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Third Annual Southside Hampton Roads Climate Solutions Roundtable

October 8, 2024

Climate Initiatives

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City Initiatives

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Replace fluorescent lights with LEDs

Replace inefficient HVAC systems and faucets

Retrofit water fountains with bottle fillers

Monitor high energy-use buildings: City Hall, Animal Control

EV City Fleet

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Solar Energy

  • Policy adopted 2019, amended 2022
  • 3 solar projects approved
  • Agrivoltaic projects encouraged
  • Battery storage logistics
  • Draft stipulations
    • 300ft setback from residential or public right-of-way
    • Contributions to Open Space and Agricultural Preservation Program (OSAP)
    • Include plants from VA Pollinator Smart Scorecard

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Urban Forestry

  • Planted 984 trees over the last three years
    • Emphasis on native species
  • Developing an Urban Forestry Program
  • Awarded Tree City USA designation for 38 years

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Main’s Creek Stormwater Park

  • 2022- storm buffer planted
  • 2023- preliminary design with Virginia Tech and UVA students
  • 2024- trees planted at Harbor North Park and FEMA lots
  • 2025- design funding
    • Partnership with Wetlands Watch and the Elizabeth River Project
      • Community engagement

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Industrial Waterfront Study Recommendations

  • Resilient Area Plans
  • Green buffers + green infrastructure network
  • Bainbridge Blvd raising, Freeman Ave Grade Separation
  • Creek restoration, wetlands mitigation, nature parks
  • Living shorelines – Money Point

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Trails and Connectivity Plan

  • Bike and pedestrian facilities for recreation and active transportation
  • Connecting residents to parks, schools, jobs, and transit

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Grants

  • Urban Heat Mitigation
  • Urban Forestry
  • Conservation
  • Resilient Infrastructure
  • Nature-based solutions

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Next Steps

  • Sustainable purchasing policy
  • Continue to retrofit existing City facilities and build new sustainable facilities
  • Urban Heat Mitigation Plan
  • Resilient Area Plans
  • EV Charging Station Policy
  • Solar policy in South Norfolk Historic District

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Thank you!

Charlie Jones (they/them)

EJones@CityOfChesapeake.net

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Questions?

Planning@CityOfChesapeake.net