Virginia Beach Approves “The Preserve at West Neck” — A Turning Point for Golf Course Communities

Mar 25 '26

After a lengthy and highly emotional public hearing, the Virginia Beach City Council voted 9–2 to approve the rezoning of 86 acres within the Villages at West Neck—clearing the way for a new chapter in one of the area’s most recognizable golf course communities.

The approved project, now known as The Preserve at West Neck, will include:

143 age-restricted (55+) single-family homes
A revitalized 9-hole golf course
A mix of preserved green space, trails, and environmental features

This decision didn’t come easily—and it didn’t come without controversy.

What Was Approved — And Why It Matters

The proposal centers around transforming a long-neglected portion of the former Signature at West Neck Golf Course, which closed in 2019 after financial struggles left it unsustainable. (WHRO Public Media)

The new plan aims to bring life back to the property while adapting to today’s realities:

Residential construction timeline: 3–5 years
Golf course redevelopment: 1–2 years
Open space reduction: from ~45% to ~40% (below the recommended 50%)

City planning staff actually recommended denial, citing inconsistencies with density and open space guidelines. However, they also acknowledged:

The design was “thoughtful”
Infrastructure impacts were manageable
School impacts would be minimal due to the 55+ restriction

Meanwhile, the Planning Commission recommended approval, setting the stage for the final Council vote.

A Community Divided

This was not a quiet meeting.

More than 100 residents were expected to speak, and the debate stretched on for hours. Some residents viewed the plan as a necessary compromise, while others felt it fundamentally changed what they had bought into.

That tension has been building for years.

When the original West Neck development was approved in 1999, it was anchored by:

An 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course
Significant open space
A lifestyle centered around golf and green space

But once the course closed in 2019, the community was left in limbo—dealing with:

Overgrown land
Maintenance concerns
Safety issues
And uncertainty about what would come next

My Perspective — This Was Likely Inevitable

I’ve sold numerous homes in West Neck over the years, and I’ve had more conversations about this topic than I can count.

Here’s the reality:

👉 Once a golf course fails financially, the outcome is almost always the same.

Communities are forced into one of three paths:

Let it sit and deteriorate
Buy and maintain it themselves
Allow redevelopment

And option #2—while ideal—is rarely feasible.

We’re Seeing This Across Virginia

This isn’t just a Virginia Beach story.

It’s happening everywhere.

📍 New Kent — Brickshire

Homeowners stepped up and purchased the course themselves to prevent redevelopment.

📍 Toano — Stonehouse

A local resident stepped in to keep the course from shutting down

📍 Williamsburg — Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

There was an effort to redevelop part of the course, but the community pushed back—resulting in a scaled-down 9-hole solution instead of full development

👉 Sound familiar?

The Bigger Trend: Golf Course Communities Are Evolving

What’s happening at West Neck is part of a much larger shift.

Across the country:

18-hole courses are becoming harder to sustain
Land values are rising
Demand for low-maintenance, age-restricted housing is increasing

And developers are responding with a hybrid model:
👉 Fewer holes + fewer acres + more housing + preserved green space

Why 55+ Communities Keep Showing Up

This piece is important—and it’s not by accident.

Active adult communities:

Generate less strain on schools
Appeal to downsizing buyers
Offer predictable demand

If you want to explore what’s happening across our region—from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and New Kent—I’ve put together a full guide here:

👉 Active Adult Communities Across Hampton Roads, Williamsburg & New Kent

This is one of the fastest-growing segments of our market right now.

What This Means for Homeowners and Buyers

For West Neck Residents

A maintained landscape replaces a deteriorating one
Property values could stabilize—or improve
But the character of the community will shift

For Buyers

Expect more 55+ options in established communities
Golf course living may look different than it did 20 years ago

For Other Communities

👉 If your neighborhood has a struggling golf course… this conversation is probably coming.

Final Thoughts

I understand why this was emotional.

People bought into a vision:

An 18-hole course
Open space
A certain lifestyle

And when that changes—it’s personal.

But stepping back…

👉 This was likely the most realistic outcome available

Not perfect. Not universally supported.
But a compromise between:

Economic reality
Community expectations
And long-term sustainability

Learn More About West Neck

If you want a deeper dive into the neighborhood itself, you can check out my full guide here:

👉 Villages at West Neck Neighborhood Guide

About Me — Mr. Williamsburg

I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg.

I’ve been listing and selling homes across Williamsburg, New Kent, York County, and throughout Hampton Roads for over 20 years—including multiple sales in West Neck. I’ve seen firsthand how communities evolve, how land use decisions impact property values, and how these changes play out for homeowners.

I’m also an investor, renovator, and someone who pays close attention to trends like this—because they directly impact long-term value and lifestyle.

If you’re wondering how something like this affects your home—or if you’re considering a move into (or out of) a community like this—I’m always happy to talk.

📞 Call or text: 757-254-8136
📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 Website: mrwilliamsburg.com