VIRGINIA BEACH — After spending more than $3 million for an elaborate design that would overhaul the resort area’s main thoroughfare making it more pedestrian-friendly, the City Council is putting the brakes on it, for now.
Instead, council members want a taskforce to whittle down the wish list of improvements and come up with a less costly, but “exciting” vision for Atlantic Avenue. The street is an iconic symbol of the Oceanfront and home to hundreds of small businesses and hotels. It’s also used for parades, races and summer entertainment.
At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson suggested spicing up Atlantic Avenue with decorative arches and lighting as well as encouraging business owners to upgrade their storefronts by providing them with matching city grants…