“All of these organizations and the city worked so hard to preserve what we thought was 100 percent of Pleasure House Point. That’s how it was advertised to everybody.”
Ribbon Cutting. Magnificent!
Thanks to everyone who helped make this day possible. You’ve accomplished something truly magnificent. So far.
Brian Solis of Parks & Rec answers questions about CBF’s proposed building for PHP
Brian Solis, of the Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation responds to questions posed by residents interested in further details about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s proposed educational center to be located at Pleasure House Point.
What LEED levels will be required? See http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3330
Certified 40–49 points
Silver 50–59 points
Gold 60–79 points
Platinum 80 points and above
Response: There are not requirements for level of LEED-certification; however, CBF has indicated that the building will achieve LEED-Platinum status. CBF’s headquarters in Annapolis, MD was the first LEED-Platinum certified building in the world.
Will the 10,000 SF CBF building be in accordance with the Living Building Challenge (LBC) requiring its own energy and waste processing? See https://ilbi.org/lbc/LBC%20Documents/LBC2-0.pdf
Response: Yes. The details are being worked through CBF, the Planning Department and several other state and City agencies through the conditional use permit and design process.
Can a 10,000 SF building be justified when the LBC is committed to stopping the continued spread of sprawl development that threatens the few wild places that remain?
How can the 10,000 SF building be justified when the LBC prohibits construction on sensitive ecological habitat and/or a 100-year flood plain?
The architectural rendering on display was a long rectangular building devoid of the features the LBC prescribes:
• Elements that nurture the innate human attraction to natural systems and processes.
• Environmental features
• Natural shapes and forms
• Natural patterns and processes
• Design features intended solely for human delight and the celebration of culture, spirit and place appropriate to its function.
• Integration of surrounding tidal ponds, bird houses, and indigenous animals (frogs, lizards, turtles) into the immediate vicinity of the building for view, education, and environmental compatibility.
Response: The majority of the Pleasure House Point site is a previously-disturbed site. The building will also need to meet minimum building code standards as well as those related to flood plain issue. The detailed design of the Education Center will reveal addressing the majority, if not all, of the above criteria.
So was this it, or did the plan evolve through a proper Charrette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charrette) that looked at several designs and space requirements in consultation with all stakeholders?
Response: CBF’s part of the Education Center evolved near the end of the site master plan process.
As part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA), to minimize square footage, will (or were) investigations undertaken to evaluate other near-by public facilities that could be used for meetings, public gatherings, educational classes, and training?
Response: The 10,000 s.f. building program is approximately 2% of CBF’s site. It is my understanding that CBF did evaluate building spaces in the vicinity of both Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet their needs before undertaking this opportunity. Based on where the building is located and the educational programs and minimal staff offices proposed for the space, we do not find the building program to be unreasonable. Also, the building is sited at the most landward location while still staying outside of the 200’+ Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffer areas that CBF is enforcing on itself (normal RPA buffer requirement is a 100’ setback).
I also just need to reiterate the City’s commitment to working with the Trust for Public Land and Chesapeake Bay Foundation under the Council-adopted Memorandum of Understanding to achieve a number of goals for the entire site in a way that compliments each other: preservation, restoration, education and public access.
And remember – Ribbon Cutting tomorrow at 11am and Fall Festival Saturday from 11-4 on PHP!
Baylake Pines Fall Oyster Roast November 3rd Saturday 4-8p
Proceeds benefit Baylake Pines Civic League,
Foodbank of Southeastern VA and VA Bch Crime Solvers
Tickets and Information contacts:
John Borum 757-363-9132 or 757-289-6348
Kevin Montgomery 757-268-4733
Dell Young 757-460-2863
Also Available at the Leaping Lizard Café
Printing courtesy of Gay Borum of Konica-Minolta
Your Civic Organization and YOU
As you know, there are many civic organizations in Virginia Beach. Of the many, how are Shore Drive Community Coalition(SDCC), Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organization (VBCCO), and Bayfront Advisory Council (BAC) similar or are they different ? These three organizations were formed to address different issues at the time that were not being adequately resolved at the city level. By providing a collective and representative voice for their group,these organizations sought to be heard by the City Council or the staff that serve the Mayor and Council. What am I trying to point out?
We, Shore Drive Community Coalition are only as effective as our collective efforts at trying to provide a common voice to the issues that impact our Shore Drive community. Many of us have spoken before VB City Council to present our group’s support or concerns on important issues. This is democracy in a republic. Sometimes we have achieved our objective, while other times we may feel as if we have been ignored by our elected officials. But, while immediate change usually does not happen, I think civic organizations can bring about change. Look at the change that has come about with civic involvement. Ask yourself if change would have occurred if no one spoke? Obviously change comes from participation in the government process.
The Mayor and City Council have acknowledged and most positively responded to our concerns on “Shore Drive 35 Alive” , needed bike paths, and most spectacularly with Pleasure House Point. These excellent achievements would not have been possible without citizen participation and involvement that was recognized at the City government level.
There are many more major issues that our city is facing or will be facing in the near future. Our city faces major budget deficits in the next five years that will impact all of us. Some estimates indicate that it will reach $500 million dollars unless additional revenues are found. Translate that to mean higher taxes from us all. How our city’s projected deficit will impact the Light Rail question, Sports Arena, Neighborhood Dredging Program, our schools and teachers, libraries, and police and fire staffing levels will all have to be discussed. We can just listen to our city experts, or we can do our own homework and then work with our civic organizations. Our citizens’ positions should be heard. How does that happen? More residents will have to step forward and get involved. More residents need to participate in our city’s civic organizations. Civic organizations are only as effective as their membership. Get involved. Come and hear your City Council candidates speak on the 17th at Cape Henry Collegiate 7-9pm. Come to Shore Drive Community Coalition meeting, 29 OCT 7:30-9:00 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad . If you want the city to listen, sometimes you have to speak with a combined voice. Change does not occur in a vacuum. See you there.
A Life bird was spotted this past weekend on Pleasure House Point
Read, see, and hear more at SavePHP.org.
There were at least 6 birders out on PHP this morning. Probably hunting for the Say’s Phoebe, the life bird spotted that normally hangs out in the western states & Alaska.
What: Virginia Beach Mayoral and City Council Candidates’ Forum. When: Wednesday, October 17th, 7-9 PM, doors open at 6:30. Where: Cape Henry Collegiate School Dreyfus Auditorium, 1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach.
Sponsors: Lynnhaven River NOW, Council of Garden Clubs, Shore Drive Community Coalition, Back Bay Restoration Foundation, Princess Anne Garden Club, and the Virginia Beach Garden Club
Free and open to the public. No pre-registration required.
BE INFORMED
“First, two cyclists suffered serious injuries on Shore Drive after motorists struck them and fled in separate incidents May 3 and June 4. Police have not caught the drivers, despite offering several thousand dollars in reward money through Crime Solvers and local cycling groups. “
Ocean Park Fall Festival and Art Show – Saturday October 6th from 10am to 5pm
The 2012 Ocean Park Fall Festival and Art Show is
October 6th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Festival is sponsored by and benefits the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad.
The event is an effort to bring residents together for a day of fun with the added benefit of raising awareness of issues to the local community and various neighborhoods along Shore Drive.
The Fall Festival will feature an outdoor art show, live entertainment, a craft show inside the Rescue Squad building, children’s activities, a Bounce House, displays of Rescue Squad equipment, and a fully restored vintage Virginia Beach Ambulance.
Located along Shore Drive, the venue includes Rescue One, Lynnhaven Marine and Capt. Max King’s (formerly Browning’s Marine). Local residents are encouraged to walk to the event, however there is parking at Max Kings, Lynnhaven Marine and neighborhood streets.
Three live performances beginning at 10:00 am, featuring entertainment by Stan Howard aka The Sax Man, Joe Maniscalco and Grant Austin Taylor.
The event organizers hope to make this an annual event that raises funds to support the Rescue Squad. This is also an opportunity to chat with members of local groups that volunteer their time to enhance the community. Many of our residents are members of The Shore Drive Community Coalition, Bayfront Advisory Committee, Lynnhaven River Now, Pleasure House Point and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Mark your calendar now that, plan to spend a few hours or the entire day with free entertainment, discussion of important local issues, and having some fun with your neighbors!
For more information, if you would like to volunteer, or if you want to participate in the art show or craft show, please call 468-1193.
New SDCC Agenda with John Moss as Special Guest Speaker
Come out and hear Councilman John Moss talk about the City’s proposed projects (Light Rail and NBA Stadium) and the City’s budget along with other issues.
Click here to print the new agenda SDCC SEP 2012 Agenda
Councilman Moss To Speak at 25 SEP SDCC Meeting
SDCC members have an opportunity to hear VB Councilman John Moss speak before our gathering this Tuesday 25 SEPT at 7:30. The meeting will be held at our usual location, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.). Please note that the normal meeting date (the last Monday of the month) has been changed for this September meeting to avoid conflicting with the VBCCO City Council Candidates Forum to be held that Monday, 24 September. Both the VBCCO meeting and the SDCC meeting will offer our citizens the opportunity to hear about significant city issues that will directly impact us now and in the future. Come hear Council John Moss speak on this side of the issues.
Council Candidate Forums – Monday Sept. 24th & Wednesday Oct. 17th
Two great opportunities for you to become informed about the candidate choices for this years City Council election.
Monday September 24, 2012 – Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO) will sponsor a City Council Candidate Forum at 7:00pm in the Central Library
Wednesday October 17, 2012 – Lynnhaven River Now and SDCC will sponsor a City Council Candidate Forum at 7:00pm in the Cape Henry Collegiate Dryfus Auditorium. For more information, click on this flyer. Flyer for Candidates’ Forum
***SDCC General Meeting Rescheduled to Tuesday September 25th***
Please note – this month’s general meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday to allow members to attend the VBCCO’s candidate forum.
Click here for a printable version of the agenda SDCC SEP 2012 Agenda
Tuesday 25 September 2012
***Note Date Change***
Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) General Meeting
SDCC General Meeting – Tuesday, September 25, 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Rd.)
Call to order
Meeting topic: Discussions on Current Issues
Officers’ Reports
President’s Report David Williams
Vice President’s report Grace Moran
Secretary’s Report Todd Solomon –August Minutes
Treasurer’s Report Carol Collins
Update on issues: Discussions: Light Rail, Pleasure House Point Update
Old Business
New Business
Adjourn
Next SDCC- Monday October 29, 2012
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Center
Speaker- TBA
Please check www.sdcc.info for more information on area news and events
PD-H1, P-1 & PHP
Read about PD-H1 in the City Code.
PD-H1 also references A-12 here.
Read about P-1 in the City Code.
More about zoning request change for Pleasure House Point at VBGov.com/PleasureHousePoint.
Your invite to the festivities on PHP OCT 12 & OCT 13
Bayfront Advisory Committee (BAC) Newsletter
Click here to read the entire newsletter VisionNewsletter_2.9
Some highlights:
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Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting – Thursday September 20th
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BAC considers name change
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Eminent domain/condemation approved on 10 parcels to support new Lesner Bridge
CBF PHP project information available online
What is GOBS?
Stands for those whom we play golf with at private clubs; personal agenda for pet projects with friends and campaign contributors, and too much city business as usual. Stands for Good Ol’Boy System. I guess if we wanted to hear more answers to our questions, we would have a private invitation to play golf with some of our elected and appointed city officials.
Why Unanswered Questions?
SDCC recently posted the 28 questions that were presented to Chairman Fraim of the Beaches and Waterways Advisory Commission (B&WAC) at the city’s official and only public hearing held OCT 13, 2011. Now, almost one year ago. As some of you who attended this public forum for the Neighborhood Dredging (Spoils) Program, these questions were officially presented in writing to the chairman and were to be officially answered by this officially appointed city commission. The city would like citizens to think that our voices are heard on such important matters as this costly program (potentially $100 million) directly impacting citizen safety and our tax dollars. All that I can say is that SDCC has not received any satisfactory answers from either the city or the B&WAC chairman, although their official report was submitted to the city nine months ago.
Why are the city and the B&WAC chairman so quiet? I believe that they can not answer SDCC’s questions related to neighborhood impact, safety, environmental issues, traffic impact, costs, and operational concerns of this program. If they cannot answer my questions satisfactorily, how can they continue to proceed with the Neighborhood Dredging (Spoils) Program? I have forwarded these questions to Councilwoman Wilson (City representative to the B&WAC) a month ago to see if she could pry required answers out of the city, and so far no response. Bottom line- NO ANSWERS. It may not be that important, but it does concern public safety, impact on neighborhoods, impact on traffic through three major school areas, and your present and future tax dollars. WHY no answers? Maybe there are no responsible answers.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 