View the article & photos at Pilotonline.com.
The Blackwater-based company moved the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for the National Park Service 20 years ago and is elevating several homes in Virginia Beach through a federal flooding assistance program.
Bubba’s will be one of the most challenging, he said, because most of the work will have to be done during low tide.
More photos below.
What is the goal of the new environmental studies program at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, which will use the new classroom?
The Environmental Studies Program will empower students to broaden their understanding of sustainability and the environment by using the Brock Center and surrounding natural community, implementing environmental service learning projects, and integrating interdisciplinary instruction.
Dream impossible dreams & work on them because sometime they DO in fact come true!
Please note the meeting is this Monday. I apologize for the short notice, the advanced date for the meeting due to holidays snuck up on me. Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.17.18 SDCC Agenda
Special Presentation – Bayside Recreation Center
Mr. C.J. Gajan, City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department, will inform us of all the amazing activities and opportunities the Bayside Rec Center has to offer. Did you know if you are a group retiree or part of Medicare you may be eligible for a “No Cost” membership? Come learn about the many programs and ask C.J. any questions you may have about this amazing City amenity.
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The official ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the completion of the bridge was held on Wednesday Dec. 12th. Check out the amazing photos taken by Tim Solanic on our website http://www.sdcc.info
Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Dewberry, continues to assist Public Works in the long term potential solutions/planning for the four major watersheds in the City: 1) Atlantic Ocean and Vicinity 2) Lynnhaven Inlet 3) Elizabeth River 4) Southern Watersheds. Analysis uses a combination of the EPA software and MIKE21, another dynamic modeling tool primarily used for the Southern Watersheds that includes analysis for wind based tides. The ASERT program – Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, had many Open-House offerings this past winter. There are many different strategies, some of which could include larger scale Dredging, Seawalls and Tide Gate structures. City Council will be reviewing these strategies in the January/February 2019 timeframe and then will re-engage the ASERT meetings with the public following that review.
Short Term Rentals (STRs) – The Planning Commission on Wed. Dec. 12th approved a list of regulations and code changes regarding STRs. These changes will be sent to City Council for review and approval. The City Council hearing date has not been set. Some of the highlights (Conditional Use Permits for new STRs; Two contracts per seven day period; Minimum one on-site parking spot per bedroom with overflow parking off street only)
New Business –
Pleasure House Point (PHP) Wetlands Mitigation Bank – Updates regarding the upcoming project that will convert parts of PHP into wetlands. Learn about plans for the parking lot, walkways, live oak tree removals.
Shore Drive Community Coalition Future – In preparation for the start of a new year, we will discuss ideas for the future of SDCC. Will new leaders step forward to help continue? Is cutting back to quarterly meetings a possibility? Would a website presence with emergency meetings model work? Let’s bounce some ideas around.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 28, 2019***
Wednesday, Dec. 19
5 – 6 p.m.
Bayside Recreation Center
4500 First Court Road
JOIN US!
He currently serves as the City Council liaison to the Human Rights Commission and the Process Improvement Steering Committee, which he initiated. He has also been appointed to serve on the Hampton Roads Planning Commission and the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization.
3 Mayors, 2 City Managers, 2 Delegates, 2 VB City Councilman and a lot of senior VB Staff who helped make it happen attended plus neighbors who love the new Lesner.
There was even a surprise light show by Randy Burkett Lighting Design who also attended.
Yay!
View article at Pilotonline.com:
He proposed dedicating $90 million each year starting in fiscal 2020 to a cost-sharing program to help farmers make their properties more environmentally friendly and a one-time $50 million deposit into the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund. The plans require General Assembly approval.
[Emphasis ours.]
The Planning Commission will hear public comments on Agenda Item D3 regarding Ordinance changes for Short Term Rentals. To read the Staff write-up and the proposed wording changes click here Staff Write Up Short Term Rentals
D3. City of Virginia Beach – An Ordinance to Amend Sections 102, 111, 401, 501, 601, 901, 1110, 1125, 1521 and 2203 of the City Zoning Ordinance and Section 5.2 of the Oceanfront Resort District Form-Based Code and Add Sections 209.6 and 241.2 of the City Zoning Ordinance pertaining to the Definition, Requirements and Use of Home Sharing and Short Term Rentals
Planning Commission Hearing Procedures
The Virginia Beach Planning Commission Public Hearing is held at 12:00 Noon in the Council Chamber of the City Hall Building, Municipal Center. A staff briefing is held at 9:00 a.m. in the City Manager’s Conference Room, City Hall Building.
Those members of the public interested in attending the 12:00 Noon Public Hearing should be advised that, for reasons the Planning Commission deems appropriate, certain items on the agenda may be heard out of order and that it should not be assumed that the order listed in this document will be exactly followed during the public hearing.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE IN THIS CHAMBER.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION IS NOT A FINAL DETERMINATION REGARDING THE APPLICATION, BUT ONLY A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE VIEWPOINT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION. FINAL DETERMINATION OF THE APPLICATION WILL BE MADE BY CITY COUNCIL AT A LATER DATE AFTER PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE VIRGINIAN PILOT/BEACON.
IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE HEARING AND DESIRE TO SPEAK ON AN ITEM, FILL OUT A ‘SPEAKER CARD’ AT THE DESK OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL CHAMBER PRIOR TO THE MEETING.
It’s here!
Event at beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility.
R.S.V.P. to: LesnerBridgeProject@vbgov.com
(Update: You will not receive a reply to email.)
Screen shot of construction cam on Nov 27 ’18 at noon.
Update from email:
Folks,
We are at a point where the last of the surface pavement is ready to be placed on the project. Beginning at on Tuesday, 11/27/2018 paving work will take place on WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road and is expected to be completed by 11/29/18. Since nighttime temperatures are expected to be below 40°F, this work will take place during the day between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:00PM. The paving schedule is as follows:
11/27/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Pave the LEFT TURN lane and the INSIDE thru lane on Shore Drive11/28/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Complete paving of the INSIDE thru land on Shore Drive then pave the OUTSIDE thru lane on Shore Drive and East Stratford Road (between Chesapeake House and 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Pave the INSIDE thru lane11/29/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Place permanent pavement markings
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Pave the OUTSIDE thru lane11/30/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Place permanent pavement markingsThis schedule may change due to weather.
Please drive carefully when travelling this portion of Shore Drive!
-Chris
Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
You may remember the proposed Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC which was to be located next to Overture at Ocean Shore Ave & Cherry Tree Place near intersection on east side of Lesner Bridge.
Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC has sold the lot to Greystar, owners of Overture, for permanent preservation including 2 gorgeous live oak.
Photo from application to BZA
Planning Conference Room, Building 2. The public is invited to attend, but there will be no public comment.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING – May you enjoy your time with friends and family.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 11.26.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation-
Bayfront Beaches Sand Replenishment Update
Mr. Phillip Roehrs, City of Virginia Beach Public Works – Water Resource Engineer, will provide an update on current plans for sand replenishment project for Bayfront beaches. The last replenishment happened 5 years ago and our beaches are in dire need of help. When will dredging and replenishment begin? Where will the sand be placed? How long will the projects take? Will sand from the spoil sites be required as in past projects? These questions and others you may have will be discussed.
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Update – According to the current property owner, the proposed mixed use development will not be built. The property will be sold to Greystar/Overture Apartments.
Shore Drive Phase III Update – Shore Drive Phase III (CIP 2-117) is set to go out for bid in Feburary 2019 with construction to start sometime in the summer of 2019. This $26 million project will provide sidewalks, crosswalks, LED street lighting, bike lanes, improved traffic signals and landscaping. 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction to minimize traffic delays. In addition to the road safety improvements, storm water upgrades will be made to some streets to help improve heavy rain collection and removal capabilities.
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The end is in sight. Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings should be taking place soon now that the sidewalk has been completed. Updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received.
New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Latest rumor is the site will be used as a staging site by Dominion Power for construction of offshore wind turbines. Does anyone have additional information regarding this subject?
Virginia Beach Police Department New Initiatives – Next Generation 9-1-1(texting based 9-1-1) and ePRO (electronic Police Reports Online), an interactive web application that allows public access to reported crime, traffic accident reports, and active warrants are new systems currently being used by the City. Check them out at the City’s website –
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
PLEASE NOTE REVISED MEETING DATE
Due to Christmas and New Year Eve
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 17, 2018***
Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help citizens use the tool more efficiently and effectively if needed:
Texting should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency issues should still be communicated by calling the non-emergency number, 385-5000.
Calling 9-1-1 is quicker, more efficient and preferred, so texting to 9-1-1 should be reserved for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, unable to speak and those who are in a situation where speaking is unsafe.
Provide the location and nature of the emergency in the first text. This will enable help to be dispatched as quickly as possible . . .
From an email:
Regarding Lesner Bridge:
Placement of the remaining sidewalks on the north side of Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road is taking place this week and will be completed by next Friday (11/16/2018).
On Sunday night (11/11/2018) between the hours of 9:00PM and 5:00AM, Public Utilities will be working in the inside lane of Shore Drive installing a valve into the new 16-inch water main located approximately 350 feet west of the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection. After this valve is installed, McLean is on schedule to pave westbound Shore Drive between the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection and the WB Bridge and between the WB bridge and the Shore Drive/East Stratford Road intersection. McLean anticipates the paving of Shore Drive to take place over two evenings, 11/15 and 11/16/2018. All required jackhammering will be performed during the day prior to the nighttime work.
Once this work is completed, only the landscaping and boardwalk remains to be completed for the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project.
Thank You,
-Chris
Screen shot of construction cam shot on Nov 9 9am
Learn more at Pilotonline.com article:
But few, if any, have access to a facility with the Brock Center’s acclaim. In 2016, it became one of the first 11 projects in the world to pass the “Living Building Challenge,” considered by many to be the highest honor for green buildings.
That news is outstanding! However . . .
Not all of Pleasure House Point is permanently preserved yet.
Note photo on this page. There is also private property located just off Dinwiddie Road next to Brock that is not permanently preserved. There’s also an opportunity to preserve what’s known as PHPN located next to 7/11 on Shore Drive & Shady Oaks and a slimmer chance of preserving 2 lots located next to Pleasure House Creek overlook on Shore Drive.
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.
View November 2018 Baylines. (4 pg PDF)
Phase III Shore Drive work to go to bid
The long-delayed third phase of the Shore Drive improvement project is expected to go to bid in February, with construction on the highway segment between the Lesner Bridge and Beech Street tentatively set to start next summer…
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 10.29.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 29, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Special Presentation –
Heads Up Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program
Ms. Tanya Barnes, Vice President Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, will discuss their program that helps identify residents that need special assistance and support during emergencies and disasters. She will also discuss ways that the community can better serve these individuals.
Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Approval – The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the variance request to build a 4 story, 2 condo and commercial space structure at the corner of Ocean Shore Ave. and Cherry Tree Lane. Many adjacent residents attended the meeting in opposition. This was the only required approval needed and no conditional use permit will be necessary.
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates from City’s permit request to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Quality to keep the wharf as a permanent structure for multiple uses. The DEQ has approved of permit.
Short Term Rentals (STR) – On Sept 1st, City Council passed a resolution regarding regulations for STRs. An update on this resolution will be presented.
Lesner Bridge Replacement – Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings will be taking place and updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received. A separate turning lane will be added during restriping to the eastbound landing at Vista Circle intersection. LED lighting has been installed on bridge structure and supports and is in the testing phase.
New Business –
Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Operating Season is over and was considered a success by HRT and the City. Plans to budget and operate next year are in the works. SDCC will be creating a questionnaire to gather input and suggestions to pass on to HRT/City staff to help make next years service even better.
Shore Drive Overlay Development Review Requirements– The resent approval of the Ocean Shore Shoppes brings into question a possible loophole for building development review process. It appears review of mixed use (residential + commercial) depends on the number of units and zoning. Not all projects require a conditional use permit (CUP) or board/committee/council approval at which the public has the opportunity to comment. Should this be changed?
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 26, 2018***
#WeLoveShoreDrive 