Saturday, January 30, 2010

TPPC January 28, 2010

On Thursday morning the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's January meeting.

The big news is that 2009 was a record year for Oceanfront parking. 2009 brought in $355k more revenue than 2008, with 34.96% of those using City lots and garages Virginia Beach residents. Please note: a recurring problem is people improperly using the cluster meters on Oceanfront streets. You need to first select the space you're going to use, then insert your coins. The other way around (like most vending machines) and your money will be lost.

An accounting error may enable additional parking spaces to be built at Sandbridge for residents. The City Ordinance for Sandbridge parking lot revenue requires that first the Parking Enterprise Fund be reimbursed for all expenses, then any profit goes to the Sandbridge sand replenishment TIF fund. Instead, all parking monies were going into the TIF. Once the money is adjusted, the City may consider using an adjacent lot it owns for enlarging the parking lot. It has the potential for around 30 spaces.

The proposed waterslide known as The Hippo would now be placed at 24th Street parallel to the stage. CCO RAC representative Henry Ryto was adamant that the view from the park itself not be blocked. Given it's history, the 24th Street Park has special meaning to some grassroots activists, making the matter quite dicey.

The TPPC expressed concern about the impact of a move to form-based zoning on Resort Area parking. The committee will watch and work on the issue closely.

In advance of the RAC's March 4 strategic planning meeting, a list of top five issues for the TPPC was distributed. No immediate objections were made. After review by committee members, the list will be subject to TPPC approval at it's February meeting.

Finally, ridership for seasonal VBWave service in 2009 finished 9.3% above that for 2008.

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