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Funding for changes to Virginia Beach's Atlantic Avenue in limbo

Due to the developer Cavalier Associates and other properties expanding, Atlantic Avenue could become a dead-end.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- Due to the developer Cavalier Associates and other properties expanding, Atlantic Avenue could become a dead-end.

A cul-de-sac would open up and divert drivers, not 40th St. from Pacific Avenue to get to Atlantic Avenue.

City officials previously told 13News Now that 16 on-street parking spaces would be gone. However, a traffic study revealed the road project would create green space and improve traffic flow.

The project is expected to cost $2.5 million dollars to reconfigure 40th Street and Pacific Avenue to accommodate new development in the area. It would also involve installing new traffic signals, traffic patterns, and sidewalk setbacks.

Deputy City Manager Tom Leahy said Cavalier Associates requested that the City pay to reconfigure the street. That option was not accepted by city leaders.

"Certainly the City council has already indicated they don't intend to fund the reconfiguration," said Leahy

However, Leahy said last year city leaders approved a resolution to apply for a state grant to fund the project. That funding is still in limbo.

"There's a grant pending with the State. We do not know what exactly the State intends to do, or when it intends to act, but we think some time around the summer would probably be a reasonable time," said Leahy.

Even though Leahy said city leaders met with residents and businesses about the street changes and most seemed to be in favor, that's not the case for everyone.

A few residents at Oceans Condominiums on Atlantic Avenue are not happy about the change.

“I understand [the city] is talking about adding traffic lights and whatnot, but I think our tax dollars will be better spent elsewhere,” said one resident.

If the State funding for the project is not received, Leahy said Cavalier Associates would need to pursue other options for the reconfiguration.

"So if that were to happen either the developer would proceed with the hotels with Atlantic Avenue under its current configuration or the developer would have to decide they could fund it themselves," said Leahy.

Grant Atlantic Ave Cavalier Realignment by 13News Now on Scribd

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