Head over to this link to make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.
CLICK TO GET TO APPOINTMENT PAGE
· Supportive of Volunteer Rescue Squad
· Experience with topics/items in VB Comprehensive Plan and be supportive of them
· Needs to have Experience/Background in the following:
o Master Planning
o Safety & Environmental Health
o Dealing with Military
· Should be or have been a City Manager of a large city
· Should be coming from a tourism city/area
· Familiar with the Dillon Rule
· Embraces and supports Civic Engagement
· Practices unbiased/impartial decision making
· Embraces and supports Complete Streets concept
· Should be a cyclist or commute by bike
· Needs to understand and be willing to work on new initiatives/approaches regarding National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Disaster Preparedness
· Good financial management skills. Come from a city that holds a AAA or better bond rating
SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW
Deadline today September 30 2015 at 5pm.
September 29th 2015 update:
To All Lesner Bridge Aficionados:
As I cling to the last few days of summer, the latest update about the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project from the bridge wizard and project manager, Chris Wojtowicz, crosses my desk. If you are interested at all in the Lesner Bridge project, this is must reading.
Work at the bridge is picking up momentum and things are changing weekly. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. It really is quite impressive.
Below is the latest collection of news and snappy photos. 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=lBGfmBs6Efw&feature=youtu.be
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 patience throughout this project. Enjoy the Indian summer as we ease into cooler days and nights. And please – no one say the word “snow.”
Take care, and stay safe.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353It’s been a while since the last update and, as many of you have seen, a lot has happened since then as the bridge begins to take shape.
The first bridge segment was installed for the westbound bridge on August 21st. Since that time both pier segments (Pier #1) and the abutment segment (Abutment A) have been set on their bearings, sealed, and post-tensioned. The remaining 14 segments for span 1 of 10 have been loaded into the launching gantry and are currently being readied to be set into position. Post-tensioning and gluing of these span 1 segments will begin on or about October 1st, and will continue into the first week of November.
Bridge Segment at Abutment A (Westbound Bridge)
Bridge Segments at Pier #1 (Westbound Bridge)
Span 1 Bridge Segments in Ready Position (Westbound Bridge)
All of the segments for spans 2, 3, and 4 have been cast for the westbound bridge. The segments for span 2 of the bridge are now beginning to arrive at the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. Installation of these span 2 segments will begin in November and continue into the first week of December.
All of the drilled shaft foundations for the westbound bridge have been completed. The footing for Pier #4 has been partially placed and the seal slabs for Piers #5 and #6 have been delivered to the project and are being readied for placement at the respective footings. The cofferdam at Pier #7 has been installed and is being prepared for installing the footing formwork. The cofferdams and footings for Piers #8 and #9 will be installed in early 2016.
Seal Slabs for Pier Footings #5 and #6 (Westbound Bridge)
Cofferdam at Pier #7 (Westbound Bridge)
The second of three concrete pours at Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) took place on August 19th, 2015. The final concrete placement at Abutment B will take place next Thursday, October 1st. The forms will be stripped the week of October 12th, and the MSE wall located adjacent to Abutment B will be completed by October 23rd.
Backwall Reinforcing Steel and Formwork for Abutment B (Westbound Bridge)
AMI, Inc. in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 73 of the 168 bridge segments have been cast. They are currently casting out the center span (Span #5) of the westbound bridge.
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
Ø Post-Tension and glue the bridge segments in span 1 of 10
Ø Complete the footing for Pier #4
Ø Complete the footing for Pier #6
Ø Grade the footing for Pier #7
Ø Complete construction of Abutment B
Ø Begin waterline installation work on the east side of the bridge near Page Avenue and Shore Drive
That’s it for now. Drive safely!
– 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 photo taken September 26th 1 hour 10 minutes before high tide at Virginia Pilot Station.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda 9.28.15 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday September 28, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Program/Presentation – No Presentation. Shore Drive Phase III project presentation postponed due to storm water analysis.
Proposed discussions –
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams
Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon
Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – Update on program and questions as to why it takes so long to implement.
Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – VB Project Coordinator, Brian Solis, has been asked to attend an upcoming SDCC meeting to brief us on the Hampton Roads Transportation (HRT) report. He has tentatively agreed to come to our October meeting.
Shore Drive Bike Path Project – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Oneil Clarke, provided a copy of the project drawings. The project will not include sidewalks, only bike paths. Minimal road widening and closures will be required. Drawings will be available at the SDCC meeting and photos of critical areas will be posted on the www.sdcc.info website.
New Business –
Admission Tax Exemption for Civic Organizations – The Commission of Revenue is working on a change to the City Code to allow 501c4 Civic Organizations to be exempt from having to pay the 10% Admission Tax fee. This would allow all our Civic Leagues to keep monies made from Oyster Roasts and other fund raisers and use them for community projects. Cape Story loses $1000 a year to this tax.
Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?
Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday October 26th – Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Service Presentation. City Project Lead, Mr. Brian Solis, will present the HRT report results and discuss the recommended route details.
Unfortunately the Shore Drive Project Presentation scheduled for Monday Sept. 28th has been postponed. City Engineers are having difficulties planning the storm water improvements that are part of this project and won’t be able to provide details until the storm water component is complete. Storm water outfalls and piping has a big impact on the road work components that are part of the project along Shore Drive between the Lesner Bridge and Great Neck Road.
City Engineers expect the details to be finalized in the next 2 months, so a presentation is expected to take place in November or December 2015. Stay tuned and we apologize for any inconvenience this rescheduling may have caused.
Todd Solomon, SDCC President
You have 20 days.
Ready? GO !
Visit VBGov.com Official Town Hall on the inter web now.
The City Council is conducting a nationwide search for a new city manager. Three town hall meetings will be held so City Council members can discuss the issue with constituents. This Virtual Town Hall is an effort to include people who cannot attend a meeting in person.
Business Avatars Set
Town Hall Meetings:
Sept. 16 – 6:30 p.m. at the Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd. Sponsored by Councilmember John Moss.
Sept. 17 – 6:30 p.m. at Great Neck Recreation Center, 2521 Shorehaven Drive. Sponsored by Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilmembers John Uhrin and Jim Wood.
Sept. 23 – 6:30 p.m. at the Kempsville High School cafeteria, 5194 Chief Trail. Sponsored by Councilmembers Ben Davenport, Bob Dyer, Shannon Kane and Amelia Ross-Hammond.
Sept. 24 – 6 p.m. at the Municipal Center, 2416 Courthouse Drive, Building 19. Sponsored by Councilmember Barbara Henley. This follows Henley’s regular monthly meeting for district residents that starts at 5 p.m.
View the Official COVB CIP Project Status page.
In addition, Shore Drive will be milled and overlaid within the project limits.
Current Status and Progress
Grant funding was secured for the project and we are waiting on the execution of the agreement. Construction is expected to begin October 2015.
Press Release from COVB:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
August 31, 2015
DVP Utility Work to Temporarily Close All Lanes on Shore Drive Early Tuesday MorningPublic Works has announced that traffic in all lanes will be stopped periodically between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, September 1, 2015, on Shore Drive near the intersection of Shore Drive and Ferry Road.
The traffic stoppage will be due to Dominion Virginia Power removing electrical wiring from poles located on Shore Drive behind the apartments on Shore Drive. Each stoppage will take approximately 5 minutes, and all work should be completed by 5 a.m.
DVP will have signs and police flaggers in place to assist with traffic.
For questions or additional information, contact Diana Faison with Dominion Virginia Power, the contractors for this project, at (804) 771-6082, or diana.faison@dom.com.
# # #
We have two very interesting presentations scheduled for the next two SDCC general meetings. So mark your calendars and I hope to see you there. And remember, SDCC meetings are open to all, so spread the word and bring a friend.
Monday August 31st – $3 million Bike Lane Project from Diamond Springs to Greenwell Rd., Mr. O’Neil Clarke, City of VB Public Works, will tell us about the project with particular attention to the area between Pleasure House and Greenwell Road.
Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, City of VB Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 8.31.15 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday August 31, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Officer’s Reports
Secretary – David Williams; Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon
Old Business– NFIP Community Rating System (CRS) – City Staff has sent an official Policy Report to Council stating their intent to move forward with applying for the CRS program by late 2016. Public Works and Planning endorsed the policy and stated the necessary actions they will be taking over the next year to make this happen. They also informed Council that they will need to create/hire a new CRS coordinator for program oversight.
Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – SDCC has asked Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit for updates. Stay tuned and check www.sdcc.info for updates.
Storm Water Sluice Gates Project for Lynnhaven Colony and Cape Story – Public Works Project Lead, Mr. Mike Bumbacco, stated that the project start has been delayed and the construction time increased. The contract is now scheduled to start Dec. 2015 and finish Dec 2016.
New Business –
Neighbor Dredging Program – June 2nd City Council briefing presented plans for the Dix Creek neighborhood. The alternate spoils transfer site recommended was the Crab Creek Municipal Wharf. This is the temporary bulkhead at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp currently being used for the Lesner Bridge replacement project that is contracted to be removed after the bridge is completed.
Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?
Upcoming Events – Local and Citywide
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday September 28th – Shore Drive Improvement Project between Great Neck Rd and Lesner Bridge. Mr. Wilson, Public Works, will update us on the project details including safety, roadway and aesthetics improvement and project scheduling.
Photo Credit: Florence ‘Flo’ Womacks
The biggest threat is to shellfish larvae and small seed – in spat-on-shell tanks and nursery systems. Survival could be impacted due to low dissolved oxygen (from the algal cell die off, which consumes available oxygen) or by the algal cells clogging screens in nursery systems and reducing water flow. The algae could also impair feeding by “clogging” shellfish gills and in some cases could have toxic effects.
There are a host of agencies working together to actively monitor the blooms – VIMS, DEQ, VDH. Bloom locations have been reported in the lower Chesapeake Bay, including the Lynnhaven, The Lafayette and the Elizabeth Rivers. As the summer and heat wear on, it is possible that the threat may remain in the area until cooler temperatures and higher winds arrive.
If you are a local oyster-gardener or know one, please remember to report oyster mortality to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science contact at kreece@vims.edu.
~ by Grace Moran
Special thanks to Florence ‘Flo’ Womacks for use of her photo.
New REGULATION: PERTAINING TO LIVING SHORELINE GROUP 1 GENERAL PERMIT FOR CERTAIN LIVING SHORELINE TREATMENTS INVOLVING TIDAL WETLANDS.
Read new permitting opportunity at Virginia Marine Resource Commission website:
4VAC 20-1300-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this general permit is to provide a streamlined permitting process as an incentive to encourage property owners to utilize a living shoreline approach as appropriate, to manage shoreline erosion, and promote the planting and growth of tidal wetland vegetation to restore or enhance ecosystem services. The techniques and conditions contained in this general permit are designed to limit the applicability of the permit to situations where the projects are most likely to be successful, and so as to limit the potential for adverse impacts on the environment and adjoining or nearby properties.
Approval under this general permit constitutes the Commission and or local wetlands board authorization required in accordance with §28.2-1306 of the Code of Virginia. This general permit shall not conflict with or obviate the need to comply with any other federal, state, or local permitting requirements or authorizations governing the proposed activity.
It was IN Ocean Park. Always bizarre how reporters …
…
Driving while suspended/revoked 7th offense within 10 years
Possession of stolen plates
Felony hit and run on a marked State Police car …
Suspect’s car
August 12th 2015 update:
Enlightened Lesner Bridge Fans and Scholars:
As always, the summer seems to fly by much too fast. This has been a great one, so soak it up and enjoy the remaining time – I’m already looking forward to next summer, skeeters and all.
Despite the heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and the threat of lightning, Lesner Bridge Replacement Project Manager and bridge guru Chris Wojtowicz – “Mr. Bridge” to his bridge groupies – has sent me the latest in bridge project news and updates. Work at the bridge is picking up momentum and things are changing weekly. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out what is going on there, please do so. There’s no charge to watch, and it is really quite impressive.
Below is the latest collection of news and snappy photos. 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 at YouTube here].
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 patience throughout this project. Enjoy these last dog days of summer weather, and stay safe.
Drew Lankford
Media and Communications
Department of Public Works
City of Virginia Beachdlankfor@vbgov.com
(O) 757.385.8062
(C) 757.409.4353
***********************************************“When are they going to install the first bridge segment?” That is the million dollar question that many are asking now that the assembly of the launching gantry is complete. The answer is . . . . sometime the week of August 17th. The gantry is currently being load tested and certified for lifting the bridge segments and should be ready to pick the first bridge segment next week.
All of the bridge segments for the first span have been delivered to the project site and are being stored in the laydown yard behind the Lynnhaven Boat Ramps. You can see some of them from the Construction Camera. They are located on the extreme right of the frame beneath the unloader gantry crane and behind the field offices. McLean will transport these segments from the laydown yard to the beach beneath the launching gantry once load testing and certification is complete. From the Construction Sequence Animation you will see that McLean will first set the segment on the bridge abutment and then set the two pier segments at Pier #1.
Once these segments are anchored in place, the launching gantry will lift all the remaining segments for the span into position. One by one, each segment face will get a coating of epoxy and then be pulled together using temporary post-tensioning bars. The span will be complete once all of the permanent post tensioning tendons (10 total; six 27-strand and four 19-strand) for span one of the bridge are installed, post-tensioned, and grouted. The launching gantry will then move to span 2.
19-Strand Grouted Tendon Cross Section
Foundation work continues ahead of the launching gantry and segment installation preparation. Reinforcing steel is currently being placed for the footing at Pier 4 in preparation for concrete placement this Friday August 14th. The seal slab for Pier #5 has been poured and is currently curing. All of the drilled shaft foundations for Piers 6 and 7 have been installed. Drilled shaft installation at Pier 8 continues this week and is expected to be completed by August 20th.
The first of three concrete pours at Abutment B (next to the former Duck Inn property) took place on August 3rd. The second concrete placement at Abutment B will take place this Friday, August 14th. The contractor has also completed the installation of the top coping along the entire length of the MSE retaining wall next to 3556 On The Bay condominiums, and has also begun applying the bridge coating material on the MSE wall panels.
Reinforcing Steel Being Placed in the Footing at Pier 4
For those of you who are curious about what the handrail on the new bridge will look like, a full scale mock-up of a typical rail panel was fabricated and assembled in the laydown area (see photo below). This railing is a custom rail fabricated out of aluminum and is powder coated blue. The rail is 42-inches high and will be installed across the new bridge and on top of the MSE retaining walls.
Pedestrian Handrail Mock-up.
AMI, Inc in Portsmouth, continues to build the new bridge segments. A total of 64 of the 177 bridge segments have been cast and is enough to complete 4 of the 10 spans in the westbound bridge.
Over the next two weeks, the bridge contractor will:
Ø Begin placing bridge segments in span 1 of 10
Ø Install the column for Pier #4;
Ø Mobilize the seal slab for Pier #5;
Ø Complete the drilled foundation work at Pier #8;
Ø Begin drilling the foundations for the last bridge pier; Pier #9
Ø Complete construction of Abutment B;
Ø Complete the coating of MSE wall #1
Now get ready to see the launching gantry lift some bridge segments . . . it really IS something!
Keep watching and drive safely!
-Chris
Christopher J. Wojtowicz, P.E.
Project Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Municipal Center-Bldg 2
2405 Court House Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Phone: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com
Screen Shot of Construction Cam photo taken February 18th at noon.
Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook
Photo Credit from The New Tidewater Flashback in Facebook.
Thanks to Traycee for allowing us to share these!
Let us know in comments below if you’d like to see more flashback photos of the Shore Drive community.
View video report at WAVY.com.
“Biologists have designed this, and they have been amazingly successful in reducing the number of collisions birds have with power lines, reducing the number of fatalities and also reducing the number of outages for people who are dependent on these lines,” Harris said.
The fireflies are placed along the power lines. One-by-one, they were installed on cables running across the Lesner Bridge Friday.
A flight crew from Haverfield Aviation attaches a bird repellent called a firefly to power lines beside the Lesner Bridge in Virginia Beach.
Credit: Walter Hildebrand/WAVY TV
View photos at WAVY.com of project.
Side note: There are as many seagulls that roam the earth as unicorns. Huh?
There. Is. No. Such. Things. As. A. Seagull.
Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook
Thanks to Traycee for allowing us to share these!
Let us know in comments below if you’d like to see more flashback photos of the Shore Drive community.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday July 27, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
Program/Presentation – No Presentations for August.
However, please mark your calendars for these upcoming presentations:
Officer’s Reports Secretary – David Williams, Treasurer’s Report -Kathy Pawlak, Vice President – Wally Damon, President – Todd Solomon
Old Business–
Bishard Development Approved – City Council approved the development on the old Baylake Pines school (between Citgo and Leaping Lizard). 30 homes and 1 commercial building. 8 homes can have a 12 foot individual pier into Lake Joyce.
NFIP Community Rating System – SDCC has sent support letter to City. The City Manager is reviewing staff’s proposal. SDCC will post updates on our website and ask for community support if required.
New Business –
Bay Beach Grooming – Mark Johnson, City Public Works, is responsible for scheduling. He can be reached at 385-1470 or MAJohnso@vbgov.com Believe it or not, but the following paragraph was part of the 2002 Beach Management Plan (last plan the City created) and still no dedicated funding stream.
“Routine beach grooming is limited to the Resort Area. We recommend its expansion to all beaches. All non-resort area beaches should be groomed at least weekly during the summer months, immediately prior to summer holidays, and after major storm events to remove seaweed, storm debris and reshape the beach. To accomplish this objective, additional resources need to be created or contracted for non-resort area beaches.”
Marine Enforcement Contact – Call the Virginia Marine Police at (800) 541-4646 to enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, check recreational fishing licenses, inspecting commercial fishermen for compliance, investigating boating accidents and conduct educational programs
Shore Drive to Oceanfront Trolley Loop – Final results of survey have been posted on www.sdcc.info and sent to Bayfront Advisory Committee, City Staff and Hampton Roads Transit. Thank you to all that took the time to voice your opinions.
Community Concerns – Does your neighborhood/condo have any issues that have come up that need help or may be a warning to others?
Next SDCC Meeting – Monday August 31, 2015
In an effort to help the City of Virginia Beach and the Bayfront Advisory Commission research the possibility of a Shore Drive – Oceanfront trolley, the SDCC ran a one month online survey. 385 survey takers provided valuable input as to why and why they wouldn’t use the service. The results are posted below and have been shared with the Bayfront Advisory Commission, the City of Virginia Beach Staff, City Councilmen Jones, Wood and Uhrin and Hampton Roads Transit. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to provide your opinions.
Click on the image to read
Click on the documents below to read:
Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook
Thanks to Traycee for allowing us to share these!
Let us know in comments below if you’d like to see more flashback photos of the Shore Drive community.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 