Lynnhaven Boat Ramp: The Never-ending Story?

Why are Ocean Park residents upset about how the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp is managed? What’s going on?

Problem #1.

Since approximately 2021 car clubs and sport bike groups have congregated in the boat ramp parking lot and used the area to stage racing activities late in the night waking residents in Ocean Park and all along Shore Dr. with disturbance from excessive loud racing engines. In July of 2023 a car drove up and shot into the crowd wounding two. The case remains unsolved. Residents have contacted 3rd Precinct Captain Guevara, Parks and Rec Dept. Director Michael Kirschman and City Councilman Joash Schulman. President Danny Murphy and many residents have contacted and worked with these department heads who have appeared before the civic league. Car Racing Video.

Attempted Solutions: Police have told residents to call the non-emergency number so that incidents can be documented. Over the years, residents have repeatedly made reports and shared pictures and videos of incidents in progress. These meetups often occur late at night, so providing this evidence has required great effort on the part of OP residents. One resident who has spent a lot of time working with the city on this describes how effective this solution has proven: “As far as calling, I’m tired of it.  You sit on hold for so long and then you seriously have 20 or more questions to answer – it takes forever.  All the calls I’ve made, the pictures and videos I’ve taken AND given to the police (with license plates) has done nothing to help.  When I asked the   Captain what they did with the video I provided to them (the one that ruined my evening plans with my grandson and took 3 hours of my time) he didn’t even know what I was talking about – said he’d get back to us, but he didn’t .”

In August temporary cameras were installed and Mr. Kirchman stated: “Police have access to the video”. But more incidents followed in December and January 3. Permanent cameras have now been installed January 2024. How have cameras helped?

How often does this go on? Racing was documented with videos posted on these dates: July 28, Aug 12 2022. In 2023 April 4, April 10, April 11, April 12, June 19, June 20, June 22, Oct. 6, Oct 22, Nov. 11, Dec. In 2024 so far Jan. 3, March 1 and 2. Many posts have been taken down so there were many more incidents.

Problem #2 Ocean Park’s neighborhood was not designed to accommodate traffic overflow from the LBR.

This results in traffic gridlock, blocked driveways, damaged property and unsafe conditions. Due to poor signage and poor direction from P & R employees, those turned away from the LBR must attempt to navigate out of the neighborhood on their own. They frequently attempt to turn around at unsafe intersections including the Tazewell Triangle in an attempt to get in line for the entrance to the LBR. this results in further gridlock, blocked driveways and damage to the Adopt-a-Spot, to which neighbors have donated substantial time and money. The streets around the LBR are not adequate to support this volume of traffic, especially considering the size of many of these vehicles towing boats and trailers. More available parking for boaters at the LBR, better direction for and by Parks and Rec employees and better signage could improve conditions.

The problems at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp will be on the agenda at the Ocean Park Civic League Meeting on Thursday, March 7 at the Brock Center 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome. Councilman Joash Schulman will attend.