eScooters Coming Back Starting April 1st with Stricter Rules

Posted on by

This Spring along with the flowers, eScooters will once again be sprouting up along Shore Drive communities as they did last year.  Although this time there will be a couple of new rules they must follow that should help with some of the safety concerns that worried many last year.  The most impactful changes for operation in our area will be:

  1. eScooters will be prohibited from operating on roadways posted with speed limits greater than 25 MPH.  So that means no scooters allowed on Shore Drive or North/West Great Neck Roads.  Neighborhood side streets, Cape Henry Trail and area sidewalks will be allowed.
  2. All eScooters operating along shared paths like the Cape Henry Trail will be limited to maximum speeds of 10 MPH.  This will hopefully make it safer when sharing the paths with bikes, walkers, strollers and joggers.

You can read more about the new changes at the following Virginia-Pilot article by Stacy Parker.  Click the quote below to read the entire article.

Speed limits will be capped at 15 mph throughout the city, except on shared paths, including Atlantic Avenue and the Cape Henry Trail off Shore Drive, where the speed limit will be 10 mph.

Scooters won’t be allowed on roads with speed limits greater than 25 mph.

 

 

“To protect more homes from future flooding and to lower flood insurance rates, Virginia Beach is considering funding a local program to buy out or elevate at-risk properties throughout the city.”

Posted on by

News at Pilotonline.com:

There are hundreds of properties in the city that repeatedly flood. Local money could help fund a variety of strategies, including elevating homes, adding flood vents to properties, raising utilities and a quick-buy program after storms.

VBCPS is now accepting applications from current 10th grade students interested in attending the Environmental Studies Program, a new innovative program opening at the Brock Environmental Center in September 2020.

Posted on by

10th graders, start here to begin application process:

Application Process

Before entering grade 11, students will apply for admission to the program in the fall of their sophomore year. An essay formulated around the topics of Sustainable Economics and Business Innovation, Social Sustainability and Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Stewardship will be included in the application and will be used to identify candidates who show a passion for and interest in the fields of study. . . .

Editors note: Dream big and never quit. You never know what you’ll be able to accomplish in spite of it being “impossible”.

Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy Public Meeting schedule includes one near Shore Drive!

Posted on by

Schedule at VBGov.com:

February 15, 2020 – Cox High School – 2425 Shorehaven Drive – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

View Comprehensive Sea Level Rise page at VBGov.com.

It is well documented that sea levels have been rising over the last century. This impacts coastal communities as virtually all human infrastructure will experience some risk. The story of Sea Level Rise and how it effects the City of Virginia Beach is detailed below:

The threat of sea level rise is a very real one, and it’s one that coastal regions like Hampton Roads must face and prepare for. . . .

Graphic from just one idea that was discussed.

#LesnerBridge wins 4th place in Roads & Bridges’ Top 10 Bridge awards for 2019

Posted on by

At Roads & Bridges:

“People really love coming to the bridge—more than just crossing over the top, it becomes an experience sitting underneath the bridge and seeing the lights from the beach,” Wojtowicz said. “It’s very majestic looking from the beach, seeing these aesthetic lights. It makes an impression on folks that see it.”

Screen shot of construction cam December 22 ’18.

Update on PHP kayak launch & wetland mitigation bank

Posted on by

From an email:

We are now anticipating a fall 2020 construction start for the PHP wetland restoration and mitigation bank project. Our Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI) has been approved subject to a few minor clarifications.  We expect final approval in late January and will begin the JPA process and prepare final bidding documents.  We should be in a position to detail a firm construction schedule at that time.

“A classroom at Pleasure House Point opens a world of exciting possibilities that will have a ripple effect on the community and beyond for years to come. I’m so proud to support this mission.”

Posted on by

The energy & excitement by students & VB Schools staff at the Ground Breaking Ceremony yesterday was incredible!

News from Augusta Free Press:

“Future legislators, scientists, engineers, and architects will walk these halls, explore these beautiful grounds, learn in this sustainably-built classroom, and ultimately change the world,” said VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “Where better can students experience our city’s and our division’s unique educational opportunities than here at the Brock Center, truly a monument to environmental design and sustainability.”

Learn more at CBF.org:

When will the classroom be built?
Construction will begin in early 2020, with completion during the summer of 2020. Students will begin attending the Environmental Studies Program after Labor Day, 2020.

It’s amazing how much has been accomplished since “RESIDENTS ANNOUNCE PLAN TO BUY PLEASURE HOUSE POINT Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) – Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Author: SCOTT HARPER THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT” was published:

The foundation will solicit public and private money and seeks to preserve the property for environmental education[.]

Yet, there is much more work to do as not all of what you think is PHP is permanently preserved yet.

“Once built, high school students in a new VBCPS Environmental Studies Program will learn inside every day in an inspiring classroom and outside on the Chesapeake Bay and Pleasure House Point.”

Posted on by

Story at 13NewsNow.com:

Construction of the 1,600 square-foot facility will begin in early 2020 and students will begin attending classes there after Labor Day, 2020.

What Would You Like to See in a New City Manager?

Posted on by

The closest public input meeting you could attend was no where near Shore Drive community. Again.

You can take a Survey created by the recruiting company searching for our next City Manager online however and we encourage you to do so.

Start at this link for their SurveyMonkey.com survey.

Questions include:

Which three of the following leadership traits do you believe are most important for the next Manager to possess?

Which five of the following abilities and skills do you believe are most essential to perform the work of the City Manager?

What are the top three challenges you think will face the new City Manager?

Traffic Signal Work at Shore Drive and Stratford Road Scheduled for Saturday

Posted on by

View news at VBGov.com:

The contractor will be installing mast arms at the intersection. There will be single lane closures on east and west bound Shore Drive. Police will stop traffic for approximately 10-15 minutes in each direction while the mast arms are lifted and installed.

SDCC Route 35 NOV ’19 Survey Results

Posted on by

Our 2nd Survey about Route 35 started about a month after Route 35 ended in 2019.

SDCC View Route 35 NOV ’19 Survey Spreadsheet Results.

  • There needs to be a stop on south side of Shore Drive beside Kroger’s. There are senior apartments and employees at Kroger’s who would use it if there were a bus stop.
  • There should be more stops on Shore Drive..one at the foot of the Lesner on each side for residents along Page Ave and in Ocean Park would make sense. I don’t want to DRIVE 2 miles to catch the bus.
  • Need more handicap services to get around oceanfront if I could go- once there- walking is tough
    E-scooters taking up space at bus stops. Do e-scooters pay for that space?
  • The schedule is not posted at the bus stop so I don’t know when or how often it comes. Or the exact route
  • Didn’t know when or where to get a return bus.
  • Not familiar with how often it runs and where it stops.
  • While waiting for a bus we can be there by car and come back exactly when we are ready. The bus doesn’t solve any problem for us.
  • I tried once, but it was very late. Never tried again
  • As I understand, you could wait for up to an hour, as it isn’t timed stops.

  • Year round. Keep 30 min or less to wait. 7a to 12 midnight. Go to base entrances or close to if possiblE. DRIVERS WERE GREAT ..VB Ambassadors & information guides
  • Stop by Rite Aid
  • A few more stop/pick-ups in the Boardwalk/Pacific area.
  • shorter wait times
  • More stops at Oceanfront especially for special events
  • Improve ticketing buying app so you can find stops, see times of arrival, and track live bus location with ETA. Year-round would be awesome, but at least extend the season (April to October?).
  • Still not sure whether the bus stops only at designated stops or if it will stop is hailed at any point on route. Wish this info were more publicized
  • Add a stop next to Kroger. There is a Special Needs young man that works there and a stop would allow him to take the bus to work. Add a stop at Kendall Street, now that the sidewalk is finished this stop would service the residents of Cape Henry Shores.
  • Have Kroger sell tickets. Allow 65+ to purchase 1/2 fare tickets on the app as well as the regular fare that’s there now.
  • Op.year round. First Landing/seashore park riders need to be at a pick up stop On shore drive as everyone else. Bus turning off into park area for riders waste time and resources. Never been on bus when any rider got on or off inside park. Will they pick me up at my front door? Overall, A GREAT RIDE!
    Run it all year on week ends after the summer ends.
    It should operate year round
  • I plan to use it more next year. Would love it to be year round.
  • have current bus location on an “app”. (most times we’ve used it, the bus arrived over half hour after the time we expected it. So frustrating to wait that long). We would use it much more frequently if we could avoid sending at the bus stop for about an hour each round trip.
  • I like the number and location of the stops. Start in April till November. Those are the only improvements for now.
  • Make special trips for special events
  • More stops at Oceanfront. Like the fact that it stops at First Landing State Park for the campers. Glad we have this bus but wish it ran into October.
  • Please operate year round. We go the ocean front much more frequently off season to take advantage of restaurant specials and to walk or bike ride on the boardwalk.
  • I would love to have it available for thebig running eventsie Shamrock half marathon and Rock n roll half marathon.
  • Purchasing tickets online was not easy. Both times the driver told me I only had one ticket when I thought I bought 2.
  • Year round would be great
  • Love the opportunity to get to the Oceanfront without worrying about Parking. It is the best reason for ME to use public transportation. LOVE Route 35 and would like it to run year round, why not?
  • year round would be great if there are enough riders, or maybe just in the evenings. We took it to avoid the horrific traffic to the parking lots at the oceanfront.
  • YEAR ROUND SCHEDULE— TICKET AVAILABILTY improvement needed- CITY ADVERTISING ON SHORE DRIVE BUSINESSES and PROVIDING TICKETS AT BUSINESSES BUS DRIVERS GREAT— GREAT COMMUNICATIONS ON VA BEACH — Keep them engaged and a RAISE!! maybe a TIP Jar… really great group ambassadors of VA BCH
    Operate year round !
  • Make it year round
  • More promotion of Route 35 by HRT & CoVB !!
  • 35 should operate year round. There are a lot of restaurants on this route and people who need to get to work year round. It is good having this bus as the 29 only runs once per hour.
  • I appreciate that my teenager can take it to get down to the ocean. The drivers allow him to take his surfboard. I really appreciate that they have this route.
  • Year round for the people that depend on it; although, I don’t use it often, it is an easy way to get around the beach!

“Existing AM and PM peak hour traffic counts were conducted on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the US Route 60 (Shore Drive)/Pleasure House Road intersection.”

Posted on by

You’ve heard about Bonaventure speculating on Windsong Apartments in Chesapeake Beach – here is their traffic study taken March 2019.

Click graphic to view their traffic study.

The Bayfont Community Needs Your Input – Four Opportunities for Your Voice to be Heard

Posted on by

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. As you’re lounging around the next few days with full bellies and stretch pants, here are a few opportunities for civic engagement that can have a direct impact on our Bayfront area. The first 2 items are quick surveys you can take while traveling or laying around the house. The second 2 items are upcoming public meetings scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving. Please share this email with all those that may be interested. And again, have a safe and wonderful holiday.

Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle Survey
Survey Closes – Monday Dec. 2nd

In a continuing effort to improve the 3 year old seasonal Hampton Roads Transit shuttle, SDCC needs your help. Please take a couple of minutes to take our survey at the following link. We will post the survey results and share them with the City and HRT to continue to make this service better. You’ll find the survey at
https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/06/please-take-our-new-survey-about-route-35-so-we-can-help-improve-it/

Storm Water Survey for Neighborhoods Surrounding Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake
Survey Closes – Thursday Dec. 12th

Your input will greatly assist us in developing a storm water drainage improvement program that will address flooding in areas that include, but are not limited to: Bradford Acres, Chesapeake Beach, Church Point, Hermitage Elementary, Lake Shores, Northampton Boulevard, North Beach, Pleasure House Road, Shore Drive, and Thoroughgood. Click here to take the survey – https://www.publicinput.com/6003

 

Public Meeting on Planned Redevelopment of Windsong Apartments

Monday December 2nd– Bonaventure’s presentation of their proposed redevelopment of Windsong Apartments along Pleasure House Road. The public meeting will be held at Morning Star Baptist Church at 6pm. https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/26/invites-went-out-to-see-what-bonaventure-is-proposing-at-windsong-in-chesapeake-beach-join-us-dec-2nd/

 

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled For City Manager Recruitment Process

Dec 2nd through Dec 5th – Town Hall meetings to ask the public for input regarding attributes for the new City Manager. Unfortunately none of the meetings are north of Virginia Beach Blvd. Click here for times and locations – https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/26/town-hall-meetings-scheduled-for-city-manager-recruitment-process-dec-2nd-through-dec-5th/

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled For City Manager Recruitment Process – Dec 2nd through Dec 5th

Posted on by

Please Note – Unfortunately none of the planned meetings are being held north of Virginia Beach Blvd.  SDCC has asked City Council and the Search Firm to try and add a meeting in the northern part of the City where the majority of the population lives.  Stay tuned, but plan on attending one of the listed meetings just in case our request is too late.

 

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled For City Manager Recruitment Process

What qualities, background and experiences would you like to see in candidates for the Virginia Beach city manager position? The Virginia Beach City Council, along with the City’s recruitment consultant, GovHR USA, invite you to participate in a Town Hall meeting to share your thoughts as well as identify challenges and opportunities facing the City of Virginia Beach. Your opinions will be considered in the recruitment and selection process. In addition to the town hall meetings, residents will have the opportunity to participate in an online survey. It will be posted on VBGov.com during the week of December 2.

 

Town Hall Meeting Dates and Locations:

Monday, December 2, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Building 19, Virginia Beach Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Dr.
Tuesday, December 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Bow Creek Recreation Center, 3426 Club House Rd.
Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Kempsville Recreation Center, 800 Monmouth Ln.
Thursday, December 5, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, 717 General Booth Blvd.

The actual article can be found on the City’s website at the following link – https://www.vbgov.com/news/pages/selected.aspx?release=4582&title=town+hall+meetings+scheduled+for+city+manager+recruitment+process

 

Invites went out to see what Bonaventure is proposing at Windsong in Chesapeake Beach. Join us DEC 2nd!

Posted on by

Directions to Morning Star Baptist Church 4780 First Court Road.

BEC Learning Series: Environmental Advocacy 101: How to Amplify Your Voice

Posted on by

Learn more at CBF.org:

“The event is timed to give you new ideas and proven tools to employ in advance of the Virginia General Assembly (Jan-Mar 2020), perhaps the most decisive time for the Chesapeake Bay here in Virginia every year.”

Click to learn more!

SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday Nov. 25th at 7:30pm

Posted on by

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 11.25.19 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 25, 2019 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-
Route 35 Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle – SDCC has created a survey to collect feedback on the good and bad of the route. The survey results will be consolidated, posted on our website and shared with City Staff and HRT reps. The survey will be open until Nov. 30th. https://sdcc.survey.fm/sdcc-route-35-nov-19-survey

Electric Scooters – The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach. The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.

Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake Stormwater Improvement Meeting – The City’s Public Works held a public information session and presented background and initial improvement plans. Tidal gates, pump stations and channel improvements were shown. Residents asked for lake dredging. The presentation can be found here https://weloveshoredrive.com/2019/11/18/lake-bradford-chubb-lake-drainage-study-november-2019-cip-7-053-presentation-from-open-house-and-survey-due-dec-12/

New Business –
Shore Drive Improvements Phase 3 and Phase 4 – With the construction start date for Phase 3 moved to summer 2021, it may be possible to pursue an accelerated start date for Phase 4 which isn’t scheduled to begin until 2024. A cost of scope savings may be possible if construction projects are combined.

Bonaventure/Windsong Development – The developer pulled the application from the Planning Commission’s December 11th meeting. It is unclear if and when the developer will reapply.

Oceanfront TGIF Funding – Taxes collected from hotel rooms, meals and cigarettes goes into a fund for oceanfront projects. Should the portions paid by Shore Drive be used for projects in the Bayfront and what are some good ideas for projects that could use these funds.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future Structure – A new URL [website] http://www.WeLoveShoreDrive.com has been created to be a possible transition for the future. A list of ideas will be shared and discussed on how best to progress with a community organization next year. After 20 years, are monthly meetings necessary? Would once a year with the ability to set up emergency forums work? Will an online presence be acceptable to keep residents informed and what tools would be helpful?

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

*** Next SDCC Meeting – Should we have a meeting in December or break for holidays?***

All eScooters to be Removed from City After Dec. 16, 2019

Posted on by

With the City’s amended ordinance, eScooter companies will have to remove scooter after 12/16/19 until Spring 2020.  See information from City’s website below.  Also check out the survey results and the over 2400 comments received from residents regarding eScooters and their use in Virginia Beach.

Important: Effective 12/16/19
The City Code was amended by City Council to require e-scooter companies to have a franchise license with the City to rent e-scooters in Virginia Beach.
The effective date of the ordinance is 12/16/19, which means e-scooters will not be available from that date until City Council awards a ​franchise license to companies to rent them. That timeframe is anticipated to be by April 2020.
The goal with the new requirements is to create a safer environment for all, while allowing businesses to provide additional mobility options to get around.  

eScooter information page – https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/communications-office/hot-topics/Pages/E-Scooter-Guidelines.aspx

eScooter Survey Results link – https://publicinput.com/E-Scooters