Pleasure House Point is home to a wetlands renovation project that began in March of this year. The goal is to restore eight acres of tidal wetlands in the Pleasure House Point area.
The tidal wetlands are important for animal habitats and mitigating coastal flooding, however the project also came with some public backlash that we reported on back in March.
That backlash was over the removal of over fifty-two hundred trees. Virginia Beach resident Tim Solanic along with many others online are still advocating for the replacement of those trees.
Tim advocated for a replacement policy "A lot of people would like to think the replacement policy would be one for one, because we're losing our tree canopy".
However the Virginia Beach Public Works only mentions that nearly seven hundred trees have been replaced at Pleasure House Point, with no project in place to replace the remaining forty-five hundred.
A city ordinance adopted by the Virginia Beach City Council in 2020 states that "the City will replace any trees that the City removes on City property."
This adoption doesn't specify any timeline when trees that are removed on city property need to be replaced.
Neighbors like Tim in Virginia Beach would like to see those trees replaced sooner rather than later.
"Plant 4500 trees, c'mon man lets make it happen!" said Tim.
News 3 reached out to the City of Virginia Beach. A spokesperson sent the following statement:
Since 2021, more than 4,500 new trees have been planted across the City of Virginia Beach. We understand the concerns at Pleasure House Point and the City remains committed to the scope and intent of the wetlands restoration project. In addition to the low-lying wetlands grasses and plantings, over 703 trees have been planted at the site, including live oaks and water oaks. The newly created tidal wetlands will help filter pollutants, support the ecosystem and strengthen long-term flood protection.
All planting is now complete, with the following totals:
- Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass): about 151,000 plants added to strengthen tidal marshes and protect shorelines.
- Spartina patens (saltmeadow hay): over 197,000 plants placed in higher marsh areas to improve resilience and habitat.
- Upper marsh shrubs: roughly 1,300 shrubs planted to provide cover and food for wildlife.
- Upland grass: about 3,800 grasses planted to stabilize soils in upland zones.
- Trees: 703 trees planted to create shade and long-term ecological benefits.
We previously reported on a peaceful protest that took place at Pleasure House Point over the removal of those trees. Here is a link to that previous reporting. https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/virginia-beach/virginia-beach-residents-voice-concerns-as-work-begins-at-pleasure-house-point
