VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — In an effort to increase the amount of public parking spaces at the Oceanfront, the city is eying the construction of two new parking garages.

Last week, the Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) released a request for proposals for a new parking structure and “other complementary uses” to be built at the corner of 19th street and Parks Avenue.

Meanwhile, City Council could soon revisit whether to enter a public-private partnership for the development of a parking garage at 35th street.

The city’s goal is to ultimately have public parking lots every five blocks in the resort area.

Even though Virginia Beach has long been considered a “drive-to destination,” the city’s long struggle to provide adequate parking is well documented.

“It’s so needed,” said Virginia Beach Councilman Worth Remick, who half of the Oceanfront area.

Currently the city has 3,615 public parking spots in the resort area.

While the city taxpayers provided upwards of $44 million for the two new parking decks at Atlantic Park, Remick said they didn’t exactly replace the nearly 900 lost on the property.

“But a lot of those will be spoken for by the businesses and residents and and retailers in Atlantic Park,” Remick said.

That is why he is pleased to see the RFP issued for the site near the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

The nearly two acres of city land is currently is home to a more than 100 spot surface lot serving the Convention Center, Sports Center and the Vibe District.

He said depending on the size of the new structure, it could also serve Atlantic Park.

“We wanted it in this location,” Remick said. “It fits the central beach land use plan that’s been presented to us, it’s not controversial, It’s not a headquarters hotel. We will own the land and maybe we’ll own the parking deck … but it’s going to [add], we’re hoping, 1,000, about 1,000 parking spaces.”

He said developers are also encouraged to suggest non-parking first floor uses such as retail “just to complement the rest of 19th Street.”

Proposals are due by October 20.

“We’ll see what people come up with. We’re not dictating anything, particularly. But … we’ll choose the best,” Remick said.

On 35th street, local hotel owner Suburban Capital has negotiated a deal with city staff to build a 348 spot garage on land they own.

Under the proposed deal, the land would be sold to the VBDA for free.

The city would then pay the estimated $12.4 million for the construction of the garage, where 200 spots would be reserved for the public.

“So we have $25 million set aside currently in the TIP Fund (Tourist Investment Program fund) for Oceanfront resort parking,” Remick said. “And so, $12 million or $13 million would go to 35th Street, and then the balance would go (to 19th street).”

Both new garages wouldn’t be free. They’d fall under the city’s current parking management.

The garage on 35th street could be open next year if City Council votes soon.