VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.- A new agreement on the arena project failed to get enough votes on Tuesday night, leaving the future of the project unclear.
Because the deal involved a land transfer, council needed nine votes, but only eight supported the new terms of the deal. John Moss, Barbara Henley, and Louis Jones all voted against it.
"It's just very disappointing, not necessarily for our company because we will move on, but it is really disappointing for the city of Virginia Beach," said Andrea Kilmer, the CEO of United States Management, the developer.
The original deal was approved last December, but this summer the developer asked to make changes to the source of funding. Some had expressed worry the deal was becoming too risky.
The council members who voted against it did not speak before the vote. Others, including Mayor Will Sessoms, expressed support, saying it would help make the city a year round destination. The goal was to attract major musical acts during the winter and maybe even a sports team.
Kilmer said the developer will regroup, but the whole plan is now in jeopardy. "I do think the city council put it in jeopardy today," she
said.
