Virginia Beach council approves rezoning for Preserve at Westneck, 9–2

The Virginia Beach City Council voted 9–2 on March 24 to approve a conditional rezoning and modifications to proffers for the Preserve at Westneck, a proposal that would convert portions of P‑1 Preservation land to PDH‑2 and allow a developer to build 143 age‑restricted single‑family homes while restoring nine holes of the former Signature at Westneck golf course.

The vote followed a lengthy public hearing in which supporters and opponents packed the chamber and spoke for hours. Supporters — including residents from Indian River Plantation and representatives of the developer team — said the project would eliminate a long‑neglected, overgrown parcel, restore a golf amenity, add senior housing, and provide stormwater and traffic improvements paid for by the developer. Jonathan Skinner, president of Harrison and Lear, said the outreach had been extensive and the proposal balanced community concerns with practical constraints. "We are focused as well on preservation and reforestation," Skinner said during the presentation.

Applicant counsel Chris Pockta described the application and the updated proffers that accompany it, saying the offer is a…