Willoughby Civic League
June 14, 2018 7:00 pm, Pretlow Library
Don Musacchio presiding
Officer Jobes, who is serving on Beach Patrol this season, presented crime stats for the area. There were seven reported crimes: 2 larceny-license plates, 3 larceny from auto, 1 stolen auto that was returned, 1 burglary from home. Officer Jobes reminded members about security screws that can be used to attach license plates to vehicles to deter theft. Don asked the officers to keep patrolling illegal right turns at 4th view.
Lt. Mike Lovely from the Norfolk Traffic Division discussed steps that the City has taken to reduce traffic at the 4th view interchange. He stated that the Navy is now staggered coming out of the Naval base. He also stated that the traffic division would continue to enforce speeding on West. Ocean View Ave and would direct traffic if necessary at 4th view. A question was asked about the flashing speed limit signs. Lt. Lovely stated that these signs typically work for about 60 days, then people get numb to the sign. The City moves them around and there are potentially one coming to West Ocean View Ave. Beach Patrol has been instructed to direct traffic at 4th view as needed to help the Traffic Dept. Lt. Lovely also stated that, since school is out, there are more officers available to help out with traffic enforcement.
Don congratulated Councilman Martin Thomas Jr. on his recent election win.
The Civic League sign at 4th view was damaged in a recent storm. Please let Don or Pete know if you find it.
Fish fry will be held on Saturday from 4-7 pm. People are needed to help set up at 10:00 am and to help clean up afterwards. 2 guests are allowed per member, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Board of Directors held a meeting with the developers for the Spectrum site. Rick Anderson discussed the changes to the plan, including the reduced number of units and switch from apartments to condos. He also stated that the board thought that there needs to be increased coordination with the potential widening of the HRBT and Spectrum development. The Board sent a letter asking to establish a working committee with the Civic League, City, developers, and VDOT to keep communication flowing, and to let residents be involved with the planning.
Rick discussed short term rentals as well. The board decided that there is a need to find out what the new regulations coming from City Council will look like. Rick, Jeremy and Suzy are going to get more information on short term rentals, and how it will affect Willoughby. There will be a public meeting on 6/19 at Ocean View Elementary to discuss the environmental impacts of the expansion.
Don discussed two short term rental applications that have been brought before the Board as Conditional Use Permits. There was discussion on how to keep the area, and these homes from becoming “boarding house type” communities. There are concerns on how to keep the community safe, while keeping with the City’s regulations. Councilman Thomas suggested that the Board does not sit on the applications. The Planning commission would not wait 3 months for the Civic League’s input. Adam Melita presented a revision to the short term rental regulation to City Council appx. Two months ago. There is no time table on when it will be finalized. Rick made a motion to vote no for conditional use permits for both applications before the league. There was not a quorum, so no vote was held. The Board will make recommendations and call emergency meetings to vote, if necessary, for any application that is presented during the 2 month summer break. Don stated that he would take the sense of the league and respond appropriately.
Pete Bice attended the Task Force meeting. There is potential to move the bus stop next to the Pretlow library, due to high crime. Harris Teeter is approximately 9 months away from opening. Until then, Willoughby is in a “food desert”. City council is looking into options to help residents that cannot make it to a grocery store in the area.
Rick stated that the conservation group has agreed on a price for an 8 unit apartment. He is waiting on the final contract. The City budget included another $200,000 for conservation of Willoughby.
Membership levels were at 65, with $6100 in the bank.
June 14, 2018 7:00 pm, Pretlow Library
Don Musacchio presiding
Officer Jobes, who is serving on Beach Patrol this season, presented crime stats for the area. There were seven reported crimes: 2 larceny-license plates, 3 larceny from auto, 1 stolen auto that was returned, 1 burglary from home. Officer Jobes reminded members about security screws that can be used to attach license plates to vehicles to deter theft. Don asked the officers to keep patrolling illegal right turns at 4th view.
Lt. Mike Lovely from the Norfolk Traffic Division discussed steps that the City has taken to reduce traffic at the 4th view interchange. He stated that the Navy is now staggered coming out of the Naval base. He also stated that the traffic division would continue to enforce speeding on West. Ocean View Ave and would direct traffic if necessary at 4th view. A question was asked about the flashing speed limit signs. Lt. Lovely stated that these signs typically work for about 60 days, then people get numb to the sign. The City moves them around and there are potentially one coming to West Ocean View Ave. Beach Patrol has been instructed to direct traffic at 4th view as needed to help the Traffic Dept. Lt. Lovely also stated that, since school is out, there are more officers available to help out with traffic enforcement.
Don congratulated Councilman Martin Thomas Jr. on his recent election win.
The Civic League sign at 4th view was damaged in a recent storm. Please let Don or Pete know if you find it.
Fish fry will be held on Saturday from 4-7 pm. People are needed to help set up at 10:00 am and to help clean up afterwards. 2 guests are allowed per member, and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Board of Directors held a meeting with the developers for the Spectrum site. Rick Anderson discussed the changes to the plan, including the reduced number of units and switch from apartments to condos. He also stated that the board thought that there needs to be increased coordination with the potential widening of the HRBT and Spectrum development. The Board sent a letter asking to establish a working committee with the Civic League, City, developers, and VDOT to keep communication flowing, and to let residents be involved with the planning.
Rick discussed short term rentals as well. The board decided that there is a need to find out what the new regulations coming from City Council will look like. Rick, Jeremy and Suzy are going to get more information on short term rentals, and how it will affect Willoughby. There will be a public meeting on 6/19 at Ocean View Elementary to discuss the environmental impacts of the expansion.
Don discussed two short term rental applications that have been brought before the Board as Conditional Use Permits. There was discussion on how to keep the area, and these homes from becoming “boarding house type” communities. There are concerns on how to keep the community safe, while keeping with the City’s regulations. Councilman Thomas suggested that the Board does not sit on the applications. The Planning commission would not wait 3 months for the Civic League’s input. Adam Melita presented a revision to the short term rental regulation to City Council appx. Two months ago. There is no time table on when it will be finalized. Rick made a motion to vote no for conditional use permits for both applications before the league. There was not a quorum, so no vote was held. The Board will make recommendations and call emergency meetings to vote, if necessary, for any application that is presented during the 2 month summer break. Don stated that he would take the sense of the league and respond appropriately.
Pete Bice attended the Task Force meeting. There is potential to move the bus stop next to the Pretlow library, due to high crime. Harris Teeter is approximately 9 months away from opening. Until then, Willoughby is in a “food desert”. City council is looking into options to help residents that cannot make it to a grocery store in the area.
Rick stated that the conservation group has agreed on a price for an 8 unit apartment. He is waiting on the final contract. The City budget included another $200,000 for conservation of Willoughby.
Membership levels were at 65, with $6100 in the bank.