BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE OCEANFRONT — Moments after a stunning reversal by the Planning Commission, the City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 25, voted to approve a conditional use permit so an event business can operate on land zoned for agriculture in… Continue Reading
BY JARED BRANDWEIN BACK BAY — An editorial in the pages on The Independent News warned us all that we needed to show up at the Tuesday, Aug. 25, City Council meeting to be heard on a proposal to use land… Continue Reading
Ed. — From the Sunday, Sept. 6, print edition. THE INDEPENDENT NEWS BACK BAY — False steps large and small by Virginia Beach’s government and people who advise it led to the City Council decision this past month to permit Wolfe… Continue Reading
Ed. — This story originally appeared in the Sunday, July 5, print edition. It has been updated to include the date upon which the City Council is scheduled to consider the proposal. Additionally, it now appears unlikely the City Council will… Continue Reading
Ed. — This archived story appeared in the Friday, Oct. 18, 2019, print edition. BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE COURTHOUSE – Members of the Virginia Beach Agriculture Advisory Commission have concerns about a proposal to build an event venue on a horse farm… Continue Reading
Ed. — This column originally ran in print on Friday, May 24, prior to the Pungo Strawberry Festival. BY DAVID TRIMMER COURTHOUSE — What a great time of year, for spring is here and the farmers are busy working in the fields.… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE VIRGINIA BEACH – The Virginia Beach Agriculture Advisory Commission is still discussing the possibility of adjusting allowed uses on properties enrolled in the city’s farmland preservation program to permit assemblies such as weddings — though no recommendation… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE OCEANFRONT – The Virginia Beach Excellence in Agriculture Committee held its annual awards banquet on Thursday, March 14, recognizing a former mayor, a developer known also for contributions to the equine industry, and the matriarch of a… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE CREEDS – The three candidates for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach City Council appealed to voters during a forum at a rural hub within the district, joining a number of local candidates this… Continue Reading
THE INDEPENDENT NEWS Ed. — The following are responses to questions posed by The Independent News to candidates for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach City Council up for election on Tuesday, Nov. 6. The incumbent is noted.… Continue Reading