Save Pleasure House Point!

By Autson autson.com

Through a partnership with Trust for Public Land, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach and the local community, the largest undeveloped parcel of land on the Lynnhaven River (122 acres) may be preserved instead of converted to high density development. The Trust for Public Land has initiated a plan to purchase the property and sell parcels to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the City of Virginia Beach and a yet to be determined commercial developer. Citizens and community groups have rallied in an effort to raise $4M, so the entire property may be preserved as natural area, rather than having a portion commercially developed. The goal of this community-led campaign is to supplement the funds already committed for the purpose of acquiring the Pleasure House Point property for the people of the City of Virginia Beach, to increase the proposed municipal park and natural habitat preserve. The Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation has agreed to participate as the designated 501(c) (3) organization.

What’s the harm with a small commercial development on this property? The answer is simple. There is no do-over. Undisturbed land cannot be re-created. This is a legacy purchase; we will not have this opportunity again. By preserving the property, we preserve a piece of ourselves. The story isn’t finished. You can help write the ending by donating to the PHP fund.

Your tax deductable donation can be made using the PayPal link on this page, or by sending a donation form and a check made out to VBPRF at P.O. Box 2237, Virginia Beach, VA 23450. If the Foundation’s Board determines that the capital campaign cannot timely meet its goal, donors of $100 or more will be contacted and given the option of a refund or applying the gift to the purchase, acquisition or preservation of open space in Virginia Beach. Campaign gifts of less than $100 will not be returned and will be used for this purpose.

Top Reasons to Donate:

1. Save the largest undeveloped parcel of land on the Lynnhaven River for generations to come.
2. Preserve your City’s Green Space and the opportunity to experience shoreline habitat, wetlands, and maritime forest.
3. Protect the natural habitat of birds and marine life.
4. Produce healthy lifestyle opportunities by having trails in close proximity to residences in one of the highest density areas in the City. *
5. Raise property values and prevent added congestion in this area. **
6. Be part of a legacy purchase; we will not have this opportunity again.

*Trails located within ½ mile of residential areas produce an increase in physical activity of over 50%

**Community Benefits and Repositioning: The Keys to Parks and Recreation’s Future Viability - John L. Crompton Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University. Parks larger than 40 acres positively impact property values as far away as 1,500 to 2,000 feet. Studies show substantial increases for properties within 500 to 600 ft. (three blocks) Values of property fronting a passive park of 40 acres or larger will typically gain 20% in value.