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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach officials are setting the record straight with the city’s new Oceanfront parking voucher program, which offers eligible applicants a free $50 parking voucher to use at certain Oceanfront parking facilities.
The city recently launched the program to provide residents with parking assistance at the Oceanfront. However, some residents say the application process has caused confusion.
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“I went online to try and figure out where to get the voucher from, that’s where it all started,” Virginia Beach resident Amy Goldstein said. “But then I gave up because I’m like, forget it.”
City officials say the application can be completed online through the city’s website. Applicants must provide basic information, including their name and email address, along with proof of residency.
“We want a driver’s license and just one other form of residency,” said John Crawford, Virginia Beach’s Parking Administrator. “That can be a water bill, an electric bill, a Verizon bill, whatever you happen to have.”
While some residents have expressed frustration with the application process, others believe the vouchers could encourage more local residents to visit the Oceanfront.
“In some ways, it’s a good idea, trying to get the people out to Virginia Beach,” one resident said.
According to a city spokesperson, as of Wednesday, 8,032 applications were approved 4,192 have claimed the credit to date, 1,113 people have pending applications, and 3,683 people were denied.
Crawford said the most common reason applications are rejected is the submission of incorrect or incomplete documentation.
“A lot of times it’s just simple mistakes,” Crawford said. “We’ve got people that sent pictures of kids by accident, so they’re going on their computer, clicking into their files, and we get a picture of their grandchildren, not their utility bill.”
Residents whose applications are denied will receive an email explaining why they were rejected and may reapply after correcting the issue, according to the city.
The vouchers can be used at several city-owned parking lots, garages, and metered spaces located between Rudee Loop and 38th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
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