The precedent has already been set, but our City Planners & Leaders need a reminder (and YOU are delivering)! Virginia Beach legislatures AND voters have already said NO to filling in natural wetlands to build homes. The city purchase of Pleasure House Lake in Chic's Beach and the current city investments there are irrefutable evidence that Lake Conrad 2 is vital to the Great Neck communities and needs to be acquired by the city as a stormwater park.
The similarities are uncanny. In 1991, a private landowner Richardson C. Bell had already been processed for a US Army Corps of Engineers permit to fill in his portion of the lake to build single family homes. Just like the scenario we have today with Lake Conrad 2, the Contract Purchaser Bishard Homes is receiving permits from the DEQ and the ACE to allow him to fill in this lake to build 12 homes. The only barrier is the City Council and Planners.
Like Lake Conrad 2, Pleasure House Lake has always been an integral part of the character of its neighborhood. According to an article in The Virginian Pilot in 1990, "The average person would never dream that Pleasure House Lake could be altered and the essential environmental and historical nature of the neighborhood destroyed." By the looks of signage throughout Great Neck Estates and its surrounding neighborhoods, the Great Neck community feels the same shock and revulsion at this reality.
These lakes are both natural wetlands with historical significance. Pleasure House Lake is part of four lakes that once were fingers of the Lynnhaven River. Lake Conrad 2 is part of a three lake system that was originally part of the Lynnhaven River. Both lakes serve the public as drainage and water retention. Pleasure House Lake developer Bell said if the city opposed him developing his land, then they would have to buy it, according to the November 11, 1990 article in the "Virginian Pilot." Similarly, that possibility exists for Lake Conrad 2, with the Wycliffe Presbyterian Church and Bishard Homes attorney Eddie Bourdon suggesting that another buyer for the property come forth. It's time that the city denies the owner the ability to return this parcel of land to housing since it is attached to a contract to build including regulatory permissions.
The law was clear then as it is now. In fact, our existing City Attorney Mark Stiles even signed off on the eminent domain acquisition of Pleasure House Lake as then deputy city attorney! Our City Council must protect Lake Conrad 2 from development by condemnation and paying fair market value to the Church owner. Then they should pass legislation to protect all of Virginia Beach natural waterways from infill development. The precedent has already been set!