RAC September 2, 2010

Despite the approach of Hurricane Earl, Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met this afternoon for about an hour.

First there was a Presentation by the City's Special Events And Film Office (SEAFO). Overall, special events in the Resort Area continue to mushroom, accounting for 65% of the City's total in 2009. (Special events in City parks outside the Resort Area fall under the Department of Parks and Recreation, and aren't counted towards the total.) As of August 27, in 2010 there have been 292 Resort Area special events, 151 non-Resort, and 18 films shot.

The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) reported on the parking meters for homeless funds program. 7 meters have been installed along the Boardwalk, with 6 sponsors so far.

The Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) reviewed 5 projects, with 3 of note. First, another look at Beach Centre at 31st Street and Pacific Avenue. Second, a proposed new restaurant (to be named "Eden") in the old brick post office on 32nd Street. (Psst...the VBTA will believe it's part of a conspiracy when they learn Runnymede Corporation now owns the building.) Third, the proposed Ocean Sky Retail Center, which would go where the Viking Motel now stands.

Not meeting during the past month were three RAC committees: the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC), the Resort Investment Committee (RIC), and the Communications Committee.

The American Music Festival is scheduled to go on this weekend, but with a delayed start on Friday night. (Commissioners were told 8 P.M., with hamptonroads.com now reporting gates will open at 6:30 with shows starting at 7:45.) The worst of Hurricane Earl is suppose to be over by Noon, with winds down to 10 mph by 5 P.M. Setup crews are slated to get to work at 2 P.M., and should have the basics up in time. By Saturday night's shows, concert goers shouldn't notice anything different from previous years.