VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Mayor Bobby Dyer proclaimed Virginia Beach as the city of “yes” in his first State of the City address.
In the sold out speech at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Dyer outlined many of the city’s accomplishments as well as goals for the coming year.
One of those goals may surprise longtime supporters.
“I’m all in. Atlantic Park has the potential to transform our resort area into a year-round destination with something for everyone,” Dyer said in his speech.
Atlantic Park is a multi-million dollar entertainment complex and surf park proposed for the former Virginia Beach Dome location.
Currently, developers and the city are meeting to hammer out terms of a development agreement that, if approved, would result in the the largest public-private partnership in Virginia Beach history.
“It’s a big deal that our analysis tells us will reap big returns,” Dyer said. “This project will produce millions in revenue to cover costs and provide net gain for the city.”
It’s a big statement for the mayor, who for more than a decade prior, looked at public-private partnerships critically.
“The city of yes, an energetic year-round destination that enables us to continue to grow our largest industry and keep a tight grip on the amount of taxes we have to pay for essential services, like public safety, education, libraries, parks and rec, road construction and our most critical service — stormwater management,” Dyer said.
Dyer, a longtime council member, was sworn in as mayor in November after beating Ben Davenport in the election. He succeeded Will Sessoms, who stepped down as mayor in April.
Wednesday’s State of the City also comes as Virginia Beach is preparing for Pharrell Williams’ highly anticipated Something in the Water festival.
Dyer said earlier this month he believes the festival will be “a transformative event for our city.”
“We are absolutely thrilled with the plans Pharrell and his team have for this year. There will be no doubt that what is ‘in the water’ around Virginia Beach is ‘something’ very special,” he said.
Early bird and VIP tickets sold out quickly after being put up on the festival’s website.