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Planning commission defers church permit for Laskin Road theater after neighborhood opposition
Summary
The Virginia Beach Planning Commission voted 11–0 on March 13 to defer a conditional use permit request from Ascent Building LLC to convert the former movie theater at 941 Laskin Road into a church for 30 days after residents raised traffic, economic and cultural concerns.
The Virginia Beach Planning Commission on March 13 voted to defer for 30 days a conditional use permit request from Ascent Building LLC to convert the movie theater at 941 Laskin Road into a religious facility.
The motion to defer passed 11–0 after multiple residents and business owners urged the commission to seek more outreach and traffic analysis before deciding. Commissioner Bridal Plumlee moved to defer; Commissioner Carrie Hippen seconded the motion.
Supporters of the application said the church needs more space to serve an expanding congregation that currently holds multiple services in a smaller Shore Drive facility. Greg Bergathon, who represented Ascent Building LLC at the hearing, said the proposed site would provide “greater space than where they currently are on Shore Drive and sufficient parking to address the parking needs.” He also said the church would conduct outreach if the conditional use permit process advanced, and said the congregation is prepared to work with the city on traffic management.
Opponents — including nearby residents and employees of the Beach Cinema Ale House — said the site is an important commercial and cultural property and raised traffic-safety and economic concerns. “The traffic will be a nightmare,” said resident Susie Rixie (who also identified herself as Emily), who lives across from the theater and said Cove Point residents oppose the change. Resident Adam Appleton urged the commission to consider whether a tax-exempt religious use is the best long-term use for “nearly 4 acres in a prime location near the oceanfront.” Catherine Shaw, an employee of the Beach Cinema Ale House, said the theater hosts local events and employs about 40 people and described a petition with more than 1,200 signatures opposing the change.
Staff told commissioners a traffic study was not required for the application and noted that typical weekday traffic could exceed what a religious use would generate. Commissioners and speakers nonetheless flagged peak, short-duration congestion after services and pedestrian safety where the site’s driveway meets Laskin Road and the nearby roundabout.
Commissioners requested the applicant undertake community outreach during the deferral period and encouraged the applicant to propose traffic-mitigation measures the commission could consider when the item returns. Bergathon said the church would do outreach and asked for roughly 30 days to engage neighbors and stakeholders; the commission granted a 30-day deferral.
The commission recorded the outcome as a recommended 30-day deferral to allow the applicant to consult with neighbors and return with additional information and possible mitigation measures. The final decision on the conditional use permit will be made by the Virginia Beach City Council if the application is forwarded.
The commission’s action on the item was recorded in the meeting minutes, which show the roll call and the motion to defer. The matter will return to the commission in approximately 30 days for further consideration or a vote.
