About a week ago a local developer made an (on-line via Zoom) presentation proposing an apartment complex to replace the boat dealership at the corner of Marlin Bay and Shore Drive to members of the Ocean Park Civic League Board and the Shore Drive Community Coalition Board. The Ocean Park Civic League (OPCL) would like to have your opinion on the proposal. Attached is the PowerPoint slides that were presented outlining the project overview to include renderings of what the completed project would look like. Look it over, tell the OPCL board what you think. Are you for, against or somewhere in between?
The presentation highlighted that the complex will be 227 total units, 4 stories in height, to include 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, offering what they consider high-value amenities with a starting target rental price at $1200.
The residential area surrounds a parking garage of 400+ spaces and a swimming pool. Most significantly, the Zoning for the property must be changed to B4 to accommodate the planned higher density dwelling, as well as closing existing paper streets. Property entrances are planned for Shore Drive and Marlin Bay Dr. There will be on site management company, Drucker & Falk.
The developer has established an introductory website: https://www.marlinbayvb.com/ . The project has not come before the Planning Commission yet, and they hope to in May depending on where the city is with the COVID-19 restrictions. Optimistically, they would like to break ground in 2021, and hope to have the approval of the surrounding community….But that’s up to you.
Your input to the Civic League leadership has great value. The board intends to carry the message forward from the residents of Ocean Park to the developer and the City. You can leave comments to this email address: communication@opcl.org or add to the discussion below. The OPCL Board will be looking to you for your input.
Ocean Park Civic League 
The proposal includes far too many units for this plot of land. Also, VA Beach residents are not looking for more apartments, they are looking for affordable housing without HOA fees. Let’s look at the lot size and have a developer produce similar Marlin Bay townhomes in the area to fill the empty space. It would bring more residents to the area and keep the neighborhood charm of the adjacent Ocean Park area.
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Completely agree!
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No way.just no.. I currently live in ocean park and looking to buy in this exact neighborhood. Taking a quiet amazing beach side neighborhood and turn it into that… no no and no this area is a sought after neighborhood. Ocean park is a family neighborhood, where everybody knows each other and looking out for one another , adding an apartment complex would take away from that. Do not ruin this place.. there are so many apartments already. we don’t need any more, and with that low of rent who knows what kind of people will wonder into our safe family friendly neighborhood. Please don’t make this unsafe.
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Scott,
The owners of these properties are naive to think a project like this wouldn’t have a negative impact on the quality of life now enjoyed by Ocean Park residents. 200 plus residential units in Ocean Park’s Southside would increase the existing # of households by 100%. Ocean Park is a village of neighbors. Not a Northern VA metro area where this type of structure and density is prevalent If you own property in Ocean Park, please stand up and get involved to defeat the plan The property should be developed and can be developed within the current zoning. The developers should slow down and engage the neighborhood and maybe find common ground. If the plan as presented is approved, you can be sure your property value will decline.
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I agree with Scott. We do not need more density. We need to make this a more pedestrian friendly community. With the existing zoning this property can be developed to enhance the neighborhood By accommodating small retail shops and restaurants. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to walk to get a haircut or get dinner or perhaps get your bicycle repaired. The website does not identify who the developer is. Who is it? The FAQ claims that storm water will be taken away from OP. How do they plan to do that? This will have a very detrimental effect on our neighborhood.
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We also are very concerned about a complex with this many units going in. We just bought a property not too far from this location because of the charm of this neighborhood. It feels like a small town within a big city and we love that about this neighborhood. We are strongly against a complex with that many units going in. I agree with the others above. The property should be developed with FAR fewer units. We love the family neighborhood feel of this little corner of VB and really don’t want that to change.
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Absolutely against development of this type of housing. As many have said We love the quiet charm of our OP neighborhood. Too many units, not enough infrastructure to support and not too mention what this would do to our beaches from overcrowding perspective.
It would be fine to develop this property but needs to take into consideration what would be a positive addition.
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Save the river and the surrounding woods and wetlands! Please. No way!
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I oppose the number of units and re-zoning. Keep zoning as is and develop to enhance our community with fewer units and/or a work/live space like East Beach. Thank you.
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I am definitely in favor of of development, but this density is outrageous. Go back to the drawing board to find a project that will compliment the surrounding area and meets the existing zoning requirements. Our beaches are already over crowded, and parking is already an issue. To claim parking wont be an issue, traffic wont increase and that this is environmentally friendly is preposterous.
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No just No. We love our OP community. We do not need this monstrosity in front of it.
There are way to many people now living on Shore Dr. The zoning needs to stay as is. We don’t need more people.
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We are totally against this development. Our area already has to many apartments. Not to mention the impact it will have on an already busy Shore Drive. Plus our already crowded beach. Which will be more crowded if the city does not replenish the beach. The recent storms have really eroded away our beach. There is not much left at high tide. This development will take away from our peaceful community.
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I oppose the re-zoning of this property. I am ok with redevelopment for another business or residential property with way less density. Zoning laws are developed to maintain a certain rule of law that protects the residents who bought in a area that they are guaranteed to get what they signed up for! Changing zoning at the drop of a hat…or more like the drop of a DOLLAR should be avoided unless the whole community can vote on it. Not just a few elected city officials whom probably don’t even live near where the zoning will be changed.
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Everyone realizes the property will be developed one day. Why not something that will enhance the neighborhood and surrounding area. I can’t even imagine the horrible traffic that would occur to an already congested Shore Drive.
Apartments are mostly young people with frequent activities that mean lots of people coming and going, especially at rush hour.
Surely there is a better way. I would ask the developers to sit down with a neighbor focus group and discuss it.
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Absolutely oppose this type of development. It would take away from the neighborhood charm that Ocean Park provides. Single family homes or even townhouses, but definitely not apartments or more condos. We have plenty on Shore Drive. Why not some local shops with studios above them? Anything but apartments, high-rises, or condos.
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I am for something being developed on the old boat, boat trailer and RV storage yard as it is a bit of an eye soar.
However, I would like it to be something more beneficial to the Ocean Park community and Shore Drive Corridor.
There is already an over saturation of condos on Shore drive and I don’t think a a high density (227 apartment complex) will add much to our community. I would be for a small mixed use development featuring a limited amount of residential units and additional amenities for the current residents (shops, coffee, restaurants, green space, etc.). Additionally, I love the idea of having a pool there with memberships available to Ocean Park residents and surrounding areas. There are a lot of families with small children in the neighborhood and that would provide a great benefit for our community.
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LOVE the idea of a community pool. I am not in favor for the proposed development. It would only create more traffic/congestion. Hopefully this does not come to fruition.
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I am all for developing shore drive, but it needs to be done in a tasteful manner that will improve the neighborhood and surrounding area. The only thing this project does is increases the density. The land was zoned the way it was zoned for a certain reason. I do not believe the impact, outside of the pocket books for those benefitting, were considered. I am completely against this project, as it stands. I envision floatopia on a weekly basis.
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No thanks on the condominium development. There is a reason Ocean Park residents love our parks, trails and beaches so much! The Brock Center is a great example of community collaboration. Some retail ideas mentioned above sounds way better. Lets keep OP classy and quaint.
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We are property owners, located directly off of Marlin Bay Drive. We have already had increasing concerns with overflow parking, disrespect of property lines, disrespectful behavior and treatment of the natural land, etc. With this increase of population (227 units, with majority being 2 and 3 bedroom) in such a small landscape, we fear some of these issues would increase. We are certainly understanding in the city of VA beach funding the preserved, public land (mentioned in the FAQ and listed as a reason to build…so more people would have non-vehicular access), but we dont agree that it counts when overflow parking will be on Marlin Bay. Additionally, we agree that the price point seems low for luxury apartments. Also, we are not opposed to development that would enhance the area but do agree with many of the above points that this neighborhood is not equipped to handle this type of establishment. Please find an alternative solution to fit everyone’s needs.
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I agree it is too much density. Reminds me of years ago when we fought off Sandler’s plan to put over 1200 units on pleasure house point. This kind of density is ridiculous for Ocean Park. Why can’t a developer just build a few nice houses? Every old structure is replaced by 2-4 units in the same area. I guess greed knows no limits.
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Exactly what I thought of when I saw this Howard. We felt OP was already densely populated then, and wanted to save some of our open space. If we hadn’t fought back then, we wouldn’t have Pleasure House Point today. NO to the apartment complex!
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The city council needs to stop the developers from making our area into Atlantic Ave.. People want to live in our area because of the amenity of Lynnhaven Inlet on one side the Chesapeake beach on the other. This very high density living seems to be for singles or young families. Mega traffic…there will be far more cars making Marlin Bay part of their parking area. Pleasure House Point?? It will be trampled and destroyed. Absolutely far too many apts and no community pool. The no use level will be over the top.
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This type of development will have a negative impact on Shore Drive and surrounding neighborhood. We don’t need or want a 200+ apartment complex towering over homes for those of us live directly behind this property. How about a smaller scale golfcart community with townhomes no higher then the existing townhomes ….
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This area cannot support that many more residents. What about the Pearl? Have ALL of those units been rented/purchased? What about Overture and the new condos in front of that facility? Have ALL of those units been rented or sold? The city keeps allowing developers to CRAM structures in on top of each other and so close to the Shore Drive line. I get that it will be developed, but please keep the aesthetic of the surrounding neighborhood in mind.
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Progress does not always mean let’s build more. Traffic will be unbearable. Our cozy community will be overflowing. Enough is enough. Not in favor of 200 extra units,
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DITTO ALL.
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I absolutely agree, Ocean Park does not need any development here.
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I am a home owner on Whisperering Sands Lane. I am two blocks from the entrance of the proposed multi family rental property. I am concerned about parking spots in relation to number of occupancy and entrance and exit to the complex off Marlin bay.
I have a child with high functioning autism that attends school at Chesapeake Bay Academy. My neighbor is pregnant and has a two year old son. There are many kids that live in the Ocean Park neighborhood.
In the mornings, it will be challenging to get my daughter with high functioning autism to school on time. There will be multiple business professionals leaving to go to work during this time. There is an entrance and exit from the multi family property onto Marlin Bay.
Increased traffic is a concern. Children with autism thrive on structure and routine. Anxiety is created for her when she will not be able to be to school on time.
One may suggest to leave earlier due to the traffic. Children with autism lack the executive functioning to manage multiple things at one time.
Families with kids live in the neighborhood. There is already increased traffic and parking from Pleasure House Point Park. No one wants a child to get hit by car on their street.
Parking spots is a concern. A two bedroom apartment should have two parking spaces. Three bedroom apartment should have three parking spaces. There will be couples cohabitating in a single apartment too.
Is there is not enough parking for the occupancy and guests? If not a smaller occupancy of multi family property should be built. My concern is that residents and guests will be driving and parking on Marlin Bay and my street.
My suggest is that the multi family apartment complex is significantly smaller in size. Additionally, the only entrances and exits should be from Shore Drive.
The safety of families should be the forefront of the decision making process for Virginia Beach Council members. I asking Virginia Beach City Council Members to not above this proposal.
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I would prefer small retail/garden shops and restaurants with an outdoor open feel or community pool with entrances and exits only accessible to Shore Dr
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Absolutely do not develop Marlin Bay with this 4 story 200 plus tiny apartments complex
water flooding issues as well as how ugly these high story apts are just two issues that say NO to build this ugly model. DO NOT.
These Marlins Bay , Dock sides look just like the new Boat Lodge replacement on Lynhaven River, Great Neck, Dockside, area apts behind coffee building are horrible..
Stop scorching the earth these chock a block apts!
Respectfully Make the Marlin Bay the East park entrance to Pleasant Point Park space
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Based on data from the City of VB Shore Drive traffic on is already over capacity. Given adjacent development future widening is not an option. Consequently further upzoning such as with this project, which is part of the reason we are in this mess should not be allowed.
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The density of this project is NOT appropriate for the location or community. The property should remain within the current zoning plan. This should not be approved.
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I am totally opposed to this rezoning and development! We live on Jefferson Blvd and there are already so many people and cars in the area, the thought of 227 more units, 500 more people is a nightmare!! I definetely oppose an entrance/exit on Shore Drive, what are you thinking?! That is an accident waiting to happen. This level of density next to Brock Center is a nightmare. There are way too many new units in the area, it’s ruining the neighborhood. Please, please listen to the neighbors for once and do not approve the rezonong or any development of this density!!
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As a long time owner of a townhouse in this area I say no to a large apartment complex with a parking garage. The zoning of this area must remain the same to keep the community feel of the area and maintain the value of properties here. Developing some local stores or restaurants would be ideal, or townhomes of similar size already there would be fine. So NO TO ZONING CHANGE!
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A decrease in density with a higher price point will best serve our community.
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I have been a property owner in Ocean Park since 1995. This proposed development is completely contrary to the character and history that is Ocean park, not to mention the current zoning. Population density of the neighborhood surpassed its maximum comfortable level years ago, yet developers are still allowed to pack another high-density structure into a small footprint. The resulting parking, traffic, and behavior issues are unacceptable and a slap in the face to current Ocean Park residents. The developer describes the project as a “Gateway” to Virginia Beach. Maybe in their eyes, but not mine. Think about the beach-bound pedestrian crossings at Powhatan, currently with no traffic light. I have seen Shore Drive east-west transit times nearly double as a result of development and additional traffic lights over the past 25 years. I can imagine a huge left-turn backup on westbound Shore Dr. at Powhatan into the development (there is no dedicated left turn lane and no plans for one in the proposal) and the resulting rear-end crashes. I’m a hard “no” on this development. Keep the character of Ocean Park true to its history. Single family homes and duplexes at a maximum.
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I am totally against this project. I can’t even imagine the impact for our quaint beach neighborhood with that many more people and cars. Shore Drive is already busy enough especially during the summer months. The beach can not handle that amount of people either it is not big enough. I say keep it zoned as is and develop a retail strip with restaurants and services like hair/nail salon. A BIG NO FOR THE APARTMENTS!
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P.S. remember when the Pleasure Point housing development luckily died by strong community and became a better use of space for the land? That can be park vs apartment saturation yet again.
Not surprised if this it was the same Usual Development suspects this Marlin attempt Is a foot.
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Growing up here, there used to be a sign posted on Shore Drive that read: “Warning: 81 people have DIED on this road since 1977,” but that sign was removed, presumably because the fatality count kept climbing. Shore Drive continues to be a concern with accidents and fatalities. Last week on April 21 I had a meeting across town and could not get out of my driveway due to overflowing traffic from Shore Drive onto Shady Oaks Drive where my family and I have lived for more than 20 years. When I returned home I saw half of the charred remains of a pickup truck in which the driver died after speeding along Shore Drive; he had sideswiped two vehicles before landing on the median where he crashed into a tree (13NEWSNOW). If Virginia Beach decision-makers permit rezoning to accommodate this project, they convey the message to our beloved community that profit is prioritized over citizen safety. The big picture impact of an additional 600-700 residents confined to a parcel of 4 acres housing 227 apartment homes is tantamount to further stress on the existing strained infrastructure. In accordance with regulations of the Shore Drive overlay, a parcel of 4 acres or more may have no more than 36 apartment units per acre; the proposed project is more than twice that scale. This is NOT aligned with the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan. Furthermore, such populations will place greater duress on emergency service response serving our Ocean Park Community. WHY IS THIS DEAL EVEN ON THE TABLE?? As a longtime homeowner in the Ocean Park community I strongly oppose the request to increase density and rezoning from B2-PDH-1 to conditional B-4 to accommodate the Marlin Bay Apartments on Shore Drive/Marlin Bay Drive as it will reduce the quality of life and further compromise citizen safety along the Shore Drive corridor.
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