Planning Commission Special Session: ITA Master Plan update

The City of Virginia Beach Planning Commission held a special session on June 12, 2026, to discuss updates to the ITA Master Plan, focusing on land use, infrastructure, and economic development over a 10- to 25-year horizon. The meeting centered on balancing sports tourism, light industrial development, municipal facilities, and agricultural preservation within the ITA area. Key procurement-related topics included proposed capital improvements such as extending Lanstown Road, constructing a regional stormwater pond, and developing sports facilities including an 11-field baseball tournament complex with an estimated $44.5 million development cost and associated infrastructure expenses totaling approximately $24 million for stormwater and $25 million for road improvements. The plan anticipates creating nearly 1,000 direct jobs and generating significant tax revenue. Commissioners raised concerns about the economic viability, environmental impact, and infrastructure funding, emphasizing the need for detailed cost-benefit analyses and alignment with the comprehensive and transportation master plans. No formal votes were recorded, but the discussion highlighted the importance of further public engagement and detailed financial modeling before proceeding with procurement or capital projects.