East Beach Homeowners Association
History
In the mid 1990’s, the area of Ocean View that is now East Beach hadn’t been touched since World War 2 and become so blighted and rundown, that it was declared off-limits to nearby US Navy personnel. Rather than simply try to patch up the old neighborhood, the City of Norfolk, decided to pursue an entirely different kind of redevelopment. A risk-sharing public-private partnership was created and invested over $50 million to develop an upscale new urbanist waterfront neighborhood to be called "East Beach" in East Ocean View. As part of the project, the city acquired and tore down more than 1,600 buildings across 100 acres, and relocated hundreds of low-income residents.
The planners created walkable parks running north / south connecting the Community to the Bayfront. Their design attempted to ensure that most homes in East Beach would either front a park or have a view to a park. Fifteen percent (15 Acres) of the land would be dedicated to public open spaces.
The original streets were relocated 1/2 block on the new
master site plan, bringing large stands of mature trees into the public realm. The developers worked closely with arborists to ensure that these irreplaceable resources were protected for the enjoyment of future generations.
In 2003, a massive beach restoration project was completed
by the city, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Virginia Port
Authority, which involved a large-scale rebuilding of sand dunes, planting of vegetation, and the placement of 10 offshore breakwaters to slow erosion and protect the neighborhood from coastal storms.
In 2004, a community center was constructed along the beach
and the first set of 17 homes were constructed along 25th Bay
Street. The homes were featured in 2004 Norfolk’s first Homarama that attracted 130,000 attendees. The interest in East Beach was so strong that a lottery was held for future lots. East Beach was born!
Today
East Beach draws upon southeastern building types and town
planning practices to create a unique waterfront village rooted in the traditions of the region. It is intentionally and distinctly Tidewater in feeling, from its overall layout and landscape design to the details of its buildings, pathways and parks.
The pattern of the neighborhood is based on “New Urbanist”
design which reflects a return to the classic American hometown, encouraging a sense of community as it weaves the natural features of the site with mixed uses and housing styles. New Urbanism
returns to a time when pedestrians were part of the landscape, housing styles were diverse and interesting, neighborhood streets were smaller, sidewalks were everywhere, and massive expanse of concrete and asphalt were nowhere to be found.
Structures are placed close to the street with parking in rear lanes. Many homes have carriage house apartments located above their garage. Streets are narrow with slow-speed streets with on-street parking.
With nearly 700 residences, homes and condominiums are found
in every price range and size. The neighborhood and city allow electric golf carts through the community. Residents and the public to have direct access to the beach at the end of every north-south street. Mature canopies of existing live oak trees are preserved and are situated in linear public parks for all to enjoy.
East Beach offers a community center called the Bayfront Club with a large function room, a library, swimming pool, exercise center and
viewing tower. Other amenities include tennis/pickleball courts, a pavilion stage for concerts, a native plant garden and multiple small parks throughout the neighborhood. A strong sense of community is driven by concerts, social events, clubs and neighborhood functions.
The neighborhood has very high standards to maintain its quality and charm. Residents enjoy strong governance over architecture, landscaping and maintenance to ensure aesthetics are maintained and a sense of timeless community is preserved.