Entrance Landscaping and Property Responsibility

Dear Lago Mar Neighbors,

Over the past several months, the Board has conducted an extensive review of the Civic League’s largest recurring expenses, including landscaping at the Entrada Drive and Los Brisas Drive entrances and along Sandbridge Road. This review required significant time and coordination to ensure we had accurate information before communicating with residents.

During that process, questions were raised about property ownership, maintenance responsibility, and potential liability. We worked directly with the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Real Estate Division and reviewed GIS mapping to confirm property lines.

The land that includes the hedgerows and frontage along Sandbridge Road is privately owned. These areas fall within individual residential parcels, and in total sixteen properties are impacted by this determination.

We also contacted the City’s Parks and Recreation Division regarding maintenance responsibility. The City referenced applicable ordinances indicating that maintenance of these areas rests with the respective property owners, not the City.

A review of public deed records did not identify any recorded easements granting the Civic League authority to access or maintain the hedgerow areas along Sandbridge Road.

Based on this research, the Board has determined that the Civic League does not own the hedgerow areas along Sandbridge Road and does not have documented legal authority to maintain them. For this reason, landscaping services for the hedgerow along Sandbridge Road will be discontinued.

The Civic League will continue maintaining and beautifying the neighborhood entrance areas at Entrada Drive and Los Brisas Drive, which serve as the primary gateways to Lago Mar. Ownership of the Entrada Drive entrance area is still being verified, but this review does not change the League’s intention to continue maintaining the entrances.

We understand this may be new information for many residents. The entrances and surrounding areas have been maintained for many years with the intent of preserving the appearance of the neighborhood. Our responsibility is to ensure that League activities and spending are supported by proper authority and clear documentation.

Residents who wish to review property lines may access the City of Virginia Beach GIS mapping system through the City’s Map Center. Public deed records are available through the Clerk of Court.

Sincerely,

Wille Strickland

Lago Mar Civic League Board

President