Virginia Beach planners defer decision on removing Nimmo Church historic overlay after church appeal

The Virginia Beach Planning Commission on Jan. 14 recommended a 60-day deferral on a city-initiated ordinance to remove the historic-and-cultural-district zoning overlay from the Nimmo Church properties at Princess Anne Road and General Booth Boulevard.

Planner Mark Reid told commissioners the district, created in 1980, covers two parcels: the church (including open space and a cemetery) and an adjacent commercial parcel with a Royal Farms convenience store. Reid said the church's oldest section dates to the 1790s and that state survey records and the Virginia Cultural Resource Information System document the property's significance. He noted staff had received letters both supporting and opposing removal of the overlay, and that the historic review board and the historic preservation commission argued removal would set a problematic precedent.

Jean Estes, speaking for the Nimmo United Methodist Church leadership, said the congregation could not afford the cost of repairs if required to use original materials. "We can't afford the installation and recurring future costs of original materials," she said, adding that replacing siding and windows with modern materials would reduce life-cycle maintenance and help sustain the congregation's programs. Estes said the church sought to preserve the building's historic character in appearance while using more affordable materials.

Commissioners discussed whether an indefinite deferral would allow the church to access potential state funding or whether the congregation preferred to proceed with overlay removal regardless of any outside funding. Staff said the church had told city staff it preferred to pursue removal even if a budget amendment were later approved. Several commissioners said they wanted additional time for public input and to explore funding options before forwarding a recommendation to council.

Commissioner Schoonover moved to defer the item for 60 days; the motion was seconded. The commission recorded the recommendation for deferral by a vote of 11 to 0.

What happens next: The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; the deferral period allows commissioners, staff and community stakeholders additional time to explore funding options, additional public comment and possible design or policy alternatives.