Shore Drive Community Coalition

App to rezoned Lynnhaven Marina officially pulled

From Barry:

Todd,

Thank you for your recent letter and email dated October 27, 2008 from the Shore Drive Community Coalition. In response to your request and in our continued efforts to work with community representatives, the Department of Parks and Recreation will withdraw the applications for re-zoning and conditional use permit for the Lynnhaven Marina effective immediately. In addition, we commit to continue to work with you and community representatives to ensure we are providing valued services and facilities.  A signed letter of this same information is attached.

As always, please feel free to distribute or post this information as needed. Should you have any questions or comments, please let me know. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Barry

J. Barry Frankenfield, FASLA, AICP
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-1104 (Phone) - 757-385-1130 (FAX)

bfranken@vbgov.com

Our vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community.

SDCC’s letter requesting withdrawal.

SDCC formally requests City withdraw rezoning of City Marina

Check out our letter from Todd to the City. [1pg PDF]

City Marina Rezoning deferred indefinitely

Barry’s email to Todd:

Todd Solomon, Shore Drive Community Coalition
September 30, 2008

Todd,

Thank you for including me in the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) meeting last night, September 29, 2008 to provide an update on the Lynnhaven Marina.
As you requested, I have attached the handout I provided at the meeting.  In addition, a summary of the discussion and actions related to the Lynnhaven Marina are listed below.

§ Requests for Change of Zoning Classification and Conditional Use Permit for the Lynnhaven Marina, 3211 Lynnhaven Drive have been deferred indefinitely.

§ We discussed the proffers of the requests as proposed (see attached handout provided).

§ A deferred item can be brought back to the Planning Commission with appropriate notification, communication and signs as required.  I advised the SDCC if the City were to bring the item back to the Planning Commission we will provide advance notification to the SDCC, adjacent property owners, and the community residents.

§ There is no current approval for or actions related to a lease of a portion of the property for off-site parking use.

§ The Lynnhaven Marina slip rental rate has been raised effective 7/1/08.  Financial information for FY 2007-2008 was provided at the meeting (see handout attached).

§ The SDCC members attending last nights meeting were strongly opposed to the Change of Zoning and Conditional Use Requests; and use or lease of property for off-site parking.

§ Following the briefing, SDCC unanimously approved a motion requesting the Change of Zoning and Conditional Use Requests for the Lynnhaven Marina be officially “Withdrawn” by the City of Virginia Beach.  This action, if take by the City would effectively prevent the requests from going to the Planning Commission for one year. 

If you need additional information please let me know.  This email and attachments are public information which you may distribute as needed.

Barry

J. Barry Frankenfield, ASLA, AICP
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-1104 (Phone) - 757-385-1130 (FAX)
bfranken@vbgov.com
Our vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that creates a sense of community.

Handout provided at SDCC’s Meeting [15pg PDF]

City Marina moved from Planning’s August Agenda

From Barry:

Thanks for your comments; we have requested this item be deferred at this time.  We will follow up with your group in September to discuss your concerns.  Thanks.

SDCC writes to Planning in opposition to rezoning City Marina

At it’s June meeting, the Shore Drive Community Coalition (SDCC) voted unanimously to oppose the
proposed rezoning of the City marina from P-1 to B-2. 

This letter is being submitted to make City Staff, the Planning Commission and City Council aware of this
opposition and to request that the proposed rezoning of this site be discontinued.  The community feels
that the possible problems created by rezoning and planned privatization of the marina outweigh any
possible benefits for the local community as well as the rest of Virginia Beach.

CityMarinaRezonOppLtr.pdf [1pg PDF]

SDCC General Meeting Agenda for Monday, July 28th 2008

SDCC General Meeting Agenda - Monday July 28, 2008

SDCC General Meeting - Monday July 28, 2008, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation – No program planned for this month.  Time will be allotted to Old & New Business Sections.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Officer’s Reports - Brief Reports
Secretary - Tim
Treasurer’s Report - Leslie
Vice President & President - Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has asked for more time to review and answer the public’s concerns before going before the State Water Control Board (WCB).  The next WCB meeting is scheduled for September 30th.  The SDCC Pleasure House Point (PHP) committee has scheduled a meeting with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Lynnhaven River Now (LRN), Wetlands Watch and our legal representation to put together a plan for the WCB hearing. 

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – City Staff is still pursuing the purchase of land behind the AT&T-Battery Plus building on the Blvd. for the dredging of the Western Branch as a permanent dredge transfer station. This site would also provide kayak
& canoe access when not being used as a transfer station.  City Staff is looking at purchasing or condemnation of all the property in the area (excluding the vets office) to also allow a Fire Station.  Staff plans to present details to City Council on Aug 12 at a closed session.
[Correction 2:18pm Monday July 28th 2008.]

Proposed Rezoning of City Marina - Planning Commission review was deferred from the July 9th meeting to the August 13th meeting at noon in City Council Chambers.  SDCC has sent a letter to City Staff and Council opposing the rezoning from P-1 to B-2.  Reasons for opposition include the fact that a marina is considered a principal use in a P-1 zoning district so there is no need to rezone and the current arrangement is a money making venture for the City, about $50,000 per year.  Making it a private venture runs the risk of losing this income.

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire – SDCC agreed to partner with OPCL and host a City Council Candidate Forum the week of September 22nd – 26th.  The locations suggested were the VB resort conference hotel, Baylake Pines church, Lynnhaven Congregational church and Westminster Canterbury.  It was recommended that Todd moderate and the format still needed to be decided.

SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference Hotel.  First committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday August 21st at 6:30pm at Charlie’s Restaurant.  Volunteers are needed, email Todd if you’re interested in helping.  Todd@sdcc.info

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee is narrowing down the list of candidates and is still in need of a good candidate for Vice President or Secretary.  If you are interested in running or know of anyone that may be, please contact Dan Creedon at DanVaB@aol.com.  The committee will make their presentation of names at the October 27th general meeting.

New Business -

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – Should SDCC write a letter to City Staff and Council supporting the plan to purchase and/or condemn businesses behind PEP Boys for a transfer station?  Should SDCC partner with Saw Pen Point C.L. is support of this site?

Community Legislative Town Hall Meeting -The City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations will be co-hosting a town-hall style discussion to give citizens an opportunity to provide valuable input into the City’s 2008 Legislative Agenda – goals which the City will submit to members of the local General Assembly delegation later in the year.  Meeting will be Wednesday August 6th at 7:30pm in the VB Convention Center and is open to the public.
Indigo Dunes Project – With the possible Sandlers financial troubles reported by the Virginian-Pilot, does the SDCC think it’s a opportune time to sit down with City Staff and Council to discuss working up possible purchase scenarios (land swaps, tax reductions, etc.) and then have the City pursue these plans with the Sandlers?


Sincerely,

Todd Solomon
Shore Drive Community Coalition - President

Visit http://www.sdcc.info for additional information regarding the Bayfront area.

Problems with obnoxious drunks near City Marina continues

Thanks to Emily for her article.
Title by Tim.

All,
> I returned from a two week vacation to find that residents had taken matters
into their own hands.  The noise, traffic congestion, overcrowding, obnoxious
revelry etc. had not gotten better and several of our residents called in
complaints to police and ABC Board.  We had a sign made giving notice that our
parking lot is for residents only. One of our residents was in our garage and
observed two young men come out of Chick’s Bar, walk into our parking area and
knock our sign over.  They continued to walk toward him through our garage, he
confronted them nicely and they were verbally aggressive to him.  He called the
police and filed a complaint.  Police have promised to have a larger presence
and ABC was supposed to have a meeting with Chick’s owners last week to discuss
the issues.  It appears that with the opening of the “Tiki Bar” at Chick’s, the
area has now become a “bar hopping” area and young people from all around are
patronizing the area bars.  So now we not only have the cars blocking Vista
Circle and sometimes entry to our garage, to worry about, but also foot traffic
through our property has become a problem.  In the past, we have had
items(cars, bikes) stolen out of our garage and we don’t want it used as a cut
through.  Our property even though it is clearly posted has become the “short
cut” to Chick’s.  I don’t know what the end result will be, I just pray for
winter.  I invite any of you who have not experienced this to visit the area on
a weekend night between 7:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
>
> We, Lesner Cove Condominium Association, are going to stick to our original
decision to ask at the zoning meeting on August 13, that the City not rezone the
City Marina.  The letter we wrote prior to the July meeting still stands.  We
have asked for support from SDCC and they have agreed to support our position of
leaving the Marina as a Preservation Area.  We certainly don’t need another
“attractive nuisance” in the area drawing more traffic, more noise and more
drinking.  We are overwhelmed.  Any support you can give us will be much
appreciated.
> Emily McBride, President
> Lesner Cove Condo Association

City Marina Planning Commission Docs

Public Notice Lynnhaven Marina Rezoning Information JULY 3,2008 [6pg PDF]

City Marina Planning Commission Hearing deferred until August

From Faith Christie, City Planner for City Marina:

...We’ve checked the file, and he is correct an adjacent property owner was not notified. Therefore we have to defer the request for another month. We will place the request on the August 13, 2008 agenda and move forward from there. We will make sure all adjacent property owners are notified....

Lesner Cove Condos opposses rezoning of City Marina

From Emily McBride, President, Lesner Cove Condominium Association:

June 29, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

The Lesner Cove Condominium Association located at 2140 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA., is opposed to the rezoning of the City Marina from P-1, Preservation to B-2, and Commercial for the following reasons:

* The Marina as it exists and is managed at this time is a public service to the taxpayers of Virginia Beach and one of the last facilities controlled by the city that is located in this water based recreation area. In a time when the preservation of all natural space is important and discussed by the city in various meetings, we feel that maintaining the Preservation Area zoning is in keeping with the city plan to preserve as much natural space as possible. We feel that the Marina is a feather in the City’s cap and do not understand why the City would want to give up control. Was this an opportunity to be explored because it would be a solution to the parking problems that exist with the commercial establishments in the area?

* The Marina is a profitable property for the city returning $54,000 annually to its coffers. If leased, there is no guarantee that the city will make more money than it already does. What is the need to allow a private entity to use it commercially and what are the exposure risks to the city if the management is outsourced? Why would the city want to hold property for a commercial purpose?

* We are concerned about a private manager asking to put fuel tanks back on the property. The tanks that were there before split and fuel seeped into the ground and river. Oversight of fuel tanks would be the responsibility of the city creating more responsibility for the city. Has anyone asked the management of the City Garage if they want to have oversight for fuel tanks being reinstalled on the property? Again what is the risk to the city, property, river and surrounding neighborhoods and restaurants?

* Vista Circle, the street address of the Marina is already overcrowded with traffic that at times, blocks the street both ways making it impossible for emergency vehicles and residents to gain access to their homes and businesses there. The area around the Marina includes a large number of residential homes and condominiums. Presently the marina generates little traffic other than a few boat owners and the Virginia Beach Marine Police which operates several police boats from there. The increase in traffic from a commercial establishment would have an all round detrimental effect on the community. The remaining empty piece of property abutting Chick’s Restaurant on the West side and owned by Mr. Francis, and now, for sale again, has already been zoned for a restaurant should he decide to build it, which will create more traffic on Vista Circle. We don’t feel that turning the Marina into a commercial entity and creating even more traffic challenges and more need for parking in the area is a responsible decision on the part of the City.

* We have heard for several years about the creation of Waterman’s Walk in this area. Creation of Waterman’s Walk was a nice plan but would require business owners along the river to surrender property on the riverfront for a walkway. On the original plan for this nice thought, there was to be a parking lot at the intersection of Shore Drive and Vista Circle. We know of no plans that the city has at this time to purchase property for such a parking lot nor are we aware of any plan that the city has in place to gain access to the property on the riverfront necessary to accomplish “Waterman’s Walk.” Therefore rationalizing that this is a part of the city’s plan for Waterman’s Walk is not valid. There is no specific plan.

* While we understand that one of the proffers is to maintain the open space at the back of the Marina Property, we believe that the whole Marina is “open space” and needs to be preserved as is.

We will be attending the zoning hearing on July 9th and requesting that the city not rezone the City Marina. Any help or input you can give would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Emily McBride, President
Lesner Cove Condominium Association

SDCC General Meeting Monday, June 30th 2008 Agenda

SDCC General Meeting - Monday June 30, 2008, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Program/Presentation – Mr. Lou Paulson, Posieden Court Condominiums, will be discussing viewpoint as to why it’s a bad idea for Cape Henry Beach landowners to sign over a public easement to the City for sand replenishment. The Sand Replenishment project is one that has been discussed for awhile and has a potential project date of late 2009/early 2010. If you are in favor or against, come on out and hear Mr. Paulson’s views.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Officer’s Reports - Brief Reports
Secretary - Tim
Treasurer’s Report - Leslie
Vice President & President - Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) held a Public Meeting on Monday June 9th, that was attended by over 130 residents in opposition to the project. DEQ’s report is in favor of the plan. The deadline for public comment was June 24th. SDCC has submitted a box of documents and opposition letters in hopes to persuade the Water Control Board (WCB) to vote against this project at their July 28th meeting. The WCB is scheduled to meet on July 28th in Richmond and vote on this project.

Lynnhaven Boat Ramp (LBR) Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – Many Ocean Park residents have been involved in identifying the problems with this project. Due to their diligence, it appears that the LBR has been moved down on the list of possible sites. Council is pursuing possible land purchases as an alternative. Also, as a testament to the opposition’s concerns, a barge recently ran into the Lesner Bridge justifying the community’s opinion that the project would create too large a risk.

Proposed Rezoning of City Marina - Planning Commission review is scheduled for July 9th at noon in City Council Chambers. SDCC plans to take a vote at our June 30th general meeting, so please come prepared to discuss and vote. Visit the website for latest proffers and restrictions. Remember, the current arrangement is a money making venture for the City, about $50,000 per year. Making it a private venture runs the risk of losing this income.

Phase IV Shore Drive Demonstration Project – A citizen information meeting was held on Thursday May 22nd regarding the planned improvements to Shore Drive between Marlin Bay and East Stratford Rd in the Ocean Park area. Several street closures and median cut fill-ins are planned for this area. Attendance was small to the public meeting, so Ocean Park may want to get information directly to its effected residents. SDCC has asked for electronic versions of the presentation and will forward as soon as they are received.

SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference Hotel. Committee meetings will begin in July. Volunteers are needed, email Todd if you’re interested in helping. Todd@sdcc.info

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee is getting an early start for the upcoming election of 2008/9 officers. If you are interested in running or know of anyone that may be, please contact Dan Creedon at DanVaB@aol.com. The committee will make their presentation of names at the October 27th general meeting.

New Business -

Action Plans for PHP – Discuss and vote on any actions or position statements. Email campaign, Should we send emails to the WCB before the July 28th meeting? Should we call them beforehand? Discuss how we want to best use our legal counsel for the Richmond meeting. Who needs to go to the Richmond meeting, should be rent a bus?

City Council Candidate Forum and Questionnaire – Where should a forum be held? When should it be held? Who should be the moderator? What type of format should it follow? Be prepared to discuss these questions and volunteer for the forum committee. Also be thinking of questions for a candidate questionnaire. 

City Marina at Planning Commission in July

CityMarina-PlanningJuly08.pdf [2pg PDF]

SDCC General Meeting Agenda - Monday May 19, 2008

SDCC General Meeting - Monday May 19, 2008, 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

There are no planned programs for this month.  This time will be deferred to the Old/New business due to the many
important issues and concerns that need to be addressed.

The general agenda for the evening will be: 

Officer’s Reports - Brief Reports
Secretary - Tim
Treasurer’s Report - Leslie
Vice President & President - Daphne & Todd

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project - Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a Preliminary Permit and will be
holding a public hearing at their office 5636 Southern Blvd on Monday June 9th.  The formal hearing starts at 7:30pm,
but the informal part starts at 6:30pm.  The informal part will include a presentation by me on the draft permit, a possible
presentation by the applicant (if they choose to do so), and Q&A. The comment period continues until June 24th and
written comments will be accepted until then.

Lynnhaven River Proposed Spoils Transfer Station – SDCC has sent a letter of opposition to the LBR site and a
letter requesting Council to make an official vote on any site that is picked No response has been received.  Only 3
sites are being considered, Saw Pen Point, Thalia Elementary and LBR.  City Staff plans to present City Council their
recommendation on Friday May 23rd , it’s unknown if this briefing is open to the public.  If the LBR site is chosen, the
VMRC plans to hold a public hearing on Tuesday July 22nd.  Residents will be asked to send emails and make phone
calls to Council members letting them know that LBR is the wrong site.

Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment – City Council and the City’s Attorney’s Office have issued letters to 6
groups stating their claim to public easement and plans to move ahead with paperwork to make Cape Henry Beach the
spoils site for the next dredge cycle in 2009/2010.

Proposed Rezoning of City Marina - Planning Commission review hearing was deferred.  A new review date has not
been set.  It was deferred to provide more detail on proffers/restrictions for the request to rezone the marina to B-1. 
SDCC will be taking an official position vote on this at our June 30th meeting.  SDCC reps need to discuss this with their
organizations before then.  Visit the website for latest proffers and restrictions.  Remember, the current arrangement is a
money making venture for the City, about $50,000 per year.  Making it a private venture runs the risk of losing this
income.

SDCC Oyster Roast – Mark your calendars for Saturday Nov 15th from noon until 4pm at the VB Resort Conference
Hotel.  Committee meeting will begin in June/July.  Email Todd if you’re interested in helping.  Todd@sdcc.info

SDCC Officer Nomination Committee – The nominating committee is getting an early start for the upcoming election
of 2008/9 officers.  If you are interested in running or know of anyone that may be, please contact Dan Creedon at
DanVaB@aol.com.  The committee will make their presentation of names at the October 27th general meeting.
Shore Drive Clean Up – Clean up held on May 10th was a success.  Thanks to those dozen volunteers who came out. 
Periodic clean ups have resulted in less trash being found each time.  Keep up the good work.  More volunteers are
always welcome. 


New Business -
Action Plans for LBR – Discuss and vote on any actions or position statements.  Since validation has been received
showing that the State did pay for a portion of the ramp, Joe Bouchard has been asked to weigh in on the LBR site, but
no response has been received to date.

Action Plans for PHP – Discuss and vote on any actions or position statements.  Email campaign, call list to get people
to the public hearing, etc.  Make sure your groups are filling in the call list blanks for those willing to attend meeting in a
show of support. 

Phase IV Shore Drive Demonstration Project – A citizen information meeting will be held on Thursday May 22nd from
5 to 7pm at Hermitage Elementary School regarding the planned improvements to Shore Drive between Marlin Bay and
East Stratford Rd in the Ocean Park area.

Clean the Bay Day – Clean the Bay day is June 7th.  Mark your calendars.

Print this and bring it to the meeting:
SDCCGenMtgAgendaMay19-08.pdf [1pg]

City Marina rezoning hearing at Planning Commission is deferred

Please be advised the Conditional Rezoning request for the City of Virginia Beach for Change of Zoning District Classification from P-1 Preservation District to Conditional B-2 Community Business District at 3211 Lynnhaven Drive (the City Marina) is being deferred. Staff is requesting the deferral to further clarify the request and proposed uses.

If you have any questions or need further information please contact Barry Frankenfield or Brian Solis at 385-1104.

Faith Christie, CZA, CBO
Planner, City of Virginia Beach
2405 Courthouse Drive, Room 115
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
757-385-6379

Be sure to follow the Topic link to learn more.

City Marina scheduled for Planning Commission May 14th

More info at VBGov.com.
Item 16 in Agenda.

Letter in opposition to rezoning of City Marina from Lesner Cove Condo Assoc

May 3, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

The Lesner Cove Condominium Association located at 2140 Vista Circle, Virginia Beach, VA., is opposed to the rezoning of the City Marina from P-1, Preservation to B-2, and Commercial for the following reasons:

* The Marina as it exists and is managed at this time is a public service to the taxpayers of Virginia Beach and one of the last facilities controlled by the city that is located in this water based recreation area. In a time when the preservation of all natural space is important and discussed by the city in various meetings, we feel that maintaining the Preservation Area zoning is in keeping with the city plan to preserve as much natural space as possible. We feel that the Marina is a feather in the City’s cap and do not understand why the City would want to give up control. Was this an opportunity to be explored because it would be a solution to the parking problems that exist with the commercial establishments in the area?

* The Marina is a profitable property for the city returning $54,000 annually to its coffers. What is the need to allow a private entity to use it commercially and what are the exposure risks to the city if the management is outsourced? Why would the city want to hold property for a commercial purpose?

* We are concerned about a private manager asking to put fuel tanks back on the property. The tanks that were there before split and fuel seeped into the ground and river. Oversight of fuel tanks would be the responsibility of the city creating more responsibility for the city. Again what is the risk to the city, property, river and surrounding neighborhoods and restaurants?

* Vista Circle, the street address of the Marina is already overcrowded with traffic that at times, blocks the street both ways making it impossible for emergency vehicles and residents to gain access to their homes and businesses there. The area around the Marina includes a large number of residential homes and condominiums. Presently the marine generates little traffic other than a few boat owners and the Virginia Beach Marine Police which operates several police boats from there. The increase in traffic from a commercial establishment would have an all round detrimental effect on the community. The remaining empty piece of property abutting Chick’s Restaurant on the West side and owned by Mr. Francis, has already been zoned for a restaurant should he decide to build it, which will create more traffic on Vista Circle. We don’t feel that turning the Marina into a commercial entity and creating even more traffic challenges and more need for parking in the area is a responsible decision on the part of the City.

* We have heard for several years about the creation of Waterman’s Walk in this area. Creation of Waterman’s Walk was a nice plan but would require business owners along the river to surrender property on the riverfront for a walkway. On the original plan for this nice thought, there was to be a parking lot at the intersection of Shore Drive and Vista Circle. We know of no plans that the city has at this time to purchase property for such a parking lot nor are we aware of any plan that the city has in place to gain access to the property on the riverfront necessary to accomplish “Waterman’s Walk.” Therefore rationalizing that this is a part of the city’s plan for Waterman’s Walk is not valid. There is no specific plan.

* We do not want the open space at the back of the Marina destroyed. Once again preservation of the few open spaces that remain is important to citizens.

We will be attending the zoning hearing on May 14 and requesting that the city not rezone the City Marina. Any help or input you can give would be appreciated.

Respectfully,

Emily McBride, President
Lesner Cove Condominium Association

Rough recap on City Marina from last night’s presentation

Here’s the recap, please add your opinion, “take on the meeting”, corrections, etc using the “Discuss” link below.

Explained the request is simply a measure to bring the site into conformity with zoning regulations so the City would have the ability to lease the site to a private operator. Explained it is Parks and Recs intent to explore this option in order to improve the service delivery, reduce costs and generate revenue for the City. Advised the group that to our knowledge “Chicks” is no longer interested in using or leasing the property for their use, and that there is no one in the wings ready to lease the site. As you can imagine this brought forth a wealth of questions:

1. Concerning the installation of fuel on the site – it is the understanding of some SDCC members that this is regulated by the City Garage, Reggie Padgett, and after the last time there was a problem with fuel leakage into Long Creek the City Garage does not want to allow or regulate fuel distribution or storage on the site. Advised was not aware that the City Garage is responsible for that portion of the request but that we would investigate and report back.

2. Concerning our reasons for the rezoning (clarifying the zoning and permitted uses, improving service delivery, reducing costs and generating revenue for the City) the following questions were posed:
1. What is the reason the marina exists?
2. Is the site making a profit now?
3. What is the cost to operate the site versus the benefit of the Corps dredging as per the 1981 agreement?
4. Where is the staff for the site?

3. The SDCC members are very concerned that the City property currently used as an access from Lynnhaven Drive to Vista Circle remain available to the public and would like a proffer guaranteeing that.

4. Concerning the existing slips that are leased –
1. According to their lease they are entitled to 1 parking space and the sharing of an adjacent parking space. Typically they park behind their slip, although parking is not assigned. They are extremely concerned with the proposal to allow for off-site parking for uses within proximity to the marina. They don’t want the excess parking available for lease as they are tired of having to deal with the patrons of adjacent establishments parking on the site now. However if the request moves forward with the off-site parking provision they want to know how many spaces will be leased and where they will be located.
2. They are concerned with the sale of alcohol from a specialty store or the accessory retail. They state maneuvering in and out of the marina is treacherous and to add alcohol to the mix is an accident looking to happen.
3. They were not notified by mail or otherwise of the request. They would like a pro / con list of the reasons it is beneficial for the City to rezone the site and offer it for private management.

“SDCC” was asked to provide any additional comments by April 14th. Read on the meeting is “why fix something that is not broken?” In other words what is the real reason we, the City, is doing this. Advised there is no hidden agenda, that no one is waiting in the background to come in and start operation or use a part of the site for parking, and that “Chick’s” has advised us they are no longer pursuing off-site parking on the site.

SDCC General Meeting Monday, March 31 2008 Agenda

SDCC General Meeting - Monday March 31, 2008, 7:30 to 9:00pm

Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Presentation on City Marina Rezoning and Privatization Plan – Faith Christie, City Planner, or designated rep. will be present to
answer questions on the new proposal for the City Marina. The request is being changed to a Conditional Rezoning. New signs will be posted shortly. The new plan contains proffers and planned to be heard the at the May 14th Planning Commission meeting. City Council hearing will be in late May or early June 2008. SDCC would like a small committee to work with the City and plan the future of this site. Representatives from Lynnhaven Colony, SDCC, Vista Circle, Boat Slip owners, BAC and City Staff are asked to participate. Proffers for this site are proposed to limit the uses of the Lynnhaven Marina Property. The only uses that shall be permitted in the requested B-2 Zoning Area are listed below.
• Commercial Marina including fuel service, subject to obtaining a conditional use permit (City operation would not require a
Conditional Use Permit)
• Off-site parking (use of parking for off-site uses not directly related to the Marina slip requirements)
• Outdoor Plaza (allows for an open area with paving, planting, and lights, benches and picnic tables also could be permitted for
casual seating and eating sandwiches and snacks purchased in the specialty shop)
• Specialty Shops/retail store of specialty goods, not to exceed 3,000 sq. ft.
• No structure on the site shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height.
Proffers NOT included: The suggested revised proffers do NOT include: Commercial Recreational Facility; Commercial Parking lot, Outdoor Café, and Personal Watercraft.

The general agenda for the evening will be:

Presentation/Discussion - 30 Minutes
Officer’s Reports - Brief Reports
Secretary -
Treasurer’s Report - Leslie
Vice President & President - Daphne & Todd

Old Business-

Indigo Dunes Project – Continued discussion on Botanical Garden proposal from last meeting. An SDCC vote is recommended at this meeting, so be prepared to vote your community’s view. Continued investigation by PHP committee on the possibility of a land swap with commercial property at Corporate Landing. Anyone interested in helping research and put together a proposal to submit to the City is asked to contact Todd Solomon at todd@sdcc.info. SDCC also plans on making this topic a major campaign issue for the Nov. City Council elections.

Lynnhaven River Proposed Spoils Transfer Station - Over 250 residents attended the March 19th public hearing Bayside Middle School. SDCC plans to gather ideas for alternate transfer sites for the Western and Eastern dredgings and has set up an area on http://www.sdcc.info where residents can submit their suggestions.

Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment - SDCC has sent a letter to City Council requesting they move ahead with a plan to implement the Cape Henry Beach Sand Replenishment resolution beginning with the next dredge cycle in 2009/2010.

R5R Proposed Code Amendments – Wed. March 12th, the Planning Commission voted (11-0) in favor of a modified proposed amendment change. The approved version limits the size of garages to 15% of lot size up to 1000 sq ft max and has some voluntary incentives changes to R5R lots. Lot sizes 6,500 sq ft. and smaller will have a reduced garage space and lots greater than 6,500 will be able to build the same as before. City Council will NOT be hearing this at the April 8th City Council session. Instead, City Council will appoint another committee to study the issue and try to find a solution that is supported by a greater majority than the modified amendment approved by the Planning Commission.

New Business -

SDCC Membership and Committee Participation – SDCC Membership forms have been mailed out. Our goal is to have 35 paid members this year. This year’s packets contained a information form which we’d really like each group to take the time and fill out. Much of the information requested will help SDCC become a better organization. One items on the form concerns committee participation. With the current number of issues that impact the Shore Drive area, we need more volunteers to help with SDCC committees. So if you have a free hour or two a week, consider signing up for a group.

2nd Annual Shore Drive Town Hall Meeting - Last year’s event held in April was attended by over 250 residents. The main topics of discussion were Indigo Dunes and Shore Drive Safety. At last month’s meeting everyone thought we should hold another Town Hall meeting. We need to determine when to hold it and what main topics should be addressed.

2008 City Council Candidate Questionnaire/Forum – Last month it was determined that we should send our a candidate questionnaire and hold an informal forum prior to the City Council elections. It was also determined to hold the forum as the October General Meeting. Should the forum be kept small or should it be moved to a larger location? If we move site from the OP Rescue Squad, where should it be held? Volunteers are needed to work on this committee. If interested contact Todd Solomon at

Fort Story Soldiers Depart – Thanks to all of you who helped provide an encouraging send off to our local service personnel on Monday March 17, 2008. The community received a wonderful email from the Fort’s PAO which can be read at http://www.sdcc.info

SDCC Oyster Roast – Does Saturday Nov 15th at the VB Resort Conference Hotel sound good to everyone? If we move forward with this, we will need a chair or co-chair for the event. If you like to throw a party, this position would be perfect fory you, who will step forward and chair the event?

Proposed changes to City Marina include Conditional Rezoning

Preliminary info from Planning:

The request is being changed to a Conditional Rezoning. New signs will be posted shortly. Below is a list of the proposed proffered uses –

Proffer #1 – The only uses that shall be permitted in the requested B-2 zoning of the subject site include the following uses and any conditions provided with each use listed below:

1.  Commercial Marina, subject to obtaining a conditional use permit

2.  Commercial Recreational Facility, subject to obtaining a conditional use permit

3.  Commercial parking lot, subject to obtaining site plan approval

4.  Eating and drinking establishments without a drive-through

5.  Off-site parking

6.  Outdoor Café

7.  Outdoor Plaza

8.  Personal watercraft, subject to obtaining conditional use permit

9.  Specialty Shops (retail store of specialty goods, not to exceed 3,000 square feet)

Proffer #2 – No structure on the site shall exceed thirty (30) feet in height.

We are not requiring a proffered site plan at this since we own the property. If the property is leased or sold any new development on the site would require a site development plan.

Planning is hoping to move forward at the May 14th Planning Commission meeting.
Public Notice - March 28th 2008 [2pg PDF]

Please to be part of this process from the beginning.

City Marina Revenue & latest repairs estimates from FOIA request

CityMarinaRevenueFOIA-3-08.pdf [3pg PDF]
EstimatesonCityMarinaRepairs-FOIA-3-08.pdf [10pg PDF]