The Beach is in preliminary negotiations for buying pristine waterfront land around lakes Lawson and Smith, to turn them into permanent open space. Plans citywide also call for trails, parks, boat launchers, soccer fields, beach access and natural areas. Keep in mind that residential development generally does not pay for itself in Virginia cities. Hence a space saved from development is a hedge against higher taxes. Also, the outdoors plan puts green space within walking reach of many people, rather than concentrating it in a few spots.
Green space preserved in perpetuity increases the value of nearby homes.
Long narrow parks raise or protect the values of the large number of homes alongside. To fully appreciate the value of open space, one need only listen to the protests of residents in one subdivision whenever another subdivision is proposed nearby. Losing green space hurts the heart. And gaining a trail can boost community health. The hearing on the railway bed is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in rooms 101-102 at the Virginia Beach Pavilion.