Notes front Bayfront Advisory Commission Feb. 15 Meeting

**Baylines: Newsletter from the Bayfront Advisory Commission.**

The Bayfront Advisory Commission met at OPVRS on Thursday, Feb. 15 for their regular meeting. Some updates from that meeting:

Funds have been encumbered for the planned temporary sidewalks on Shore Drive. Real Estate acquisitions and private utility relocation are underway. Construction is expected to begin October 2025 and be completed April 2026
Lights at Lynnhaven boat ramp: an expedited permit has been approved for the underground cable repair. Work should begin next week or two.
Chic’s Beach Sand Nourishment: 105,000 cubic yards of sand $1.7 million. Project will take 4-8 weeks. First project was 7 years ago, 350,000 cubic yards of sand- “less sand is typical for renourishment process.” USACE is forecasting a solicitation as early as the end of February. Contract award expected in April with an NTP in May. These dates are subject to change if the solicitation is not posted by the end of the month
Jeremy Kline from Public Works reports: “There is not planning to pursue a SS4A grant for either Shore Drive Phase III or IV. Shore Drive Phase III (East of Lester Bridge) is close to a construction start and is currently only funded with state and local funding. Adding federal funds to this project at this late stage would require us to delay the project while federal provisions, such at NEPA, were completed. The Shore Drive Phase IV project does not meet the SS4A timeframe to expend the funds. It is not far enough along at this point (sarcastic remark deleted). Additionally, we are unsure at this point if we want federalize the SD Phase IV (West of Lesser, Ocean Park) project. “
Comprehensive Plan: next public meetings will begin in mid May and include 6 meetings around the city (previously 4 were planned)
Rt 35 bus route approved to begin May 12 to run every 30 min. instead of every hour.

As a part of the Comprehensive Plan update, the Shore Drive Corridor Plan will also be updated. The same consultant firm will address the Shore Drive part of the Comprehensive Plan later next year. In the coming months, the BAC will work toward laying a foundation for that work by reviewing the old plan, vision, goals and purpose and welcomes input from residents. Many opportunities will be planned for public engagement.