City Council Special Formal Meeting, 2/24/2026

City of Va Beach Feb 24, 2026 YouTube

The Virginia Beach City Council held a special formal session on February 24, 2026. The meeting began with a legislative update from Brent McKenzie, Director of Legislative Affairs, who detailed the status of the city's legislative agenda in the General Assembly. He highlighted differences between the House and Senate budgets, noting the House proposed $5 million for the Atlantic Park development and $2 million for a Menhaden research study, while the Senate allocated $340.5 million for a Hampton Road Sanitation District treatment plant project. McKenzie also discussed a pilot program for utility spot marking at the Oceanfront, which Dominion will present to the SEC on March 3rd. Following the legislative report, City Real Estate Assessor Sue Cunningham presented her annual report for fiscal year 2027. She announced a projected 6% increase in total real estate assessments to just over $92 billion, which would generate approximately $896 million in tax revenue at the current rate. The report noted a $719 million value in new construction, with a significant portion from commercial properties like the Amazon distribution center. The council then received a detailed review of the draft "Imagine VB 2040" comprehensive plan from planning staff Kathy Warren and Hank Morrison. The plan focuses on redevelopment, introducing four context areas and a system of centers and corridors. A lengthy discussion ensued among council members regarding the naming of the "Green Line Context Area," with several members preferring the "Courthouse Context Area" to better reflect its diverse uses. The council also heard presentations on proposed projects for the Smart Scale transportation grant program and a review of pending planning items scheduled for March hearings. The Smart Scale proposals included five projects: Alaskan Road Phase 3, improvements at Linhaven Parkway and I-264, a left turn lane on Pacific Avenue at 22nd Street, the Virginia Beach Trail Phase 3, and a $42.5 million pedestrian bridge over I-264 to connect Town Center with Mount Trashmore. Pending planning items included several controversial rezoning and development proposals, notably a high-density residential project at 4916 Euclid Road and the Preserve at West Neck development. The meeting concluded with the council recessing into a closed session.

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