Lawsuit Filed Over Approved West Neck Redevelopment in Virginia Beach
Residents challenge rezoning tied to proposed 55+ community and revived golf course
A newly approved redevelopment plan in the Villages at West Neck community is now facing legal challenges from nearby residents, adding another chapter to one of the more controversial redevelopment projects in the Virginia Beach area in recent years.
The lawsuit centers around the former Signature at West Neck golf course property — an Arnold Palmer-designed course that closed in 2019 and has sat largely dormant ever since. The proposed redevelopment, known as “The Preserve at West Neck,” would transform portions of the former course into a new 55+ residential community featuring approximately 143 homes, along with a redesigned nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, and practice facilities.
According to reporting from the The Virginian-Pilot, the Virginia Beach City Council voted 9-2 earlier this year to approve the rezoning application despite opposition from some nearby residents and despite earlier recommendations from planning staff to deny the request.
Residents of Browningstone Village at West Neck Condominium Association have now filed suit against the City of Virginia Beach and City Council, arguing that the rezoning disregards density and open-space requirements and conflicts with long-term planning guidelines for the area. The lawsuit also claims the rezoning impairs contractual expectations residents believed existed regarding preservation of the golf course property and surrounding open space.
At the center of much of the frustration is the long and complicated history of the golf course itself. After the course closed in 2019, the property reportedly fell into severe disrepair following foreclosure. Residents complained for years about overgrown vegetation, rodents, deteriorating conditions, and even a 2023 brush fire that threatened nearby homes. A controversial “spite fence” erected near portions of the neighborhood also intensified tensions between residents and ownership.
Supporters of the redevelopment argue that the approved plan represents a practical compromise — restoring golf amenities, cleaning up a neglected property, and creating a new active adult community in a market where demand for 55+ housing remains extremely strong.
The approved concept reportedly includes homes ranging from approximately 1,600 to over 3,200 square feet, with both one- and two-story options. Professional golfer Marc Leishman is said to be involved in the golf portion of the redevelopment project.
Like many redevelopment battles involving former golf courses and open spaces, this situation highlights the ongoing tension between property rights, community expectations, housing demand, environmental concerns, and local planning policies.
While I primarily focus on the Williamsburg, James City County, York County, and Richmond-to-Hampton Roads corridor, I continue to closely follow and sell real estate throughout much of eastern Virginia — from Virginia Beach all the way to Richmond and many areas in between. Issues like this are becoming increasingly common as older golf course communities, aging commercial properties, and underutilized land face pressure for redevelopment across the state.
I’ve actually been following this story for quite some time. If you’d like additional background on how this controversy evolved, here are two earlier articles I previously wrote covering the rezoning proposal and ultimate approval process:
- Virginia Beach Approves The Preserve at West Neck: A Turning Point for Golf Course Communities
- West Neck Redevelopment Proposal Rekindles Debate in Village at West Neck, Virginia Beach
And if you’re unfamiliar with the community itself, here’s a link to my neighborhood page for the area:
About Me
I’m John Womeldorf, also known as Mr. Williamsburg. While Williamsburg is home base, I’ve been helping buyers and sellers throughout Virginia for more than 20 years — from Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to Williamsburg, Richmond, and beyond.
I’ve built my business around helping people understand not just homes, but communities, growth patterns, neighborhood dynamics, lifestyle fit, and long-term value. I closely follow development, rezoning, infrastructure, and housing trends because they often shape the future of the places where we live.
Whether you’re considering a move to Williamsburg, exploring 55+ communities, relocating to the coast, or looking for insight into changing neighborhoods across Virginia, I’m always happy to help.
📞 Phone: 757-254-8136
📧 Email: John@MrWilliamsburg.com
🌐 Website: MrWilliamsburg.com