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January 28, 2008
The Honorable Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf
City of Virginia Beach
2401 Courthouse Drive
City Hall, Building #1
Municipal Center
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456
RE: Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility/Proposed Dredge Spoils Transfer Station
Mayor Oberndorf,
Our public access non-profit provides the following comment, recommendation, and/or request for your consideration regarding the proposed dredge spoils transfer station at the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility at Crab Creek.
First, and foremost, the proposal threatens the public safety of the Shore Drive community (residents, locals, and tourists) as this location is already a congested area with a high number of accidents and traffic deaths. The additional truck traffic will only exacerbate this situation. Secondly, the proposed project creates additional navigational hazards to boating traffic throughout the Lynnhaven River, at the Lesner Bridge, and in the Lynnhaven Inlet. Lastly, the proposal will cause an impediment to and loss of public access to the Crab Creek recreational area including the boat ramp.
The concept of using the public access for a dredge spoils transfer station is simply an incompatible use and just a plain bad idea that puts the public unnecessarily at risk.
VCAN recommends that the Crab Creek recreational area and Lynnhaven Boat Ramp Facility not be used as a dredge spoils transfer site. We recommend that a more appropriate alternative location be identified and utilized for the transfer of dredge spoils. There has to be an alternative site closer to the actual dredging itself that minimizes the risk to the public, navigational hazards, and the loss of public access.
Thanks in advance for your time, efforts, and consideration in this matter.
Mark Feltner, President
Virginia Coastal Access Now
CC: James Spore/City Manager
John Warren/The Virginian-Pilot
Justin Worrell/Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Preston Bryant/Secretary of Natural Resources
Virginia Beach City Council |
