For the last clean up of 2024, folks came out to clean up and enjoy the great weather!
Thank you to Pleasure House Point Helpers!
Zoning 101: How Does it Work? Build What?When?
What can be built in Virginia Beach ‘by right‘ -that is without any public input- and what development requires public hearing? Here is a quick and easy to understand presentation: By Right and Discretionary Zoning: that was recently briefed to the City Council by Kevin Kemp , Zoning Administrator and Kathy Warren, Planning Director (begins at minute 49). The discussion that follows by city council members is also interesting and an overhaul of the zoning code is mentioned to be undertaken (last done 1988 during a time of rapid growth). Councilwoman Barbara Henley’s remarks on B4 zoning origins and why it was used so much is very interesting.
Planning Director Kathy Warren talks about the Monthly Land Use Report (this one is for October 2024). Monthly Land Use Reports are now included in the City Council Weekly Packet on the 3rd Friday of every month. Now this report will include a Meeting Log where the public can see who has been meeting with the Planning Department either for: Pre-submittal, Inquiry or Comment Review which gives a preview of upcoming development early on.
Excerpts from Briefing:
Plans for VNG Property on Shore Dr.
Councilman Joash Schulman sends an update on the Virginia Natural Gas plan for the property on the corner of Shore Dr. and Dupont Circle. VNG purchased the property and then stripped it of the Live Oaks. Councilman Schulman has worked with VNG representatives to relay the community’s displeasure and as a result the company offers this beautification plan. He shares a rendering of what they intend to do. VNG met last week with the City Planning Department for a pre-construction meeting. Work will start in the next 2-3 weeks and last 3-4 days. Councilman Schulman invites anyone who has questions to contact him.
Beach Built has generously given us a little space in their great little store! We still have t-shirts-short and long sleeve in both designs: short sleeve live oak ($15) and long sleeve live oak ($25) and our new short sleeve/sleeveless sunset design ($25). Great gift for college kids to remind them of home! Drop in to Beach Built on Shore Dr. next to Froggies and get your OP merch! Payment in cash or check can be accepted. (or use the QR code and a credit card). All proceeds go to the civic league.
Ocean Park Civic League Meeting on Thursday, May 8th the Brock 7- 8pm!
Come by for a visit with your neighbors and have a cookie and a drink !
Buy Local at Ocean Park Businesses!
Even if you didn’t walk away with a raffle prize, we urge you to stop in and visit these local businesses as you start your holiday shopping! Thank you to our local businesses who supported our raffle fundraiser: Beach Built , 2Beaches Studio, Taste Unlimited, Mermaid Winery, Leaping Lizard Cafe, Buggy Bathe, American Brew Coffeehouse, A Shore Thing, Sokav massages, Froggies, J Glynn Winters Photography, Pleasure House Point Yoga, Dockside Restaurant, Northend Pizza, Jose Tequilas, Sugared Mango, Smiling Camel Creations, and the Painter Family for their generous donations!
Thank you to Ocean Apparel for the quality sweatshirts, hats, tanks and other merchandise. Ocean Park merch is also available at the Beach Built shop on Shore Dr. They generously give us space and all proceeds go to the civic league! Stop in and browse!
Pet Costume Parade!
More great weather brought out great costumes and a fun parade on Sunday! Thank you to Froggies and Care a Lot!
Fall Fest FUN!
Superlative Weather at our Beautiful Brock Center overlooking the Lynnhaven Inlet and Pleasure House Point! Superlative Music from Lewis McGehee! (and Sandy Martin!) Great Food from Pollard’s and oysters from Ruby salts and First Landing Seafood! So Many Beautiful Raffle Prizes from our Neighborhood businesses and Neighbor Artists !
Thank you to everyone for making the Fall Fest 2024 a huge success! Thank you to all our neighbors for coming out! Thank you to our costume parade participants and the leader Emily Dorrance!
Special thank you to our many volunteers who dedicate their free time to make this all possible!! We couldn’t have done it without you!!
Thank you to all our neighbors who brought desserts and vegan food!
In case you Missed it: Voting Results
OPCL voted on the following motion:
Motion: I propose that the civic league take a stand on the rezoning of the Ocean Park Baptist Church property by opposing any change from R5D zoning as being against the stated bylaws.
Whereas: Article II – purpose states:
“The purpose of the OPCL as a nonprofit organization is to operate exclusively for the mutual beneficial interest of the Ocean Park community. The organization shall bring together at frequent intervals, residencts, business owners, property owners, and Ocean Park rescue squad representatives, who are interested in civic affairs, and through their joint efforts will promote good fellowship, betterment and improvement of the community with respect to beautification, recreation, sanitation, safety, and natural resource stewardship for the protection of property values of Ocean Park so it may continue and flourish as a community. The organization shall strive to inform residents of issues of neighborhood importance to provide a form for discussion of concerns and to promote participation in public affairs, including encouraging members to register and vote in all local, state and federal elections.” submitted this eighth day of August 2024 by Howard Weinberg 2064 Tazewell Road, member in good standing of the OPCL.
From the minutes of the September meeting: “The final vote was 35 for and 27 against. The motion is adopted.”
Video of the meeting will be available shortly.
Bicycle Racks at Beach Access!
After a long wait (huge thanks to former OPCL President and BAC commissioner Martin Thomas for advocating for this!), bike racks have been installed at select beach accesses!
Ocean Park Civic League 