The BAC received the following updates at the October 15 meeting at OPVRS.

Public Works:

1. BAC briefing on the condition of the bay beaches post-storm event: I spoke with the Coastal Engineering division and unfortunately, we are still currently assessing beach conditions following the recent nor’easter. While it is evident that there has been some significant sand movement on almost all of the City’s beaches, it is too early to provide detailed information regarding beach impacts. The City will be working to regrade the beaches and to assess impacts for the next several weeks. This work is done by comparing post-storm surveys to pre-storm surveys. Once we have additional information to share, we will schedule a BAC briefing.
2. Dune grasses – impacts from storms and possible recovery. The dune grasses that were not physically lost due to any dune scarping, should recover.  The grasses will go into a dormant period as we approach winter.  The grasses will be monitored by staff.
3. Sand migration – creation of sand bars off the bay beaches: The emergent sand bars are the result of the beach sand shifting just offshore because of higher wave action and storm surge. Basically, the beach nourishments on the Bay beaches have done their job protecting the upland property by the beach sand being a ‘line of defense’ to the storm surge and wave action. The bay beaches are now in a period of ‘recovery’ as calmer wave climates will help a portion of the sand shift back onshore.
4. Update on the Dominion Energy project along Shore Drive: City staff met with Dominion on 8/25/26. Dominion requested plan sheets for the following Shore Drive projects: Shore Drive Phase IV, Eastern Shore Drive Drainage, and any information for the future Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) study.  Dominion has yet to apply for their Right of Way permit for their work. Discussions regarding the widening of Shore Drive for Phase IV impacted Dominions original plans as the existing Right Of Way will now become paved roadway. (the roadway will not be widened but the new paths will take up space). A lot of their proposed pole locations now have conflicts for varying reasons, such as tree clearing concerns from Parks and Rec, lack of right-of-way width, private development likely to occur in areas before poles are replaced etc. Dominion has also yet to decide where the Line 27 project will begin; this could either occur at the Long Creek Substation and work West or the Bayside Substation at Northampton Blvd and work East. Attached is a plan sheet showing their current alignment.This is the best information we have to date.
5. Shore Drive and Marlin Bay Drive work near the marina as part of the Shore Drive Pedestrian Improvements project: there is currently a drainage structure being installed along the sidewalk in front of the boat yard. Clipper Bay Drive is temporarily closed to install a pipe under the roadway. The plan was to wrap up the drainage work in that area last week (week of 10/5) and immediately follow up with the flat work, however the contractor found some unexpected utilities in the way. If the crew is able to do some hand excavation and push some of the lines out of the way without relocations, it will just take a little more time to complete.
6. Shore Drive Phase III pedestrian project signs: Public Works is coordinating with Communications to install smaller project signs for pedestrians / cyclists at the project extents. The signs would include renderings of the completed project. Before and after project views (renderings) have also been added to the project website (Shore Drive Phase III | City of Virginia Beach) and an email blast with project updates, including the renderings, was sent out to all project subscribers October 12^th.

This monthly spreadsheet tracks updates from the Public Works Dept. The newest information is in red.

Planning Dept: After the BAC gave their approval at the September BAC meeting for the Scope of Work for the new Shore Drive Corridor Plan and Design Guidelines, the project contract was finalized with Dills and Renaissance. Staff is planning to have an internal kickoff meeting with the consultant.

The commission continued discussion about working toward creating a unique sense of place for the Bayfront similar to other districts in the city like the VIBE district. Plans to work with the city’s communication and marketing departments are one step.

The student committee is undertaking two projects. They are researching a possible public restroom at PHP. They will do a survey and have been in touch with Parks and Rec. A pilot project with a portable unit was suggested. Also the students will also provide input for assessing Bayfront Beach accesses for better ADA compliance. Councilman Schulman suggested that identifying one access on each side of the bridge might have greater chance of success in upcoming budget process.