VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - 12 homes have now been approved for sand removal after the Virginia Beach City Council voted on Tuesday evening and declared a State of Emergency.
However, the Sandbridge Civic League said more than 50 homeowners have requested to be put under the State of Emergency so they can remove sand from their property. A spokesperson said sand in some places has built up so high around fences that now children can climb over and access pools. Many of the homes are not occupied all year round, making this dangerous.
City management in Virginia Beach has only approved the most severe cases right now, but homeowners are working with the city to come up with a way for homeowners to get approved for sand removal easier.
The current process takes 30 to 60 days and an approval of the application by the Wetlands Board. Residents said that is simply too long to wait and they want to take action now to secure their property.
The Civic League credits the beach re nourishment projects for the luxurious sandy beaches, but say now the sand needs to be managed.
