2021 - What are the landscaping requirements for developers and are native plants encouraged?
The zoning ordinance provides guidelines for the spacing and placement of landscaping plants. It does not provide recommendations for the use of native plants at this time. We do have a favored tree list in our Landscape Specification Manual. Some of the acceptable trees are natives. With the introduction and/or mutation of insect and disease pathogens, sometimes natives are not the best suited for the stressful environments of parking lots and streetscapes.
2020 - Please provide an update on the old Williams Farm on Joliff Rd & Portsmouth Blvd and when will it be complete.
The property at the intersection of Joliff Rd and Portsmouth Blvd (south side) is called the Grove and it is a PUD (Planned Unit Development) which is a type of building development and regulatory process. As a building development, it is a designed grouping of both varied and compatible land uses, such as housing, recreation, commercial centers, and industrial parks, all within one contained development or subdivision. The City does not have, nor does it require, that a developer provide a schedule; however, a project of this nature can last 5-10 years for the build out. Here is a the Grove phasing sheet, which includes a warehouse, apartments, and a brewery.
2020 - The construction of the Retirement Home has stopped at the corner of Pines of Warwick and Cedar Road. It has been months since any activity. What's going on?
When the City issues a permit for a developer to perform work on a site, we do not require the developer to submit a construction plan schedule. Construction delays can be caused by inclement weather or other unavoidable situations. We have Construction Inspectors on new development sites that ensure work is completed up to the City standards.
2020 - Explain the process of enforcing residential property maintenance. Why doesn’t the City impose more severe penalties to homeowners whose property lacks proper maintenance?
Here is a video response from Development & Permits Customer Service Manager Sandra Witherow.
Learn more about related zoning ordinances or report a possible code violation.
Video responses provided by Chesapeake Economic Development Director Steven Wright. Learn more about Economic Development at ChesapeakeVA.Biz.
2021 - What is Economic Development doing to attract new businesses to each section of Chesapeake?
2020 - What is Chesapeake doing to attract businesses?
2020 - What does Chesapeake do to address vacant storefronts?
2020 - What's being done to support malls in Chesapeake?
2020 - With the Bowers Hill fire station opening soon, why is Ladder 12 being moved to that location? This move will leave the north western section of the city vulnerable and the target hazards support a ladder truck on Taylor Rd.
With the addition of a large, multi-company fire station opening in the heart of Bowers Hill, Ladder 12 will be relocated to better serve the western portions of Chesapeake. The new Fire Station 10 is a prime location for a ladder company due to its immediate access to the 64/664/264 interchange. This location is central to the Western Branch, Jolliff, Dock Landing, Bowers Hill, Deep Creek and Camelot areas. Additionally, we now have an automatic-aid agreement in operation with Suffolk Fire & Rescue in which both departments share resources in areas where our cities border, such Western Branch and Bowers Hill. We are also working toward the same agreement with the Portsmouth Fire Department. These response agreements have proven to be extremely effective in getting emergency responders on the scene based on the closest unit regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
2020 - When is the new fire station going in on Joliff Rd?
The land for the new Fire Station 11 has been purchased and we will begin designing the new station next month. It's too early to set a completion date for the project but we will keep the community updated on our progress.
2021 - How is funding for the libraries determined?
Libraries receive funding in 2 ways, primarily funds are provided by the City of Chesapeake. However, funds are also provide by the Library of Virginia through State Aid. These funds are earmarked for the library’s collection. The library also receives donations from the Friends of the Library and the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation to provide fun and engaging activities, like summer reading.
2021 - Are there any plans to expand library services in the future?
The library is always looking to expand services. In 2020, the library added 6 addition personnel to its Outreach division. This will allow staff to work more directly in the community, especially with populations that have difficulty going to a traditional branch. In June, the library will unveil services in the southernmost part of Chesapeake in partnership with Fire Station 7, through a book locker and book vending kiosk.
The library also hopes to see the beginning of expanding the Russell Memorial location in the next fiscal year, and in the Greenbrier community after that.
2021 - Why did our Personal Property Taxes go up?
Due to shortages in both the new and used vehicle markets, prices have increased for 2021. In Chesapeake, the average assessment of a used car valued by the J. D. Power Official Used Car Guide increased by 15% over 2020. As a consequence, many Citizens may see an increase in their personal property tax bill for 2021. The large price increase also impacted the amount of the Personal Property Tax Relief Credit causing a decrease from 47% to 42%. Chesapeake, as well as all Hampton Roads localities, uses the J. D. Power Official Used Car Guide to determine the assessed value of most vehicles.
2021 - What is the City currently doing to help provide more access to broadband?
Chesapeake is currently working towards a broadband ring called Chesapeake Connect and it is a priority project for the City. A detailed design of the ring is complete. This included coordination with the Southside Network Authority’s design of the regional ring. City staff have been working to develop the specifications for the construction request for proposal. City officials are in active discussions about funding sources for the project. Like many communities, the City is closely analyzing the recently released guidelines for the federal stimulus funds to see if they could be used for the construction of the ring.
2021 - Who can cut back tree limbs near power lines?
This is generally done by Dominion Energy. You can contact them to come take a look at the location in question by calling 866-366-4357 or by placing a request through DominionEnergy.com.
2020 - What can be done regarding the overpopulation of non-migratory Canadian geese that are a nuisance to Chesapeake citizens?
The City of Chesapeake, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Inland Game and Fisheries will not relocate geese. Private companies may relocate the geese by permit only. Contact Virginia Wildlife Services at 804-739-7739 for more information. You can also learn more at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.
2021 (& 2020) - Are there any plans for a municipal pool facility (that might also include senior activities and exercise options)?
2021 - What is the status of the Seaboard Coastline Trail / Chesapeake Trail / Western Branch Rails to Trails?
This project is discussed in a recent edition of 'peake Life with Public Works Information Coordinator Jason Brown. Watch it here and fast forward to the 13:00 mark to get the latest!
2021 - Are there any updates on splash parks in the Chesapeake?
Chesapeake's first splash park is expected to open in summer 2021, located in the Western Branch section of the City. The Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is putting on the final touches and will announce the opening soon. Follow them at Facebook.com/ChesapeakePRT so you don't miss a thing!
2021 - Can Chesapeake assist with nonprofit recreational baseball/softball leagues by providing funding or services like maintenance?
The City works closely with all Chesapeake youth athletic organizations on providing facilities, capital improvements and maintenance at public facilities. Some facilities that are utilized by youth organizations are located on private property where no public funds can be utilized. The Boards and league representatives submit annual wish lists to the City in order to establish priorities and schedule future maintenance activities. Learn about all City athletic offerings here.
2020 - Are there any plans for a softball complex or possibly turf fields?
2021 - When will the Comprehensive Plan Review take place?
2021 - Why are there so many residential structures being built in the Fentress Airfield overlay district?
2021 - Why does the City continue to approve piano key 3-acre development along the Ballahack corridor?
2020 - With all the new development going on in the City, what’s the plan for farming? Will Chesapeake name the southern part of the city as a green space to preserve the open space and allow the wild animals to keep their homes? What are the expansion plans into southern Chesapeake and the Grassfield area?
Here is a video response from Former Planning Director Jaleh Shea.
Access the City's Comprehensive Plan here.
2021 - How is the City dealing with the exodus of police officers right now?
The Chesapeake Police Department is not experiencing an exodus of officers however there are openings available. We are currently accepting applications for the position of Police Recruit as well as actively recruiting in and around our area. Watch this interview with Master Police Recruiter Dupree Foster to learn more.
2021 - How can I find out about laws regarding where I can legally shoot a gun in city limits? What are the boundaries?
This is address in City Code of Ordinances Section 46-42: Discharging Firearms.
2021 - How do you manage red light runners? How do we request police monitoring for dangerous intersections
The Chesapeake Police Department has an officer assigned to overseeing the red light camera program (learn more about that program below). To request enforcement at any area you can contact the Traffic Bureau at 757-382-6556.
2020 - Please provide safety study to show whether red light cameras have been effective in Chesapeake.
Our data shows that the intersections that have red light cameras have a positive effect on traffic at those locations. Crashes drop significantly where red light cameras are being used. Visit the PhotoSafe Red Light Enforcement page for more details and answers to FAQs.
2020 - Is the Chesapeake Police Department doing anything about police reform?
The Chesapeake Police Department has been in contact with community members and leaders throughout our City and we have reviewed our current practices. Our Policies and Procedures are in line with tenets of Police Reform. We are adherents to the 21st Century Policing report. We are a nationally accredited agency through CALEA and we subscribe to and promote the best practices in law enforcement. .
2020 - Hire more police!
We are currently accepting applications for the position of Police Recruit as well as actively recruiting in and around our area. Watch this interview with Master Police Recruiter Dupree Foster to learn more.
2021 - Water Bills: Why you might see increases at various times of year.
2021 - Water Bills: How a leak could be costing you.
2021 - What's the state of our sewer system in Chesapeake?
All video responses provided by Public Works Director Earl Sorey.
Projects
2021 - What's the latest with the Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project?
Part 1:
Part 2:
2021 - What's the latest on the Mt. Pleasant Rd Widening project?
2021 - What projects is the City looking to get federal funding for?
Stormwater
Helpful links related to stormwater:
2021 - Stormwater: What are we paying for?
2020 - What is the City's schedule for clearing ditches?
Place a service request to report a clogged ditch.
2020 - Can we build a comprehensive stormwater management plan?
Learn more about stormwater maintenance plans in Chesapeake.
Paving and Potholes
2021 - When will Mt. Pleasant Rd be repaved from Cooper's Ditch to Centerville Tnpk?
2021 - How does the City prioritize paving?
2020 - How are you addressing the potholes throughout the City?
Learn more about pothole repairs in Chesapeake.
2020 - Does road resurfacing include leveling of manhole covers?
Streets and Traffic
2021 - Traffic on Battlefield Blvd South
2021 - How are speed limits set?
2021 - How does the City address reports of speeding in neighborhoods?
2021 - Bridge lift schedules
2020 - Are traffic signals synchronized?
2021 - What's the process for installing new traffic signals?
Request a new traffic signal.
2020 - What's the difference between "Dead End" and "No Outlet" signs?
Learn more about the Chesapeake Comprehensive Plans.
2020 - Does Chesapeake have long-term plans for bike paths?
2020 - How do we get street name signs replaced?
Place a service request.
2020 - Can the old street name sign be purchased after they’re changed?
2020 - How can we find out the history of our street name?
Wallace Memorial History Room at the Central Library
Historic Preservation Commission
2020 - Who maintains street lights and how to we report a broken light?
Learn more about street lights or
report a broken street light.
2021 - Who trims tree branches that are hanging over power lines?
To request a consultation about the potential removal of tree branches on or around power lines, contact Dominion Energy at 866-366-4357 or DominionEnergy.com.
Beautification
2021 - How is Chesapeake addressing litter in the right-of-way?
2021 - How can we keep Chesapeake residents better informed about preserving our waterways and environment?
The City works in a variety of ways to educate the community on the importance of each individual doing their part to preserve our waterways and the environment. Perhaps the best way for others to see this importance is by modeling it yourself and inviting friends and family to join you! Several community partners provide great ways to get involved: Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council, AskHRGreen.org, Elizabeth River Project,
2020 - What is the City doing to stop illegal signage?
View the related City ordinance.
Learn about the Sign Sweeper program here.
2020 - How can we increase/improve recycling?
Learn what can and can't be recycled.
2020 - Where should we put trash/recycling bins when they're not at the curb?
Tolling
Learn all about tolling in this episode of 'peake Life.
2021 - Why were tolls increased on the Chesapeake Expressway?
2021 - When with the tolls on the Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge & the Chesapeake Expressway go away?
The debt on the Chesapeake Transportation System (which consists of the Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge and the Chesapeake Expressway) is anticipated to be paid off in 2051.
2020 - Is there tolling relief for those who take the Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge every day?
Learn more about the Dominion Blvd Veterans Bridge.
Other
2021 - How does Public Works work together with the Planning Department to determine infrastructure level of service?
2021 & 2020 - Will there always be early voting?
Yes, the law changed on July 1, 2020, making Virginia a no-excuse, early voting state. This means that early voting must be available 45 days prior to any election. The Registrar's Office must be a location for early voting. Satellite locations can be added as needed.
2021 - What are we doing to strengthen the election process?
View this In The Know blog to learn more about how the Chesapeake Voter Registrar keeps elections safe and secure.
2020 - Did Chesapeake use Dominion Voting Machines?
No, Chesapeake does not use Dominion Voting Machines. We use the Hart InterCivic Verity Voting System.
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