Proposed Rezoning of Back Bay Farmhouse

Back Bay Farmhouse Rezoning: Protect Responsible Planning & Community Character

On Tuesday, August 11, Virginia Beach City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposal to rezone the Back Bay Farmhouse property from commercial to residential to allow construction of approximately 251 apartments while preserving portions of the existing farmhouse and surrounding open space.

Responsible Growth VB supports responsible growth, housing, and respect for private property rights. However, approving a high-density rezoning that forces taxpayers to subsidize private infrastructure costs is not responsible planning.

We are asking City Council to defer the vote for one month so the City and applicant can establish clear financial accountability for necessary pedestrian safety improvements before making a permanent land-use decision.

⏰ City leaders need to hear from the community by August 11th.

Responsible Growth VB respectfully asks City Council to:

1. Defer the rezoning vote for one month.

A short delay allows City Council to require clear financial commitments from the developer for pedestrian safety infrastructure before approving the rezoning.

2. Protect taxpayers from subsidizing private development impacts.

City Council should not approve a high-density residential rezoning when the burden of funding multi-hundred-thousand-dollar pedestrian safety solutions (like a HAWK signal and sidewalks) will fall almost entirely on local taxpayers.

3.Allow time to evaluate viable, community-supported alternatives.

The property owner has indicated a willingness to consider alternative concepts (such as a community farmers market) if financially sustainable. A deferral allows those options to be explored before the commercial zoning is permanently removed.

More than 6,500 people have already signed a community petition expressing support for preserving Back Bay Farmhouse as a community gathering place.

Whether or not you support the proposed apartments, this decision will shape the future of one of Virginia Beach's most recognizable community spaces.

If you believe City Council should take additional time before making a permanent rezoning decision, now is the time to speak up.

City Council is expected to vote on August 11th.Now is the time to make your voice heard.

Taxpayer Liabilities & The Pedestrian Safety Loophole

The developer is requesting a parking space reduction, arguing that many residents will walk, bike, or take transit. Residents crossing to the neighboring shopping center and children walking to school will need to cross Kempsville Road far from any signalized intersection.

Because the site is located far from the nearest signalized intersection, this creates a risk of dangerous mid-block pedestrian crossings.

City Traffic Engineering indicated that a HAWK (High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk) signal on Kempsville Road may be warranted, but that a full pedestrian traffic study cannot be completed until after the apartments are built and occupied.

A HAWK (High-Intensity Activated CrossWalk) signal alone can cost upwards of $600,000—not including necessary sidewalk connectivity. Yet, current estimates indicate the developer has pledged only $100,000 toward mitigation.

If Council approves this rezoning today, taxpayers could be left paying 80% or more of the bill to fix a dangerous pedestrian crossing created by private development. Council should defer until the applicant commits to fully funding the safety infrastructure their project requires.

Cumulative Traffic & Road Capacity

Centerville Turnpike and Kempsville Road already experience significant congestion. Before adding 251 residential units, residents deserve clear answers on how the surrounding road network will accommodate the additional vehicle and pedestrian load safely.

Preserving Room for Community Solutions

Back Bay Farmhouse has served as a central gathering place for families, local small businesses, and neighbors. Postponing the final vote by 30 days gives the property owner and local stakeholders space to discuss financially sustainable alternatives that maintain the site’s unique character.

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Want to learn more?

Resources

• Change.Org Petition
• Recording of Planning Commission Meeting 7/8/2026
• Planning Guidelines
  • Centerville SGA Master Plan (2013)
    • Centerville SGA City Website
  • Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan - December 2025 Draft - The city’s long-term guide for growth, land use, infrastructure, and economic development
• Local News Articles
  • Plans to replace Back Bay Brew House Farmhouse with apartments face pushback from locals (13 News Now, March 24, 2026)
  • Planning Commission backs apartment project at Back Bay’s Farmhouse site (WTKR, July 9, 2026)

Responsible Growth VB is a community-led effort focused on informed, thoughtful participation in local planning decisions.

This site is maintained by community volunteers working in coordination with local civic organizations.

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