#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – IT’S A WALK OR BIKE OR STROLL WOOT WOOT

From an update just ooooozing with wit and hilarity November 3 2016:

Walkers, Talkers, and Devotees of Bridges (and Public Works):

We have reached that peculiar time of the year when you can watch football, baseball and basketball at the same time; you’re unsure of whether to wear socks with your shoes or not because of the changing weather; and you look for news places to hide the leftover Halloween candy so you can eat it when no one is looking.

Better than all of that is . . . well, I’ll let the words of Chris “Kingfish” Wojtowicz explain: “Folks that travel over the Lynnhaven Inlet are about to experience what it’s like to drive, bike, run or walk across a pre-cast concrete segmental box girder bridge – the new westbound Lesner Bridge.”

I’m sure you have heard this news earlier this week, but somehow hearing it from the Big Cheese of Bridges just adds a certain . . . . je ne sais quois to the message.

As you drive past the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, you probably notice the fervent efforts of the crews attending to the final details so that Sunday can go as planned. What kind of details, you ask? Wojo explains all in his notes below.

Now, before you plunge yourselves into a sublime reading experience that is a mixture of English and engineering, a couple of points to make about Sunday’s “hoofin’ and footin’” experience.

Several of you have asked: “What if I live on the west side of the bridge – do I have to walk over to the east side and THEN walk back across the bridge headed west?”

No . . . you don’t HAVE to. This is a public bridge and we want Sunday’s time together to be pleasant. We will, however, have a few words from our mayor and/or council representatives before we start off on our trek. Very informal, mind you, but still a chance to gather together. But this event will be going from 2-4 so I’m sure people will be walking back and forth from both sides throughout that 2 hours, so do what moves ya. Just please stay on the sidewalk as you traverse the bridge.

Second, a few e-mails asking if beverages will be allowed. The best way to answer that is to say – as long as they are not alcoholic beverages, there should be no problem. Otherwise, that is a matter between you and our award-winning and highly respected peace officers.

Below is our latest collection of facts, figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – that will update you. Don’t skip a word of it and ponder it all.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information.

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

** Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night, signaling the end of DST for 2016. You don’t want to miss this event Sunday afternoon.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . enjoy this weather, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

***********************************************************

To All:

It’s taken us a little over two years to get to this point, but folks that travel over the Lynnhaven Inlet are about to experience what it’s like to drive, bike, run or walk across a pre-cast concrete segmental box girder bridge – the new Westbound Lesner Bridge.

At this point we are anticipating the switching of the existing westbound Shore Drive traffic from the old westbound bridge over to the new westbound bridge sometime between 4 and 6 PM THIS Sunday, November 6. Now, before that switch can take place A LOT of finish work has to take place both on and off the bridge. Between now and Sunday afternoon . . . . the following work will take place:

1) Paving of the approaches both at Page Avenue and at East Stratford Street. This work will occur during the evening of November 3 . . . Thursday . . . as in TONIGHT . . . and there will likely be lane closures during portions of this paving operation at both of these intersections at Shore Drive. Please slow down when you approach the bridge during this evening due to this paving work;

2) Grinding and grooving of the bridge deck. This work is ongoing and is expected to be completed tomorrow, Friday the 4th.

3) The temporary barrier service and chain link fence screening needs to be completed along the north side of the new bridge between East Stratford Street and Page Avenue. Since we will eventually move all four lanes of traffic temporarily to the new bridge while the new Eastbound Bridge is built, we are not going to build the 10-wide multi-use path along the north side of the westbound bridge at this time. We are going to use this space to fit these four lanes of traffic and carve out a 3-4 foot wide temporary pedestrian walkway that we separate from traffic using temporary barrier service and the chain link fence screening. This work is ongoing and should be completed by the time we are ready to switch the westbound Shore Drive traffic to the new bridge.

4) Trench drain needs to be installed along the north side of each bridge approach. This work will resume tomorrow, Friday the 4th, after the paving is completed. This drainage system is temporary and will collect stormwater runoff from the bridge approaches when all four lanes of traffic are switched to the new westbound bridge.

5) The new street lights on the bridge have to be powered up. Nine of the twelve street lights on the new bridge have been installed and the electricians are pulling wire to power these lights in time for the bridge opening on Sunday. The remaining three lights will be installed during the next phase of the project and after the gantry crane is moved into position to build the eastbound bridge.

6) Completion of the expansion joints in the parapet walls, barrier walls, and hand railing located at Abutment A on the west side of Lynnhaven Inlet and at Abutment B, located on the east side of Lynnhaven Inlet.

7) Temporary pavement marking of the bridge and traffic transition areas. This work will begin early Sunday morning (11/6) and could continue into early afternoon. Police officers will be located at the intersections of Shore Drive/Pave Avenue and at Shore Drive/East Stratford Street to help with the traffic control while crews work to eradicate the old markings and place the new ones.

8) Adjustment of traffic signal heads and detection cameras. This work will also begin early on Sunday morning and will continue into early afternoon. This work will align the traffic signals and traffic detection cameras to the new lane configurations at the intersections of Shore Drive/Pave Avenue and at Shore Drive/East Stratford Street.

Walkover Info Starts Here

As I already mentioned, with all this work taking place so that we can make this traffic switch – we have planned a “walkover” over the new bridge that will take place on Sunday (the 6th) between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Some details have already been sent out, but I wanted to provide some additional information here.

Walkover from the east side

Folks that want to participate in this “walkover” are asked to meet on the east side of Page Avenue in the grassy area between Page Avenue and Shore Drive.

We will walk from this area, cross Page Avenue and walk within the designated area (there will be caution tape) of the new bridge approach.

Folks will continue to walk/bike across the new bridge until they reach East Stratford Street on the other side.

Walkover from the west side

To cross Shore Drive at East Stratford Street please use the new crosswalk installed on the WEST side of this intersection.

This new crosswalk extends from J&A Racing on the south side of Shore Drive to Chesapeake House on the north side.

Some of the residents who live on the west side of the bridge have asked if they can cross from that side. Yes you may . . . but please stay on the sidewalk over the bridge.

Please note that since we are only moving the westbound lanes of traffic at this time only the NORTH half of the bridge will be open to the public. The southern half of the new bridge is still an active construction zone and will be OFF LIMITS to the general public. The active construction area will be demarcated by concrete barrier service, orange construction barrels and yellow CAUTION tape.

The temporary pedestrian path will be open for all those that wish to use it when walking across the bridge (FYI – there will be some great camera shots of Chesapeake Bay and the Bay Bridge from this walkway for all those photographers out there!). The bridge deck located between the orange construction barrels and the temporary barrier service of the pedestrian walkway will also be open for those that wish to walk or bike across the new bridge (NOTE TO CYCLISTS: use caution when traversing the expansion joint in the roadway section of the bridge. The expansion joint in the pedestrian path section will have a cover plate).

** Since there will be pavement marking work taking place Sunday morning on the bridge, there is a possibility that only the pedestrian path will be available for the “walkover.” Public access to the bridge deck will be determined at the time this “walkover” is set to begin.

Expansion Joint Located in the roadway section of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Expansion Joint Located in the roadway section of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Expansion Joint Located at the pedestrian path of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

Expansion Joint Located at the pedestrian path of the new Westbound Lesner Bridge

As you can see, workers will be VERY busy over the next four days preparing the bridge and approaches for this first phase traffic shift. Last week many of you noticed that we have moved the gantry off the bridge and onto the temporary steel falsework built on the north side of the bridge and on the west side of Lynnhaven Inlet. The gantry will be stored at this location for approximately the next six months or until we are ready to move the gantry into position for construction of the eastbound bridge.

Temporary Steel Falsework and Gantry Storage area located on the north side of the new westbound Lesner Bridge and west of Lynnhaven Inlet

Temporary Steel Falsework and Gantry Storage area located on the north side of the new westbound Lesner Bridge and west of Lynnhaven Inlet

Pre-casting of the concrete segments for the eastbound bridge is progressing on schedule. AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth has cast a total of 57 of the 168 bridge segments for the new eastbound bridge.

Over the next four weeks, the bridge contractor will:

· Drive soldier piles along the south side of the westbound bridge approaches along the wire wall and fill this are to widen the approaches in preparation for moving the eastbound traffic to the new bridge ;

· Continue work on the seawall adjacent to the new development located on the former Duck Inn property;

· Complete the 16-inch waterline inside the new bridge;

· Continue painting bridge superstructure and substructure starting at Span 1;

· Install street light pilasters at Abutment A and at Abutment B;

· Continue work on the bridge conduit system;

· Work in median areas on both sides of the bridge in preparation for transitioning the eastbound Shore Drive traffic to the new westbound bridge

Drive Safely and see you Sunday!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project 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

Screen shot of Construction Cam eastbound view taken 6pm November 3rd 2016

Screen shot of Construction Cam eastbound view taken 6pm November 3rd 2016

Editors note: We added the fancy bold & bigger text to highlight words.

This Declaration makes federal funding available to residents of Virginia Beach affected by Hurricane Matthew.

From VBGov.com Matthew Resource Page:

Today, the City of Virginia Beach learned that President Obama signed a disaster declaration that includes Virginia Beach. This Declaration makes federal funding available to residents of Virginia Beach affected by Hurricane Matthew.

“Thanks to Governor Terry McAuliffe, our state delegation, Senator Mark Warner and City staff for their diligence in working with FEMA officials to get this done,” said Mayor Will Sessoms. “This assistance is critically important to the hundreds of Virginia Beach families and businesses working to put their lives back together in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. It’s not an easy process to get this federal emergency declaration, however we kept pushing forward and now, our citizens will receive much-needed federal funding to repair, rebuild and recover from this tragic event.”

To be considered for assistance, residents must register with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each individual application is unique and will be reviewed and handled on a case-by-case basis. Before applying, consider watching the FEMA Registration Intake Video and reviewing the list of documents and materials needed in order to successfully apply for financial assistance.

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 3, residents may apply online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service). If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585.

While the application process can be done completely online, FEMA will establish a local Disaster Recovery Center. Residents will be able to go there in person to register for financial assistance, get answers to questions, and find out what resources are available to them. Representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, along with private partners, will staff the center. The location and operating hours of the Disaster Recovery Center will be announced in the next few days.

The City will continue to work with its federal, state and local partners to assist citizens as needed.

Additional resources that may be of assistance at VBGov.com page.

Manteo passes no wake zone law for driving on roads

Work here?

View article at Pilotonline.com:

Manteo patterned its law after a similar one passed in Hampton, Va., earlier this year, Skinner said.

13939449_1770457769900269_5536707265318053429_n

Brock Environmental Center vandalized last night. Can you help?

Info so far:

Good morning all. We don’t know the exact time frame, but the Brock Center was vandalized on the concrete pilings, doors, and wind turbine. It was found this morning, and it appears there is one girl in particular being bullied. A few names were mentioned and some numbers were used. If you have a child with any of these names and they are getting bullied or you have any information, please reach out to us. We are hoping to catch the kids that did this.

We also heard from a visitor that there were kids on the roof this weekend who appeared to be of middle school age.

The numbers written were 220276 and 220270.

The names written included:

Jacob Santorius (or Sartorius)
Jacum
Kyra (most frequently found with strong, vulgar language)
Katelyn

It appears that many of the places Kyra’s name was mentioned were scratched out with a different marker, so she may have been with or near them.

Please call the Brock Center with any information at 757-622-1964. Thank you.

SDCC General Meeting Monday Oct. 24th at 7:30pm. Special Presentation on Habitat for Humanity

SDCC Meeting Oct. 24th one week early due to Halloween

Sorry for the short notice

Please click here for the printable version of the agenda – 10-24-16-sdcc-agenda

 

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday October 24 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –  Joshua K. Dove IV, Director of ReStore Operations, Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads

Mr. Dove will tell us about Habitat for Humanity and will discuss ReStores, Volunteering and Team Build opportunities in our area.  He will also hold a question and answer session after the presentation.

Officer’s Reports  

Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon;President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-

Beach Event Houses – Update from the Beaches & Waterways Commission overseeing this evaluation.

Online Home Sharing Economy Ad Hoc Committee – Update on committee work from Tim Solanic, committee member and Ocean Park resident.

New Business

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Proposed Commercial Development Near 7-11 near Shady Oaks and Shore Drive – There is a proposed commercial development planned for the portion of land just west of the 7-11.  The developer plans to fill in part of Lake Joyce and have the access to the property come through the neighborhood via Woodland Ave.

Storm Water and Emergency Management Concerns – What problems did your neighborhood have during the Hurricane Matthew storm?  What improvements or actions would you like to see?  SDCC will be compiling a list to give to the City for consideration and action.

Citizen Engagement Opportunities –  

  • Vote November 8, 2016.  In person absentee voting available at Great Neck and Bayside Rec Centers from Oct 24th to Nov. 5th (9am to 4pm weekdays and 10am to 2pm weekends)  

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 28, 2016

FEMA/USACE Debris Removal Guideline

The following FEMA/USACE Debris Removal Guideline may be helpful for those that have major clean up as a result of Hurricane Matthew. 

You can also click on the following link to read the entire 51 page controlling FEMA document – fema_debris_removal_guidelines

debris-removal-guidelines-flyer

If you click on the image above it will take you to a printable picture of the flyer.  It looks best if you print it in landscape format.

“I wish them luck,” Whittecar said. “They are essentially trying to lower the water table.” He added: “It will eventually drop. It’s likely to take awhile.”

Article and more pics at Pilotonline.com:

He described the whole Cape Henry area as “one big, thick pile of sand.”

“It just soaks up the water that falls on it,” he said.

Water is stored in the space between the sand grains.

“Sediment grains, whether they are like beach balls or little round BBs, those curved surfaces leave a lot of space in between,” Whittecar said.

Photo Credit" Virginian-Pilot

Photo Credit” Virginian-Pilot

It was clear in both directions this afternoon.

Matthew Updates at VBGov.com including Forms.

Property Damage Form
If your home or business suffered damage from Hurricane Matthew, PLEASE CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY FIRST! Your agent can determine what is covered by insurance.

THEN, please fill out this form. It will help Virginia Beach property owners qualify for FEMA assistance. The city must demonstrate a certain amount of damage before FEMA will offer help to individual property owners. Every report helps our city qualify for assistance…

Shore Drive is still essentially closed at First Landing State Park in both directions

As hard as that is to believe.

Photo Credit: David Haycox from Facebook

Photo Credit: David Haycox from Facebook

It’s not quite as high as in this photo but if you are not in a lifted 4×4 it looks like you’ll destroy your vehicle heading eastbound.

You can get into Cape Henry Shores, as you know if you live there.

Info about Matthew Road Closures and more at VBGov.com.

Westbound lane of Shore Drive at First Landing Park is closed.

Heading eastbound – it sure doesn’t seem like you should unless you are in a tall, large vehicle.

October Baylines Newsletter of the City Council-appointed Bayfront Advisory Committee

Check out the new edition of Baylines Newsletter here!

There was an additional “Extra” which is the news about #LESNERBRIDGE here.

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager: “…the moving of the westbound Shore Drive traffic to the new westbound bridge will take place sometime during the week of October 24th.”

October 3rd 2016:

Waterlogged Residents and Fans of All Things Structural:

Now that the beastly hot days of summer have passed – I miss them already – we can look forward to crisp autumn days, football, and the pain and suffering that comes with raking fallen leaves that never ends . . . .

As you drive past the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project, you probably marvel at the changes and progress that has been made with this grand structure. You may ask yourself: “Can we expect more?”

You’re daggone right, you can . . . and thanks for asking.

According to the sage of bridges . . . the Kingfish of Structures – project manager Chris Wojtowicz – not only have they made quite a bit of progress, but “the moving of the westbound Shore Drive traffic to the new westbound bridge will take place sometime during the week of October 24th.”

But I shouldn’t spoil everything . . . . Better you hear it from someone who actually knows what he’s talking about – the Kingfish himself.

Below is our latest collection of facts and figures and snappy photos – updated for your reading pleasure – that will update you on the LB progress. Don’t skip a word of it and ponder it all.

Feel free to let Chris or me know if you have any questions or need more information. If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch this construction sequence animation, please check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVkeFJWm85s

As a reminder, we are regularly updating information on our WEB page at: http://www.vbgov.com/lesner-bridge. You can also follow us on Twitter at: @lesnerbridge.

If you know of someone who would like to be added to our update list, please have them get in touch with me at this e-mail address and I will be glad to add them. Please feel free to pass this along to others.

Thanks again for all of your interest and patience throughout this project. So . . . enjoy this weather, look out for each other, and put the phone down while you’re driving.

Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beach

dlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353

**************************************

To All:

On September 1st, the post-tensioning and grouting of the tendons for Span 10 of the new westbound bridge was completed, thus completing the last remaining span of the bridge. Since completing this span, crews have been busy both inside and outside the bridge completing other elements of the bridge’s superstructure in preparation for moving the westbound traffic off of Shore Drive from the old bridge to the new bridge.

Since the completion of the last bridge span, utility crews have been working inside the superstructure to complete construction of the new 16-inch water main, the bridge lighting conduit system, and all of the conduit systems required for the private utility companies to relocate their existing utilities from the old bridges to the new bridge.

Completed Bridge Conduit and Other Utilities Inside the New Westbound Lesner Bridge

Completed Bridge Conduit and Other Utilities Inside the New Westbound Lesner Bridge

Up on top of the bridge, crews are slowly back launching the gantry to the west and back to Span 1 where the temporary falsework has been constructed for the long term storage of this equipment. The gantry is currently located on Span 3 and will likely be launched to Span 2 by Wednesday October 5th. It is likely that crews will temporarily lock down the gantry in this location until Hurricane Matthew safely passes the Hampton Roads area. The back launch of the gantry will resume on or after October 11th.

Other critical work required to ready the bridge for the upcoming traffic switch is taking place concurrently with the gantry move and utility work. The expansion joints at each end of the bridge are being readied for installation. The first expansion joint will be installed at Abutment A – located on the west side of the bridge. Installation work for both expansion joints will be completed by the week of October 17th.

Area between abutment and bridge deck being prepared for expansion joint installation

Area between abutment and bridge deck being prepared for expansion joint installation

Workers are also preparing the temporary pedestrian path along the north side of the new bridge. Concrete parapet wall and the new decorative handrail are currently being installed along the northern edge of the bridge and approaches between East Stratford Street and Page Avenue. Temporary barrier service and safety screening (galvanized chain link fence) is also being installed across the new bridge and all the way down each bridge approach to the intersections.

The area between (~4 feet) the parapet/handrailing and this temporary barrier service/safety screen will serve as the temporary pedestrian access and will be the only pedestrian access across the Lynnhaven Inlet once both old bridges are demolished during the next phase (4).

Coating of the Bridge Superstructure

Coating of the Bridge Superstructure

Construction access ports and miscellaneous deck penetrations are being permanently sealed ahead of the scheduled pavement planing and grooving. Planing and grooving of the new bridge deck is currently scheduled for the week of October 10th and is expected to be completed by October 16th.

Since the last project update (8/18/2016), the following work has been completed:

Bridge conduit systems have been completed though the new westbound bridge;
The new 16-inch water main has been completed up to Span 10;
Back-launched the gantry from span 10 to Span 3;
Finished handrail installation along the bridge up to Span 3;
Installed temporary barrier service (for pedestrian access) along the north side of the new bridge between East Stratford Street and Span 7 of the bridge;
Installation of pullboxes and controller cabinet foundation for the new traffic signal at the Shore Drive/Page Avenue intersection;
Installation of the new traffic signal pole foundation on the west side of Page Avenue;
Installation of street light pilasters up to bridge Span 7

AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build pre-cast concrete segments for the superstructure of the new Eastbound Lesner Bridge. A total of 44 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast for the new eastbound bridge.

Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:

Complete the falsework located on the northwest side of the bridge;
Side-launch the gantry off of the new westbound bridge and onto the falsework for long term storage (~ 6 months);
Complete installation of both bridge expansion joints;
Grind and groove bridge deck between Spans 1 and 10;
Coat/paint the bridge barrier walls and parapets;
Install parapets and barrier wall along bridge Spans 4 through 10;
Complete handrail installation along the bridge;
Complete installation of 16-inch watermain inside the bridge;
Complete utility installation and rough grading for the upcoming lane shifts near the intersections of Shore Drive/East Stratford Street and Shore Drive/Page Avenue.

At this time . . . . we expect that the moving of the westbound Shore Drive traffic to the new westbound bridge will take place sometime during the week of October 24th.

Within the next week we will place variable message boards along Shore Drive, both eastbound and westbound, to alert drivers of this upcoming traffic shift. ONLY THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE MOVED AT THIS TIME. The eastbound traffic will continue to use the old bridge just as they do today.

After we have graded, paved and marked the transitions in the old median and westbound lanes, we will then move the eastbound traffic to the new bridge. This second traffic shift of the eastbound Shore Drive traffic will likely take place in early December.

Stay tuned!

– Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Project 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

Screen shot of Construction Cam westbound view taken 7am October 3rd 2016

Screen shot of Construction Cam westbound view taken 7am October 3rd 2016

Two Free Opportunities to Learn More About Flooding Issues and Solutions

Tuesday September 27 and Thursday October 13 at 6:30pm Virginia Beach Central Library – “Weather It Together – Flood Mitigation at Home”

Listen to Mike Vernon, Owner Flood Insurance Hampton Roads, discuss case scenarios and flood mitigation practices to help protect your home and reduce your flood insurance premiums. Also guest speaker Willie Sparks, with FloARK Squared Planters, discusses FloARK Squared² modular and adaptable cistern system that could collect rain and flood water focused on architectural responses to sea level rise. Get the knowledge and information you need to protect your most valuable asset, your HOME!

 

Wednesday September 28th at 7:00pm ODU University Theater – “Facing the Surge – Documentary and Discussion”

Facing the Surge zooms in on the tangible costs of sea-level rise for the people of Norfolk. But Facing the Surge is not a film about loss and inaction. It tells the stories of citizens from across the United States who are stepping forward to raise awareness and push our political leaders to act on climate change.

You don’t want to miss this opportunity to engage with community members and students about an issue that cannot be resolved without all hands on deck! The event is absolutely free and we will have light refreshments available as well. Free parking is available in parking garage D — Constant Center North Garage at 1060 W 45th Street.

Be a part of the discussion! Join us on Wednesday, September 28th at 7:00 PM.

Last Minute Reminder – SDCC General Meeting Monday @ 7:30pm – Presentation by Del. Chris Stolle

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 26 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –  Delegate Chris Stolle, 83rd District

Delegate Chris Stolle will be our special guest presenter and will talk to us about the past 2016 General Assembly session.  Del. Stolle will also tell us about some of the possible items coming up in the 2017 GA session.  He will also provide a question and answer session at the end of his presentation.

List of Public Works Capital Improvement Projects for the Bayfront Area

The following is an excellent list of Pubic Works Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for the Bayfront area.  The list was created by the City’s Public Works Department and presented to the Bayfront Advisory Commission at their 8-18-16 general meeting.

Click here or on the image below to see more details and status of the projects.

pw-list-of-cips

SDCC General Meeting – Monday Sept. 26th at 7:30pm – Del. Chris Stolle, 83rd Presentation

Click here for a printable version of the agenda 9-26-16-sdcc-agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda

Monday September 26 from 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall

(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –  Delegate Chris Stolle, 83rd District

Delegate Chris Stolle will be our special guest presenter and will talk to us about the past 2016 General Assembly session.  Del. Stolle will also tell us about some of the possible items coming up in the 2017 GA session.  He will also provide a question and answer session at the end of his presentation.

Officer’s Reports

Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-

Marina Shores Proposed Development – According to the City Planners, the developer is in discussions with the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) regarding possible environmental impacts that may result from the required emergency road on the east side of the development.  Any ACOE approval will have to be run through the City and we will be informed if the proposal moves forward.

Ocean Bay Homes Proposed Development – The property at Shore Drive and Roanoke Ave. in Ocean Park has been requested to be rezoned to allow 8 townhomes be built where HM Boats is currently located.  The Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the deferred proposal at their Oct. 12th hearing.

Beach Event Houses – Update from the Beaches & Waterways Commission overseeing this evaluation.

Online Home Sharing Economy Ad Hoc Committee – Wed. Sept 28th meeting to be held at 6pm at City Council chamber at City Hall, 2401 Courthouse Drive.  The committee is expected to finalize its policy recommendations at the meeting. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to hear a presentation from the committee on Oct. 4, and to hear public comments and vote on the recommendations Oct. 18.

New Business

Bayfront Advisory Commission (BAC) News – Mr. Wally Damon will update us on the actions of the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?

Citizen Engagement Opportunities –  

  • The City has a 2 question survey posted on Virtual Townhall that is studying possible regulations for short-term home rentals, like those promoted on Airbnb and other sites. Deadline Sept. 29th. You can find the link on www.sdcc.info
  • River Clean-up @ Pleasure House Point – Sun. Oct 2nd from 9am-Noon. Email Dana@lrnow.org to sign up
  • City Council Candidate Forum – Thurs. Oct. 20th from 6:30pm-8:30pm @ Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd

 

 

Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 24, 2016

***Note this date is a week early due to the conflict with Halloween***

Electronic and Hazardous Recycling Event – Sat. Sept. 24th from 10am-2pm @ Virginia Aquarium

From personal experience, this is a wonderful service.  It’s well run, quick and FREE.  Please use it if you have items that would be better recycled than poisoning our earth in a landfill. Click here for more details

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, the City of Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling, will offer its semi-annual E-cycling event Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Virginia Aquarium East Parking Lot.

Acceptable personal electronic recyclable items include:

  • Personal computers and laptops
  • Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
  • Printers
  • Televisions smaller than 32″
  • 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.

Acceptable 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, Trucks
  • 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)
  • For further tips visit www.VBgov.com/landfill

 

Share your thoughts about the home sharing economy

Main page at VBGov.com:

The City Council has appointed an ad hoc committee to make recommendations by the end of September. The council also adopted an ordinance requiring owners who rent their homes to register with the Commissioner of the Revenue. Such rentals are required to pay city and state taxes, the same as hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts.

Share your input at the September 14th Meeting at 6pm at City Council Chambers.

Virtual Town Hall page.

There is a lot of information at VBGov.com about home sharing and the newly created Online Home Sharing Economy Ad Hoc Committee including videos of City Council & staff discussions.

A short PDF from City Council discussion on August 9th 2016:

Request: The City of Virginia Beach requests the General Assembly to adopt legislation during the 2017 Session of General Assembly that requires these online rental platforms operate with the same requirements as the Traditional Lodging Industry does such as:

Collection of the taxes due and remittance to the state and local governments,
Regulation by localities for issues such as health, safety, and welfare including adequacy of parking,
Some control on where these properties are located.

“He swam out about 50 yards, grabbed the first man, and brought him back to shore. By that point, people were starting to notice something going on.”

Check the great story at Pilotonline.com:

Virginia Beach teen who rescued two at Chic’s Beach to be recognized