Coastal Storm Risk Management: USACE Recommends Lynnhaven Inlet Surge Barrier
US Army Corp of Engineers has engaged in a long range study of the feasibility of managing the storm risks associated with sea level rise in our area with any actual steps being fairly far in the future. Of the many possible projects under study, the Lynnhaven Surge Barrier has been identified by the USACE as the Early Actionable Element. Much more information to come and wider public engagement has been promised.
Listen to the presentation here.
Bayfront Advisory Commission Meeting May 21
The Bayfront Advisory Commission May meeting highlights:
- Presentation on revisions to the Short Term Rental Overlay District (only at the Oceanfront now) which will be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council.
- The commission voted 10-0 to recommend approval to the Planning Commission and the City Council of Modification of Conditions for Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay to build a previously approved parking garage on the site of the surface parking.
- The commission voted 8-2 to conditionally recommend approval to the Planning Commission and City Council the Shore Drive Condo Project (Marlin Bay). The conditions include: reduction of building height on Shore Dr. (building is already stepped down to 3 stories adjacent to the townhouses), modification of the vertical design elements to horizontal orientation to align with the Shore Dr. Design Guidelines, inclusion of a pet relief area to mitigate impact on the Pleasure House Point Natural Area, proffer against ‘unwanted uses’ of the commercial space (bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, sale of vape products) and the use of permeable materials whenever possible.
- Prior to the vote the applicant provided updated proffers which include the pet relief station and excluding unwanted uses of the commercial space. Since the applicant received the feedback only days before the meeting, the other conditions are ‘under consideration’. The Planning Commission will consider the application on June 10.
- A clarification was provided that the Shore Drive Area Properties LLC or an affiliate will own, lease and manage the commercial space.
Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project
Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive
Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.
The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.
- Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
- Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
- Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
- Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
- Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.
We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:
Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10 meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.
Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.
Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)
Cancelled! 🌱 NO PHP Cleanup 🚮 on Saturday, May 23
There will be no Clean Up this Saturday at Pleasure House Point! Thank you to Mary Faust and to all the volunteers who come to help! The next clean up is June 20th before we take a break for the summer!
LBR Report: May 15-17
This was the first busy weekend for this season. Total of 457 launches over the weekend.
Friday, May 15 – 62 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.
Saturday, May 16 – 204 total launches, car parking did fill up around 12:20pm so there was sporadic parking until about 5pm. The overflow lot was used but was limited due to the condition of that area due to the sand haul project. We were able to get about 30 cars (normally we can fit around 50) We did have to close the facility at Piedmont Circle because trailer parking was full. Barricade operations were carried out from 12:10pm- 4pm. All signs were placed in neighborhood per protocol.
Sunday, May 17 – 191 total launches, car parking was full around 11:00am with sporadic availability the remainder of the day. The overflow was used again for about 30 vehicles with trailers. We did have to close the facility at Piedmont Circle because trailer parking was full. Barricade operations were carried out from 12:00pm- 4pm. All signs were placed in neighborhood per protocol.
Incidents to report:
Reviewed camera footage from the weekend and we had a normal weekend nights mixed with fisherman and beach goers. During barricade operations on Sunday, May 17, staff encountered a few citizens with truck and trailer that were unhappy with the full parking and subsequent facility closure. Staff explained our protocol and asked the citizens to move on and vacate the area until the facility re-opened. They did not heed staffs’ instructions and waited in the neighborhood. Police arrived on scene and re-affirmed staffs’ information, and the citizens then left the neighborhood. Garda World security reported that at 12:05am on Sunday morning there was a verbal altercation between a group on a boat and a nearby resident regarding the speed the boater returned in Crab Creek. Security was able to de-escalate both persons and police came on scene and spoke to the boaters.
Notes:
PW/Coastal has informed me that from Friday May 22-Monday May 25 the sand haul contractor will not be working. Due to the holiday weekend.
Parking Enforcement:
Enforcement runs from May 1- October 31. Date Range: Friday, May 15 to Monday, May 18, 2026
Total Citation Count: 51
Total Read Count: 459 (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits)
Shore Drive Condo (Marlin Bay) Project
Update: Proposed Condominium Project on Shore Drive
Statement from the Ocean Park Civic League
As the proposed 52-unit McLeskey condominium project on Shore Drive moves through the City of Virginia Beach’s approval process, including Planning Department review, Planning Commission consideration, and a final City Council vote, the Ocean Park Civic League has not reached a clear consensus. Resident sentiment is considerably mixed, and we respect the sincerity in each position.
The project — which also includes a small commercial component and requires a rezoning that would increase allowable density from 4.25 to nearly 24 units per acre — raises several concerns we believe warrant close attention. We also recognize that some residents see potential value in new housing inventory and added investment along the corridor, and we take that perspective seriously as well.
- Scale, Density, and Height: We’re closely watching how a nearly 62-foot building fits along this section of Shore Drive- Ocean Park. The developers have taken community input into consideration as this plan for the building is stepped down to 34 ft (three stories) adjacent to the townhouses behind it. Beyond those neighbors, we’re also considering how this structure changes the view and feel of Shore Drive and the adjacent Pleasure House Point Natural Area — affecting everyone who lives, walks, or drives through this stretch of the corridor.
- Neighborhood Character and Alignment: Does this project reflect who Ocean Park is — a historic coastal community with a distinct identity — and does it align with Virginia Beach’s own long-term vision for the Shore Drive Corridor? We think that’s a fair and necessary question.
- Traffic and Parking: Getting in and out of this site safely on Shore Drive is one concern. We are equally focused on what happens to on-street parking along Marlin Bay Drive. There is a real trade-off: limiting building height can reduce space for ground-level parking beneath the structure, pushing resident and guest vehicles onto already tight neighborhood streets. We want a design that solves the parking problem without worsening the height issue.
- Stormwater Management: Every new Bayfront development must demonstrate it will not worsen flooding, runoff, or drainage for surrounding properties. This corridor is already vulnerable, and that must be part of the conversation.
- Protection of Pleasurehouse Point Natural Area: Adding 52 residential units next to this natural preserve will bring more people and pets. Off-leash dogs and inadequate waste disposal already pressure the area’s wildlife habitat, nesting grounds, and trails. Many new residents living steps away could accelerate damage to a resource the whole community treasures.
We encourage all residents — whether supportive or skeptical — to stay engaged and make their voice heard.
The project is expected to come before the Virginia Beach Planning Commission on June 10, where it will receive a formal recommendation before advancing to City Council for the final decision, likely later this summer. There are two straightforward ways to make your voice heard now:
Everyone who would like to express concerns or support of the project is encouraged to write a letter to the Planning Commission (PlanningCommissioners@vbgov.com) and/ or speak at the June 10 meeting (details below). Another opportunity will come when the project is considered by the City Council. Your input is welcome and important.
Your input matters at this stage. The OPCL will continue to share updates as the process moves forward.
Shore Drive Condo Project ( Marlin Bay)
⛱️Beach Season Reminders: Limits for 🌊 🦮Dogs and 🏁 🙈Golf Carts
From 6:00 pm on Friday of the Memorial Day Weekend until 6:00 pm on Labor Day dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm. According to Beach Rules Virginia Beach Gov.com : “Dogs can be off leash on the beach so long as they are firmly under their caretaker’s control so as not to disturb other people or dogs”.
Some reminders about “golf carts” in our community. Although some communities in the area are designated golf cart communities, Ocean Park is not a designated or approved golf cart community. Because of this, to drive lawfully on the streets of Ocean Park golf carts must be street-legal electric vehicles as defined by state and city law. This means they must meet all the vehicular requirements, be titled, registered with low-speed license plates from DMV and covered by minimum insurance requirements. They may only be operated by drivers with a valid license or learner’s permit and the driver must follow all the same rules of the road as a normal vehicle. (Virginia Beach Codes of Ordinance: Sec. 7: 65-68 ).
Golf carts are NOT allowed on the beach (no motorized vehicles). The exception to this rule is for handicapped persons with a mobility disability. If the individual with a mobility disability requiring the use of a golf cart is asked, he or she would need to provide some type of “credible assurance.” An example of credible assurance could be a verbal statement that the golf cart is used for a mobile disability or the cart has a state-issued disability parking placard issued to it not transferred from another vehicle.
⚓️ LBR Staff and Security Hours for the 2026 Season
Mike Parkman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor, Park Events, Programs, and Special Use shared the hours for Parks and Rec Staff and the additional security at the LBR for this season:
Staff hours this summer:
May 2 – May 22 5:30am – 8:30pm (Current)
May 23 – Sept 4 5:30am -9:00pm
Security staff:
8:00pm – 2:00am 7 days a week
“In addition to our specific on our assigned security guard, there is an additional security guard that checks city facilities Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 11:00pm and 7am. The Lynnhaven Boat Ramp is included on the list of facilities that they visit.”
⚓️ Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Report: May 1- May 3
“This is the weekly report for the weekend of May 1-3, 2026. Weather was cloudy most of the weekend. Windy Saturday and Sunday. Small craft advisory on Sunday. Total of 80 launches over the weekend.
Friday, May 1 – 43 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.
Saturday, May 2 – 15 total launches, car parking did not fill up there was available parking throughout the day. The overflow lot was not used. We did not have to close using the barricades at any time.
Sunday, May 3 – 22 total launches, car parking was not full. The overflow was not used. Barricade operations were not needed. Small craft advisory, temperatures, and wind created a poor day for the beach and boating.
Incidents to report:
Reviewed camera footage from the weekend and there were no issues to report this weekend. Police have been providing lots of support with drive throughs and stationary observation throughout the weekends.
Notes:
CLEAN THE BAY DAY was held on Saturday May 2, 2026. We had a group of about 30 volunteers assigned to the boat ramp and beach area. Congresswoman Jenn Kiggins was among the group.
Parking Enforcement:
This was the first weekend of parking enforcement for the season. Enforcement runs from May 1- October 31.
Date Range: Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 4, 2026
Location: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp
Total Citation Count: 35
Total Read Count: 158 (this is the number of vehicles scanned during enforcement visits)“
Ocean Park Civic League 