It's the first of dozens of projects the city has on its menu for improving the quality of life for Beach residents who have long lived with the effects of uncontrolled sprawl. And there's apparently enthusiastic support. Officials say they receive several calls every day urging them to nominate parcels of land that might qualify as open space. A survey of residents showed that protecting the environment is one of the most important issues to city residents, and more than 60 percent said they support open space efforts even if that means raising property taxes. The city would not jump into the land market all at once but buy parcels as they come up for sale.
Officials say they'll move quickly when they have to and take their time when there's less urgency.
With Stumpy Lake, long on the city's open space wish list, they moved quickly, preventing the surrounding land from being developed. The city held eight public hearings around the city, getting suggestions from residents about open space priorities, then made dozens of recommendations. Acquire a large area of waterfront land that lies along Lynnhaven Bay near Lesner Bridge. It would provide water access, nature trails, scenic vistas and recreational facilities. Buy tracts of farmland on the north and south sides of Wesleyan Drive, one of the most densely developed residential areas of the city but without park or recre ational amenities.