In a recent press release from the City of Virginia Beach, in order to protect Naval Air Station Oceana from encroaching development the city recently announced that they purchased 792 acres of farmland and woods. The area purchased was between Indian River Rd and North Landing River. The $5 million purchase from the Rock Ministries land purchase is the largest single land purchase, and 3rd large land purchase in the city’s 6yr program to protect Oceana by purchasing the development and property rights around the jet base and in-flight path. In August they bought the 516-acre Brown Farm, from Kempsville Presbyterian Church for $7.84 million and in October, 18-acre London Bridge Commerce Center for $6 million.These purchases are part of a promise that was made to the Base Closure and Realignment Commission that funds would be spent to stop new development and roll back existing development around Oceana. The funds for the purchase will come from two city funds: $4.25 million from the city’s Oceana and Interfacility Traffic Area Conformity and Acquisition Program fund and $750,000 from the city’s Open Space program. They will look for half of the purchase price from the state. Read full press release.
