VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — It's just a corner of his property, but Pacifica Bar and Bistro owner Christopher Glover didn't expect that it would hold such importance. In the past 12 years of ownership, Glover hoped his property value would increase, but not like this.
"I was hoping that somebody would come and offer me a lot of money for the property at some point, but not to buy my corner," Glover said while laughing.
The city of Virginia Beach needs the corner of Glover's property at 40th street and Pacific Avenue to create an additional right turn lane. It's part of the plan to close off Atlantic Avenue before the Pacific Avenue merger and turn that area into a cul-de-sac.
Both the state and the city have previously declined to pay for the construction of the cul-de-sac, but now Gold Key PHR is offering to pay for the project. Gold Key PHR is a private company which manages the Cavalier Hotel and other oceanfront property. The Cavalier Hotel is right across the street from the proposed cul-de-sac.
In a letter to city council, Virginia Beach City Manager Dave Hansen wrote that Glover is a "willing seller" who "verbally agreed" to sell the right of way to the city, helping push forward the project. However, Glover said he has not committed to anything.
"I talked to people but I never once agreed," he said. "I said I'd like to know more and find out what the actual offer is."
Glover said he feels pressured by the city to approve the construction and sell his land.
"They said they'll start work in January if I said yes, and if I don't say yes then it will happen anyway within the next 5 years," Glover said. "I feel a little strong-armed, a little bullied."
In addition to the removal of the corner, Glover said he is concerned about the removal of public parking spaces around Pacifica.
"It just doesn't seem fair that they're talking about taking away 14 parking spaces and not putting any back," he said.
He said he has concerns about traffic as well, as drivers won't be able to reach Pacific Avenue via Atlantic Avenue and would likely be rerouted onto the street in front of his business.
"I'm sure there's been a lot of money spent on planning but it doesn't seem like [the city] has considered how it will affect local businesses," he said.
Glover said he does support the development near his bar and bistro, but added that the current situation feels forced.
"I'm all for more people being down here but I just feel like they're treating me like the little guy," he said.
Hansen wrote in his letter to the city council that approval of the construction project should be expected now that Gold Key PHR has offered to pay for it.
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