Virginia Beach residents are concerned about an application before City Council that will turn a treasured part of Virginia Beach into a housing development by filling in a lake.
Generations, from ages 4 to 94, have shown up in droves to oppose the destruction of this beautiful natural area, known as "Red Bridge" in the Great Neck section of Virginia Beach. They showed up to say they love this property for so many reasons, whether they attended scouts at the log cabin in the 1970s, fished for catfish and bass from the red bridge over Lake Conrad, or they rode the ladybug on the playground just last weekend. They wrote the Planning Commission in advance of the meeting to express their concerns. They car- pooled to City Hall to show their opposition to the application to return the property to housing. They bravely held signs that said "No Building on Wetlands!" They told curious reporters what was at stake. They shared hard data with the Commission. They delivered passionate speeches. And...when a unexpected and victorious vote was delivered... they cheered and teared!
The vote was a statement that THIS Virginia Beach Planning Commission realized the implications that application approval meant to the natural area. Our City Council can overturn their recommendation. From now until the City Council hearing on September 19, 2023 at 6PM, our elected officials will be told that they have no choice but to return this land to housing. This is simply a manipulation of the Truth. A vote is a CHOICE that they have been awarded by the citizens of Virginia Beach. In certain circles, the whispers have started, "the votes are already decided...6 to 4 with the approval being granted" for the property to return to housing. We are counting on all generations to step up again to tell Council what they want for OUR city.
All who care about the future of Virginia Beach wetlands are asked to write City Council at CityCouncil@vbgov.com and tell them to oppose any application that will result in the destruction of our wetlands like this Lake Conrad infill to build homes. Have your kids write letters to the editor of the newspaper. Share the petition with your neighbors. This is about *all* of Virginia Beach, not just a neighborhood lake. Which lake will be next if we don't draw the line now? Do you remember the commitments made during the Flood Referendum? Tell City Council what you want for future Virginia Beach residents--like the kids pictured here. These children bravely stood up for a special place in their world. Will you?
To borrow from one of the speakers "YOU have the power to make a change!" But it is going to take every single one of you.