Councilman Chris Taylor was the only one to vote no on Westminster-Canterbury’s “ordinance of relocation.”
The controversial project would be an expansion to the senior living facility’s existing property on Starfish Road.
The $450 million project has long been a point of contention among those living along Shore Drive, with many voicing opposition to the expansion
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A company that manages a senior living community in Virginia Beach is moving forward with a new 22-story tower on Shore Drive.
The high-rise was first approved by city council members in 2020. Residents filed a lawsuit to try and stop the project from moving forward, however.
Now, neighbors are voicing some of the same concerns they had three years ago.
Residents told 13News Now the proposed building will just be too tall in comparison to the surrounding area. It would be the third-tallest building in Virginia Beach.
But their concerns don’t stop there.
They fear the building will increase traffic and reduce the value of their homes.
RELATED: Virginia Supreme Court denies appeal of case against Westminster-Canterbury construction
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, claims the lack of sunlight is another cause for concern.
“The people that live closest to it are going to lose all of their sunlight. They moved to the beach for the sunlight. All of us take daily walks on the beach, and there’s going to be a huge block of shade instead of sun.”
In a statement sent to 13News Now on Sunday, Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay CEO Ben Unkle said: “Going vertical unlocked the best value and affordability for future residents in all parts of our campus. The 22-story Bay Tower’s height was driven not by the panoramic views. Rather, the height was required to make the newest tower thinner to help, not hurt, water and sky views for all the people surrounding the new Tower.”
As for the potential of increased traffic, he said: “Our traffic for a senior living community is less than the low-rise condominiums to our east produce for the same acreage.”
Regarding property values, Unkle said: “…property values along Ocean Shore Avenue have continued to climb since the City Council approved our project back in 2020.”
Councilman Chris Taylor was the only one to vote no on Westminster-Canterbury’s “ordinance of relocation.”
The controversial project would be an expansion to the senior living facility’s existing property on Starfish Road.
