Ed. — From the Sunday, Oct. 2, Print edition.
THE INDEPENDENT NEWS
COURTHOUSE — The City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 20, voted to defer a permit request that would clear the way for a wedding venue to be built on a portion of the Back Bay Farms property near the Pungo stoplight.
City Councilmember Barbara Henley said she recommended the deferral to the applicants, Mike and Megan Daubert, so the matter could be returned to the Virginia Beach Agricultural Advisory Commission. Henley said she wanted to ensure commissioners are clear on the difference between the Dauberts’ request for a conditional use permit allowing the venue and eventual plans for the farm.
The Dauberts’ venue would involve about three acres of the larger property, which eventually could lead to the development of shops nearer the intersection. The commission in April heard from the Dauberts about plans for the horse farm. The property in recent years had been eyed for housing development. The Dauberts’ plans do not include homes.
The Independent News previously reported that commission members seemed supportive of the concept, which, due to its location at the Pungo rural hub, is different than a controversial 2020 project in Back Bay that placed a wedding and event venue on land zoned for farming in the rural area of the city.
The advisory commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10. Though advisory commission meetings normally are held at the city agriculture department offices at the municipal center, this one is scheduled to be held at the Princess Anne Masonic Lodge, 2849 Princess Anne Road.
Meetings are open to the public.
The conditional use permit, which was supported in August by the Planning Commission, is scheduled to be considered by the City Council again on Tuesday, Oct. 18.
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