Council authorizes city manager to sign conservation easement protecting Buckroe shoreline

Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a conservation easement to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation covering the Buckroe Fishing Pier, Salt Ponds Beach and Buckroe Bayfront parcels.

"This easement covers over 25 acres of shoreline to include the Buckroe Fishing Pier, Pier 1, Public Beach, to include the Salt Ponds Beach and the Bayfront," city staff said while showing maps of the area the easement will protect. Staff told the council that the Virginia Outdoors Foundation expects to accept the deed at its Feb. 4 meeting and that the council's action today authorizes the city manager to execute the final documents.

Council members asked whether small pedestrian walkways and some adjacent streets could be added; staff said those areas did not meet VOF standards but that the city could pursue separate dedications or other restrictions to ensure pedestrian access. Council also discussed a planned dedication ceremony and asked staff to explore public improvements and upgrades to certain walkways near the lifeguard station.

Council member Carney made the motion to authorize the manager to execute the deed; the motion was seconded and carried. During roll call there was discussion and one councilor registered an opposition and at least one abstention was recorded in the proceedings; staff clarified the action is authorizing signature authority following a prior August 2009 resolution that previously approved the conservation intent.

The easement will preserve public access and open-space use in perpetuity, and staff said the city will coordinate a dedication ceremony once the VOF has accepted the deed.