Great Bridge Town Meeting held September 6, 2016

Traffic Calming Measures on Ashley Road

A public information meeting was held on Wednesday night, August 24, 2016 regarding the proposed project to install speed humps on Ashley Road. The meeting was well attended with over 40 citizens in attendance. For citizens that may had not been able to attend the meeting, information on the project is provided on the Public Works webpage, as well as, contact information for citizens to provide comments or contact staff with questions on the project. Various neighborhood social media notifications were also used to disseminate information concerning the proposed project. The pilot project proposes to install temporary speed humps, and will provide a six (6) month test period for evaluation. Staff is in the process of collecting new traffic data (speed and volume) for Ashley Road, Stadium Drive, Melonie Drive, Scarborough Drive, and Luray Terrance, that will provide a baseline for the before and after results. Following the test period, staff will survey residents and collect neighborhood feedback. Staff will also evaluate any change in the traffic pattern, safety issues, impact to emergency vehicles, and the effectiveness of the speed humps for reducing speeding. Our police and fire departments have reviewed the plans for the Ashley Road speed humps and are in support of the pilot project. Traffic Engineering will be collecting public comments and traffic data through mid-October. A decision whether to move forward with the project, based on the level of citizen support, will be provided by November.

Paving Schedule for Mapleshore Drive

The Public Works Operations Manager reports that Mapleshore Drive, from Fernwood Farms Road to Spruce Lane, is on this year resurfacing schedule. The resurfacing work is expected to start during this fall.

Flooding at Mapleshore Drive and Fernwood Farms Road

The Assistant City Engineer reports that the existing area experiences occasional tidal flooding. As the tide rises, water from the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River rises over Mapleshore Drive and continues to back into the existing stormwater system. Since the referenced flooding is of a tidal nature, an overflow pond would not be feasible. Staff engineer has determined that this minor flooding does not adversely affect the community’s ability to exit the subdivision since there are several points of ingress/egress.

Mosquito Breeding Concern on Keith Court

After full inspections of homes on Keith Court, the technician identified major breeding sites and adult mosquito activity at 312 Keith Court. The technician treated breeding sites and sprayed for adult mosquitos 9/12/16.

Abandoned Homes on Keith Court

301 Keith Court - The property was under construction at one time but has not been completed. In May 2016, the Department began an investigation at the referenced address. The Department determined the building was unsafe and began the process requiring the owner to repair or remove the building. If the owner does not achieve compliance within a reasonable period, the City will proceed with demolition. 312 Keith Court - The Department of Development and Permits conducted an inspection on September 9, 2016, and found the property in violation. A Notice of Violation for property maintenance was mailed on September 9, 2016 and a re-inspection will be conducted on or after October 9, 2016. Enforcement will be pursued until compliance is achieved.

Trees, Bushes, and Vines Overgrowth – Luray Terrace

An inspector conducted an inspection on September 14, 2016 and found no violations.

Drainage System at Hanbury Woods Area

The Public Works Operations Manager reports that no problems were found with the canal downstream. Concerns for the drainage problem along the right side facing the rear of 204 Chaffin Court are currently being addressed by the Department of Development and Permits.

Fairhaven Road Connection to Waters Bend

Per the City of Chesapeake master Transportation Plan the developer’s construction subdivision plan, there is currently no plan for a connection from Waters Bend to the Stonegate subdivision.

Wall of Fame

The suggestion for a City of Chesapeake “Wall of Fame” has been referred to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Fine Arts Commission to be researched.

Sears Store as a Location for the Western Branch Indoor Athletic Field House

The property owner and their developer are looking at several future possibilities for the property. The building itself, although good sized, may not be minimally functional for an athletic field house due to a number of variables, including the height of the roof. However, the property owner would need to determine if modifications are feasible and desirable.

Business Development and Job Creation

The Chesapeake Economic Development Department is tasked with encouraging and enabling new and existing businesses to make capital investments and to create jobs in the City, thereby lessening the tax burden on, and increasing the employment opportunities for, the citizens of Chesapeake. This is accomplished by marketing the assets of the Commonwealth, Region and City to business entities both domestically and internationally by attending tradeshows, participating in marketing missions, building relationships with site selection consultants and meeting directly with business prospects. Economic Development has an extensive existing business outreach program as well that provides Chesapeake businesses with information concerning growth opportunities, solutions to ongoing issues affecting businesses and a streamlined development process for expanding businesses. The Existing Business Development Manager coordinates these services and a Professional Engineer on staff ensures that the development service needs are well coordinated. Additionally, the department offers coordinated partnerships and assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs through the “Ready…Set…Grow” program. This service offers growth strategies through the patented GrowthWheel program and includes a Certified Trainer/Small Business Development Manager on staff who coordinates assistance from partners like the SBA, SCORE, Old Dominion Gateway, TCC and many more.

Flooding Concerns along Berkley Avenue between Amick Road and Wingfield Avenue

Public Works will monitor the area in conjunction with the Border Road Drainage Improvement Phase II project to determine whether the new residential homes are the cause for the street flooding. Phase II of the drainage improvements are in the design phase that include Amick Road, Wingfield Avenue, Mayon Drive and Berkley Avenue. We will have the opportunity to address any flooding concerns in those areas at that time.

Flashing Light on 168 Exit to Hanbury Road

Operating signals in “flash” mode during late night/early morning hours is not recommended practice at this location due to the increased risk of a crash. Safety concerns and reducing the number of crashes at the intersection of Hanbury Road and the Expressway off-ramp was one of the primary reasons why the city installed a signal at this location. Even though the traffic volumes are significantly lower during the late night/early morning hours, this intersection is on a major arterial roadway in a location where the population is growing.

Inadequate Drainage Ditch on Benefit Road

The Public Works Operations Manager reports that Public Works Operations division began re-grading roadside ditches along Benefit Road from Shillelagh Road to the main ditch at the Northwest River on September 26, 2016, and completed the work on September 29th. A total of 1300 feet of roadside ditch re-grading was completed to restore adequate drainage in the area.