Storm Damage Assessment Form

Listed below is a form to assist the City in collecting information about your personal storm damage The results of this information will assist in possibly obtaining FEMA relief for eligible people. The form is outlined below and is also available at

http://www.portsmouthva.gov/news/2009/Damage-Assessment-Notice.pdf


During the recent storm of November 11-14, 2009, private and public properties were damaged by floodwaters and high winds.

The city conducted preliminary damage assessments throughout the city and is currently conducting the next step in the damage assessment process. This is where we need your help. To provide the most accurate assessment of damage and make certain flood victims can be eligible for federal assistance, if it is offered, please let us know if your property sustained flood or wind damage during this storm.

Your response to the following questions will be most valuable:

1. Name ___________________________________________
2. Phone Number ____________________________________
3. Address of damage____________________________
4. Type of damage ____ wind ____ flood
5. Dollar Value of damage to the building_________________
6. Dollar Value of damage to contents ____________________
7. Do you have a Flood Insurance Policy ____ yes ____ no
8. Comments:________________________________________

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Please respond to these questions by email, voicemail, or by mail:
-- Email to damageassessment@portsmouthva.gov
-- Leave a telephone voicemail message at (757) 393 – 8035
-- or, mail this notice to Permits and Inspections/Damage Assessment, 801 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704.

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this important effort.

Shea Terrace Sink Hole a Crappy Problem

Hey, as a neighbor, did you ever think about calling the City when you saw something amiss in Shea Terrace and then wonder if you were just being a crank? A lot of us do!

So, here's the case for calling...A Shea Terrace neighbor noticed a sink hole forming in front of the former elementary school. Visions of the sink holes shown on the news danced in this resident's head...you know, the kind where a car or a house falls into it? So this neighbor called the City.

Guess what? There is a major sewer line break which caused the street to sink in and that is why the equipment pictured above has been on Constitution Avenue all week.

The problem was caused by the Nor'easter and was also causing the manhole on Chelsea and Constitution to bubble up with uh, well you know...That puts the "ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww" in sewage.

When in doubt, call! And when in doubt of where to call, email Bernadette Hogg, who knows which department handles every concern and tracks with the department to make sure your concern gets addressed. Hoggb@portsmouthva.gov. No phone call needed and you can email at YOUR convenience, without having to call during working hours.

So remember, when in doubt, call.

Update from the NIO, Officer Robert Diaz

There have been some recent crimes that Shea Terrce residents need to be aware of. On average, Shea Terrace continues to have a low crime rate and is one of the safest neighborhoods in the area.

Recently in the Waterview neighborhood of Portsmouth, a woman was leaving for work when she was apprached by a male with a gun. The suspect made her get into her vehicle with him. He demanded all her jewelry. The suspect then made the victim drop him off in Port Norfolk. She was not physically hurt.

This is an unusual crime. However, please follow the tips below to make yourself safer:

Be aware of your surroundings
Take a look outside before leaving and look for anything or anyone suspicious
If you're going going to your vehicle, have your fingers on the panic button of your car keys, especially at night.
Park in well-lit areas

Most likely due to the economy, there has been an increase in car break ins. Unfortunately, several have happened in Shea Terrace. With one exception, the 7 break ins which have been reported since July have happened when a resident has left the car unlocked. No one is at fault when a they are a crime victim, but there are ways to make your car safer:

Park in a well-lit area
Remove your GPS from your car if possible and rub off the circular mark left on the windshield
Do not leave valuables in your car
Lock your car doors
Invest in a gas cap lock, a license plate cover, and a steering wheel locking mechanism

When thieves find it hard to can access, they go somewhere else.

Remember, call 911 first in an emergency and then call me to let me know, 235-2500. Please fee free to share any questions or concerns you have with me.

Let's continue to work together to keep Shea Terrace safe,

Officer Robert Diaz
Neighborhood Impact Officer - Shea Terrace
Portsmouth Police Department
235-2500, Car No. 510

Portsmouth Police Department Citizen's Academy

The Portsmouth Police Department is proud to present the 2010 Citizens' Police Academy beginning on February 28. There is no cost for this training.

This community-oriented program is designed to provide private citizens and members of the business community with an insider’s perspective of police work and the legal system.

During the ten-week academy, participants will be exposed to all areas of the criminal justice system. Police Department instructors will cover a variety of topics, such as officer recruiting, Uniform Patrol duties, functions of investigative units, Crime Prevention, and drug use and abuse information. Several classes will involve actual demonstrations by special units, including SWAT, K-9 and Mounted Patrol. Hands-on classes also are provided in firearms training and traffic stop exercises. A ride-along experience with patrol is offered as well, to allow participants to observe first-hand officers’ response to police calls for service.

The citizens' Police Academy will assist ultimately in the reduction of crime, through the forging of a partnership between the community and the Police Department. This partnership is the most practical, efficient, and powerful tool in the fight against crime.

Under the leadership of Chief Hargis, the Portsmouth Police Department embraces the philosophy of high performing organizations, seeking to continuously improve delivery of services to a more complex and diverse community. The citizens' Police Academy is one of several innovative programs developed by the Police Department, promoting its evolution as a modern, dynamic, and professional law enforcement agency.

If you are interested in attending, you must preregister, and undergo a minimal background investigation. Felony convictions likely result in disqualification; felony and domestic violence convictions will absolutely prohibit any involvement with our firearms programs. Participants with suspended or revoked driver's licenses are eligible to attend, but strongly cautioned NOT to drive to the police facility.


Link to Registration:


http://ppd2010citizensacademy.eventbrite.com/

The Flagship

The Flagship was smacked around pretty good by the storm, but Alan will be opening up again by Tuesday or Wednesday. He was insured against the loss. As we all know, though, insurance doesn't make up for the heartache of seeing all the things you worked to put in place damaged or ruined. Insurance also doesn't make up for all the work that you have to do to put it back together.

Please keep Alan and his staff in your prayers this coming week We're sure he'd love to get email of support. Alan can be reached at biffthebardude@hotmail.com. Better yet, stop by when the restaurant re-opens and enjoy a delicious meal!

November Noreaster-RIP Sadie Scarecrow

We know you'll join the Shea Terrace Civic League in mourning the sad demise of Sadie Scarecrow, a resident of the 200 block of Constitution Avenue. Sadie was a simple girl, but her smiling face was a blessing to all who encountered her. She made a big impact in her short life. Sadie was bravely manning her post during the height of the storm and was killed by a flying pot of mums. Only the good die young. Rest in peace, Sadie.

Sadie will be remembered at a candlelight vigil at Bowman's Garden Center, Olde Towne Portsmouth on Sunday at 7 p.m. Mourners will sing Sadie's favorite hymn, "If I Only Had a Brain" from the Wizard of Oz. Due to the presence of other combustible scarecrows, the candles will not be lit. All are welcome to join the other scarecrows, garden gnomes, and pink flamingos in celebrating Sadie's life.

As you can see, the neighborhood has had some damage, including downed trees and dangling wires at the end of Idlewood. The Flagship flooded and you can see the high water mark on the porch in picture 5. Flagship staff had removed all items from the floor and expects to reopen after a clean up.

All in all, we've come out of this pretty well, especially Bingo the brown dog of Idlewood who ran away in fright last night, but was recovered by his Dad, Matt, worn out and sitting down in the high school field.

Yard of the Month

Congratulations to the owners of this beautiful home on Sandpiper Drive!

Tire Disposal

Shea Terrace seems to be having a little problem with illegally-dumped tires. Did you know that each household in Portsmouth is permitted to discard up to four tires per year at no charge?

Albert White, of the Sanitation Department, is a good friend to Shea Terrace and a diligent City employee. He tells us that residents may simply leave their discarded tires at the curbside next to their garbage cans, as with any bulk refuse. You can get more information about this by emailing Albert at whitea@portsmouthva.gov. Albert is very knowledgeable about any questions you might have in regard to trash pick up.

Albert has picked up the tires currently discarded on public land at Scotts Creek Park. If you are aware of any illegal dumping, the Fire Marshall is actually responsible for this and can be reached at 548-2256. Please also notify our neighborhood officer, Robert Diaz, at 235-2500, if you become aware of illegal dumping.

Illegal dumping is insightly and brings all of our property values down. In the case of residents' discarded tires, it is also unnecessary because the City picks them up at no cost. Let's all work together to keep things clean in Shea Terrace.