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Virtual Town Meetings
During 2020 and 2021, we adjusted our normal Town Meeting format to be virtual. Community members submitted questions and City experts provided video responses. Many of these questions and answers are still very relevant today, so take a look. Remember that if you have questions not covered here, you can always call the Customer Contact Center at 757-382-2489 or submit a request online or reach out directly to the department involved.
- With all the new development going on in the City, what’s the plan for open space and managing continued development?
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Here is a video response all about the Comprehensive Plan and how development is planned in Chesapeake from Former Planning Director, Jaleh Shea.
- How are zoning guides developed?
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- What does it mean when a property is by right?
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- What can the City do about vacant commercial properties?
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The Department of Development and Permits ensures that the property owner maintains the security of the structure for vacant commercial buildings. The property must be kept up to minimum Virginia Maintenance Code requirements. Beyond that, the City does not have additional enforcement for vacant commercial buildings.
- What are the landscaping requirements for developers and are native plants encouraged?
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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.
- Explain the process of enforcing residential property maintenance. Why doesn’t the City impose more severe penalties to homeowners whose property lacks proper maintenance?
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Here is a video response from Development & Permits Customer Service Manager, Sandra Witherow.
- What's the latest on Public Utilities Projects in South Norfolk?
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- What's the latest on Water Bills: The HRUBS Bill Breakdown and The Next Rate Increase?
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Water Bills: The HRUBS Bill Breakdown & The Next Rate Increase
- Why does my water bill increase at times?
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Water Bills: Why you might see increases at various times of year
- Why are nonprofits now being charged to use meeting rooms at Chesapeake Public Libraries?
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Chesapeake Public Libraries charge everyone for use of their space, with the exception of City, State, and Federal departments. The policy was updated to align with the current policies of other City-owned properties.
- How does the City determine when additional library branches are needed?
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Many factors are taken into consideration when determining the need to add additional branches. Door counts and reports from staff about program attendance are all tracked on a regular basis. These reports leads to interim measures that address the needs of the community. For example, door counts at Russel Memorial Library occasionally exceed those at Central Library. That's why CPL is moving forward with expansions at that branch. With branches that do not have the physical space for expansion, CPL works with other City departments to determine how the property can most efficiently be used. Another remedy includes the installation of library kiosks and vending machines which provide 24-hour access to select materials.
- How is funding for the libraries determined?
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Libraries receive funding in 2 ways, primarily funds are provided by the City of Chesapeake. However, funds are also provided 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.
- Does Chesapeake have a mental health crisis hotline?
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Yes! Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (CIBH) provides a 24/7 emergency crisis intervention hotline at 757-548-7000. Learn more about CIBH and other ways they assist with mental health issues in our City by visiting CityofChesapeake.net/CIBH or by viewing the CIBH video playlist on Chesapeake Television’s YouTube page.
- 2020 - With the Bowers Hill fire station opening soon, why is Ladder 12 being moved to that location?
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This move will leave the northwestern section of the City vulnerable and the target hazards support a ladder truck on Taylor Road.
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 and 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 Road?
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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.
- What is the City doing to about homelessness in our community?
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- 2020 - Help with childcare?
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Chesapeake Human Services has a variety of services to help caretakers find childcare. You can access the state Licensed Child Care Search engine through their website. Additional support for parents is available through Chesapeake RU Ready.
- Why did our Personal Property Taxes go up (June 2021)?
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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.
- What is the City currently doing to help provide more access to broadband?
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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.
- Who can cut back tree limbs near power lines?
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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.
- Are there any plans for a municipal pool facility (that might also include senior activities and exercise options) (2020)?
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- Can Chesapeake assist with nonprofit recreational baseball / softball leagues by providing funding or services like maintenance?
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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.
- Are there any plans for a softball complex or possibly turf fields (2020)?
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- What's the latest on traffic enforcement?
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We received several questions asking about the enforcement of speeding and other traffic and vehicle violations. Officers regularly patrol for these types of safety issues but if you would like to request enforcement in a specific area you can contact the Police Department Traffic Bureau at 757-382-6556.
- How can I find out about laws regarding where I can legally shoot a gun in City limits? What are the boundaries?
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This is addressed in City Code of Ordinances Section 46-42: Discharging Firearms.
- How do you manage red light runners? How do we request police monitoring for dangerous intersections?
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The Chesapeake Police Department has an officer assigned to oversee the red light camera program. To request enforcement in any area, you can contact the Traffic Bureau at 757-382-6556.
- Will there always be early voting?
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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.
- What are we doing to strengthen the election process?
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Contact the Voter Registrar to learn more about how the Chesapeake Voter Registrar keeps elections safe and secure.
- Does Chesapeake use Dominion Voting Machines?
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No, Chesapeake does not use Dominion Voting Machines. We use the Hart InterCivic Verity Voting System. Learn more about Chesapeake's voting equipment.
- Was this past year the worst ever for mosquitoes? What does Mosquito Control do to minimize the impact of mosquitoes?
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Though it may have felt like the worst year for mosquitoes at your home, it actually was not the worst in Chesapeake overall. The beginning of the 2021 mosquito season saw a lot of nuisance mosquitoes because of the wet weather, but when it dried off in the fall, the number dropped. Container breeders continue to be the most annoying mosquito for most homeowners and the best way to reduce their numbers is to tip and toss anything that holds water in your yard. If you're having an issue with the mosquito population around your property, call Mosquito Control at 757-382-3450. They will send someone out to take a look and help you find a solution. Learn more about Mosquito Control on the Chesapeake Television YouTube page