“The Virginian-Pilot has found mounting evidence that real estate values across Hampton Roads are being driven down as a result of recurrent flooding and sea level rise.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

Values of seemingly safe houses several blocks from the water are hurting as well.

Several recent studies have shown that impacts from flooding – from water in the basement to inundated streets – already have hamstrung property prices and cost Hampton Roads homeowners hundreds of millions of dollars in lost or unrealized values.

And:

A group of university economists published a study this summer showing that severe storms – which scientists say have become stronger and more frequent in recent years due to climate change – can have a meaningful impact on property value and how long a home spends on the market in Hampton Roads.

Properties in high-risk areas declined in value after major storms and stayed on the market longer – and not just in the initial aftermath.

In related news, UN IPCC released report illustrating we have 12 years to stop global warming at + 1.5C.

The world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

Start at The Guardian article to learn more.

It’ll be interesting to see if stakeholders in Virginia Beach find the will to mitigate climate change & sea level rise impacts so it can exist another 50 years.

Good Friend of Shore Drive Passes – Mr. Andrew Barnett

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It is with sad heart that we learn of the recent passing of Mr. Andrew “Andy” Barnett on October 9th.  Andy was frequent visitor to our SDCC meetings and very often the voice of reason regarding issues.  Andy was truly a “Good Friend” to his community and neighbors along Shore Drive.  May fair winds and following seas be yours Captain Barnett.

Andrew Flowers Barnett, Jr., 89, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away October 9, 2018. Born in Buxton, NC, he was the son of the late Andrew and Nellie Barnett. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty H. Barnett. He retired as a Captain from the U.S. Navy. Left to cherish his memory: his son, Mark M. Pruett-Barnett and wife, Anne; his daughter, Sharon L. Hopper and husband, Michael; four grandchildren, Jessica Pruett-Barnett, Michelle Harris, Matthew Sassmann, and Meredith Hopper; great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Margot, and Andrew Harris. The family will receive friends at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 1 to 2 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the church sanctuary by Rev. Anne Pruett-Barnett. Interment with military honors will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Hollomon-Brown, Great Neck Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to Dare County Library Foundation at http://www.darecountylibraryfoundation.org or Pasquotank County Library Foundation at http://www.library.earlibrary.org. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Baylines October Newsletter from BAC

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View October 18 Baylines (5 page PDF)

A proposed ordinance governing short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods has been referred to the Planning Commission for eventual return to the City Council, B. Kay Wilson, deputy city attorney told the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

The latest iteration of the city’s efforts to govern when homes are rented for fewer than 30 days, the proposal would require property owners to seek a conditional use zoning permit from the City Council, with some exceptions.

One such exception would “grandfather” owners whose properties were operating as short-term rentals as of July 1 and were registered legally and had paid applicable taxes by that deadline. Homesharing, in which an owner rents all or part of the property for no more than 30 consecutive days continues to live there during such rentals, can take place anywhere in the city, Wilson said, as long as they are registered and pay taxes. . . .

Proposed Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC headed for BZA on October 3rd

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Case 2018-BZA-00056
Applicant: Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC Representative: Eddie Bourdon, Sykes Bourdon, Ahern & Levy
Address: 3301 Ocean Shore Ave GPIN: 1489-89-3069
Zoning District: B-4
Staff: Kevin Kemp

Project: Proposed Residential Duplex and Retail Building
Request:
• 15-foot front yard setback from the property line adjacent to Ocean Shore Ave, instead of 35-feet as required;
• 15-foot side corner setback from the property line adjacent to Cherry Tree Place, instead of 35-feet as required.

View BZA Oct 3 Case # 2018-BZA-00056 (16 page PDF)

Board of Zoning Appeals at VBGov.com.

City Council Candidate Forums for October

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Here are some opportunities for you to learn about candidates in our upcoming November City Council Elections.  Fourm list provided by the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO).

Wednesday October 10th – Forum is for the two Mayoral Candidates and the six candidates running for the two at-large seats – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now.  6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.

Monday October 15th – City Council Candidate Forum.  Sponsored by the Sandbridge Civic League. 7:00pm at the Sandbridge Community Chapel

Wednesday, October 17th – Forum is for the candidates running for the Beach, Bayside, Lynnhaven, Centerville, and Princess Anne District seats. – Sponsored by Lynnhaven River Now. 6:30pm at the Zeider’s American Dream Theater in Town Center.

Thursday October 18th – City Council Candidate Forum. Sponsored by the Farm Bureau. 6:30pm at the Creeds Ruitan Community Complex 1057 Princess Anne Road

Saturday Sept 29th 9:00am to Noon – E-cycling Event at the Virgina Aquarium (Electronics and Hazardous Wastes)

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Personal note: this is a very efficient set up and a great way to dispose of any hazardous material you may have in your house or garage.  You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle.  A loop is set up in the east parking lot and you just drive around it, the volunteers empty you vehicle and you drive home.

Gather up Old Electronics and Hazardous Waste and Dispose of Them Responsibly at the Fall E-cycling Event Sept. 29

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is partnering with Goodwill Industries, Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling to offer its semi-annual e-cycling event Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The e-cycling event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the aquarium’s east parking lot. The following items will be accepted:

Personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.
***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted***

Household Hazardous Waste items include:
Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), boat, car, camera, cell phone, hearing aid, lead acid, lithium, rechargeable, truck
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

 

Monday Sept 24th SDCC General Meeting Agenda

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 9.24.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 24, 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 – No Presentation Planned

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Bayfront Storm/Flood Water Plans – Update on City’s long term discussion and plans for Bayfront improvements to storm and flood water. City studies and information gathering meetings have been held. City is working on solutions to present to communities. Should residents be involved in identifying solutions? If so, when?

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. One of them which the community opposes is for a Dredge Material Transfer Station.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – Update on City Council’s recent actions. Council has been focusing on the legal issues and applications of STRs.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Operating weekends only until Sunday September 30th. If you haven’t tried it, Neptune Festival is a great opportunity before the service stops until next season.

New Business –
Lesner Bridge Replacement – Both sides of the bridge are finally open. Any concerns? We will be collecting any issues and submitting them to the Project Manager for answers.

Shore Drive Area Properties LLC request to build 2 single family homes along Shore Drive – Shore Drive Area Properties LLC is requesting to build 2 single family homes along Shore Drive in Ocean Park. The request to build in the Resource Protection Area (RPA) will be presented to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Board on Monday Sept. 24th. Updates will be presented at our SDCC meeting.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 29, 2018***

Route 35 Detour for Arctic & 19th – Route 35 operates weekends until Sept. 30th

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Route 35 is the Bayfront to Oceanfront Shuttle.  It operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until September 30th.

Arctic & 19th Detour Revised
Effective: Monday, September 17, 2018
Due to construction, the bus shelters at Arctic Ave/19th Street will be inaccessible from Monday, September 17, 2018, to Sunday, October 14, 2018. Portions of Arctic Avenue and 19th Street will also be closed during construction. The Arctic Ave/19th Street bus lineup for the Routes 33, and 960 will be moved to the bus loop along southbound Pacific Avenue at 19th Street. The Route 20, and 35 will service a temporary stop on southbound Pacific Avenue adjacent to the bus loop before 19th Street. The routes will be detoured as follows:

Stops Missed
6066 Arctic & 19th
1096 Arctic & Virginia Beach Blvd

Route 35

Outbound

via Pacific Ave.:
R – 19th Street
L – Atlantic Ave.
L – 22nd Street
L – Pacific Ave.
Service at Temp Stop on Pacific Ave. at 19th Street (NOT IN THE LOOP)

Outbound

to Shore Dr.:
L – 19th Street
L – Atlantic Ave.
L – 22nd Street
R – Pacific Ave.
Regular Route

Inbound

via Pacific Ave.:
Service at Temp Stop on Pacific Ave. at 19th Street (NOT IN THE LOOP)

For more information, please visit gohrt.com or call 757-222-6100.
Para más información en español, por favor llame 757-222-6000.
Dial 711 for TTY service provided by Virginia Relay.

Thank you for riding with Hampton Roads Transit!
Removal Date:

 

What are those blue signs on Shore Drive next to PHP ? Proposed 3925 Shore Drive single family houses & swimming pools.

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3925 Shore Drive 20180924-PCD-CBPA-Staff Report (14 page PDF)

Variance Request
Encroachment into the Resource Protection Area (RPA) 50 foot landward buffer and variable width buffer to construct 2 single family residences with a shared driveway.

“Hurricane Florence no longer viewed as life-threatening for Virginia Beach, city manager says”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

Hansen said during Wednesday’s briefing that the current forecast shows conditions equivalent to “less than a nor’easter.” He said that wind conditions are not expected to reach hurricane level and “will be on the low end of tropical storm, at best,” giving him more optimism for vulnerable areas like Sandbridge and the rural areas.

“An informed citizen would probably have waited to the last movement of the storm before making that decision” to evacuate, he said.

Visit NOAA Hurricane Center for Florence.

“This graphic is created by the NWS/NCEP Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and shows rainfall potential for the United States when a tropical cyclone threatens land. The graphic is displayed as a Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF), which shows rainfall totals for a specified time period, based on forecaster discretion.”

GOVERNOR ORDERS MANDATORY EVACUATION INCLUDING AREAS OF SHORE DRIVE

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Baylines September newsletter from BAC

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View September 2018 Baylines (5 page PDF)

As of June 9, 90 percent of the design work for the next phase of the Shore Drive improvement project has been completed, Joseph Bovee, chairman of the Bayfront Advisory Commission’s Design Committee told the commission.

Our Neighbors the Coyotes – Slideshow Presentation by First Landing State Park

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In case you missed Monday night’s presentation by Jennifer Huggins, Chief Ranger at First Landing State Park, here is a copy of her informative slideshow from that evening.

And as we learned from Jennifer, the coyotes are here to stay, so like all wildlife, please respect them, don’t feed them and just enjoy them from a distance.

And more importantly, watch out for errant golf balls and champagne corks (look for the details in Jennifer’s slides)…

Click here for the slideshow file  Our Neighbors the Coyotes

NEW INFO ABOUT #LESNERBRIDGE FOR TONIGHT

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From email from Wojo:

I want to post another Bridge Update for today to alert folks what to expect during this evening’s traffic switch.

The traffic switch that will take place tonight, August 30th on Lesner Bridge will be performed in several stages with a lot of activity taking place at the intersections of Shore Drive/Vista Circle/Page Avenue and Shore Drive/East Stratford Road. Here are some additional details to let you all know what to expect.

Beginning at 8:00 PM this evening single lane closures will be set up at both the Shore Drive/East Stratford Rd and Shore Drive/Vista Circle/Page Avenue intersections. At this time Shore Drive will be reduced to A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION as crews work in the intersections and median areas to eradicate old pavement markings and place the new ones. Workers will also be in bucket trucks adjusting traffic signal heads and preparing for the removal of the old traffic signal pole located at Shore Drive and Page Avenue.

Stage 1 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

PLEASE DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY through these two intersections while this work is taking place. Since there will be a short time that both traffic signals will be down while we switch to the new signals. During this time Virginia Beach Police will be assisting in maintaining the flow of traffic on Shore Drive on both ends of the bridge.

The single lane of eastbound Shore Drive traffic will be moved onto the new eastbound bridge once the new pavement markings have been placed. The westbound single lane of traffic will be maintained on the westbound bridge through this next stage of the traffic switch. Again, workers will be eradicating old pavement markings and placing new ones in preparation for the new traffic pattern.

Stage 2 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

Once all of the new pavement markings are down and the new traffic signals adjusted, the eastbound LEFT LANE will be re-opened to traffic and allowed to cross the new eastbound bridge. The LEFT LANE of the westbound traffic will also be re-opened and SHIFTED along with the RIGHT LANE to the southernmost lanes on the westbound bridge. THESE LANE SHIFTS WILL BE COMPLETED BY 5:00 AM FRIDAY, AUGUST 31st. Both bridges will remain in this traffic condition for the next several months while the new 10-foot wide multi-use path is built across the westbound bridge.

Stage 3 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

Pedestrians/cyclists who wish to use the new 10-foot wide multiuse path on the eastbound bridge located next to the new scenic overlook will be allowed to cross the new eastbound Lesner Bridge after 5:00 PM today, August 30th 2018, once crews finish sweeping and clearing the pedestrian areas. Please note that after the traffic switch, pedestrians will not be allowed to use the westbound bridge until construction of the new sidewalk/path is completed.

Finally, we want to make sure that everybody understands that the paving of the bridge approaches is not yet complete and that there may be some minor items of work taking place after the traffic is switched (i.e. painting, handrail adjustments, joint sealing, light adjustments, etc). The asphalt surface mix still has to be placed on both bridge approaches and is why you will notice a small lip of concrete along the concrete gutter pans and a small wedge of asphalt as you cross onto the concrete bridge deck. The pavement markings on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle are also temporary and does not reflect what the ultimate travel lanes will look like once the project is complete (the RIGHT THRU LANE and RIGHT TURN LANE ONLY LANE have been combined into a single THRU RIGHT LANE). The reason for this is that we need still perform some median work before building out this fourth lane.

[This] figure shows how these lanes will look on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle once we complete the project:

Finally, this is a word of caution to users of East Stratford Road who are leaving the Chesapeake House or 3556 On The Bay Condominiums. For the past several years drivers have gotten used to the temporary traffic pattern and have been making a LEFT TURN from southbound East Stratford Road onto eastbound Shore Drive and crossing the WESTBOUND LESNER BRIDGE. After this traffic switch drivers making this same LEFT TURN have pay attention to the new pavement markings and make sure that they enter eastbound Shore Drive and cross the EASTBOUND LESNER BRIDGE. Habits are sometimes hard to change, even with the new signage and pavement markings, so we just want to put this word of caution out there so that nobody ends up the wrong way on the westbound bridge!

PLEASE USE SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION TONIGHT WHEN TRAVELLING THROUGH THE LESNER BRIDGE CORRIDOR!

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

-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

New traffic pattern Thursday August 30th #LESNERBRIDGE

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Latest update!

On July 6, 2018 the last segment of the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project was set in the new eastbound bridge.

Last Segment being placed in the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

On Saturday, July 28, 2018 Virginia Beach Public Arts dedicated “The Canoes” sculpture located in the scenic overlook of the new eastbound Lesner Bridge.

“The Canoes” Sculpture (Artist: Donald Lipski) Dedicated by Virginia Beach Public Arts

And on Thursday, August 30th, 2018 traffic will be moved to the new eastbound Lesner Bridge. We have all waited four years for this major milestone in the project and we are excited to deliver our newest piece of infrastructure to the citizens of Virginia Beach and all users of Shore Drive. This traffic switch will also include pedestrians wanting to cross the Lynnhaven Inlet.

Here are the details:

    Beginning approximately 8:00 PM on Thursday August 30th, traffic control will be installed on each side of the bridge; on Shore Drive at East Stratford Road and on Shore Drive at Page Avenue and Vista Circle. Once the old pavement markings at these intersections have been removed and replaced with the new ones the eastbound Shore Drive traffic will be moved to the new bridge.

    After moving the eastbound Shore Drive traffic, the westbound Shore Drive traffic will be shifted over to the south side of the westbound bridge.

    The traffic switch will be completed by 5:00 AM Friday morning, August 31 2018.

The Contractor is currently preparing the eastbound bridge and approaches for this traffic switch. The gantry has been dismantled and removed, railings are beiing installed, the bridge deck has been planed and grooved, the remaining street lights are being prepared for installation, guardrail installation is nearing completion, traffic signals are being adjusted, and pavement markings for the bridge and approaches are scheduled for tomorrow, August 29th. We are just hoping that the weather will cooperate with this schedule.

​Deck and Multi-use path of the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

    § ​​​Remove temporary concrete barrier wall and chain link screening from the westbound bridge;​
    § Begin building the new traffic barrier on the westbound bridge;
    § Continue work on the seawall located near the Virginia Pilots Association;
    § Continue installation of the bridge aesthetic lighting (necklace and pier column lights); and ​
    § Continue the bridge painting.

​​​​​​​View Looking Northeast at Bridge Engineers Inspecting the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge

There will be a lot of work taking place Thursday evening, so please drive carefully.

Have a Wonderful and Safe Labor Day Weekend!

​-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

Monday Aug 27th General Meeting and Special Presentation on Neighborhood Coyotes

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda  8.27.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 27, 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 – Neighborhood Coyotes – A new neighbor has moved into the Bayfront community. You may have spotted them on the beach, walking on the Cape Henry trail or even roaming your backyards. Ms. Jennifer Huggins, First Landing State Park Ranger, will talk to us about these amazing animals, their habits and how we can best live with our new friends.

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Ocean Park and SDCC opposition letters sent to the US Army Corps of Engineers taking exception to the proposed use of the site as a dredge material transfer station and asking for a public hearing. USACE’s response letter accepted comments, but decision has been made to not hold a public hearing on this permit.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – The Planning Commission has been given action to continue work on this topic. A public hearing and hopefully more opportunity for public comment will be available this Fall.

Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Ridership numbers for July should be available. May and June numbers were double 2017 ridership. Will the trend continue?

Lesner Bridge Replacement – New eastbound span was originally scheduled to be opened the weekend of August 25/26. We will try to provide updates on this progress/delay and any new details from the City.

New Business –
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) Fireworks Study – The BAC is conducting a feasibility study for having a 4th of July Bayfront fireworks show sponsored/operated by the City. We welcome you input/thoughts regarding this idea.

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

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 24, 2018***