VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach city leaders approved an ordinance Tuesday night allowing the city manager to enter into a purchase agreement for the sale of the former Papa Johns location at the end of Laskin Road.

The buyer plans to transform the lot and several other storefronts they already own on that strip into apartments.

"It's not just shops that can be removed; it's part of the culture, and culture is a big part of Virginia Beach," said one speaker at Tuesday night's city council meeting.

During this week's City Council meeting, the sale of the Papa John's location to VB Laskin Road LLC was a major topic of discussion.

The group already owns the strip of shops adjacent to the property and intends to develop a 215-unit apartment complex with businesses on the ground floor.

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