With a sweeping view of the Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center on Shore Drive has long attracted tourists seeking a waterfront retreat.
Now, it’s going to change hands and get a major facelift.
BoBo’s Chicken opened on April 17th at old Charlie’s location
For 70 years and three generations, the Rehpelz family served the people of Virginia Beach with seaside she-crab soup and hushpuppies at their Shore Drive restaurant, Charlie’s Seafood.
Now, a family tradition has just started in the same location. As first reported this winter by The Pilot, Virginia Beach native son Bo Midgett is bringing three generations of his own local family recipes to a new fried chicken and biscuit spot called Bobo’s Fine Chicken.
For more information and to read the Pilot article, click here
Bayfront # 35 2017 Archive Page
From our original Bayfront # 35 page:
Archive below
Take Route 35 this summer?
October 1st ’17 was last day for this year.
We’re looking to help Virginia Beach & HRT expand it in ’18.Please Subscribe to The Advocate to stay up to date on news about Route 35 & all things Shore Drive.
Bayfront Shuttle Route 35 – Starting May 22, 2017, ride the VB Wave from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to First Landing State Park, the North End beaches, and all the wonderful Bayfront restaurants on Shore Drive. From May 22 through Labor Day, VB Wave shuttles will run every 45 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight every day. Then from September 8 through October 1, VB Wave shuttle service will run from 8:00 a.m. to Midnight, but only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
This new shuttle route is a test run and will only become permanent if the ridership can support it. The test route was supported by the Shore Drive Community Coalition, First Landing State Park, Bayfront Advisory Committee, Resort Advisory Committee and the City Council. It has the potential to reduce parking problems along Shore Drive as well as at the Oceanfront. Locals can attend summer events and tourists can visit Shore Drive establishments without having to take a car and find parking which we all know is at a premium during the summer season.
It is our understanding that a quota of 10 trips per hour average is what will be needed to make the shuttle a permanent service. With a 16 hour service, that converts to 160 trips per day. So if you like the idea of this route, please use it and tell all your friends to use it also.
In an effort to help make riding this route as easy and stress-free as possible, volunteers have gathered and created the following documents. The information on these documents may not be 100% correct, but what do you want for free labor :)
If you have any comments regarding these documents or the shuttle service, please send an email to Todd Solomon at todd@sdcc.info
Route 35 – List of Stops in Table Format – This document lists all the stops on the route. Helpful details to know – Outbound = Artic/19th to Vista Circle to First Landing. Inbound = First Landing to Artic/19th Route 35 Stops and Times Rev.1
Route 35 – Map of Route – This map shows stops but doesn’t label all of them. Route 35 Bayfront Shuttle 2017 Map with Stops
Timetable for Shore Drive to Oceanfront Travel – This is the best image to use if you are traveling from Shore Drive to the Oceanfront. It will help you determine an estimated time to arrive at a stop to catch the bus to the oceanfront. You can also print the image below by Clicking Here
Fares to ride the new shuttle will cost the same as the current VB Wave route. $2.00 per normal trip. You can also purchase one day unlimited ride passes for $4.00, 3-Day passes for $8.00 and 7-Day passes for $20.00. Multi-ride passes can be purchased at 7-11 on Shore Drive & Red Tide or at Farm Fresh on Great Neck Road (go to the information counter to purchase). The clock on the multi-ride pass starts the day you first use it. So you can purchase them ahead of time or as gifts and they will not expire prior to use.
Additional information regarding HRT and how to ride can be found at www.gohrt.com
New Baylines issue includes Route 35 updates!
May Baylines 2018 (5 page PDF)
Shuttle Route 35 debuts May 20
A shuttle-bus linking the Bayfront and Oceanfront, with service every 30 minutes, launches Sunday, May 20. This represents an expansion of last summer’s pilot service, both in distance and frequency.
Fares are $2 each way for adults, $1 for seniors age 65+ and free for children under age 17 with a paying adult. Under 17 without a paying adult may ride for $1. Day passes, allowing unlimited rides on the route, sell for $4.50 for adults, $2.25 for seniors age 65+. Three-day, half-fare passes are also available.
Advance passes may be purchased at the following retail locations:
• Sunsations at 500, 812,1116, 1400, 2300, 2500, 3020 and 3300 Atlantic Avenue
• Virginia Gift Shop at 702, 1706 and 2412 Atlantic Avenue.
• Sports Alley at 2900 Atlantic Avenue
• Virginia Beach Visitors Bureau at 2100 Parks Avenue
• First Landing State Park Campground Visitor’s Center at 2500 Shore Drive and
• Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center at 2800 Shore Drive
Exact-change fares can be paid at each shuttle stop.“This is a great opportunity for residents to get to the Oceanfront” as well as for Oceanfront residents and visitors to sample Bayfront attractions, said Kal Kassir, chairman of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Last year’s pilot program stretched only between the Lesner Bridge and 19th Street and ran every 45 minutes. Ridership was high enough that the city and Hampton Roads Transit agreed to make it a permanent summertime route. Shortening the gap between buses to every 30 minutes and extending the route to allow passengers to connect more easily with other HRT routes should increase ridership, officials have said.
Route 35 will run daily through Labor Day. From Sept. 7-30, the bus will run Friday-Sunday only.
Save the Date – Monday July 30th – Historic Seaview Beach Presentation by Sherry DiBari
This presentation originally scheduled for May 21st has been moved to July 30th.
You are all invited to the next SDCC General Meeting on Monday July 30th to hear a wonderful presentation on the historic Seaview Beach. Don’t know what/where Seaview Beach was? This is a great opportunity to learn some amazing stories and background of this incredible hot spot situated on Shore Drive.
Sherry Dibari, a Norfolk resident who works on independent projects related to the documentation and preservation of regional traditions and cultures, will discuss her research on Seaview Beach that she gathered while creating a research paper funded with a 2017 Research Grant from the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.
Click here for more information about her research
The SDCC meeting will begin at 7:30pm at the Ocean Park Rescue Squad Hall.
Congratulations to Mayor Louis Jones and Vice Mayor James Wood !
On Tuesday, the City Council voted 9-0 to appoint Louis Jones as acting mayor until a special election is held Nov. 6.
Vice Mayor Wood was also selected unanimously.
Hooray for Shore Drive community!
Learn more about Mayor Jones & Vice Mayor Wood at VBGov.com.
SDCC General Meeting Agenda – Monday April 30th at 7:30pm
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 4.30.18 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday April 30, 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 scheduled
Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Andrew Broyles; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.
Old Business-
Addition of “Your Speed Is” Traffic Signs on Shore Drive – VB City Traffic Engineering has completed a draft report for the results of the study. SDCC has shared the report on our website. We will discuss the report results and next steps/actions. Come join the conversation.
Short Term Rentals (STR) – City Council deferred a final vote on any STR policy until late May timeframe. On April 3rd Councilman Jones proposed a draft ordinance that permits home-sharing by-right and only requires registration with the Commissioner of Revenue Office. Short term rentals are permitted by-right in the Sandbridge SSD, Ocean Front Resort District, and the North End overlay. In all other parts of the City, short term rentals would require a conditional use permit. Where short term rentals are permitted by-right or where they require a conditional use permit, they must adhere to 11 conditions. Updates on STRs can be found at https://www.vbgov.com/residents/homes-neighborhoods/Pages/online-home-sharing-economy.aspx
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates on the City’s request to Army Corps of Engineers and Dept. of Environmental Quality to leave a permanent wharf in place after the Lesner Bridge construction is complete.
New Business –
Shore Drive Road Improvements in Ocean Park – Phase 4 – CIP 2.118 is still proposed for full funding in the upcoming FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote will be taken at our April meeting. Please prepare accordingly.
Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – The City Manager has allocated transitional funding to allow the expansion of this route for the 2018 season. The route will begin service the weekend before Memorial Day (Fri May 25th) and operate until the end of September. Replacement funding for this service is being requested as part of the proposed FY19 City Budget. In an effort to show support for this item, an official SDCC vote is recommended. Please prepare accordingly.
Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.
Future SDCC meeting presentation suggestions – The History of Seaview Beach by Historian Sherry DiBari. More information about this topic can be found at https://sdcc.info/2018/04/19/familiar-with-seaview-beach-amusement-park/
***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday May 21, 2018***
Please Note – This meeting is a week early due to Memorial Day
REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC SPEED FEEDBACK DISPLAYS EVALUATION: SHORE DRIVE TEST CASE
The Traffic Engineering Division of the City of Virginia Beach (CVB) has conducted a test to evaluate the effectiveness of “Real-Time Electronic Speed Feedback Displays” (RTESFDs) at improving compliance with the posted speed limit. Shore Drive in the Cape Story area was utilized as the test case area and the CVB’s existing trailer mounted RTESFDs were utilized for the evaluation. The purpose of the study was to determine if the devices are effective at improving compliance with the posted speed limit, and if so, to what degree is speed of traffic modified, and is the change sustainable. Locally, the City of Norfolk has utilized these devices, however before and after data were not collected so the performance could not be evaluated.
The draft of this report can be read by clicking this link SHORE DRIVE ELECTRONIC SPEED DISPLAY SIGNS – Draft FINAL REPORT
The eastbound 3600 block of Shore Drive near the intersection of Dinwiddie Road has been reduced to one lane for emergency water main repairs.
Emergency Water Main Repair Affecting Shore Drive
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 25, 2018) — The eastbound 3600 block of Shore Drive near the intersection of Dinwiddie Road has been reduced to one lane for emergency water main repairs. Warning signs are posted advising motorists of the utility work. Motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternative routes.Water service has been interrupted for some customers in the immediate service area. For additional information, please contact Robert Wheeler with Virginia Beach Public Utilities at 757-621-6072.
A 16″ water main apparently broke about 1255am.
From Pilot article:
There was a 16-inch water line break, said Robert Wheeler with the city’s public utilities department. He said they don’t know what caused it.
Water service has been intrrupted for some customers in the immediate area.
Drivers in the area are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
It’s expected to take five to six hours to repair, Wheeler said.
How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details City Council will vote on the budget on May 15; here are ways you can get more information and provide feedback.
How to Share Your Feedback and Review Budget Details at VBGov.com.
Watch Budget Presentations Online:
City Council will vote on the FY2018-19 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program during the May 15 meeting at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers (2401 Courthouse Drive).
Start here to review current budget proposals at VBGov.com.
Click graphic to visit VBGov.com.
Familiar with Seaview Beach & Amusement Park ?
This website and corresponding research paper were funded with a 2017 Research Grant from the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.
The website and research paper includes fascinating details and photos from yesteryear.
Start here to view the fascinating story.
In 1947, Life Magazine published a photo essay on Seaview Beach calling it “Virginia’s best-known Negro resort.” The magazine reported that up to 10,000 tourists visited the beach on the weekends. Images showed well-to-do African-American professionals enjoying social life at the beach and adjacent amusement park.1This was contrary to much of the negative media coverage of African Americans at the time and casts a light on a hidden upper-class population in Virginia.
An announcement is expected today at 11 a.m. at City Hall.
Will Sessoms is set to announce Wednesday that he will resign as Virginia Beach mayor to take a position with the Northam administration, sources said
13 News Now reporting.
CITY COUNCIL’S BRIEFING A. SHORT TERM RENTAL – Discussion. Starts at 2:30pm today.
“But a push to fund improvements that will benefit residents who bike, run, and walk could make Shore Drive more popular and safer.”
View article at Pilotonline.com.
Photo Credit: Stephen M. Katz | The Virginian-Pilot
In 2007, Virginia Beach leaders divided the Shore Drive project into four phases. The first, between Treasure Island and Marlin Bay drives, was completed in 2008.
The newest phase the city wants to fund is still a ways off from construction – it’s scheduled to start in 2023.
Hopefully, it can be done sooner, said Vice Mayor Louis Jones, who represents that part of the city.
The City Council will hold a workshop to discuss short term rentals on April 17, 2018.
Online Home Sharing Economy page at VBGov.com has been updated.
City Council held a discussion on short term rentals at their informal meeting on April 3. At this meeting, Vice Mayor Louis Jones distributed a draft ordinance he had prepared. The draft Ordinance . . .
13 News coverage of proposed condos between Tin Soldiers & Chix Custom Cycles in Ocean Park
“There are hereby established the following overlay districts: (1) Shore Drive Corridor Overlay District (“SD”)…”
Baylines April Newsletter from BAC
Check out the entire Baylines April ’18 edition. (3 pg PDF)
The Bayfront Advisory Commission will hear a presentation on improvements to the Shore Drive corridor, including its history, current developments and plans for the future at its April 19 meeting 3:3-40-5 p.m. at thr Virginia Beach Resiort Hotel and Conference Center.David Jarman from the Public Works Department is scheduled to provide this update and overview, which is open to the public.
“It has taken decades of planning and a court case for the city to be ready to add sand to the rapidly eroding Chesapeake Beach. And crews could start work as soon as next month, if the city borrows $1 million set aside for beach replenishment at the Oceanfront.”
It’s been eroding for years, said coastal manager Phill Roehrs, and the shrinking beach poses a threat to properties facing the Chesapeake Bay.
Photo Credit: Bill Tiernan The Virginian-Pilot
#WeLoveShoreDrive 