Lynnhaven River NOW E-News
November 4, 2009
Lesner Bridge Replacement Study
Design Public Hearing, Nov. 5, 5:00-7:00 PM
 
A Design Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at CoxHigh School, 2425 Shorehaven Drive, beginning at 5:00 PM and ending at 7:00 PM.  Representatives from the City will be available toprovide information on roadway and bridge improvements to Shore Drive at the Lynnhaven Inlet.  Interested citizens can review the project information and the environmental document.  For more information, please contact David Jarman, City of Virginia Beach, Public Works Engineering at 757-385-4131.  
Chuck Guthrie, Sunset Osprey
Photo by Chuck Guthrie
Lynnhaven Oysters for the Holidays
At Old Beach Farmers Market
Lynnhaven oysters from Lynnhaven Oyster Company will be available at the two speical holiday markets at the Old Beach Farmers Market, 19th & Cypress Streets.
    Saturday, November 21 and   Saturday, December 12
    Winter Hours: 9:00 - 1:00
www.OldBeachFarmersMarket.com for more information.           
  
 Chuck Guthrie, Sunset Osprey
Photo by June McDaniels
New VB Comprehensive Plan
Public Meeting Dates Set
The final draft of the new Comprehensive Plan for the City of Virginia Beach is complete and ready to be reviewed.  Copies are available at all VB Public Libraries and on the City's Web Site at www.vbgov.com/compplanupdate.  
 
There are two public hearings scheduled to provide opportunities for further comment on the updated Comprehensive Plan.  The Planning Commission Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, November 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM in the City Council  Chambers.  The City Council Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers and City Council is expected to consider final action and vote to adopt the plan on December 8, 2009 at 6:00 in City Council Chambers.  For further information, please contact the Planning Department at 757-385-4621.  
 
Great News for the Lynnhaven River
Shellfish Open Areas Are Maintained

The Department of Health, Shellfish Sanitation Division tests the waters of the Lynnhaven monthly in 36 different locations to determine if the bacteria levels are suitable for shellfish harvest.  The shellfish level is very rigorous, much more stringent than the swimable/fishable level.  Over the past three years as the areas in the Lynnhaven that meet that standard have grown, the skeptics have continued to point to the drought as the dominant factor. 
 
I am very pleased to announce that the new maps were released recently and during this year of heavy rainfall, we have held onto almost all of the areas opened during the past few years.  This includes areas that had been closed since the 1930's.
 
So congratulations to all of us for proving that the things we are doing are making a real difference.  Cleaning up after our dogs, not feeding the wildlife, keeping our storm drains clean, reducing runoff with rain barrels, rain gardens and riparian buffers, and pumping out our boats is keeping our river clean and allowing us to enjoy delicious Lynnhaven oysters at our holiday gatherings.  Thank you for doing your part!
 
2010 Calendars Available Soon
Place Your Orders Today
Our beautiful Lynnhaven River 2010 calendars will be available soon for your holiday gift giving.  They are the perfect gift for a neighbor, a teacher or an out of town friend or relative.   All of the gorgeous photos were taken in and around the Lynnhaven River  including the winning photos from our 2009 photo contest.  Orders can be placed by calling our office at 757-962-5398 or emailing Laura at [email protected].  Calendars are $12 each or $10 each if you buy 10 or more.  Proceeds from the sale of the calendars help to support Lynnhaven River NOW's education programs.  
 
Grand Opening, New Birdneck Launch
This Saturday, November 7, 9:00-Noon
Please join our Grand Opening paddle on Saturday, November 7th, 9:00 to Noon, from our new launch site, the Birdneck Launch.  You can bring your own boat or kayaks will be available for rent through Wild River Outfitters.  These will be onsite rentals; come out and rent your boat that morning.  The cost to rent a kayak, paddle and pfd is $ 20 and a reservation should be made in advance by calling Wild River Outfitters at 757-431-8566 or LRNow at 757-962-5398.
 
This site is our fourth public launch site on the LynnhavenRiver and allows access to a particularly beautiful part of our headwaters.  To reach the new launch site, turn west on Old Virginia Beach Road from Birdneck Road (501 City Grill is on the corner) and follow it to the end.
 
See you this Saturday!  You can view a map to the new site on our website.
 
Tour the New Renaissance Academy and Be the First to Hear the 2009 State of the River Report 
LRNow Public Meeting, Dec. 3, 7:00-9:00 PM
Be one of the first to hear results of the Lynnhaven River 2009 State of the River Report and tour the new innovative Renaissance Academy building.  Our December Public Meeting will be held in the Schola of the newest public school on Witchduck Road.

This building will surprise you with all of the innovations that make it the most sustainable school in our region---green roof, cistern, gray water system, solar panels.  Get a look at the 2009 State of the River Report and a pre-opening tour of this amazing new building.  Pre-registration is not required; all are welcome.
 
 John Johnson, sunset
Photo by John Johnson
Thank you for keeping the fall leaves out of the storm drain and out of the river.