Greening Chesapeake

From environment and sustainability side, there are some noteworthy new projects in the Capital Improvement Program, including  -#20-300 Urban Forestry [Master Plan] & Tree Inventory Plan - will provide the framework for managing the green infrastructure of the City for the next 20 years and beyond [and] ensure a cohesive approach towards tree management and preservation.  - budget $500K in 2026 - #15-300 Chesapeake Pedestrian Access Improvements - funds improvements to pedestrian crossings at 33 signalized intersections in the City and include high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian signal poles, push buttons, and curb ramps with detectable warnings. - budget $4.125M in 2026 via VDOT Reimbursements.  More details at  Highway Safety Improvement Program - VDOT Smart Portal - #27-300 Wayfinding Signage - implementation of a scalable wayfinding sign ‘family’ consisting of entryway, gateway, and both pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signage [to] connect areas in th...

Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, April 30, 6 pm, at YNot Italian in Greenbrier. Our guest speaker will be Christina Trapani, the new Program Director for Clean Virginia Waterways.  Many of us know Christina through her sustainable products company Eco Maniac and her relentless efforts to tackle plastic litter and pollution in our area.  Now, she is the new leader of Clean Virginia Waterways statewide efforts to enhance the health of Virginia’s water resources through pollution prevention.  Come out and learn about efforts to deal with our plastics problem.  What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us and them'. Green Drinks is a chance to mingle, share insights, inspire and delight each other. Come out and order some ...

The Governor has now taking actions - signing or vetoing bills passed by the General Assembly. Here are some of the environmental related bills of local interest. Governor Approved SB 1416 - Passed Senate 40-0, Passed Housed 75-20 Amends Virginia Code § 46.2-924 to establish stricter penalties for drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.  HB 1941 - Passed Senate  as amended 27-9, passed House as amended 67-28 SB 1166 - Passed House  as amended 62-44,  Passed Senate  as amended 33-7 Mandates that retailers must post conspicuous signage near each invasive plant display that identifies the plant as invasive, educates consumers about invasive plant species, and encourages them to ask about alternative plant options. HB 2630 - Passed House 63-35, Passed Senate 27-9 Enables localities to establish tree canopy banks or funds to facilitate tree preservation and planting efforts Governor provided Substitute Language: HB2034 - Passed House 80-18, ...

  Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, March 26, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, March 26, 6 pm, at YNot Italian in Greenbrier. Our guest speaker is Dennis Bagley, Executive Director of the Southeastern Public Services Authority (SPSA) which is responsible for our regional waste management programs including the regional landfill.  Mr. Bagley will be discussing the Alternative Waste Disposal options being examined to divert trash from ending up in the landfill.   SPSA has been leading a multi-year effort to solicit proposals for such alternatives that is moving toward a conclusion. What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us and them'. Green Drinks is a chance to mingle, share insights, inspire and delight each other. Come out and order some food or a drink (each part...

Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, February 26, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, February 26, 6 pm at YNot Italian in Greenbrier. Speaker is TBD. What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us and them'. Green Drinks is a chance to mingle, share insights, inspire and delight each other. Come out and order some food or a drink (each participant pays for their own drinks and food; if drinking, please do so responsibly!) and join the conversation. Please do share the invite with others who may be interested. Story of Plastic The Norfolk Environmental Commission and Sierra Club will be sponsoring an airing of the "The Story of Plastic" at the Naro Cinema on Saturday, Feb 8, 10 am. Come out to learn why we are drowning in plastic and why plastic recycling is ultimately not a solut...

Green Drinks Chesapeake - Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Our next Green Drinks meeting will be on Wednesday, January 29, 6 pm at YNot Italian in Greenbrier.   We'll have a guest speaker this month to tell us about the issues with artificial lights, specifically new, high-intensity, LED street lights, and their impact on our environment. Liz Paiste is a member of Citizens for Responsible Lighting, a grassroots organization lobbying for healthy LED light options for Norfolk.  Liz is an advocate for greenspace and tree canopy within Norfolk and serves as one of 9 Tree Commissioners within the city.  She is also the Co-Chair of the Olmsted Initiative, which the Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently recognized as an example of resilience within Norfolk.  What is Green Drinks?  Green Drinks is mostly for people working on environmental issues, but anyone can come -- people from environmental groups, businesses, government, academia, and as individuals. There is no 'us ...