VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Parking at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront has become a pressing issue for residents, who say they’re struggling to find parking in their own neighborhoods. Now, the Atlantic Avenue Association, a community welfare group, is calling on the city to improve access to affordable public parking for both residents and tourists.
The group, which represents local businesses, civic leagues and residents, said ongoing development along the Oceanfront has decreased available parking and increased prices in private lots. The association said the cost and availability of parking is preventing them from enjoying their own beachfront community.
Association founder George Kotarides said, “Well, this is a resident issue. Virginia Beach residents deserve to be able to come to their beach and be able to park for free. They already pay taxes for the garage. They should be able to come to the beach and enjoy their beach amenity without having to pay for parking.”
To address these concerns, the Atlantic Avenue Association has proposed a three-year plan aimed at making parking more accessible. The plan includes a three-part solution: expanding public parking near the beach, offering free year-round parking for Virginia Beach residents and implementing year-round curbside parking along Atlantic Avenue.
The association’s three-year plan outlines specific goals, as seen in their press release.
- By early 2025: Launch a free, year-round parking program for Virginia Beach residents.
- By mid-2026: Add 600 new public parking spaces near the Oceanfront between 17th and 21st streets.
- By mid-2027: Add another 600 public parking spaces in the same area.
The association is also advocating to convert underused areas, such as the trolley lanes, into additional parking spaces.
The Atlantic Avenue Association hopes these proposed changes will help create a more welcoming and accessible environment at the Oceanfront for residents and visitors alike. The group said it is now up to the city to make these changes a reality.
Virginia Beach released the following statement in response to the parking concerns:
City of Virginia BeachWe hear the concerns of residents and the business community regarding parking at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Parking is a large component of the Virginia Beach Comprehensive Plan. There are several options for public parking around the city.
At the Virginia Beach Oceanfront:
- A combined total of 1,486 parking spaces are available inside the three public parking garages around the Oceanfront.
- A combined total of 318 parking spaces are available at the three parking lots around the Oceanfront.
- Roughly 680 parking spots are metered around the Oceanfront.
In addition, free parking along Atlantic Avenue will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for up to two hours starting Nov. 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. Parking areas will be marked with signage.
- The area includes Atlantic Avenue from 5th to 10th Streets; 11th to 19th Streets; 22nd to 29thStreets; and from mid-block 32nd to 38thStreets.
- Free off-season metered parking is available at on-street spaces, except for the 300 blocks of 24th 1/2 and 25th Streets.
- Free parking is also offered at all municipal parking surface lots, except for oversized vehicles at the 4th Street lot.
Opportunities for public engagement for the community and stakeholders to voice their goals and opinions on parking strategies will be available at the Atlantic Avenue Improvement Public Engagement Session on December 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.