VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - About 39% of people who responded to a city survey on the future of Building Two favor tearing it down.
The city is still weighing what to do with the building following May's mass shooting where a gunman killed 12 people. As part of the process,the city solicited feedback online and got 2,650 responses with about three fourths of them from city employees.
Building Two
In addition to the possibility of tearing it down, 27% favor turning Building Two into the police headquarters. About a quarter want to see the building renovated and used by other city departments.
Another 10% say turn the building into the new City Hall.
Earlier this summer, city staff members presented three possibilities for the future of the building. Each plan would cost between $129-145 million. The building housed four city departments.
With the responses, the city received 1,246 comments, which appear to be split on the future of the building. "Tear it down - its rooms will always be haunted by evil intent," one commenter wrote. "We cannot afford to TEAR IT DOWN," another wrote.
Another question asked whether the building should be renamed. About half said yes, according to the survey. Among those who said yes, 51% are in favor of naming it something else, but didn't specify what. Meanwhile, 23% said rename it after the day, like "531."
The survey also solicited feedback on a public memorial. The majority said it is absolutely essential for one to be a place of quiet reflection and a celebration of life.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Jim Cervera said Tuesday the department has completed the officer-involved shooting aspect of the investigation and has sent it to Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle. A spokesperson for Stolle's office confirmed to News 3 Stolle has reviewed the police department's investigation but said "it will be quite a while" before they receive their complete investigation.
City leaders are still weighing the options before they decide what to do with either the building or memorial.
Click here for our full coverage on the Virginia Beach mass shooting.
