VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Resort City gave an update on the future of development at Rudee Loop.
Rudee Loop is a 6.2-acre area situated at the southern end of the city's boardwalk. It's adjacent to the Rudee Inlet, and, for years, the city has talked about redeveloping the largely unused space.
Virginia Beach says more than 4,200 people completed the "Reimagining Rudee Loop" online survey, almost 200 residents attended the in-person community events, and interviews were held with members of 13 stakeholder groups to obtain input on what the future of the Loop holds.
The City says through a Request for Information and Ideas process, "conceptual proposals illustrating potential development options for Rudee Loop were solicited and the designs were made available for public review."
The survey shows that respondents wants Rudee Loop to be an open or green space.
- 71% come to Rudee Loop for the green open space
- 72% believe a pedestrian-friendly environment is needed
- 69% believe outdoor recreation space is needed
- 55% believe a lush landscape is needed
However, the survey says hotels, residential properties, and parking garages were not popular.
- 83% do not want a hotel at Rudee Loop
- 59% do not want residential property
- 40% do not want parking garages 6%
Beach leadership has been weighing four options for re-development, and the voting on the proposals went as follows:
- Bruce Smith Enterprise, Madison Marquette Development Team and Armada Hoffler - 6%
- Gold Key | PHR - 4%
- The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation and EDSA - 25%
- Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation - 64%
All of the submissions include park space while two of the plans had opportunities for high-rise hotels and apartments.
According to the city, most residents want to protect and maintain access to Rudee Loop and the panoramic views that the Loop provides.
"In addition to open green space, many respondents want continued use of surface parking, surfing and fishing availability at the site," Virginia Beach says on their website. "Some concerns surrounding the development include the costs and funding for maintenance of the site, and how to best address parking, safety and traffic flow."
Virginia Beach says the next steps for the future of Rudee Loop include city council requesting a workshop meeting on the topic for late summer, with additional research into funding and operational models.
Click HERE for more information about the redevelopment of Rudee Loop.
