Transfer of properties to Development Authority

On Tuesday evening, November 1, 2011, Virginia Beach Vision Board members addressed City Council in a public hearing on a resolution to authorize the transfer of the land of the former Dome site and the proposed headquarters hotel to the Virginia Beach Development Authority.  The transfer of land requires a "supermajority" or 2/3 vote of Council, allowing only two descenting votes for passage.  A "call to action" was sent to Vision Board members asking that they attend the Council meeting and voice their support for the land transfer.  Vision President Mike Barrett formally spoke on behalf of the Board with Board members Rob Goodman, Jimmy Capps and Ned Williams also testifying. Others, unable to personally attend, including Jim Arnhold, Tyler Anthony and Preston Midgett, communicated in advance with Council members. In large part due to the business community's outspoken support City Council authorized the land transfer on a vote of 9 to 2 with Councilmen Bill DeSteph and Bob Dyer voting no.

Click here to view the remarks made by President Mike Barrett and here to view the remarks of City Budget Task Force Chairman, Rob Goodman.