some other will build and it would be a real eye sore investor run failure of a senior center. Thank you

Question 08 Comments PDF 4

I live and work here. While Westminster has good people there, I also think we must take into consideration the experience of the neighborhoods around it. The proposed construction is too big and I believe will have a negative impact on neighbors.

Question 08 Comments PDF 5

I live in Baylake Pines and have on and off since 1955. The high density housing that is going on everywhere along SD is ruining the ambience and qualities of life here. The destruction of view shed Thursday, Feb 13th at Lesner Bridge should serve as huge example. The city should reign in the exploration of this once very beautiful area.

Question 08 Comments PDF 6

I live on Starfish Road – so the traffic, parking and loss of the publicly owned beach access affect my quality of life greatly. The proposal is too big for the area – I have concerns about how this affects the Thursday, Feb 13th EMS services response times if they are tied up at WC like they were in December when there was a laundry room fire at WC (15+ EMS units on site).

Note: One random comment from each PDF highlighted above. There are hundreds who responded.

“Ocean Shore Condominium (OSC) and other area property owner’s concerns re: Westminster Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay expansion.”

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View DLM Architects Design Review Memo No. 3. (4 page pdf)

Includes:

City Code, Appendix A – Zoning, ARTICLE 9, Section 901, Senior Housing is limited to a height of 165 feet. AHousing for seniors and disabled persons or handicapped, including convalescent or nursing; maternity homes; day-care centers other than covered under permitted principal uses herein above, provided that the maximum height shall not exceed one hundred sixty-five (165) feet;@ The independent living tower in the proposed project significantly exceeds this limitation. Required: reduce the height of the tower to comply.

Wind Scour: The close proximity between the OSC and WC site increases the local wind speed, wind scour and turbulence between these Bayfront buildings resulting in more drifting sand, damaged vegetation and damage to the roofing of the westernmost OSC buildings. Required: Construct wind breaks at the dune line. This wasn’t addressed in the planning staff’s comments.

Stormwater run-off: There is no indication of stormwater retention on the preliminary drawings or how the stormwater requirements are to be met. Required: a net reduction in impervious surface area from the existing use(s).

“While it is the most densely populated area of the City, it is primarily a neighborhood residential area. The general planning goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan include preserving and protecting the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of the established neighborhoods.”

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Applicant & Owner Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay Public Hearing March 11, 2020 City Council Election District Lynnhaven

View Staff Report in PDF.

Some highlights:

In 1977, a Conditional Use Permit was granted to the property for a Home for the Aged, Disabled and Handicapped to operate a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

The development will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the Suburban Area Bayfront Community, the goals of which is to preserve and protect the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of established neighborhoods.

The proposed 22-story tower will be approximately 250’ tall.

The Property, when developed, shall not exceed a total of 674 Independent Living units, 75 Assisted Living units, 48 Memory Support units, and 108 Skilled Nursing units. Total parking provided will be 1,096 parking spaces.

The general planning goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan include preserving and protecting the character, economic value, and aesthetic quality of the established neighborhoods.

SDCC Requests Planning Commission to DENY proposed development by Westminster Canterbury

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The following request has been sent to the Planning Commission requesting they DENY the current proposed expansion of Westminster Canterbury.

 

Dear Ms. Oliver and Planning Commission Members,

On behalf of the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC), we formally request that the Planning Commission “DENY” the subject request from Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay (WCCB) for a modification of conditions to build a 4 story parking garage with 22 story tower senior living facility and a 7 story memory unit facility connected by enclosed elevated pedestrian bridges over public roadways.

The SDCC is a 20 year old umbrella civic organization representing many neighborhood civic leagues, condo and homeowner associations along the Shore Drive corridor. At our February general meeting, we unanimously voted on the following motion regarding the current proposed WCCB development,

“The Shore Drive Community Coalition opposes the Westminster Canterbury expansion proposal as it is in violation of the Shore Drive Overlay density restrictions and the Business 901 height restrictions”

We understand that it’s the Planning Commission responsibility to review projects and determine if they are in accordance with existing City codes and to allow variances based on hardships. As our motion states, the proposed project is considered multi-family senior living housing that violates the following City codes and has no hardships.

• Shore Drive Corridor Overlay Section 1704- Density requirements of maximum 24 units per acre.
• Business District Section 901 – Senior housing building height restriction of 165 feet.

The SDCC feels that this project would also set a harmful precedent for future development requests of high density tower structures in Business B2 and B4 zoning that would be incompatible with the surrounding residential and lower density multi-family dwellings that make the Shore Drive Corridor unique.

Thank you for your consideration in denying the subject application,
Todd Solomon – SDCC President

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

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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.

Don’t Block The Box

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Learn more at Ocean Park Rescue Squad’s OPVRS News:

Be aware that the proximity of the stoplight may cause traffic to back up in front of the ambulance garages. Please don’t block the box in front of the station.

“You’re building something that is going to be a permanent landmark on the beach. You want it to be right.”

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Video & story at 13NewsNow.com.

The Shore Drive Community Coalition is opposed to the expansion as it is now. They are concerned about the increased height and density. They and many others said there was not enough dialogue.

“In an effort to keep our neighbors, friends and other interested parties informed, this page will be continually updated with fresh information about our expansion project as plans develop.”

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Westminster-Canterbury shares info about their expansion plans on their website.

Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay has been a part of the Shore Drive community for nearly four decades.

Ocean Shore Condos & Ships Watch is having a meeting at OPVRS re:WCCB proposed expansion and you’re invited.

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Public engagement meeting announcement from email:

We try to limit the information we send out on this website because we do not want people to ignore the emails. This email contains 3 items that need your attention. Please act upon them as appropriate.

1) In lieu of a board meeting this month, we will be having a special meeting to update everyone on the latest news about The Westminster Canterbury expansion plans. In addition, we will be offering assistance with ideas and recommendations for anyone that needs help in writing letters to the planning commission, the city council and the mayor with your opinions about the expansion and how it will negatively impact Ocean Shore Condos as well as the surrounding community. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 27th at 5:30pm at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Hall, 3769 East Stratford Road. This meeting will be a combined meeting with Ocean Shore Condo and Ships Watch. Please feel free to invite anyone else that you know would be interested in this issue.

2) We would also appreciate it if you would take a few moments to complete the 8 question survey that is attached. In addition, if you would forward this to any other residents in Virginia Beach that you know would oppose the Westminster Canterbury expansion, it would be helpful. We have already had 400 people respond to the survey. https://weloveshoredrive.com/2020/02/13/did-you-know-wccb-is-seeking-variances-to-redevelop-17-acres-in-the-bayfront-please-take-our-survey/

3) This is a meeting that we would like everyone to attend. Once again, if you have any friends or family that are residents of Virginia Beach and can make this meeting please bring them along. We want to not only pack the room for this meeting, we want an overflow crowd. We will have our attorney and are architect at this meeting representing us as well as individuals that will speak on the condos behalf. However, the most important thing is to have bodies at this meeting. Unfortunately, the planning commission meeting is on March 11th, 2020 at 12:00pm. The meeting will take place at The Municipal Center Building 1 on the 2nd Floor. We realize this is in the middle of the work day, but this is so important that I would encourage any of you that are able to take off of work to attend this meeting. If you need transportation to this meeting please contact Paulterkeltaub@me.com or at (757) 630-3774 and we will make sure you have transportation.

OPVRS, or Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Google map.
Enter door opposite Shore Drive.

“The LOVEworks program is a state-wide branding initiative designed to promote historic life experiences in Virginia and strengthen awareness of the “Virginia is for Lovers” message.”

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DEADLINE TO APPLY MARCH 18 ’20.

Shore Drive Love Sign Call for Artist info here.

I. PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Bayfront Advisory Commission in partnership with Ocean Park Civic League is seeking a qualified artist or artist-led team to provide a unique and site-specific LOVE sign at the foot of Pleasure House Point Park on Shore Drive . . .

II. ELIGIBILITY

Professional artists or artist-led teams are eligible to apply. Applicants must be at
least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen, must have successfully managed and completed at least one similar commission project with a budget equal to or greater than $1,000. . . .

Learn more

Shore Drive Love Sign Call for Artist info here.

LOVEWORK TOOLKIT from Virginia is For Lovers campaign.

Virginia.gov/Love.

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Feb. 24th at 7:30pm

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 2.24.20 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 24, 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-
Westminster-Canterbury (WC) High Rise and Memory Center Expansion – Update on WC expansion project that included a 22 story high rise to be built at the Casa del Playa/Old Pier site and a memory center to be located on a current parking lot. All facilities are planned to be connected with pedestrian bridges crossing public streets at Ocean Shore Ave and Starfish Rd. Developer presented to 100 attendees at Lynnhaven Colony Civic meeting. Project will be heard by Planning Commission on Wed. March 11th at Noon. SDCC Survey on proposed development can be taken at

Sea Level Wise (SLW) Public Input – The Department of Public Works concluded their public presentations on the draft SLW plan. Thank you to all who attended. The meeting at Cox HS was largest crowd of all meetings. Next step will be formal adoption of the plan by City Council. Comments will still be accepted through the end of February and can be sent to C.J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com

New Business –
Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp for Commercial Use – City wants to lease part of property for 3 year as commercial use to support off-shore wind turbine construction. An office building, parking spots, 5000 gallon fuel tank and boat mooring are planned. Your comments and questions are needed and will be submitted to Staff for answers prior to a Council vote on Tues March 3rd.

Lesner Bridge Lighting Issues – Repairs will be made over the next 60 days to fix lighting problems with the overhead road pole lights, the under bridge pier lights and the Canoes sculpture accent lights.

“Your Speed” Sign – Public Works Engineer Phillip Koetter informed the Cape Story Civic Association that City Traffic engineers plan to install a “Your Speed” radar sign near the intersection of Shore Drive and Kendall Street for cars coming from the State Park heading west. Installation should be this summer/fall.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – Revisions to the SDCC Bylaws were presented and reviewed at Jan meeting. The proposed changes are posted online and will be voted upon at this meeting.

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

Civic Engagement Opportunities

Sea Level Wise Draft Input – Comments on the draft can be sent to City Public Works Stormwater Engineer C. J. Bodnar at CBodnar@vbgov.com Deadline is Feb. 29th.

Leasing of Lynnhaven Boat Ramp – City Council Meeting Tues March 3rd at 6:00pm in Building 1

Proposed Expansion of Westminster-Canterbury – Planning Commission Meeting Wed March 11th at Noon in Building 1 City Council Chambers. Briefing is held at 9:30am in City Managers meeting room. Take the SDCC Survey at

. Survey closes March 10th.

City Budget Citizen Discussion – Councilman John Moss will be holding public information sessions in the Bayfront area at the following dates and locations. Both meetings are held from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
• Wed March 4th at the Bayside Rec Center & Wed March 18th at Great Neck Rec Center

 

 

SDCC Proposed Bylaw Changes

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Shore Drive Community Coalition has been operating for an amazing 20 years.  Our coalition of engaged communities has and is still doing great things.  However, it is time to make some adjustments to the way the organization operates and meets.  The following links show the proposed changes and current Bylaws. Some of the key changes include: tri-annual (3 times – Jan/May/Sept) meetings instead of monthly meetings; eliminating $25 membership dues; making officer positions flexible from minimum 2 to 4.  Plans are to hold emergency public meetings when a topic requires and to also increase our online activities to continue to keep the community informed.

Proposed Bylaw changes – BYLAWS – 2020 Revision Draft Strikethrough Removed

Existing Bylaws – https://weloveshoredrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bylaws-11-24-03_amended.pdf

Public engagement at City Council FEB 18 ’20 re: Ørsted plan at LBR&BF

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Direct link (3:18:00) to Councilwoman Henley mentioning Ocean Park Civic League letter to them re: Ørsted.


Direct link (9:58) to City Council Formal Session Public Hearing Testimony.