The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
The Planning Commission approved on Wednesday two fast-food restaurants with drive- through windows, projects city officials said contradicted the goal of a pedestrian-friendly urban village on Laskin Road near the Oceanfront.
In the 6-3 vote, commissioners said the proposed Dunkin' Donuts and Burger King would improve the properties, create jobs and generate tax revenue in a tough economy.
The City Council, which gets the final say, is scheduled to vote on the projects Feb. 24.
City Manager Jim Spore sent a letter to planning commissioners last month asking them to reject the restaurants. He said the projects represent a symbolic test of the city's commitment to its development plans.
The "Laskin Road Gateway" to the beach was laid out in a resort area plan adopted by the City Council in December. Laskin Road becomes 31st Street near the Oceanfront. The plan calls for a tree-lined boulevard with wide sidewalks, outdoor cafes and a narrow roadway.
Commissioners, seeking to mold the projects to the plan, attached conditions: more outdoor seating, wider sidewalks and more landscaping - and moving of the doughnut shop drive- through window.
"It doesn't meet every criteria of the plan, but it does a darn good job of fitting in," said Janice Anderson, Planning Commission chairwoman, who voted for the projects.
Commissioners Jay Bernas, Henry Livas and Joseph Strange voted no.
"We need to show some leadership and stick to the plan," Bernas said. "If we're not willing to stand firm and complete the vision, it's kind of a waste of time."
Developer Jack Pope, who has a project near the sites, agreed. "It's time for us to take a long-term view and not a short, expedient view," he said.
Brian Murden, whose family owns the land proposed for the Dunkin' Donuts, said the project is a good chance to get a business back on the property. A dry cleaner used to operate on the site.
He questioned whether Oceanfront visitors would walk the four or five blocks from the beach to get a doughnut.
"I cannot see your average tourist walking from the Boardwalk," he said.
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
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Spore and the Shrooms of Sim City
It must be asked; how does the Planning Commission dare to throw a monkey wrench into Spore's game of Sim City? Oh,......you people didn't think you were actually real did you?
So, stop your Sim-bolic complaining. Do as you're supposed to. Stick to the "plan" and "complete the vision". Now isn't that better?
BK DD comment continued
Heres an idea:
Let random public citizens serve in the Planning
Commission as random citizens serve in the jury
though they should not be cherry picked as well.
Then this and other governments will start to become
not just a government of a few people, by a few people,
for a few people (largely influenced by a few people).
Obesity??????
I doubt that obesity will increase at the Oceanfront because of drive thrus! Can you dig up some stats on that if it's a factor for approving or disapproving? Good grief! What a dilema!
Needs more analysis
"In the 6-3 vote, commissioners said the proposed Dunkin' Donuts and Burger King would improve the properties, create jobs and generate tax revenue in a tough economy."
AND
Increase obesity and decrease time the cops are on the beat.
Let's assume that those who frequent doughnut and fast food outlets are probably not in the best of shape therefore, most likely will not walk the four blocks. If they do some may not make it and require medical attention. And what about the walk back when they are full? How many public restrooms are available along the 4 mile route? Looks like this will cost us and not really save anything. I'm joking here so ease up Francis!
But DZIT
You have to understand, the current puppet mayor, council, and city mangler could care less about citizens, education, security, or safety of VB residents. They have over $600 thousand dollars of campaign contributions from special interest developers they need to satisfy. Anything that has to do with a taxpayer is second fiddle to developer desires.
What a waste of money
Pedestrian walking blocks are a waste of money. The only people walking around at the Oceanfront are the homeless.
I agree
I agree with the Planning Commission's decision in this tough economy. In my opinion the Gateway & all "beautifications" should be postponed - put on hold totally until the economy returns to it's previous state. It's wrong to take from education, security & safety of Va Bch residents (especially when they are footing the bill) to make things look nicer or even make unnecessary transportation easier for a select few (i.e. the Towne Center pedestrian bridge, the light rail, the gateway). Unless of course the city council is going to pay for it all personally. All Federal & State help should go towards maintaining Beach education, security & safety.
Narrow streets?
What a brilliant concept to bring to Hilltop from May to September. Perhaps with the huge backups people can just leave their cars idling, go in and get a doughnut. Does your IQ need to be less than 90 to get a job on the Planning Commission?
But
It still is laughable how inaccurate the Pilot article is. Headline "Virginia Beach OKs drive-throughs near Oceanfront". No, not really. First off Virginia Beach did not approve, the planning commission approved the design (over the wishes of city mangler spore).
And the article further states that it still requires council vote. So no, VB did not approve the drive throughs....yet.
A win for the planners and neighbors
Its good to see Planning Departments starting to hold the line and forcing business owners who aren't knowledgable about the bigger picture to conform to standards of design that will benefit the entire community. In the end, the businesses got what they needed, but are being asked to do it in a way that fits with the surrounding neighborhood. Score one for the good guys.