In the previous poll question, I asked you all to estimate Tide ridership on Saturday, August 20. That would be the second day of light rail revenue service here. 27% each voted for 4,900 or more, 4,100 - 4,899, and 3,300 - 4,099. 18% chose 2,500 - 3,299, while no one expected less than that.
With a deal to build a headquarters hotel for the Virginia Beach Convention Center reportedly imminent, I'll ask about public support for the City of Virginia Beach entering a public-private venture (PPV) to complete such a project.
Showing posts with label Resort Advisory Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resort Advisory Commission. Show all posts
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Form-Based Zoning
There will be a form-based zoning open house and workshop. Form-based zoning is in the pipes for the Resort Area as a means to implement the Resort Area Strategic Action Plan. The meeting is on Monday, April 25 at 6 P.M. It will be at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Rooms 2-BCD.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Government By Referendum
Government by referendum sounds nice in theory: a method for allowing the community to participate in decision-making. The problem is that, in Virginia Beach today, referenda have become nothing more than a device by which the fringe right tries to veto any attempt by Virginia's largest city to move forward.
We have three issues in the pipes that members of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) have called for referenda on: the Dome site entertainment complex, a convention center headquarters hotel, and light rail. Let us hope that City Council grows a pair and puts none of the three on the ballot. The entire trio is crucial to future economic development in Virginia Beach.
On light rail, their expectation that there has to be a referendum has prevented the VBTA from putting together a coherent argument against it and presenting a detailed and realistic alternative. Ever notice how the VBTA calls for referenda on everything they oppose, but nothing they support? It's the antithesis of leadership.
We have three issues in the pipes that members of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA) have called for referenda on: the Dome site entertainment complex, a convention center headquarters hotel, and light rail. Let us hope that City Council grows a pair and puts none of the three on the ballot. The entire trio is crucial to future economic development in Virginia Beach.
On light rail, their expectation that there has to be a referendum has prevented the VBTA from putting together a coherent argument against it and presenting a detailed and realistic alternative. Ever notice how the VBTA calls for referenda on everything they oppose, but nothing they support? It's the antithesis of leadership.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
94% Grasp The Mistake
94% of you grasped that the Council of Civic Organizations (CCO) inviting John Moss, Chairman of the extremist Virginia Beach Taxpayers Alliance (VBTA), was a blunder. There are so many reasons it shouldn't have been done.
First, it hurts the CCO's credibility. There's an old diplomatic axiom that "You can tell a revolution by its friends." The CCO holding hands with the VBTA doesn't paint a pretty picture of the new CCO leadership.
Second, wait for the political blowback. The CCO now has a number of powerful organizations and individuals unhappy with it. There will be ramifications.
Third, from my own prior tenure with the CCO, I know you schedule programs based on two drivers:
1. It will get good information to the community.
2. It will bring out attendance.
The VBTA only gives lies and conspiracy theories. The only attendance will be the Kool-Aid chuggers coming to worship their cult leaders.
Fourth, the CCO used to have annual Budget meetings. Management Services from the City of Virginia Beach would give a presentation. They were discontinued due to poor attendance.
Fifth, some will probably claim the CCO was just trying to offer a different perspective. If so, why doesn't it invite the KKK, the Nation of Islam, and the National Socialist Movement? If not, why are they inviting the VBTA, another group clearly out of the mainstream?
Sixth, did the CCO forget it has a seat on the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC)? How does the CCO expect it's RAC representative to be effective when it's playing footsie with the VBTA, which believes the Resort Area is public enemy number one? (If I held the CCO RAC seat, I'd resign, my job impossible to accomplish.)
Seventh, the CCO often works through partnerships. It does projects jointly with the City, including the Community Legislative Package. It funds it's annual Party In the Park, and offsets the annual Banquet, through donations from the business community. Neither will be pleased with this snafu.
The bottom line: the CCO will spend at least six months repairing the damage from this.
The new poll question: which routing should light rail take into Portsmouth - Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel?
First, it hurts the CCO's credibility. There's an old diplomatic axiom that "You can tell a revolution by its friends." The CCO holding hands with the VBTA doesn't paint a pretty picture of the new CCO leadership.
Second, wait for the political blowback. The CCO now has a number of powerful organizations and individuals unhappy with it. There will be ramifications.
Third, from my own prior tenure with the CCO, I know you schedule programs based on two drivers:
1. It will get good information to the community.
2. It will bring out attendance.
The VBTA only gives lies and conspiracy theories. The only attendance will be the Kool-Aid chuggers coming to worship their cult leaders.
Fourth, the CCO used to have annual Budget meetings. Management Services from the City of Virginia Beach would give a presentation. They were discontinued due to poor attendance.
Fifth, some will probably claim the CCO was just trying to offer a different perspective. If so, why doesn't it invite the KKK, the Nation of Islam, and the National Socialist Movement? If not, why are they inviting the VBTA, another group clearly out of the mainstream?
Sixth, did the CCO forget it has a seat on the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC)? How does the CCO expect it's RAC representative to be effective when it's playing footsie with the VBTA, which believes the Resort Area is public enemy number one? (If I held the CCO RAC seat, I'd resign, my job impossible to accomplish.)
Seventh, the CCO often works through partnerships. It does projects jointly with the City, including the Community Legislative Package. It funds it's annual Party In the Park, and offsets the annual Banquet, through donations from the business community. Neither will be pleased with this snafu.
The bottom line: the CCO will spend at least six months repairing the damage from this.
The new poll question: which routing should light rail take into Portsmouth - Downtown Tunnel or Midtown Tunnel?
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Gift Of Tourism 1.5
The City of Virginia Beach has launched Gift of Tourism 1.5. The website is at www.giftoftourism.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
RAC December 9, 2010
Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held a short meeting Thursday afternoon, lasting only about 40 minutes.
Chairman Preston Midgett and Vice Chair Gerrie West were reelected to their positions for 2011.
In response to TPPC concerns over the draft Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area, SGA Office Director Barry Frankenfield stated his Office might be ready to brief the TPPC in January. However, there is still work to be done on the draft, with one area being how it deals with parking issues. Also, in recent talks with the Navy, the City is trying to make clear what the draft does with lodging units versus residential units. AICUZ regulations look upon the two differently.
Despite concerns about air encroachments into the public right of way, the Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) endorsed Phase III of the Ocean Beach Club. The issue is that there would be overhangs from the proposed building extending beyond the property line. In addition, a law enforcement monument is in the works for 35th Street, done by the same sculptor that did the King Neptune statue at 31st Street. (Don't worry: it will be smaller.) The PDRC worked with how to make the pieces (i.e. Ocean Beach Club, monument, etc.) fit together well.
Neither the Resort Investment Committee, Green Committee, nor Communications Committee met this month.
The first meeting of the task force on Resort event food & beverage sales met on Wednesday morning, and the meeting went well. The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) continues with the parking meters to raise funds for the homeless initiative. Roanoke, Norfolk, and Chesapeake have all inquired as to how we put our program together, as they may wish to follow suit.
Speaking of Chesapeake and Norfolk, both have pulled a page from our playbook and established Special Events offices. In fact, Chesapeake has hired one of our employees to run theirs, while Norfolk has interviewed a second member of our Staff. Finally, work is going on at the intersection of 32nd and Arctic to install brick pavers for the pedestrian crossing. It's being done later due to the original base the road was built on.
Chairman Preston Midgett and Vice Chair Gerrie West were reelected to their positions for 2011.
In response to TPPC concerns over the draft Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area, SGA Office Director Barry Frankenfield stated his Office might be ready to brief the TPPC in January. However, there is still work to be done on the draft, with one area being how it deals with parking issues. Also, in recent talks with the Navy, the City is trying to make clear what the draft does with lodging units versus residential units. AICUZ regulations look upon the two differently.
Despite concerns about air encroachments into the public right of way, the Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) endorsed Phase III of the Ocean Beach Club. The issue is that there would be overhangs from the proposed building extending beyond the property line. In addition, a law enforcement monument is in the works for 35th Street, done by the same sculptor that did the King Neptune statue at 31st Street. (Don't worry: it will be smaller.) The PDRC worked with how to make the pieces (i.e. Ocean Beach Club, monument, etc.) fit together well.
Neither the Resort Investment Committee, Green Committee, nor Communications Committee met this month.
The first meeting of the task force on Resort event food & beverage sales met on Wednesday morning, and the meeting went well. The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) continues with the parking meters to raise funds for the homeless initiative. Roanoke, Norfolk, and Chesapeake have all inquired as to how we put our program together, as they may wish to follow suit.
Speaking of Chesapeake and Norfolk, both have pulled a page from our playbook and established Special Events offices. In fact, Chesapeake has hired one of our employees to run theirs, while Norfolk has interviewed a second member of our Staff. Finally, work is going on at the intersection of 32nd and Arctic to install brick pavers for the pedestrian crossing. It's being done later due to the original base the road was built on.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
TPPC December 2, 2010
The Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian, Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met this morning for about 75 minutes.
The premier topic was street signage in the Resort Area. First, surveys done by TPPC members showed that while signage could be pared down some, the vast majority will need to stay. Second, there are a number of signs that have been tagged with unauthorized stickers. TPPC wondered about removal and enforcement. (It was later determined that defacing a traffic sign is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia.) Third, the TPPC voted to replace the VB Wave logo on the Atlantic Avenue bus lane signs with Resort sector designations, borrowed from the gateway traffic signs.
A preliminary look has been taken at improving the Rudee Loop Transfer Center of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) prior to 2011 seasonal service. An estimate was given on paving the gravel shoulder where the buses now stop. Rudee Loop is the meeting point for Routes 30, 31, and 32. While no bus shelters are currently available to be deployed to Rudee Loop, the depth of the property probably means you couldn't fit a full-size shelter on it anyway. TPPC (and RAC) Chairman Preston Midgett once again raised the matter of a Shuttle 3 Day farecard, but HRT officials raised technical objections that would probably preclude it.
A formal request has been accepted by the City Attorney's Office to have the revision to the Surrey Ordinance placed on the City Council agenda.
Finally, the TPPC expressed exasperation over being bypassed so far in proposed revisions to city parking requirements. At least three entities are now considering changes, with none of them yet to come to the TPPC.
The premier topic was street signage in the Resort Area. First, surveys done by TPPC members showed that while signage could be pared down some, the vast majority will need to stay. Second, there are a number of signs that have been tagged with unauthorized stickers. TPPC wondered about removal and enforcement. (It was later determined that defacing a traffic sign is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia.) Third, the TPPC voted to replace the VB Wave logo on the Atlantic Avenue bus lane signs with Resort sector designations, borrowed from the gateway traffic signs.
A preliminary look has been taken at improving the Rudee Loop Transfer Center of Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) prior to 2011 seasonal service. An estimate was given on paving the gravel shoulder where the buses now stop. Rudee Loop is the meeting point for Routes 30, 31, and 32. While no bus shelters are currently available to be deployed to Rudee Loop, the depth of the property probably means you couldn't fit a full-size shelter on it anyway. TPPC (and RAC) Chairman Preston Midgett once again raised the matter of a Shuttle 3 Day farecard, but HRT officials raised technical objections that would probably preclude it.
A formal request has been accepted by the City Attorney's Office to have the revision to the Surrey Ordinance placed on the City Council agenda.
Finally, the TPPC expressed exasperation over being bypassed so far in proposed revisions to city parking requirements. At least three entities are now considering changes, with none of them yet to come to the TPPC.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
RAC November 4, 2010
Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met on Thursday afternoon for about an hour.
The RAC approved the TPPC's earlier endorsement for a change in Virginia Beach's surrey ordinance. The amendment would add relocation to the criteria under which a business west of Atlantic Avenue would lose it's ability to rent surreys.
A private car collector is looking to open an auto museum in the 400th block of 18th Street. The property has a warehouse that formerly was used by Princess Anne Plumbing & Heating.
The possibility of RAC programming on VBTV is being looked into.
The GREEN Committee brought forward a motion to advocate that Virginia move to California's standard on the operation of pool water pumps, on the grounds that it would mean energy savings. It passed with CCO representative Henry Ryto the lone "No" vote. Ryto, himself a former Certified Pool Operator, was concerned about the impact on pool water quality.
The Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) decided to name a task force comprising all stakeholders to examine the issue of food & beverage sales at Resort Area events.
A link has been added to the Gift of Tourism website to take Internet surfers to the Resort Area projects landing page.
Oceanfront residents have begun a phone calling campaign over the parking impact of the proposed new Eden restaurant on 32nd Street.
Finally, Commissioners were given a presentation on the Mayor's Alternative Energy Task Force's final report.
Friday, October 29, 2010
TPPC October 28, 2010
The Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met on Thursday morning. Only one item was on the agenda going in, but three were covered.
The big item was the issue of the relatively new pedestrian signs on Pacific Avenue. The TPPC wants to monitor the effectiveness of the signs, while the RAC's Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) is unhappy with the aesthetics of them. The City's traffic engineers will have first year numbers on their effectiveness to present to the TPPC in May or June of 2011.
The TPPC unanimously endorsed an amendment to the City's surrey ordinance. One of the aims of the 2005 ordinance was to eventually phase out rentals of the four wheel bicycle-like vehicles west of Atlantic Avenue, so that surreys wouldn't be crossing back and forth across Atlantic between the rental locations and the bike path parallel to the Boardwalk. A situation is developing where such a business is seeking to relocate to a second location west of Atlantic. While the existing ordinance covers sales of such merchants, it doesn't cover relocations. The proposed amendment would plug the loophole.
The representative from the Resort Beach Civic League (RBCL) raised the issue of parking for Resort Area businesses adjacent to residential areas. The TPPC largely seemed to think it's a matter that needs to fall under the pending form-based zoning for the Resort Area, which is still being drafted.
The big item was the issue of the relatively new pedestrian signs on Pacific Avenue. The TPPC wants to monitor the effectiveness of the signs, while the RAC's Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) is unhappy with the aesthetics of them. The City's traffic engineers will have first year numbers on their effectiveness to present to the TPPC in May or June of 2011.
The TPPC unanimously endorsed an amendment to the City's surrey ordinance. One of the aims of the 2005 ordinance was to eventually phase out rentals of the four wheel bicycle-like vehicles west of Atlantic Avenue, so that surreys wouldn't be crossing back and forth across Atlantic between the rental locations and the bike path parallel to the Boardwalk. A situation is developing where such a business is seeking to relocate to a second location west of Atlantic. While the existing ordinance covers sales of such merchants, it doesn't cover relocations. The proposed amendment would plug the loophole.
The representative from the Resort Beach Civic League (RBCL) raised the issue of parking for Resort Area businesses adjacent to residential areas. The TPPC largely seemed to think it's a matter that needs to fall under the pending form-based zoning for the Resort Area, which is still being drafted.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Don't Mess With The Concessions
You unanimously voted against curbing food and beverage sales at Resort Area events. I have a couple problems with the logic of the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA). First, it assumes that all or nearly all the reduced sales would go to Resort Area restauranters. No, locals may either stop somewhere west of Birdneck Road on the way home or wait until they get home for something. Second, it overlooks the convenience factor. You may buy something in front of you, but you might not walk 2-3 blocks for it.
The new poll question is on Mayor Will Sessoms' intervention in this year Virginia Beach City Council races. Are you more likely to vote for a candidate due to Sessoms' endorsement, less likely, or do you ignore it?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Some Form of Regionalism
Our latest poll question was on what to do in terms of regional consolidations. 45% want to consolidate both cities and services, 13% want to consolidate services alone, while 42% want no consolidations.
As our cities become more homogeneous, I believe having separate cities side by side will make as much sense as two Germanys after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As Karl Marx would say, consolidation is a "historic inevitability".
The new question is on the VBRA request to curb food & beverage sales at Resort Area events. Do you support or oppose it? Why or why not?
As our cities become more homogeneous, I believe having separate cities side by side will make as much sense as two Germanys after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As Karl Marx would say, consolidation is a "historic inevitability".
The new question is on the VBRA request to curb food & beverage sales at Resort Area events. Do you support or oppose it? Why or why not?
RAC October 7, 2010
Yesterday afternoon Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's October meeting.
Mark Schnaufer gave a Briefing on the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study (VBTES). Of primary interest to Commissioners were the route alternatives between Birdneck Road and the Convention Center.
A letter from the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA) to Resort Administrator Mike Eason was presented to the RAC. The VBRA wants food and beverage sales curbed at Resort Area events, believing they are taking away business from restaurants there. The RAC sent the matter to it's Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) for study and a possible action plan.
A landing page of Resort Area projects for the City's vbgov.com website was shown. It would give residents online information about ongoing initiatives. The RAC approved going live with it, provided an easier gateway can be established so people can find the information.
Of top interest in the Plan/Design Review Committee's (PDCR) report was that planning for the third tower of the Ocean Beach Club is underway.
Finally, on October 15 Phase I of the Laskin Gateway Project will be completed, with Phase III beginning that day. Closure of Laskin Road for work there has now been delayed until January, so as to not interfere with Christmas shopping at businesses there.
Mark Schnaufer gave a Briefing on the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study (VBTES). Of primary interest to Commissioners were the route alternatives between Birdneck Road and the Convention Center.
A letter from the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA) to Resort Administrator Mike Eason was presented to the RAC. The VBRA wants food and beverage sales curbed at Resort Area events, believing they are taking away business from restaurants there. The RAC sent the matter to it's Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) for study and a possible action plan.
A landing page of Resort Area projects for the City's vbgov.com website was shown. It would give residents online information about ongoing initiatives. The RAC approved going live with it, provided an easier gateway can be established so people can find the information.
Of top interest in the Plan/Design Review Committee's (PDCR) report was that planning for the third tower of the Ocean Beach Club is underway.
Finally, on October 15 Phase I of the Laskin Gateway Project will be completed, with Phase III beginning that day. Closure of Laskin Road for work there has now been delayed until January, so as to not interfere with Christmas shopping at businesses there.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
TPPC September 30, 2010
Despite the monsoon outside, the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met on Thursday morning.
With today the final day of seasonal VB Wave service, the numbers through September 27 were reviewed. Ridership for the season is up 6.1% over 2009, with Route 32 (Shoppers Shuttle) leading the way with a 14.0% increase. Also, Staff was instructed to look at possible improvements for the Rudee Loop Transfer Center and report back with them at the October TPPC meeting.
The TPPC requested a Briefing on the three finalist mass transit routing options between Birdneck Road and the Convention Center. That may also happen at the October meeting.
A signage inventory was previously asked for in the Resort Area, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic signs to eliminate clutter. However, the fledgling initiative has now snagged on methodology.
Finally, an outline on all pending transportation projects in the Resort Area was presented. The list will be updated every six months for the TPPC.
With today the final day of seasonal VB Wave service, the numbers through September 27 were reviewed. Ridership for the season is up 6.1% over 2009, with Route 32 (Shoppers Shuttle) leading the way with a 14.0% increase. Also, Staff was instructed to look at possible improvements for the Rudee Loop Transfer Center and report back with them at the October TPPC meeting.
The TPPC requested a Briefing on the three finalist mass transit routing options between Birdneck Road and the Convention Center. That may also happen at the October meeting.
A signage inventory was previously asked for in the Resort Area, with the goal of reducing the number of traffic signs to eliminate clutter. However, the fledgling initiative has now snagged on methodology.
Finally, an outline on all pending transportation projects in the Resort Area was presented. The list will be updated every six months for the TPPC.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
RAC August 5, 2010
Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's August meeting this afternoon. There was some good news.
The meeting began with Presentations by Bobby Melatti on new family-friendly entertainment offerings, plus some of the problems being encountered with street preachers in the Resort Area. The street preachers have been known to interrupt official entertainment offerings and heckle diners, among other things. Legal enforcement, where permissible, will be tightened. Two things from Melatti's Presentations:
1. Beach Street's website is at http://www.beachstreetusa.com There you can register for their newsletter that covers entertainment throughout Virginia Beach.
2. The street preachers don't like being taped. Therefore, if you have a cell phone with video capability, you might want to tape them to scare them off. (Even if you don't have video, you may want to bluff them down.)
This Tuesday the proposal to install overage parking meters to collect donations for the homeless goes to City Council. In a rarity, it will go to Informal (Council Briefing) and Formal (a vote?) on the same day.
The Rudee Walk project will probably get underway in early 2011.
On August 2 was the first garbage audit of our beach trash. About 50% was recyclable.
Finally, Council Liaison John Uhrin missed the meeting because he was at a meeting with Michael Jenkins, where reportedly the final pieces of the financing for Dome site redevelopment were being put together. (That's definitely an excused absence, John.)
The meeting began with Presentations by Bobby Melatti on new family-friendly entertainment offerings, plus some of the problems being encountered with street preachers in the Resort Area. The street preachers have been known to interrupt official entertainment offerings and heckle diners, among other things. Legal enforcement, where permissible, will be tightened. Two things from Melatti's Presentations:
1. Beach Street's website is at http://www.beachstreetusa.com There you can register for their newsletter that covers entertainment throughout Virginia Beach.
2. The street preachers don't like being taped. Therefore, if you have a cell phone with video capability, you might want to tape them to scare them off. (Even if you don't have video, you may want to bluff them down.)
This Tuesday the proposal to install overage parking meters to collect donations for the homeless goes to City Council. In a rarity, it will go to Informal (Council Briefing) and Formal (a vote?) on the same day.
The Rudee Walk project will probably get underway in early 2011.
On August 2 was the first garbage audit of our beach trash. About 50% was recyclable.
Finally, Council Liaison John Uhrin missed the meeting because he was at a meeting with Michael Jenkins, where reportedly the final pieces of the financing for Dome site redevelopment were being put together. (That's definitely an excused absence, John.)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
TPPC July 29, 2010
The Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met on Thursday morning. The meeting was quite short, lasting only about 35 minutes.
There was an update from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on VBWave operations. Looking at May figures, it was seen that full service began in 2009 on May 17 versus May 23 in 2010. If yiou redact the additional days, 2010 was only about 8% behind 2009. The great news: June was about 13% ahead of the previous year, with July ridership (so far) roughly on par with a year ago.
The safety issues on Norfolk Avenue are being tackled. Lights that were out have been fixed, with the City looking to install additional lights. Not only have incidents dropped, but arrests have been made.
There was a brief discussion of time share sales behavior, busking, and street preachers. A full discussion is scheduled for when the RAC next meets on August 5.
There was an update from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on VBWave operations. Looking at May figures, it was seen that full service began in 2009 on May 17 versus May 23 in 2010. If yiou redact the additional days, 2010 was only about 8% behind 2009. The great news: June was about 13% ahead of the previous year, with July ridership (so far) roughly on par with a year ago.
The safety issues on Norfolk Avenue are being tackled. Lights that were out have been fixed, with the City looking to install additional lights. Not only have incidents dropped, but arrests have been made.
There was a brief discussion of time share sales behavior, busking, and street preachers. A full discussion is scheduled for when the RAC next meets on August 5.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
RAC July 1, 2010
This afternoon Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) held it's July meeting.
The first topic was the the Lighthouse Center, the services center for the homeless. The City is looking to build a new, larger building for it in the Resort Area. The current structure was designed for the single homeless, while over 40% of our current homeless population is families with children. The new building would be more than triple the size of the current facility and would seek to be an one-stop service center for the homeless, with different government agency representatives under the same roof.
Tailing off of that, the Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) is looking to see if labor services can work through the new facility to help the homeless get work. The pilot program of parking meters to collect money for homeless services is tentatively looking at putting meters in the periphery of the Boardwalk, starting at 16th Street and moving northward.
The Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) is looking at the issue of advertising on the canopies of sidewalk cafes. Some businesses in the Resort Area appear to have advertising that is in violation of sign ordinances.
During July and August we're going to be auditing garbage collected on the beach. Yes, auditing garbage. The idea is to find out how much of our trash is recyclable. Recycling is not only more environmentally-friendly, but cheaper than sending it to a landfill.
Representatives from the adjacent neighborhood and the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) were present to discuss safety on the Norfolk Avenue bike path. The good news is that the incidents appear to be largely isolated to a single location (in the periphery of the Atlantis Apartments) and a particular time of day (between 10 P.M. and Midnight). The even better news is that, since the culprits seemingly are using brush on City property (i.e. the former Norfolk Southern Right-Of-Way) to ambush people, the City can legally clear cut the brush. There will be an attempt to organize a follow-up meeting among stakeholders.
Finally, residents wishing to go to the Resort Area for Fourth of July fireworks may park in the convention center parking lots for free. However, there will be no shuttle, so you will need to walk up 19th Street.
The first topic was the the Lighthouse Center, the services center for the homeless. The City is looking to build a new, larger building for it in the Resort Area. The current structure was designed for the single homeless, while over 40% of our current homeless population is families with children. The new building would be more than triple the size of the current facility and would seek to be an one-stop service center for the homeless, with different government agency representatives under the same roof.
Tailing off of that, the Oceanfront Enhancement Committee (OEC) is looking to see if labor services can work through the new facility to help the homeless get work. The pilot program of parking meters to collect money for homeless services is tentatively looking at putting meters in the periphery of the Boardwalk, starting at 16th Street and moving northward.
The Plan/Design Review Committee (PDRC) is looking at the issue of advertising on the canopies of sidewalk cafes. Some businesses in the Resort Area appear to have advertising that is in violation of sign ordinances.
During July and August we're going to be auditing garbage collected on the beach. Yes, auditing garbage. The idea is to find out how much of our trash is recyclable. Recycling is not only more environmentally-friendly, but cheaper than sending it to a landfill.
Representatives from the adjacent neighborhood and the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) were present to discuss safety on the Norfolk Avenue bike path. The good news is that the incidents appear to be largely isolated to a single location (in the periphery of the Atlantis Apartments) and a particular time of day (between 10 P.M. and Midnight). The even better news is that, since the culprits seemingly are using brush on City property (i.e. the former Norfolk Southern Right-Of-Way) to ambush people, the City can legally clear cut the brush. There will be an attempt to organize a follow-up meeting among stakeholders.
Finally, residents wishing to go to the Resort Area for Fourth of July fireworks may park in the convention center parking lots for free. However, there will be no shuttle, so you will need to walk up 19th Street.
Friday, June 25, 2010
TPPC June 24, 2010
On Thursday morning the Transportation, Parking, and Pedestrian Committee (TPPC) of Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met.
First, there was an update from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on VB Wave service. Ridership in May, 2010 was down slightly from May, 2009. A big concern is that some are mistaking the new bus lane signs on Atlantic Avenue for bus stops. The VB Wave logo was put on them to promote the service.
There are problems with lighting on the Norfolk Avenue bike path. With some lights out, users are concerned about safety. As an interim measure, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is stepping up patrols in the area. Also, Landscape Services has been requested to trim the undergrowth in the area.
Possible changes of the markings on the bike path parallel to the Boardwalk were discussed. The catch is that not only is there no funding, but jurisdiction for such falls under the Department of Parks and Recreation. (Paging Cindy Curtis....) It is hoped to get the job done this coming off-season.
Finally, the TPPC plans to be briefed on Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area at it's July 29 meeting.
First, there was an update from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) on VB Wave service. Ridership in May, 2010 was down slightly from May, 2009. A big concern is that some are mistaking the new bus lane signs on Atlantic Avenue for bus stops. The VB Wave logo was put on them to promote the service.
There are problems with lighting on the Norfolk Avenue bike path. With some lights out, users are concerned about safety. As an interim measure, the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is stepping up patrols in the area. Also, Landscape Services has been requested to trim the undergrowth in the area.
Possible changes of the markings on the bike path parallel to the Boardwalk were discussed. The catch is that not only is there no funding, but jurisdiction for such falls under the Department of Parks and Recreation. (Paging Cindy Curtis....) It is hoped to get the job done this coming off-season.
Finally, the TPPC plans to be briefed on Form-Based Zoning for the Resort Area at it's July 29 meeting.
Friday, June 18, 2010
ISOP 2010
There were two orientation meetings for the foreign students working in Virginia Beach this Summer. I attended the second of the two meetings this year by the International Student Outreach Program (ISOP), which was held yesterday afternoon at Virginia Beach Baptist. (The first was on the same afternoon as the May TDCHR meeting.)
It was an overflow crowd in the fellowship hall. The students were addressed by representatives from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the Social Security Administration, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Virginia Beach Public Libraries, the banking industry, and Virginia Beach Baptist's free Internet cafe for the students. As one representative said afterwards, she was concerned they were being hit with information overload.
As Eastern Europe is integrated into the European Union, the student migration here moves further east. They come from Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. Our newest entrant is from the Far East: China. The intriguing thing is that the Chinese students speak excellent English, much better than those from the other countries. That has far-reaching implications. (see: Japan in the early 20th Century.)
A few other notes from my journey yesterday:
1. Stopping at Hardee's for lunch on the way there, a senior couple from North Carolina was visiting. He told me, "If I lived here, it would take me a week to get anywhere."
If a visitor can pick up on our transportation problems that quickly, just think how they look to companies looking to locate here.
2. After adjournment, I went upstairs to see what bus schedules the Internet cafe needed for the students. Most everything. (They stock HRT schedules for them.) Sure enough, when I got back downstairs the students had taken all the sodas.
Being resourceful, I remembered that the bags the students were being given had a bottle of spring water in them. I found a leftover bag and got the water.
3. I was disappointed to see back-to-back trolleys on Route 30 (Atlantic Avenue). We need hybrid acquisition to run faster.
4. I stopped at the Pembroke East Transfer Center coming home. I ended up playing HRT Customer Service agent, helping a few people get home.
It was an overflow crowd in the fellowship hall. The students were addressed by representatives from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the Social Security Administration, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), Virginia Beach Public Libraries, the banking industry, and Virginia Beach Baptist's free Internet cafe for the students. As one representative said afterwards, she was concerned they were being hit with information overload.
As Eastern Europe is integrated into the European Union, the student migration here moves further east. They come from Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. Our newest entrant is from the Far East: China. The intriguing thing is that the Chinese students speak excellent English, much better than those from the other countries. That has far-reaching implications. (see: Japan in the early 20th Century.)
A few other notes from my journey yesterday:
1. Stopping at Hardee's for lunch on the way there, a senior couple from North Carolina was visiting. He told me, "If I lived here, it would take me a week to get anywhere."
If a visitor can pick up on our transportation problems that quickly, just think how they look to companies looking to locate here.
2. After adjournment, I went upstairs to see what bus schedules the Internet cafe needed for the students. Most everything. (They stock HRT schedules for them.) Sure enough, when I got back downstairs the students had taken all the sodas.
Being resourceful, I remembered that the bags the students were being given had a bottle of spring water in them. I found a leftover bag and got the water.
3. I was disappointed to see back-to-back trolleys on Route 30 (Atlantic Avenue). We need hybrid acquisition to run faster.
4. I stopped at the Pembroke East Transfer Center coming home. I ended up playing HRT Customer Service agent, helping a few people get home.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Blackjack 2010
Yesterday I went to draft a list of questions for our 2010 candidates for the Virginia Beach City Council. I was shooting for 20, so I could do "Playing 20 Questions in 2010". My draft idea list went 30. I chopped 8, and then a 9th. Thus, 21 questions and the title.
Campaigns that wish to reply, the question list is below. You can cut and paste the question list, and e-mail your reply to vbtasucks@yahoo.com (Yeah, I just set up that address.)
As for the questions themselves, I asked some on public participation in government, a couple services questions. Some on land planning, and tossed in a couple fun questions (the arena and nightclub district) to keep the list and Virginia Beach from being too boring. Here we go:
1. The Budget Task Force proposed an 1% local Sales Tax and 1% local Income Tax, to be coupled with a revenue-neutral cut in the Property Tax rate. Do you support the proposal, and why or why not?
2. What additional measures would you support to bring more residents to the Resort Area in-season and for them to feel more welcome there?
3. What measures do you advocate for bringing the City government closer to the residents?
4. So far, the density credits program for affordable housing in the Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs) has produced zero new units. What, if any, additional measures do you believe should be enacted to get the units built?
5. What do you believe is the state of race relations in Virginia Beach and what could be done to improve them?
6. Currently the Open Mic session at the end of City Council meetings is not televised. Should it be, and why or why not?
7. Virginia Beach Vision proposed a local Gas Tax for transportation. It was in the draft 2010 Community Legislative Package (CLP), only to be removed before passage. Should it go into the 2011 CLP, and why or why not?
8. 2011 will be a City Redistricting year. What, if any, changes to the City's electoral system would you advocate within that process?
9. Do you favor continuing to implement evening and Sunday bus service on Virginia Beach's outlying routes, and why or why not?
10. Do you support mandatory Inclusionary Zoning, and why or why not?
11. Should meetings of the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) be cold taped for later broadcast on VBTV, as a means to educate the public on Resort policy, and why or why not?
12. Do you support phasing out the BPOL tax? If so, how would you do it?
13. The Pembroke Area Implementation Plan envisions an arena between I-264 and the Witchduck Road light rail station. Do you support it, and why or why not?
14. In the recent past, City Council has discussed a possible "defined nightclub district". Would you support incorporating such into one of the remaining SGA plans to be done, and why or why not?
15. Do you support billing insurance companies for ambulance service rendered, as our neighboring cities do, and why or why not?
16. Do you support building the proposed entertainment center at the Dome site, and why or why not?
17. What do you believe should be done to expand recreation opportunities for youth?
18. What measures do you believe should be enacted to facilitate the construction of additional low-income apartment complexes?
19. How would you better utilize VBTV to get information to the residents?
20. What, if anything, do you believe the City should do towards aiding the housing of the international students who come to work in Virginia Beach?
21. What is your opinion of government by referenda?
Plenty of meat there. Feel free to hit candidates at forums with the above, or variations of them.
Campaigns that wish to reply, the question list is below. You can cut and paste the question list, and e-mail your reply to vbtasucks@yahoo.com (Yeah, I just set up that address.)
As for the questions themselves, I asked some on public participation in government, a couple services questions. Some on land planning, and tossed in a couple fun questions (the arena and nightclub district) to keep the list and Virginia Beach from being too boring. Here we go:
1. The Budget Task Force proposed an 1% local Sales Tax and 1% local Income Tax, to be coupled with a revenue-neutral cut in the Property Tax rate. Do you support the proposal, and why or why not?
2. What additional measures would you support to bring more residents to the Resort Area in-season and for them to feel more welcome there?
3. What measures do you advocate for bringing the City government closer to the residents?
4. So far, the density credits program for affordable housing in the Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs) has produced zero new units. What, if any, additional measures do you believe should be enacted to get the units built?
5. What do you believe is the state of race relations in Virginia Beach and what could be done to improve them?
6. Currently the Open Mic session at the end of City Council meetings is not televised. Should it be, and why or why not?
7. Virginia Beach Vision proposed a local Gas Tax for transportation. It was in the draft 2010 Community Legislative Package (CLP), only to be removed before passage. Should it go into the 2011 CLP, and why or why not?
8. 2011 will be a City Redistricting year. What, if any, changes to the City's electoral system would you advocate within that process?
9. Do you favor continuing to implement evening and Sunday bus service on Virginia Beach's outlying routes, and why or why not?
10. Do you support mandatory Inclusionary Zoning, and why or why not?
11. Should meetings of the Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) be cold taped for later broadcast on VBTV, as a means to educate the public on Resort policy, and why or why not?
12. Do you support phasing out the BPOL tax? If so, how would you do it?
13. The Pembroke Area Implementation Plan envisions an arena between I-264 and the Witchduck Road light rail station. Do you support it, and why or why not?
14. In the recent past, City Council has discussed a possible "defined nightclub district". Would you support incorporating such into one of the remaining SGA plans to be done, and why or why not?
15. Do you support billing insurance companies for ambulance service rendered, as our neighboring cities do, and why or why not?
16. Do you support building the proposed entertainment center at the Dome site, and why or why not?
17. What do you believe should be done to expand recreation opportunities for youth?
18. What measures do you believe should be enacted to facilitate the construction of additional low-income apartment complexes?
19. How would you better utilize VBTV to get information to the residents?
20. What, if anything, do you believe the City should do towards aiding the housing of the international students who come to work in Virginia Beach?
21. What is your opinion of government by referenda?
Plenty of meat there. Feel free to hit candidates at forums with the above, or variations of them.
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