Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many Mayor Meyera.

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Read Mayor Sessoms entire statement at VBGov.com.

The reason she touched hearts was because she cared passionately about this city and each and every one of its people. There was no such thing as a “stranger” to Meyera, and she was most passionate and engaged when she was out in the neighborhoods and businesses, talking and listening to the citizens. She knew every neighborhood, every civic league, every issue and every concern because she listened and she cared. If you were having a meeting, a celebration or honoring someone, there was always a chair for Meyera – you knew she wouldn’t think of missing it.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the:

    Alzheimer’s Association
    6350 Center Drive, Suite 102
    Norfolk, VA 23502

or phone (757)450-2405.

    Hospice & Palliative Care
    Charlotte Region
    1420 E 7th Street
    Charlotte, NC 28204

Online at donatehospice.com.

Or:
ALZ.org

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It was an honor to know you & to work with you.

Thank you for making a profound & everlasting difference in our lives Madam Mayor.

Community Rating System- Your $$$’s !!! ???

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For all those home owners who have to pay for flood insurance for their property, FEMA, in conjunction with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has a program to help offset the costs of premiums up to 45% annually. Started by FEMA in 1990, the Community Rating System (CRS) program is initiated by the city and managed by the assigned coordinator.The Coordinator’s position is designated by the city’s mayor.

The CRS program has three major goals; (1) reduce flood damage to insurable property; (2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); and encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management. The CRS program is designed to help residents decrease the damage done to their property by storm flooding.

The CRS program consists of 18 public information and floodplain management activities as described in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Coordinator’s Manual (publication FIA-15/2013). Many of these activities are already being implemented and are ongoing in this city. Some of these activities include; maintaining Elevation Certificates for new construction in the floodplain (required when building or financing a mortgage for a home); providing Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) information service; sending information to residents to those in flood hazard areas concerning hazards and mitigations; providing a community website for residents to find technical information on how to protect buildings from flooding; developing new flood elevation information beyond original FIRM data; and protecting existing floodplain structures by flood proofing, elevation and minor structural improvements.

There is more that this city can reasonably do to improve our ability to obtain Flood Insurance premium rate reductions. To begin with, this city must apply to participate in the CRS program. As of this date, that has not occurred for various reasons according to my discussions and emails with several city officials. Currently, this city is the only city in the Hampton Roads area to not participate. Because some city officials have chosen to not take part in the NFIP Community Rating System program, all residents currently paying Flood Insurance premiums are not eligible for those reduced premiums. It should be noted that the cost of flood insurance premiums are expected to increase significantly in 2016 unless Congress changes the current laws governing FEMA and the NFIP. As this city is currently conducting some of the required activities of the CRS, I would expect that our future insurance premiums could be decreased by at least 15-20% if the city were to participate in the CRS program, like all the other cities in Hampton Roads.

The Brock Environmental Center will be the lunch stop for the Virginia Beach Home and Garden Tour on Earth Day, April 22. There will be approximately 1,500 people attending this event throughout the day between 10:00 and 5:30.

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The Main Lunch Venue on Garden Tour day will be the Princess Anne Country Club.Box Lunches can be pre-ordered from Taste Unlimited to be picked up at the Brock Center. 

Buffet at Princess Anne Country Club for $15 pp. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (757) 428-4141 for reservations or questions.

Boxed lunches available at the Brock Center from noon to 2 p.m. Taste Unlimited (757) 464-1566 to place order (reference Brock Center and Garden Tour). For menu, go to http://www.tasteunlimited.com

Learn more about Historic Garden Week here.

Here’s the complete Tour Description in PDF.

Photo Credit: Tim, March 10 2014

Photo Credit: Tim, March 10 2014

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel mid 1960s

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Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook

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.

Casino at Cape Henry….. “Kiss the Cat” 1914

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Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook

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.

Tree Talks moved to Saturday March 15 2015 at Hampton Roads Ag & Research Center on Diamond Springs Rd

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From Friends of Live Oaks (FOLO).

Start here to view Registration at Eventbrite.com.

TREE TALKS
Saturday February 28, 2015 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
at Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center 1444 Diamond Springs Road, VB
presented by VCE Virginia Beach Master Gardeners’ Tree Stewards
Event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. Registration deadline is 3/12.

CLICK FLYER TO START REGISTRATION

CLICK FLYER TO START REGISTRATION

#LESNERBRIDGE update from Project Manager – “The dredging of Crab Creek and the area in front of the temporary wharf at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site (LDMSS) continues today, but will be complete by tomorrow, 2/28/2015.”

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February 28th 2015 update:

Is anybody ready for spring? The Lesner Bridge project team is!

The recent spate of snow, ice, and cold has had a negative impact on the project schedule which we hope to make up once the weather warms up. This doesn’t mean that that all work has stopped though.

The dredging of Crab Creek and the area in front of the temporary wharf at the Lynnhaven Dredge Material Storage Site (LDMSS) continues today, but will be complete by tomorrow, 2/28/2015.

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Ø Construction of the retaining wall along the entire length of the new eastern bridge approach (former Duck Inn property) continues and is about 50% complete;

Ø The foundation for the new traffic signal pole at located at the corner of Page Avenue and Shore drive was installed;

Ø Pier column #1 for the new WB bridge has been completed;

Ø The foundations for bridge piers 2 and 3 have been completed;

Ø The reinforcing steel for Pier column #2 has been tied and is ready for placement on the completed foundation;

Ø The contractor is preparing material for the temporary cofferdam to be built around the foundation for water Pier #3

Ø Equipment and material have been mobilized to bridge pier #4 and the temporary equipment trestle is nearing completion in preparation for installed of the foundation shafts;

Ø Four more bridge segments have been built at the casting yard which brings us past the halfway mark for Span #1 (there are 10 spans per bridge);

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Over the next two weeks, work will continue on the east side of the bridge as we continue to build the retaining wall, and install storm drain/other utilities. Drilled shaft installation for the foundations at pier #4 will resume on Monday, 3/2/2015. Also next week we anticipate standing the rebar cage for Pier #2 and begin the formwork installation in preparation for placement of the concrete. The installation of the foundation for the new traffic signal pole at the corner of Vista Circle and Shore Drive (across the street from Starbucks) is also expected to take place next week..

That about wraps it up for now. Stay warm, stay dry, 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 grab of construction cam shot taken on Feb 26th 2015 2am

Screen grab of construction cam shot taken on Feb 26th 2015 2am

Concern about the need to change the current property tax exemptions for Seniors & Disabled in Virginia Beach

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From Empsy:

City Council,
I am concerned about the need to change the current property tax exemptions for Seniors and Disabled in Virginia Beach due to the program being unsustainable due to COST. I found the THREE modifications posted on Virtual Town Hall equally unacceptable as did all THREE of the other comments I was able to view on the site.
I received one call from my Cape Story by the Sea email send from a senior citizen who was very upset about the proposal and the impact it would have on her fixed income and unable to understand HOW Va Beach could not do better money management to sustain the program.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council, I too have difficulty in believing the program can not be sustained. Please consider the following:
1. DO NOT compare Virginia Beach with the other 6 cities of tidewater because NONE off the other six cities have an OCEAN and the tourist traffic of Va Beach. Recent article indicated “Virginia Beach dining, lodging sales near (a RECORD) $1.4 BILLION” and Jim Ricketts expects 2015 to hit another record. Surely there is income here that could support the property tax exemptions and the NEED to INCREASE the tax rate for the rest of us.

2. The health care costs to the city employees was noted as being one the fastest increasing costs of the city in a recent Budget presentation by Councilman Wood at the SDCC meeting.
Consider a City owned and operated PBM- Pharmacy Benefits Management – company as CHESAPEAKE has done and saved considerable money. As a fellow pharmacist with Ed Davidson (the Consultant Pharmacist for the City of Virginia Beach), I would encourage the Council to discuss this opportunity with Dr. Davidson and your healthcare management departments. This should stabilize and possibly decrease expense to the City for employee healthcare.

3. The military in Virginia Beach brings in $13 Million (or is it Billion) that is currently used in budget planning I believe even with constant discussion that this may /will decrease if/when the military cuts back/moves out. BUT, the HIGH MILITARY income is STILL HERE AND STRONG in the 37 YEARS I have lived in Virginia Beach.

I believe the Great City of Virginia Beach can sustain the current property tax exemptions and the current tax rate on property. I believe the City of Virginia Beach is unique and comparison with the other six cities of Tidewater has very LIMITED benefits when comparing tax base, tax income and potential for tax income.

Thank you.

Empsy Munden – Cape Story by the Sea – Virginia Beach

Learn more by viewing Virtual Town Hall info below

PLEASE NOTE:
Both Virtual Town Halls posted below have been closed.
Please provide your feedback in Comments below and/or Email City Council here.

View first Official Virtual Town Hall VBGOV.com website on this Topic entitled:

    The City of Virginia Beach currently offers qualified property owners the ability to receive one of 3 forms of relief (Exemption, Deferral or Freeze), towards their real estate tax bill. To ensure City Council receives the best possible recommendations, please complete this survey.

You can view 122 Responses by the public, video presentation by Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Taskforce, Demographics of respondents, final tally, and more.

Next steps lie with City Council as they consider the information and the recommendations of the Taskforce.

View 2nd Official Virtual Town Hall VBGOV.com website on this Topic entitled:

    The City Council is considering three alternatives to changing the tax-relief program for senior citizens and the elderly. Which alternative do you prefer, and why?

You can view 44 Responses by the public, and more.
NOTE: City Council will be voting on proposed alternatives at their March 3 2015 Meeting.

Introduction

A tax-relief program that reduces or eliminates real estate taxes for some Virginia Beach senior citizens is not financially sustainable. That’s the conclusion of a city task force that reported recently to the City Council.

Now, the City Council is exploring ways to change the program – to continue keeping low-income seniors in their homes while managing the program’s skyrocketing costs.

The City Council has come up with three options, which are summarized here. The council wants to hear from you. A public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m. However, the hearing was cancelled due to inclement weather and has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the City Council chamber in City Hall, second floor, 2401 Courthouse Drive​. City Council is still scheduled to vote on program changes March 3. For more information, contact the city’s Budget Office at (757) 385-8234 or budget@VBgov.com.

Virginia Beach has the most generous tax-relief program for seniors in Hampton Roads.

View Final Report by Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled Taskforce here. ( 102 page PDF )

TaxReliefConclusion

PLEASE NOTE:
Both Virtual Town Halls posted above have been closed.
Please provide your feedback in Comments below and/or Email City Council here.

There’s a new inlet/outlet added at Pleasure House Point

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Here’s a couple photos of the installation of the new inlet/outlet to the wetland. Does it flow during the exchange of the tide?

The answer to the question from Mike Moore P&R:

The pipe was installed in the washout that occurred this previous Halloween. It was installed higher than the normal ebb and flow tide. It isn’t to be an inlet but to allow water to pass through during extreme tide events without the berm going with it. We will monitor the berm and the pipe as we are sure we will need to add more sand and pack. Please feel free to let me know if you see it failing or erosion issues. Thank you.

Thanks for the scoop Mike!

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IMG_4437

Charlie’s…Open for business in 1946

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Photo Credit: The New Tidewater Flashback Group in Facebook

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.

“The City of Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs is dedicated to supporting and strengthening a rich arts and cultural community. Please help us shape the future of the arts and culture by providing us feedback through this survey.”

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Start here at the official Town Hall page at VBGov.com.

Your input will help us understand community priorities related both directly and indirectly to arts and culture, and help to direct priorities for cultural investment and development. Play a part in shaping the vision of the Virginia Beach Arts Plan 2030 by completing this survey!

3 questions in Survey include:

Arts, culture and creativity in Virginia Beach increase quality of life and livability.

Arts, culture and creativity in Virginia Beach represent our diverse communities.

By the year 2030, what are the top 3 things you would like to see for Virginia Beach’s arts, cultural and creative community? (Please select up to 3 options from the list.)

Photo Credit: Tim Solanic


Photo Credit: Tim Solanic

“Help Hampton Roads Create a Hazard Mitigation Plan”

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Three Public Meetings Scheduled Throughout the Region – view at VBGov.com.

Federal law requires localities to adopt hazard mitigation plans to be eligible for certain federal mitigation grant funds. It requires that these plans be updated every five years. Hampton Roads localities will pursue a regional, multi-jurisdictional plan.

Public involvement is a key component.

unexpected damage at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from Sandy Oct 2012

unexpected damage at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp from Sandy Oct 2012

FOLO Meeting Monday, Feb. 23rd, 3:30 p.m. at Brock Environmental Center

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Hi All: Looking forward to seeing you at our meeting on Monday, Feb. 23rd at the Brock Environmental Center on Pleasure House Point at 3:30. There are generally some parking places near the city pump station just off Chesterfield Ave. If those places are full, you need to park on Marlin Bay Drive and take the path to the center. See you then, Karen

Learn more about Friends of Live Oaks at their website.
Directions & Parking for BEC at CBF.org.

Photo Credit: Tim Solanic

Photo Credit: Tim Solanic

SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday Feb. 23rd

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 2.23.15 SDCC Agenda
SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday February 23, 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 –

  • Informative Sand Dune Signage Project, Ms. Whitney McNamara, City Sustainability Office, will explain the importance of sand dunes and the update us on the City’s new dune signage project.
  • Proposed Housing & Commercial Development Project – Mr. Steven Bishard will provide an update of development plan for the old Baylake Pines School properties.

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

Old Business–

CIP 2.118 – Shore Drive Improvements Ocean Park: Update on efforts to schedule safety improvements earlier than current construction start date of January 2023.

Lesner Bridge Replacement Safety Issues – City/Community walkthrough of issues being scheduled. Turning light at Shore-Vista, Speed bump at same intersection have been identified. Do you have any additional safety concerns?

New Business –

Arrive Alive Awareness Campaign – Recent 3 deaths on Shore Drive appear to be alcohol related.  Is a restaurant table top notice campaign a worthwhile effort?  A design contest and possible grant funding could be used.  Partnership with businesses would be a must.  Thoughts and discussion.

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

Fire in Ocean Park last night

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View story and more photos at WAVY.com.

Goyet said the fire started on the exterior of the building and neighbors alerted the residents. Crews were able to keep the flames from going inside. Still, two adults and three children were displaced.

Photo Credit: WAVY TV

Photo Credit: WAVY TV

Virginia Beach City Offices and Facilities to Open at 10 a.m. Wednesday

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All City of Virginia Beach offices and facilities will open tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. That includes all parks, recreation centers, libraries and the Virginia Aquarium. City-run historic homes will remain closed Wednesday. There will be no trash or recycle pickups on Wednesday. 

The city’s essential operating condition will continue until 10 a.m. Wednesday. At that time, the city will resume normal operating conditions. 

Crews from Public Works will continue working to clear streets throughout the night and throughout the day tomorrow.

 

City of Virginia Beach CANCELS Waste Pickup for Wednesday, Feb 18

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Due to the anticipated hazardous road and weather conditions, Public Works/Waste Management has CANCELLED trash and recycling collections for Wednesday.  Residents are asked to place their trash cans at the curb line and leave them there until they are serviced.   Those residents with small amounts of trash, or extra carts, may wish to skip collection this week, and have all materials collected the following week.

Collections will resume as soon as conditions allow, and will operate on a sliding basis. Tuesday collection area will be collected on the first day collections are resumed, and continuing each collection area as needed to complete collections for the week.​

Yard debris collection has been suspended for the remainder of the week. Additional requests for bulky item collection will be re-scheduled for next week.  The Virginia Beach Landfill and Resource Recovery Center will follow the City of Virginia Beach operating hours.

For updates about collections, call Public Works Waste Management at 385-4650 or visit www.VBgov.com/wastemgt.

“All City of Virginia Beach offices and facilities will be closed today, Tuesday, Feb. 17. That includes all city parks, recreation centers, libraries and museums. As a reminder, no sledding is allowed at Mount Trashmore Park.”

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At VBGov.com.

Drivers should not be out on the roads, if at all possible, to allow emergency vehicles to do their jobs.

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Photo credit: Tim Solanic