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Update from Director Michael Kirschman. “Cameras are now installed and working. Police have access to the video. These are actually temporary cameras that IT found and will work, until the new ones arrive (still on back order).” Captain Douglas Guevara informed us that the VBPD has deployed a Police Watchtower at the boat ramp. He tells us “It will be in use this upcoming weekend and following weekends for a while.” President Danny Murphy adds: “We will continue to work with P&R and VBPD to monitor and improve safety there.”

Our first Movie Night on the beach was a great success! We had a beautiful sunset and great weather! Huge thanks to Jay Montgomery for spearheading the event, getting all the equipment and pulling it off without any hitches! Thanks to his crew too- Scott and Trent!

We would like to thank 3rd Precinct Captain Guevara and Parks and Recreation Director Michael Kirschman for facing a tough crowd and responding to Ocean Park neighbors’ concerns and frustrations about the ongoing and frequent disturbances/illegal activity at the boat ramp, the police response to the July 25 firearm found on the street on West Stratford and the August 5 shootings. President Danny Murphy set expectations for civil discourse and for the most part the audience in person and large group online were compliant. Little new information was offered by Capt. Guevara about the shootings. Under further questioning by residents seeking a better understanding of what happened on August 5th, he relayed that a car pulled up and shot into the crowd and that the investigation continues along all avenues including drug or gang related activity. Director Kirschman reported that all the infrastructure for cameras at the boat ramp is in place awaiting the back ordered cameras: initially 3 cameras with possibility of 4 more. He brought up the drawbacks and limitations of a gate if installed: long lines waiting for it to be opened (lines happen now as boats back up waiting to launch), a gate will not stop people from entering the area after hours. He clarified that employees are directed to call police when incidents happen. Here is a recording of the meeting: August 12 Civic League Meeting. Meeting minutes will be available shorty.

At the Social before the Thursday meeting, folks enjoyed cake and the usual beer, wines and snacks!

Thank you to Mr. Brad Delashmutt for talking to us about water testing by the Health Dept. For more information go to their website. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/virginia-beach/environmental-health/

The developers for the Marlin Bay property (corner of Marlin Bay Dr. and Shore Dr.) have indicated that the owners were temporarily delaying the Street Closure Applications for the paper streets around the property: Ocean Tides and Clipper Bay following the OPCL letter in response to notification of that application and at Councilman Schulman‘s request. The civic league is working alongside Councilman Schulman to engage them in appropriate development ideas that can be supported by the community and the owners/developers. For information about the original proposal for the property turn to the Marlin Bay Page.

What is Phase IV? Long story short: it is substantial improvements to Shore Dr. west of the Lesner Bridge (Ocean Park) to include bike lanes, sidewalks, stormwater mitigation measures, enhanced lighting and crosswalks.

“The new roadways will include features such as bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus shelters. The policy also requires that the roadways be designed to slow down traffic and make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.”

The poor condition of Shore Dr. is an old story. A new take on the story is provided in a short podcast by student Amanda Wong in her Crossroads Podcast. She interviews pedestrians and bicycle riders on Shore Dr. and also talks to Hank Morrison from the COVB Planning Department. Have a listen!

How long has the wait been?

2006 Shore Drive Traffic Safety resolution passed by City Council 10-0 with almost none of the projects being completed today.

2007 Shore Drive Phase II, III ( East of Lesner Bridge), Phase IV ( West of the Lesner Bridge, ie Ocean Park) established by Council

Full Timeline of Deferrments of Shore Dr. Improvements are on Phase IV page.

2023 Improvements for Shore Dr. West of the Lesner Bridge again defunded

2023 April Draft Engineering Study published for Shore Dr Improvements in Ocean Park and west of bridge

2023 Councilman Schulman proposes temporary sidewalk improvements for Shore Dr. At the July Bayfront Advisory Council, Jeremy Kline, Asst. Public Works Director, reported that construction on the interim sidewalks would begin in late fall though funding and design have not been established.

There is a process for traffic calming measures. Recently the civic league explored this for Surry Rd. which many residents feel experiences dangerous cut through traffic. After analysis, it was determined that Surry does not carry enough traffic to be eligible for traffic calming measures (must carry 600 per day.) Here is a Quick Guide to the Traffic Calming Program which outlines the requirements and steps in the process. The improvements to Shore Dr. in the current draft Engineering Plan for Phase IV will improve the situation on both Surry and West Stratford. When completed (sadly this is a long way off) Surry will no longer have an outlet onto Shore Drive. Surry Rd. will become a dead end so it will no longer serve as a cut through street. Access to Surry will be at the traffic light on Roanoke. Similarly the intersection at West Stratford and Roanoke Ave. will be simplified.