Did you Know? The Trust for Public Land may need your help to retain the maritime forest at the corner of Marlin Bay and Shore Drive. Got an idea for “Did you know?” Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Another Double-Header at SDCC next Monday. We will be privileged July 26 to have two separate branches of City Staff at our meeting. Pleasure House Point details will be addressed by Deputy City Manager Susie Walston, Christy Everett from Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lynda Frost of the Trust for Public Land and Barbara Duke for VB Parks & Recreation. Stormwater management west of the Lesner will be the subject of Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen and his team of experts. We remind you that these dedicated people are giving up personal time to make information available to you. East of the Lesner, west of the Lesner, if you have questions, this may be your best chance to get your questions answered, and participate in the discussion about how to fund necessary upgrades in a down economy.
Shore Drive Improvements: BAC, SDCC and the City move forward: At the last Bayfront Advisory Committee meeting, the Subcommittee on Public Safety, Transportation, Transit and Access assembled an array of City Staff to address safety improvements to Shore Drive. Among the recommendations was a proposal to switch Phase IV (Marlin Bay to the west side of the Lesner), which is fully funded and due to start in 2014, with Phase III (east side of the Lesner to N. Great Neck), which is only funded to 30% Design. The next meeting of the Subcommittee is scheduled for Aug. 17th, (details forthcoming.) The format dictates that the public is invited to observe, but not to comment.
In the interim, the City is accelerating traffic studies to review and evaluate conditions and possible improvements. The City is to be credited with involving a spectrum of interested individuals. Shore Drive Community Coalition is participating in the City effort and monitors the BAC review.
Legislative Contact Team - Virginia League of Conservation Voters Webinar… the easy way to voice your thoughts. They just completed workshops entitled “Energy Solutions for the 21st Century.” If you were unable to make one of the workshops, don’t worry. They will be hosting an online webinar version of the presentation on Wednesday, July 28th at 10am. It’s easy. They will send you information so that you can join from your home or office computer. You will log into the webinar and call into a conference call to see and hear Dan Holmes from the Piedmont Environmental Council speak about Virginia’s energy system, the downsides of our current fuel sources and the potential of clean energy sources, renewable energy and efficiency, to change the status quo. Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to participate.
Coming Soon: Final Report on the Beach Replenishment and Repair east of the Lesner.
Visit www.sdcc.info for more Shore Drive News.
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Did you know? Nearly 122 acres of natural resources (some acres above the waterline and some below) were secured from development this week, when the City of Virginia Beach, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Trust for Public Land came to an agreement with Wells Fargo, holder of the property rights to Pleasure House Point. Got an idea for Did you know? Email grace@sdcc.info.
Hurray for us! Deserving of special thanks are members of City Council and City Staff who have worked tirelessly with CBF, Lynnhaven River NOW and the Trust for Public Land. However, without the hours and hours dedicated by people like you, the property would have been developed long before now. Deputy City Manager Susie Walston has agreed to attend an SDCC meeting in the near future, (possibly our July 26 meeting) to give us some of the details. We will be posting information as we receive it at http://www.sdcc.info. The Website format has changed slightly, so you will first see only a picture, but if you click anywhere on the screen, it will take you to the SDCC blogsite. Unless Tim changes it again.
Governor’s Commission on Government Reform & Restructuring Monday, July 19, 2010
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach, VA
This forum is one of only five forums being held across the Commonwealth. The Commission is seeking input from the public on areas where our state government is performing well, and how state government can improve its services to taxpayers. RSVP to reform@governor.virginia.gov or visit www.reform.virginia.gov for more details.
People who live in the flood zone, take note. (That would be just about everyone in the Shore Drive Corridor.) Deputy City Manager Dave Hansen and his team of experts will be presenting an analysis of stormwater management issues west of the Lesner Bridge at the next Shore Drive Community Coalition meeting at 7:30 p.m. on July 26, 2010, at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station. Even if you did not get flooded in Nor’Ida, major stormwater problems will put you at risk in the aftermath of any severe storm damage. Bad water, impassable roads and compromised sewers are just a few of the hazards that might be avoided with sufficient address before the event. Plan to attend to make sure that your neighborhood is included.
Don’t forget to visit www.sdcc.info for more news about the Shore Drive communities.
Have a great weekend. Grace
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Did you know? City Council will meet for one more time, July 13, before the summer hiatus. The next City Council meeting after that will be August 3, 2010. Got an idea for Did you know? Yup, every one come out on July 17th for Share Shore Drive Day! Email grace@sdcc.info.
Kudos to Ocean Park and Cape Story by the Sea. Ocean Park Civic League put on a stunning inaugural Fourth of July show, and Cape Story by the Sea continued their proud tradition of celebration. Photos of the OPCL parade can be seen at http://www.opcl.org.
New access at vb.gov/estream As of July 2, you can now see the past twelve months of City Council and Planning Commission meetings at http://www.vbgov.com/estream. If you missed it on VBTV, you can now go back and watch City Council lower the speed limit on Shore Drive from N. Great Neck to Pleasure House Road. Or ban Electronic Display signs.
Governor’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring Six Town Halls are scheduled to take place between July 8 and July 19. The purpose of the Town Halls is to allow for public comment on solutions to make Virginia government simpler, more efficient, effective, responsive and citizen-friendly. The Hampton Roads Region Town Hall will take place on Monday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
Nimbus withdraws request for parking variance. The owners have decided to reduce the square footage of the restaurant at the former Foon’s location, eliminating the need for a variance to allow only 50 instead of 75.
Bayfront Advisory Committee gets a new look. The BAC continues to upgrade their information delivery. Visit vbgov.com/bayfront and you will now be able to access informal highlights of previous meetings in a quick, easy-to-read format by clicking on “Minutes” for the date you want. Bottom right corner of the page posts regular meeting agendas and subcommittee meeting agendas. We will continue to bring these meetings to your attention.
Bayfront Advisory Committee to Meet July 15, 2010 3:30 p.m., Thursday, July 15th, at the Great Neck Community Recreation Center. The center is located at 2521 Shorehaven Drive.
Update on Public and Private Projects in the Bayfront Area
Update on Committee Activities in the Bayfront Area
Continued discussions regarding Public Safety along the Shore Drive Corridor
There will be an opportunity for presentations from the public on projects in the Bayfront area. The Committee generally concludes its deliberations around 4:30 p.m. The meeting is then opened to the public for comments.
Not too late to take this survey. For those with an interest in bicycling in Virginia Beach, please participate in a short survey being conducted by the city: Virginia Beach bicycle survey
Dates to remember:
The Transit, Parking & Pedestrian Access Subcommittee of the Bayfront Advisory Committee will meet at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, at the Great Neck Community Recreation Center. The center is located at 2521 Shorehaven Drive. The Subcommittee will be discussing recommendations for pedestrian safety along the Shore Drive Corridor. The meeting will be open for the public to observe; however, there will not be an opportunity for the public to participate in the Subcommittee’s deliberations.
SDCC meets 7:30 pm, Monday, July 26, 2010, at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station. Featured will be the City’s Stormwater Management team, discussing conditions and improvements needed west of the Lesner.
Please visit http://www.sdcc.info for more Shore Drive news.
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Did you know? It takes about two weeks longer for a letter to reach your Senator or U.S. Representative if you mail it to the Washington, DC address? Senator Webb’s aide has said that a hard-copy letter, either hand- written or typed, carries slightly more weight than a phone call or email. Got an idea for Did you know? Email grace@sdcc.info.
Chesapeake Clean Water Act. This legislation (SB 1816) is being debated this week in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week. The CCWA proposes to provide some federal funding to assist the State of Virginia and localities like the City of Virginia Beach in meeting the coming EPA mandates. A full explanation of the bill can be found at http://www.cbf.org. Please take a moment to write a quick note encouraging support for this bill and mail it to the LOCAL address of your Congressmen.
Glenn Nye
4772 Euclid Road Ste. E
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Mark Warner
101 W. Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
Jim Webb
222 Central Park Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
BAC Highlights The May meeting of the Bayfront Advisory Committee heard an update from Randy Wallace, of the City, on a number of business non-conformities along Shore Drive; a report from Robert Gey, Traffic Engineer, about Shore Drive Safety issues; a report from CAPT Tony Zucaro, of VBPD, regarding matters relating to restaurant/bar establishments in light of past fatalities along the Shore Drive Corridor. BAC will meet again on 3:30 pm, July 15, at the Great Neck Rec Center. Visit http://www.vbgov.com/bayfront for minutes of past meetings, agendas for upcoming meetings and an extensive archive of past studies pertaining to Shore Drive.
Mayor’s Alternative Energy Task Force The work of the Task Force will be reported at 6 p.m., July 1, at the Convention Center. This has been an exhaustive look at the topic, and can be reviewed in detail at AETF.
Happy Fourth of July. Let freedom reign.
Please visit http://www.sdcc.info for more news about Shore Drive.
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Did you know? City Council has Open Mic the first session of the month. After the regular business is over, they turn the floor over to citizens. You have 3 minutes to expound on whatever City issue is on your mind. Next Open Mic is July 6. City Council goes on summer hiatus July 13 and will reconvene August 3. Got an idea for Did you know? Email grace@sdcc.info.
Clean Water. Karen Forget, Executive Director of Lynnhaven River NOW, will be the featured speaker at the SDCC meeting next Monday, June 28. In addition to explaining the Chesapeake Clean Water Act pending in Congress, Ms. Forget will give an overview of why we should be concerned about the Cypress Point Power Plant proposed for Surry County. It appears that prevailing winds will bring some serious consequences to Hampton Roads air and water quality, potentially resulting in penalties and loss of federal funding and contracts to our area.
For those with an interest in bicycling in Virginia Beach, please participate in a short survey being conducted by the city:
City of Virginia Beach- bicycling survey
HRT to Brief the Public on Status of Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study
Hampton Roads Transit is studying the possibility of extending light rail or bus rapid transit service to Virginia Beach. The agency will brief the public on the status of the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study on Wednesday, June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, 4535 Commerce St. Link at VBGov.com.
Mayor Sessoms to be Grand Marshall at Cape Story by the Sea Fourth of July parade.
SDCC Meeting Agenda. Please visit http://www.sdcc.info to view the agenda for this coming Monday.
Coming next week: July dates to remember. BAC agenda.
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Did you know? Share Shore Drive Day is July 17. Visit www.ShareShoreDriveDay.net for details on the events planned for the day. Got an idea for “Did you Know?” Email grace@sdcc.info.
So you thought the LED discussion was over? Almost. Last month, City Council sent back the proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission for yet another revision. View the proposed ordinance that will be heard by City Council on June 22 at 6 p.m. in council chambers. Thanks to Dave Redmond for supplying the information.
http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/site/new_led_billboard_ordinance/
BAC to meet at a different location this month. The Bayfront Advisory Committee will hold its annual workshop Thursday, June 17 at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center, 2800 Shore Drive, from 11:00am to 3:00pm. The Committee will be continuing discussions regarding recommendations for revisions to the Shore Drive Corridor Plan, the Shore Drive Design Guidelines, and private encroachments on City right-of-way, pedestrian access issues, parking issues, and related matters.
The meeting will be open for the public to observe; however, there will not be an opportunity for the public to participate in the Committee’s deliberation. BAC will then hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 3:30 p.m., in the VB Resort & Conference Center. There will be an opportunity for presentations from the public on projects in the Bayfront area. The Committee generally concludes its deliberations around 4:30 p.m. The meeting is then opened to the public for comments.
Future venues for BAC are still TBD.
Beach Accesses almost done. Look for a report to be posted later this week on the status of Beach Access Restoration at www.sdcc.info.
SDCC meets June 28. Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station (intersection of E. Stratford Road and Shore Drive) at 7:30 p.m. Karen Forget of Lynnhaven River NOW will be addressing the Chesapeake Clean Water Act, the ODEC Power Plant in Surry County and light rail as it relates to the health of the Lynnhaven watershed.
Virginia Conservation Network to hold legislative training seminar June 22 at the Ernie Morgan Center (at the Norfolk Zoo.) Contact www.vcnva.org for more information.
Don’t forget to go to http://www.sdcc.info for all the news about Shore Drive.
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Did you know? You do not have to join Facebook to follow the Shore Drive Safety discussion. Just go to http://www.sdcc.info and click on Our Blog, then click on the link listed on the right-hand side of the screen and read the comments. Sign up for Facebook if you wish, but not necessary. Got an idea for “Did you know?” Email it to grace@sdcc.info.
To honor the fallen. Don’t forget to fly your flag at half-staff or display it in the dipped position on Monday, May 31, in respect for those who have given their lives for our freedom.
City Council defers vote on Electronic Billboards. Again. City Council again deferred a vote on electonic billboards at their May 25 session, despite a request to have the amendment voted on from opponents who have made repeated trips to various hearings on the topic for the past several months. The request for deferral was initiated by Adams Outdoor, who could not field a spokesperson for the City Council meeting. The topic has been under discussion since a November 9, 2009, Planning Commission workshop.
Stormwater issues heard at SDCC on May 24, 2010.Following a final report on the sand replenishment project recently completed, Phillip Roehrs, from Public Works, introduced Lewis White, of Parsons Brinckerhoff, who was commissioned to do a stormwater management study following the severe flooding afflicting Lynnhaven Colony, Cape Story by the Sea and Cape Henry Shores during the November 2009 storm.
The report is a thorough study of the problems faced by three major neighborhoods last November. Why it was so bad: 4 or 5 stacking tides and a heavy and sustained rainfall. What parts of the system failed: nowhere for runoff to go and backflow through canal interconnects. Most effective solution: combination of pump station and sluice gate. The report was more detailed, of course, but Parsons Brinckerhoff was paid to deliver the report and I am not, so get the full story from the online posting, please.
It appears that introducing a sluice gate, whether self-regulating or tide-flex, will not alone solve the problem, should a severe storm repeat. PB recommends that the gate be installed only when the pump station installation is imminent.
In taking questions from the assembly, Mr. Roehrs acknowledged that the best solution for Lynnhaven Colony would be the combination of pump station and sluice gate, for which there is no funding in the foreseeable future. However, he said that possibly a change in the pitch of the drainage ditch between Lynnhaven Colony and its neighbors to the east might reduce flood effects in heavy weather. Another question asked if a backflow valve might solve some of the flooding which resulted from stormwater pipe back-up. Mr. Roehrs pointed out that the failure rate and maintenance of such a valve rendered it ineffective.
Moving to the west side of the bridge, Mr. Roehrs said that his department was looking at flooding problems in Ocean Park and hoped to have a preliminary report ready for discussion by July 2010. A particular problem with Ocean Park, which was noted last month by Vice Mayor Jones, is that Ocean Park was built below current City Standard Elevation, and lies in the 10-year flood plain. Additionally, drainage systems west of the Lesner are not well defined, which makes improvements difficult to engineer.
June 3 at CP Shuckers. A group interested in promoting additional safety measures along Shore Drive is holding an awareness campaign Thursday, June 3 at 6 p.m. at CP Shuckers on Shore Drive.
Visit http://www.sdcc.info for all the Shore Drive news.
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Did you know?
Public Works has a form you can use to “Report a Problem with Drainage
& Flooding Issues”
At VBGov.com it’s located here.
Stormwater ... Clean Water
The City will send representatives to our SDCC meeting next Monday, May 24, at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station, 7:30 p.m. They will tell us we are with addressing stormwater management problems. Karen Forget has agreed to come and will perhaps be able to connect some dots between how this is not only a neighborhood issue but part of a larger picture. We hope to have Lynnhaven River Now back soon to explain in more detail what the pending legislation regarding the Clean Water Act is all about. For now, we are grateful for her comments specific to stormwater management.
Also, City Staff will offer a closing brief on the beach sand replenishment effort recently completed. We are going to be severely limited as to time, so if you would like to submit questions in advance, please, please do so to grace@sdcc.info.
We are extremely grateful to the City for sending Staff out after hours, when their day jobs are so demanding.
Please visit http://www.sdcc.info for all the Shore Drive news.
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SDCC eNewsletter May 18, 2010
Did you know? City Council will vote on an ordinance governing Electronic Billboards next Tuesday, May 25, 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Got an idea for “Did you know?” Email it to grace@sdcc.info.
BAC to meet Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bayside Rec Center, 3:30 p.m.
The Bayfront Advisory Committee will be focusing on safety issues pertaining to Shore Drive. A number of City officials will be on hand to address the various factors which contribute to the safety of pedistrians, bicyclists and motorists who share the artery. See the partial agenda, full agenda.
SDCC meets next Monday, May 24
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station, 7:30 p.m.
City Staff have been invited to give an update to stormwater management issues, but no confirmation as yet. Please check http://www.sdcc.info this Friday for the full agenda. With hurricane season opening on June 1, this matter will be of particular interest to residents who live along the Shore Drive Corridor and the drivers who must observe the “No Wake” zone after a major storm.
Please visit http://www.sdcc.info for the latest Shore Drive news.
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Did you know?
51.3% of Real Estate tax revenues (net of TIF’s and SSD revenues); Personal Property tax revenues; Business License (BPOL) tax revenues; General Sales tax revenues; Utility tax revenues; Cable Franchise tax revenues are included in School Revenue Sharing Policy. (Tip of the hat to Councilman Bill DeSteph for providing this information.) Got an idea for “Did you know?” Email it to grace @sdcc.info.
From Public Works: Beach Access
The Lynnhaven Marina Beach Access restoration started today (05/12/10) with the demolition and the pile work. I am hopeful that this access will be operational by the end of next week (05/21/10). Earley Marine, our contractor, has now dedicated 3 work crews and hired additional personnel to complete the 9 identified beach pedestrian accesses by Memorial Day Weekend.
Additionally, demolition of the old walkway and reconstruction of the new sidewalk and hand railings on the W. Great Neck Rd. Access will begin on Monday 05/17/10.
We are having some difficulty in delivery of specialized material (vinyl sheeting) , hopefully, this will be delivered by Friday ((05/14/10) so we can begin construction on Ketch, Whaler, Spinaker Courts and Ocean Shore Ave. beginning next week.
Sandalwood Rd. ADA Access is 95% complete – the final landing area and final railing steps and stairway system remains to be installed.
Kendall Street is 85% complete – some TREX decking, and the railings and stairways/step system remains to be installed.
Again, I am hopeful that these accesses will be operational by the end of next week (05/21/10).
Velzey Ave. will begin construction on or before 05/21/10 or as soon as we can shift work crews accordingly.
Regarding Fentress Ave., I have no set schedule to date. This work will be accomplished by in-house force account utilizing the city work force. As soon as I can get information regarding this schedule, I will forward to you accordingly.
I would like to thank all citizens and visitors alike for their patience regarding the construction of these accesses and any inconvenience the construction activity may generate. We will continue to aggressively pursue the final construction completion of all damaged accesses as soon as practicable.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Very truly yours,
Karl L. Smithson, APM
PW/Operations - Technical Support
385-1540 (Office)
403-3821 (Cell)
________________________________________________
Also from Public Works: Stormwater Management
We have received the draft report for the areas east of Lesner Bridge – Lynnhaven Colony, Cape Story by the Sea and Cape Henry. It’s a very good draft, but still needs work – it lacks good summary graphics, including a matrix, an EXSUM, and we need to complete our sanity check on the dollar estimates. The report for the areas west of the bridge (Ocean Park) will follow in a few weeks.
The draft report reviews the recent storm conditions, puts them in context with normal and “standard” storm design events, evaluates the topography of the area and the existing storm water drainage systems, and evaluates various courses of action for interim improvements. These potential courses of action need to be better depicted on graphics for release to the public, and an evaluative matrix of the alternative courses of action needs to be built.
We also need to have the fundamental datum conversions checked, and rechecked – devilishly tricky. They may be fine as reported and used, but can be critical to final conclusions and we need to verify.
What has not been established is a funding ceiling – which would drive initial recommendations. The cost estimates as presented are for construction and design, based on very preliminary engineering. They do not include real estate, private utility coordination, wetlands and environmental review; and in some cases the engineering is so preliminary that we are not sure that the priced solution is valid. One such issue is ‘can we discharge 50+ cubic feet per second from a pump station into Long Creek?’. Such high rates of flow might have to be directed to the Bay for proper diffusion as an environmental consideration, which could double the current ballpark estimate. Suffice it to say that the numbers are qualified and do not represent final engineering, they are intended to allow comparisons.
While there are some lower cost interim improvements (“Tier 1” could total $550k) in the report, the repeated message in the report is that pump stations are needed: $2+M for the western basin; $1.36M for a stand-alone PS for the eastern basin, and nearly $6M for a PS to handle the middle and the western basins together. If we set the funding ceiling at $600k we can do some improvements to each basin, but it will not fix the problem (that the area is too low and tidally connected).
We don’t think the report is not quite yet ready for prime time. Steve McLaughlin is our project manager, he’ll be working with the consultant to build the output graphics and the recommendations…if we establish a funding ceiling.
We do plan to attend a SDCC meeting with our consultant, and perhaps follow-on meetings with individual CL’s, to brief these reports. We hope to set the release date on May 14.
Phill Roehrs, P.E.
Water Resources Engineer
City of Virginia Beach
Public Works Engineering
757-385-8985
___________________________________________________
From the Bayfront Advisory Committee:
In light of the tragic pedestrian fatality two weeks ago and the publicity surrounding safety on Shore Dr. in general I believe it is important and incumbent upon us to revisit the past to make sure that we have left no stone unturned in our effort to fulfill our mission to Council. Charlie Malbon, Subcommittee Chair, Faith Christie and myself plan to dedicate all the time necessary during the upcoming TPPA (Subcommittee)meeting on May 13 to do more fact finding and report to BAC. Representatives from VBPD, Fire, Zoning, Parks and Rec. and State ABC Commission will be on hand to share their thoughts and expertise. Likewise and with your permission I plan to fully address this issue at our BAC May 20th meeting. Public comments as always will be welcomed at both meetings at the designated time on the agenda.
You are invited and encouraged to attend the TPPA Subcommittee meeting if you can at 3 PM on Thur. May 13th.
Kal Kassir
Chairman, Bayfront Advisory Committee
Dates to Remember:
BAC 3:30 p.m. Thursday May 20 Bayside Rec Center
Bicycle Events:
Bayside History Trail Tour: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15 Bayside Library. Contact Karen at 757-962-5398 or kforget@lynnhaven2007.com.
Kids Bike Rodeo: 10a.m.-1p.m. Saturday May 20th.At BikeBeat in the Hilltop North Shops. Email ron@bikebeatonline.com for more information.
National Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 21st.
SDCC 7:30 p.m. Monday May 24 Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station
City Council 6 p.m. Tuesday May 25 Council Chambers - Electronic Billboard Vote
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Did you know?
City Council will make the final vote on the City budget next Tuesday, May 11 as they meet at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. (Got an idea for “Did you know?” Send it to grace@sdcc.info.)
Spotlight on Shore Drive Safety:
Shore Drive Safety Initiative 2010, May 11. First Landing State Park, 1 p.m.
SDCC will host a panel discussion with regard to improvements done and still to be done along Shore Drive to make it safer for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. See details at
http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/cat/Shore%20Drive%20News/
Bayfront Advisory Committee meeting, May 20, Bayside Rec Center, 3:30 p.m.
BAC will have a plethora of City Staff on hand to address the same issue. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/2e26hsb
Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive Facebook Group started a couple weeks ago after recent pedestrian death:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112521562113317&v=wall
This from our friends at Tidewater Bicycle Association:
Strawberry Pickin’:
The Tidewater Bicycle Association is sponsoring a strawberry picking ride on Wednesday, May 12th. Meet at 9:00 am at Pungo Square on Princess Anne Rd. The 10 and 30 mile rides will include a stop at Henley’s Farm, where participants can pick strawberries and have them transported back to the start. Bring money for your strawberries and optional lunch afterwards at the Seacrest Restaurant. Contact Fran Adams at 467-2775.
Bayside History Trail Tour:
This event was such a success last year that we are offering it again. On Sat, May 15th at 10 am meet at the Bayside Library and enjoy a leisurely seven mile bicycle ride and tour four historic spots spanning two hundred years of Virginia Beach’s early history. Learn more about the prominence of the Lynnhaven River in our history. The tour group will visit the Pembroke Manor House, the Old Donation Church, the Ferry Plantation House and the Lynnhaven House. Views of the river will be enjoyed at Saw Pen Point Park. Participants supply their own bicycles, helmets are required and lunch and drinks are provided. Registration is $15 and this is a family friendly event. To register, contact Karen at 757-962-5398 or kforget@lynnhaven2007.com. This event is being co-sponsored by LRNow, Tidewater Bicycle Association and Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation.
Kids’ Bike Rodeo:
At BikeBeat in the Hilltop North Shops, 10am-1pm Saturday May 20th. Kids 4-10 (and their parents) are invited to join us and learn bike safety skills. Free bike check-ups, snacks, giveaways are on the agenda! Look for the big BikeBeat truck behind Fullton bank and you’ll find us! Email Sharon@bikebeatonline.com for more information.
National Bike to Work Day:
Friday, May 21st.
and don’t forget to visit http://www.sdcc.info frequently for all the Shore Drive news.
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Did you know?
There is a campaign entitled “Increase Pedestrian Safety on Shore Drive” in Facebook with 2,558 members in one week.
The 2010 Budget: What’s our share? Answer to come on April 26
Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood will be at the SDCC meeting this Monday evening, 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station. Please come and make them welcome.
Agenda here: http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/site/shore_drive_community_coalition_sdcc_general_meeting_agenda2/
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We have a winner for Lunch with the Mayor!
Danielle Hangen, of Ocean Park, won the drawing for the recent “Lunch with the Mayor” promotion, by being the 54th person to sign up for the SDCC eNewsletter. She and Mayor Will Sessoms will enjoy a complimentary lunch at the Lynnhaven Fish House at a mutually convenient date. Our thanks to the Mayor for being such a terrific sport in offering his time and support.
Tragedy on Shore Drive. Again.
Whitney Lynne Hulce lost her life last weekend while crossing Shore Drive, the latest in a string of ten fatalities in eight years. Many factors have entered into making Shore Drive one of the deadliest city streets in Virginia Beach. Some will remain beyond the scope of the City to control, but there may be measures which could be put in place to ease the dangers. The Shore Drive Community Coalition and the Bayfront Advisory Committee continue to work with the City to determine what can be done most effectively and immediately.
Vice Mayor Jones and Councilman Wood featured at SDCC meeting April 26. Topic? The 2011 budget.
Get your questions ready. Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood will be ready to address how the 2011 budget, which promises slim pickings City-wide, will apply to Shore Drive projects. Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station (intersection of E. Stratford Road and Shore Drive), 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26.
Work up an appetite this weekend!
First Landing State Park is having a huge volunteer tree-planting on April 24 and would really like to have support from the surrounding neighborhoods. Please contact Kim.Miller@dcr.virginia.gov to sign up.
That’s the work part.
Then reward yourself. LynnhavenRiverNow is hosting their 8th Annual Oyster Roast on the same day, from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. practically on the grounds of Bayville Golf Course. The number of tickets available is limited, so contact them soon at lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com.
May is Bike Month…
Finally, the weather is getting just right for pleasure bikers. If you want camaraderie as well as exercise, check out this site:
http://www.vabike.org/tour-de-chesapeake-bikes-bands-the-bay/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VirginiaBicyclingFederation+%28Virginia+Bicycling+Federation%29
and don’t forget to visit http://www.sdcc.info frequently for all the Shore Drive news.
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PLEASE click here now to start survey. Thanks to all who took the poll.
The Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations, VBCCO, is hosting City Manager Jim Spore at their meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14 at the Meyera Oberndorf Central Library. Prior to that, they are seeking your opinion on five questions about the 2010 budget.
Would you please take a moment to click to this survey and register your answers? It should not take more than 60 seconds. (Thirty seconds for speed readers.) We need this input before 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 14.
PLEASE click here now to start survey.
Thanks very much.
Grace Moran
President, Shore Drive Community Coalition
Don’t forget to check http://www.sdcc.info for all the latest Shore Drive news.
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SDCC Joins VBCCO: Thanks to a recent change to the by-laws of the Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations (VBCCO), the Shore Drive Community Coalition is now permitted to fully participate in partnership with VBCCO. It must be true that great minds think alike: The VBCCO agenda on April 14 features City Manager Jim Spore, on the budget. The SDCC April 26 agenda features Vice Mayor Louis Jones and Councilman Jim Wood, on the budget as it relates to Shore Drive communities.
VBCCO meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Meyera Oberndorf Central Library auditorium.
We stand corrected:
Earlier, we said that Kroger had withdrawn its application for a fuel kiosk at the Shore Drive location. In fact, Kroger has not yet made application for any of the sites they are considering. We have received the following from the attorney representing Kroger in front of community groups:
“The item regarding Kroger is inaccurate and potentially misleading.
At every meeting and in all dialogue with Mr. Barnett, Bradford Acres, the SDCC and the Bayfront Advisory Committee, we very clearly stated that no application had been filed by Kroger and that this community dialogue was entered into to educate (both ways) and work with the community in advance of filing for a conditional use permit.
This willingness to engage the community in advance of filing an application was applauded by many, including Grace Moran, President of the SDCC.
Kroger is diligently working to address and rectify some of the concerns which were communicated by their valued neighbors and customers. Kroger will continue to communicate with the SDCC, Bayfront Advisory Committee, and Mr. Barnett and advise all prior to filing any land use applications on its property.
Eddie Bourdon”
Bay Beach Access Comments Wanted:
Nine beach accesses need to be reconstructed now that sand replenishment operations have been completed. A comment sheet is available from Karl Smithson, Project Manager, ksmithso@vbgov.com. Three questions: Are you in favor of this project? What are your concerns about it? What other comments do you have? (There’s a loaded question!)
Update on Electronic Display Signs:
City Council dodged the issue of electronic display signs (monument style) at the March 30 meeting.
See the full report here:
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/03/virginia-beach-council-voting-rules-electronic-signs
The subject of electronic billboards remains under discussion. If authorized for conversion, two sites exist within the Shore Drive Corridor, one at the gateway to our community, at the off-ramp from Northampton Boulevard onto Shore Drive, and one in the heart of the Corridor, at Vista Circle and Shore Drive, in front of Starbucks.
These are two separate ordinances. The lack of an ordinance allows signs to proliferate without regard to considerations of brightness, movement or display area relative to permissible size. If you have an opinion on how electronic signs and/or billboards should be displayed, you are encouraged to contact City officials at ctycncl@vbgov.com.
BAC General Meeting and Subcommittees:
The Bayfront Advisory Committee will meet Thursday at 3:30 p.m., April 15, Bayside Rec Center. BAC has not been able to confirm a standing location for future meetings, so please check http://www.vbgov.com/bayfront a day or two before their regularly scheduled meeting (third Thursday of each month.)
The Communications and Special Projects Subcommittees will be continuing discussions about pursuing recommendations for revisions to the Shore Drive Corridor Plan, the Shore Drive Design Guidelines, and private encroachments on City right-of-way, pedestrian access issues, parking issues, and related matters. Tuesday, 3 p.m., April 20, First Landing State Park (water side)
Dates to Remember:
April 14: VBCCO: 7 p.m. Meyera Oberndorf Library
April 15: BAC General Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Bayside Rec Center
April 20: BAC Subcommittees: 3 p.m. First
Landing State Park (water side)
April 24: First Landing State Park: Tree Planting,
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. At the park (land side)
Volunteer to plant or sponsor a tree.
Pam Kern 412-2308
April 24: Lynnhaven River NOW: 8th Annual
Oyster Roast, adjacent to the Bayville Golf
Course, Noon to 3 p.m. Tickets:
lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com
April 26: SDCC: 7:30 p.m. Ocean Park Volunteer
Rescue Station (intersection of Shore Drive
and E. Stratford Rd.)
Don’t forget to check http://www.sdcc.info for all the latest Shore Drive news.
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Did you know?
Thanks to Lynnhaven River NOW, 38% of the Lynnhaven River is now open for shellfish harvesting, up from only 1% in 2004. Got an idea for “Did you know?” Send it to grace@sdcc.info.
Change in Agenda:
Jones and Wood won’t be there.
Vice Mayor Jones and City Councilman Wood will not be at the March SDCC meeting. They were scheduled to appear to discuss the City Manager’s proposed 2011-2012 budget. Unfortunately, the proposed budget will not be presented to City Council until March 30. Our representatives are now scheduled to come to the April 26 meeting. They will vote the budget on May 11.
The Good News is…
The March meeting will feature two other hot topics. Wayne Wilcox, in charge of Bikes and Trails for the City, Bruce Drees, Advocate for the Tidewater Bicycle Association, June McDaniels, formerly of Bayfront Advisory Committee and panelist on the Shore Drive Safety Initiative ‘09, will participate in an outline of what is in store with regard to bikes and pedestrians for Shore Drive Improvements: what is needed, what is planned, and what you would like to see. A cameo appearance by Councilman Bill DeSteph is also expected.
It’s a Double-Header!
In addition, the City will be sending a representative to report on the progress of replacing damaged and destroyed beach accesses now that the sand replenishment is completed.
Work and play on the same day! Mark your calendars!
First Landing State Park is having a huge volunteer tree-planting on April 24 and would really like to have support from the surrounding neighborhoods. Please contact Kim.Miller@dcr.virginia.gov to sign up.
That’s the work part.
For the play part: LynnhavenRiverNow is hosting their 8th Annual Oyster Roast on the same day, from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. practically on the grounds of Bayville Golf Course. The number of tickets available is limited, so contact them soon at lbaity@lynnhaven2007.com.
Kudos to Kroger!
Kroger has withdrawn the application to locate a fuel kiosk at the Shore Drive location at this time. Bill Barnett, of Bradford Acres, was the lead spokesperson in representing the neighborhood. Kroger will proceed with applications to install fueling stations at other locations.
SDCC Meeting:
7:30 p.m., March 29, Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station (Intersection of Shore Drive and East Stratford Road)
Don’t forget to check http://www.sdcc.info for all the latest Shore Drive news.
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Did you know? The Lynnhaven Inlet used to be west of where it is now.
Reminder: Bayfront Advisory Committee meets at Great Neck Rec Center this month. 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 18. Wayne Wilcox, VB Bikeways and Trails, gives an update to City plans.
Last Chance to be heard on LED monument signs. City Council will hear proposals and adopt an ordinance regarding Electronic Display signs at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in City Council chambers. This is different from the electronic billboard ordinance which is still under discussion. There are apparently three (3) versions of the proposed ordinance governing monument-style electronic display signs. The first is one crafted late last year by City Staff (Original), the second is one developed by a subcommittee of the Planning Commission (Alternate). A possible third version is a result of work by a subcommittee of City Council. The first two have been made available to SDCC and can be obtained by emailing me at grace@sdcc.info. A search of the City’s Website vbgov.com yielded no results for the City Council work. The only information available to SDCC can be seen at http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/site/city_council_supports_text_only_led_signs/
If you have any interest in how LED signs will be displayed, this City Council meeting is your last chance. Please remember to sign up to speak, as opinions will not be solicited at the time of discussion.
Mark your calendars!!! Vice Mayor Jones and Councilman Wood to appear at SDCC on Monday, March 29, to discuss VB Budget. Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station, 7:30 p.m.
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Did you know? (Sent in by an eNewsletter subscriber) Dogs do not clean up their organic deposits after themselves!!! That’s what owners are for. Got an idea for “Did you know?” Send it to grace@sdcc.info.
City of Virginia Beach requests citizen input for possible participation in fiber broadband trial by Google…
THANKS to the city for DOING THIS ! ! !
Upcoming Meetings
Bayfront Advisory Committee *** Note Location *** Great Neck Rec Center
The next meeting of the Bayfront Advisory Committee will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the Great Neck Community Recreation Center. The Center is located at 2521 Shorehaven Drive.
The agenda for the meeting will include the following:
Ø Update on Public and Private Projects in the Bayfront Area
Ø Update on Committee Activities in the Bayfront Area
There will be an opportunity for presentations from the public on projects in the Bayfront area. The Committee generally concludes its deliberations around 4:30 p.m. The meeting is then opened to the public for comments.
Also on the agenda is a presentation by Wayne Wilcox. Wayne is Virginia Beach’s new bike planner, taking over from Barbara Duke who is shifting to the city’s Open Space program. This is an opportunity for bike groups to get a rundown on and provide input for the Bikeways and Trail Plan update which is now in underway.
His first public meeting will be at Great Neck Rec Center on March 18. He is co-locating with the meeting of the Bayfront Advisory Committee to generate some critical mass and share attendees. People coming to one of these meetings will be able to participate in both – it’s a two-fer! The BAC meeting runs from 3:30 - 5pm (more or less). His probably will run from 4pm – 7pm because he’ll start by making a presentation at the BAC meeting and then will go over to the Plan Update meeting.
For more information regarding the Bayfront Advisory Committee please visit vbgov.com/Bayfront
Shore Drive Community Coalition *** Vice Mayor Jones and Councilman Wood to discuss the 2011-2012 City Budget and what it means to Shore Drive residents *** 7:30 p.m.Monday, March 29 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station
All this and updates on sand replenishment, stormwater management, Shore Drive traffic safety, electronic billboards and signs and more can be found at http://www.sdcc.info. Your best source of Shore Drive news.
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Did you know? Almost every cigarette butt flipped onto the street and every flyaway plastic bag tumbling across a parking lot in the Shore Drive Corridor ends up in our beautiful Chesapeake Bay?
Do you have a “Did you know?” tidbit? Please send it to me at grace@sdcc.info.
In case you missed it: Monday night’s SDCC meeting had a compelling description of how inadequate the Hampton Road disaster evacuation routes are and what you can do to protect yourself.
Beach Sand Replenishment almost done. This project should wrap up no later than early March. We are getting weekly updates from the City. View the latest one here
http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/site/update_on_cape_henry_beach_replenishment/
Stormwater management: Todd Solomon, for the East side of the Bridge, and Tim Solanic, for Ocean Park, are working with the City to see that the flooding of Nor’Ida and the later Nor’easter do not occur again. If you have not been in contact with the City on this issue, you can reach Todd at todd@sdcc.info and Tim at tim@sdcc.info. The City has a study underway and hopes to have it completed in April. Again, if you had problems and have not yet talked to the City, now is the time to act.
Electronic Billboards. The Planning Commission held a Public Workshop this past Monday to review both the version produced by City Staff at the behest of Councilman Harry Diezel and an alternate version crafted by the Planning Commission. If you will recall, the City has already banned the erection of new billboards, so this would apply only to existing billboards which might be converted to the new technology of shifting graphics every 8 to 30 seconds. And guess what? Two of the locations are right here in our neighborhood. One is at the off-ramp from Northampton to Shore Drive. The other is down by Starbucks at Shore Drive and Vista Circle. A third option, not to allow this technology at all, was not discussed. I hope you will register an opinion with Councilman Wood, Vice Mayor Louis Jones and/or the Planning Commission and the entire City Council. If you are unsure of the addresses, just send your remarks to me at grace@sdcc.info and tell me to whom you want me to forward.
Kroger Fuel Station. No word yet on whether Kroger and residents of Bradford Acres have been able to come to terms.
Wildlife Rescue Benefit. March 28 at the Lesner Inn, 1 - 4:30 p.m. Live music. Details here: http://www.sdcc.info/ee/index.php/site/a_wild_time_for_wildlife/
Next SDCC Meeting 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station, corner of East Stratford Road and Shore Drive. Possible topic: Education funding outlook for Virginia Beach, 2010 - 2012.
Don’t forget, your best source for tracking the issues that matter most to Shore Drive residents is www.sdcc.info.
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Director of Public Works at Bayfront Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday
Got a question about Shore Drive improvements? Jason Cosby, Director of Public Works will be at the BAC meeting Thursday, February 18, at the Bayside Rec Center at 3:30 p.m. Remember, the floor will not open until around 4:30 p.m. for public comment, so you can get to the meeting after it starts, and still have time to make your inquiry. Can’t make it? Email me at grace@sdcc.info with your question and I will ask it for you.
Meeting Reminder: SDCC Meets Next Monday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Station. Complimentary pizza.
Visit www.sdcc.info for all the news about Shore Drive Issues.
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