15th Street Pier Redevelopment

[vdogg]

Looks like this is still in the works, with a deal to be finalized this summer.

https://pilotonline.com/business/consumer/souvenir-shop-owners-open-mini-waterside-on-virginia-beach-strip/article_3d55d795-d796-55bd-ab63-35933ddabc33.html

[BFG]

I was in Miami for Memorial Day weekend, and naturally had a blast. There were some similarities to VB, mainly the foot traffic. But in terms of the architecture and layout, it was basically VB for grown-ups. It seems like Bruce Thompson is trying to move away from that cookie-cutter, family-friendly image, or at least downplay it in favor of a bona fide tourist destination, like a Miami for people who can't afford to go there. I'm all in favor of that, esp. if it means replacing that little carnival along Atlantic Ave. It just seems so cheesy.

[jeffconn]

That little carnival does bring in a lot of families. People expect stuff like that at a beach. It's something to do when you're not in the mood for just hanging out at the beach. And it sure beats more cookie cutter tourist trap shops, or just another building with the same chain stores and restaurants. 

[Urbanlooker]

 https://pilotonline.com/business/real-estate/idea-for-new-oceanfront-fishing-pier-is-back-this-time/article_39d94159-3ca6-5bfe-a745-3d774d3dcba5.html

A revised version for the redevelopment of the pier the city is putting in on it and would own the pier.

Edited December 7, 2017 by Urbanlooker

[Virginia City]

So it's ok if the city builds the pier itself but can't be bothered to pitch in money for an arena that would make way more money over its lifespan? I mean I would like to see the pier happen but it seems hypocritical right?

[BFG]

Not so fast? VB Council (wait for it) is expressing doubts about whether this is necessary.

https://pilotonline.com/business/real-estate/article_14626487-b04b-5240-ac23-994fb2731ddb.html

I get John Moss's concern about the need for things like drainage ditches, but the article says this would be paid for from the tourism budget. I imagine things like drainage ditches fall under infrastructure?

Now that I've thought about this, VB is shooting itself in the foot if they say no to this. I know it's a popular destination, but this could be a great opportunity to rebrand itself and move into a new era.

Edited January 11, 2018 by BFG

[Urbanlooker]

I wouldn't stretch it to say council is expressing doubts it's more like one particular member is 

[vdogg]

And the timidity of council continues. If we can't even get this done, then there's truly no hope for this city. 

https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_6e2a4235-03e2-5510-b474-a60624d741b4.html

[BFG]

I love the comparison to the Dome site, and how they want to be informed on every detail. And like the Dome site, I wouldn't be surprised if, 20 years from now, the pier still goes undeveloped because no one could pull the trigger.

[vdogg]

https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_d0281c02-6390-5230-8e2f-5ceecbfceae2.html

This request should be summarily rejected. We study things to death in this city. No more studies! 

[BFG]

VIRGINIA BEACH: Let's not spend taxpayer dollars on an ambitious project, because it could fail, although we'd have to try pretty hard not to make it work.

ALSO VIRGINIA BEACH: Let's spend taxpayer dollars on another study, then reject the whole thing altogether.

[baobabs727]

Political CYA tactic. Even in the face of $200M piggy bank which was gleaned from those tourist $$? These people are certifiable.  And afraid of their own shadow.

[Urbanlooker]

The King of Studies is nothing yet predictable at least we've got that. Predictability is so much better than an arena, literally anything on the dome site, a ferris wheel, a new pier, or literally any other development that could lift the city and the region right? 

But maybe we're wrong maybe this study won't lead to just another study or cancellaion of this project like nearly every other before. 

Edited March 5, 2018 by Urbanlooker

[vdogg]

And it’s over...

https://pilotonline.com/pdf_0f59d83e-289b-11e8-95ed-2fda0f3c930f.html

https://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/article_8a1e02ec-288d-11e8-ac26-af61c0e7d82d.html

Virginia Beach knows no bounds in it’s race towards mediocrity.

“Earlier this week, Bruce Thompson said he didn’t know if he was going to continue chasing a partnership with the city to build a pier.

 

In an interview, Thompson said it wasn’t fair that the city started the bidding process over.

“I don't need to do it,” he said. “I have a lot of better things I can do with my time and a lot of markets that seem appreciative.””

Hopefully he’s talking about Norfolk. If we can’t have it here then having it there is the next best option. I could see something like this working over at the waterfront near Harbor Park.

[BFG]

So I'm guessing VB will build a pier, but it will be very generic and safe.  I'll wait until they unveil an official plan (not holding my breath), but it's a shame...is could've really set a new tone for the strip.

[baobabs727]

No, the pier is not a done deal even without the enhancements. The minority member bloc  on Council does not want a pier, and the majority has caved. And they will continue to cave because they have no guts and they do not understand how to wield their majority voting power. What feckless  imbeciles. Cowards.  I have emailed a scathing message of protest to the majority and the majority, alone. And I routinely support them with positive emails, so I hope this one stands out. Even though I am one small cog in a giant wheel, I must call a spade a spade. Bruce is right. This is crap.  Unfortunately, business as usual of late on the Virginia Beach City Council. 

Edited March 16, 2018 by baobabs727

[HRVA]

The Sibony family (Sunsations) now own all of the properties associated with this proposal with their purchase of Breakers Resort. When it was reported earlier this year that they were purchasing the pier, their lawyer stated that he expects a development proposal from them for this site. Something to keep an eye on…