Navy concerns reduced a 125 foot tower; attraction owners Outdoor Ventures sue Virginia Beach over city limiting rival events

Two holiday events planned

Outdoor Ventures, which operates the Owl Creek Landing observation tower in Virginia Beach, plans a Christmas lights event featuring a “sky walk.” The city is moving its Holiday Trail of Lights from the boardwalk to the Virginia Aquarium, with both events set to open November 20. Outdoor Ventures CEO Bahman Azarm told WHRO that simultaneous light shows nearby could cause substantial confusion. The company’s lawsuit targets Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation.

Lawsuit seeks damages

The suit seeks $10 million from the city and $10 million from the foundation, according to WTKR. It also requests that the city’s light show be blocked and seeks another $1 million from Beach Events, which operates attractions for the city.

Outdoor Ventures says an agreement with the foundation was meant to protect it from competing attractions within a 50-mile radius. The foundation told The Independent that the Holiday Trail of Lights remains on schedule, while declining to discuss pending legal matters.

Tower plans changed

The lawsuit also recounts a dispute about the tower’s planned height. The Navy said parts of Dam Neck Annex and Naval Air Station Oceana could be seen from the top, and asked that the structure stay at or below the tree canopy.

Outdoor Ventures’ website describes the tower as 80 feet wide and 65 feet high, with views of nearby forest and wildlife. The company says the redesign delayed its opening and reduced expected revenue, leading it to consider new ways to draw visitors.

City responds to case

Deputy City Attorney Chris Boynton criticized the lawsuit in a statement to The Independent. The report does not include the details of his comments.