[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6293949,"mediaKeyId","2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c","parentId",2522416,"title","Votes at a glance: Suffolk City Council actions including consent items, closed-meeting certification and nominations","audioSeconds",180,"startMs",390000,"endMs",570000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c&start=390&end=570","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c/thumbnail_390000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6293949/Suffolk-City/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Suffolk-City-Council-actions-including-consent-items-closed-meeting-certification-and-nominations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293949-77ea5380fbb2eff5b818f1d9b63bd20a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141703&Signature=QyWYkCRLMl-qzTbSjd-Gr30CaySasBGdYI8D-sZ9S4y-ByL4H-i-buC2jZ3yys7JqcQDzWc~2UW4xrX3K3CB4mzPGJ0CiFos5lqvAP~EYuhmNbISbQcwz9XnLAmcuFI8wNawy4Gs0QY6G9Q5KiW-7ot29O05fSB~m-korkgK5PvtlMnGY4RDAUMjTgU-O7HAaaC30fr4a6MdauhzgdM8MqPZ93jkkIp4vbDD2zCI~iKyQnQn0pYLNNloxfWSxwLbdgOa2xpxXJ8DD~nNcRPjCPcl1jZ2-Kz9T8bGMvak6bM29EJKvSN-mjsfIczZnElc~X1ioDzltPFLx5HR6-imyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityofSuffolkVA","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","This summary lists formal motions and roll-call outcomes recorded at the Suffolk City Council meeting.

- Certification of closed session: Council certified a closed meeting under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act motion to approve the certification passed 7-0.

- Approval of minutes: Council approved minutes from the Oct. 16, 2024 work session and regular meeting (motion passed 6-0 as recorded).

- Consent agenda: Council adopted the consent agenda 7-0. Consent items included:
- Resolution rescinding a local emergency declared for the February snow event (staff said the local emergency was rescinded on Feb. 21 after facilities reopened).
- Acceptance of a donation of 15 blood-pressure monitors (valued at $585) from the American Heart Association for Suffolk Public Library circulation.
- Ordinance accepting and appropriating $21,781 from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to support the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue for emergency management salary match (local cash match provided by the Department of Fire and Rescue FY24–25 operating budget).
- Resolution expressing concurrence with Henrico County EDA inducement resolution and approving issuance of revenue bonds for the benefit of Bon Secours Mercy Health, including conduit financing that would not obligate the Suffolk EDA (bond issuance not to exceed $600,000,000; portion not to exceed $90,000,000 allocated to Harborview Medical Center), pursuant to the Virginia Industrial Development Revenue Bond Act.

- Scheduling: Council scheduled a work session for March 19, 2025 at 4 p.m.; motion passed 7-0.

- Nominations: Council approved multiple board nominations (Community Criminal Justice Board citizen representative; Economic Development Authority borough and at-large representatives; Paul D. Camp Community College Board nominee) by a 7-0 vote.

- Adjournment: Motion to adjourn passed 7-0.

Why it matters: These routine votes record administrative housekeeping, grant acceptance and the city's non-financial concurrence for a regional conduit bond issuance. The Bon Secours item is conduit financing only; staff noted the city and its economic development authority will not bear financial obligation for the bonds.

All motions and tallies are reflected in the official roll-call minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Suffolk City Council Meeting (3-5-25)","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved certification of a closed meeting, adopted minutes, approved the consent agenda (donations, emergency rescind, a $21,781 emergency management grant and conduit approval for Bon Secours revenue bonds), scheduled a work session and confirmed board nominations; most motions passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Suffolk City, Virginia","taxId",4193,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293954,"Residents urge city to preserve Nansemond County Training School site and add a multipurpose community center",595,2526000,3121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c&start=2526&end=3121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c/thumbnail_2526000.jpg","/articles/6293954/Suffolk-City/Virginia/Residents-urge-city-to-preserve-Nansemond-County-Training-School-site-and-add-a-multipurpose-community-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293954-aca4ff42f87f7e9db8df32aefa989780/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141703&Signature=XKuF1gfUPQOcDFKiZziyL~-O61V9EnVKgZjhTVUnoYgl8JzQx7STQCTchCP22nneGc4D0GIhEIgZ-r9qbE5uUf3hSkV7q6PLAKyQK1RZ4gtACY9rSoX6ZMR~ThpdH1Q9m68LL4~Z4TiS0DVl6-S7jVi3o5M9LvoWP9VzyDIzcVoX4xELDt9wfckwpNeGj33nHnyOqrltlPHYQi5gvJPOpXkfngrjkuJBo2WK8~8DGpUbhdGssjZ8O0GSWCCOywvMw~hM9xxjnbIBgYiP1DQKEsutEmrsnTge7YqzlVvrITotOTJdQO6YTe2TJkJeIqS7XSvvyWUFDuQKVM6vfSKWwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents and community leaders addressed City Council during the non-agenda speakers period to urge preservation and reuse of the historic Nansemond County Training School (a Rosenwald-era school building) and to seek development of a multipurpose community center on city-owned land in the Holland/Southwestern Suffolk area.

Speakers included Joaquinia Hill of the Holland Holy Neck Civic League, H. E. Howell (grandson of the original principal) representing the Holley/Collins Civic Association, Garland \"Pete\" Copeland speaking for the Nansemond County Training School Heritage Center, and Joel Copeland, all of whom outlined the site's historical significance and community needs. Petitioners described the building type as a rare surviving Rosenwald school structure and asked the council to consider preserving it and exploring reuse as a multipurpose community center, not a recreation center, with space for meetings, receptions and a possible emergency shelter.

Pete Copeland said the proposed facility \"is not a recreation center\" and described it as a multipurpose site that could host meetings, study groups and civic activities and serve as an emergency shelter. Speakers noted the area has seen residential growth in recent years and said the southwestern portion of the city lacks a nearby shelter and community meeting space.

Council members expressed appreciation for the presentations and several (including Council members Johnson and Bennett) voiced support for preserving Rosenwald-era history and pursuing options. No formal action or funding decision was made; speakers asked the council and staff to explore possibilities and next steps.

Why it matters: Preservation of Rosenwald schools is a component of local historic preservation and the requested multipurpose center would provide civic and emergency functions for a growing part of the city.

Speakers left materials for council review and were told staff and council would follow up on possible options for the site.","Speakers from the Holland/Holy Neck area asked council to preserve the Nansemond County Training School (Rosenwald) site and to develop a multipurpose community center on city-owned land to serve southwest Suffolk.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293959,"Staff previews proposed Harborview Station rezoning for 344 units; planning commission hearing set for March 18",304,2214000,2518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c&start=2214&end=2518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c/thumbnail_2214000.jpg","/articles/6293959/Suffolk-City/Virginia/Staff-previews-proposed-Harborview-Station-rezoning-for-344-units-planning-commission-hearing-set-for-March-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293959-475d6615ab57eb8b45914224bb42246c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141703&Signature=lnDTSxCgVJHcR9Op5r2fJ7W1r-MiLe8-A5LmZMIfhZU05y8qDZizTi4TjLaLK2QuKkOUhw30Etp0y7bEqedUUvAHdFbDaPXsC0JbpDEAaGuVDoGvkj1R8xE55ZFlQDbbbR6XuYLdX5RvDSAABL2aawbrPX8etuHxiEw5APuMQC48aFXc4Ass-PCJbEmp~OndAc5GnPB3Duqp2TGmYxkYlMOIHav~kky0HFO9bqhqkfzIDNmZeIqmNMipFXj90TLxibMO2hhCB73Qc64v66n~Nbx7Gaez7qkAihRv481pvANXcR7Flocapt~bD6P201jl0YLkpXSOR0iz5hlr1-jesQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff on Wednesday presented an overview of a significant pending rezoning in the Harborview area that would remove a 19-acre parcel from the Harborview Station mixed-use designation and rezone it to RU-24 for residential development.

Planning Director Kevin Wine told council the proposal would allow up to 344 residential units — 288 multi-family units and 56 single-family attached townhomes — on the parcel. The applicant has proffered that 155 of the multi-family units will be one-bedroom units and that the development would include a cash proffer of $2.9 million to advance school capacity in Suffolk. Wine said the site currently sits within the Harborview Station master-planned community and the project history stretches back to the master plan adoption in 2007 and subsequent modifications.

Staff displayed conceptual layouts and elevations submitted by the applicant and said the next step is a Planning Commission public hearing scheduled for March 18. If the commission issues a recommendation, the application would be scheduled for a public hearing before council on April 16. Wine directed the public to the city planning web pages for application materials and submittals.

Why it matters: The proposal would add a sizable multi-family development near the Bon Secours hospital under construction and would change the land-use designation for a master-planned parcel. The proffered mix of one-bedroom and larger units was highlighted by staff as a factor reducing projected school impacts relative to a different bedroom mix.

No formal action was taken at Wednesday's meeting; staff brought the overview to inform council before formal public hearings.","City planning staff described a proposed rezoning within the Harborview Station master-planned community that would allow up to 344 residential units and include a $2.9 million proffer to schools; the application goes to the Planning Commission March 18 and council on April 16 if recommended.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293964,"Council approves two-year extension for Wilroy Road solar project after interconnection delays",289,1907000,2196000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c&start=1907&end=2196","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c/thumbnail_1907000.jpg","/articles/6293964/Suffolk-City/Virginia/Council-approves-two-year-extension-for-Wilroy-Road-solar-project-after-interconnection-delays","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293964-10c83df9af4706e0992addca28e851bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141703&Signature=R5pvp1eeS3lGHs5vDJh2aHDiw00x8As8PmNvhVKvW-a0fvKMJQfS7aJHVK7fL3mdHnL9-Qa41KFG4--LU~Rb12JayKl6dDV4~8Sb1dvGvcQOXmWGiWWSKPleVVJ58dmze6uy8cxnDTKN53Axf5Nv5dJ8XwR4sY1NNXX4Z5d3VJfKG3rb51TdhUAOyemf9wYJg2WhLnlzfQdeEKYLf2V-87KKI1X8KrmTM7sI6nKeWsfbZbVPNWXrwch8Lgzkn-l1HGwrfHINkxKM6NUm44myI-w2GK83vYSWhVLdhp2aGX7TazEy979XiQB1qJ~nlyLWhENmTRs-GAw5KqxOOwfyXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Suffolk City Council approved an ordinance extending a conditional use permit for a solar energy facility on Wilroy Road, granting the applicant an additional two years to establish the project because of delays negotiating an interconnection agreement with Dominion Energy.

Planning Director Kevin Wine summarized the item's background: the permit (CUP 2024-29) covers a 19.5-acre site adjacent to a chemical manufacturing plant and was originally approved March 15, 2023 for a two-year period. The applicant requested an extension after ongoing interconnection discussions with Dominion delayed construction and final design. Wine said council may grant an extension \"not to exceed the original period of validity,\" and staff recommended approval to extend the permit so the facility must be established on the property by March 15, 2027.

The project is proposed as a roughly 3-megawatt facility. An applicant representative, Rachel Boots, addressed the council during the agenda-speaker period and said the developer is working with Dominion on upgrades and design needed to interconnect to the Crittenden Substation.

Council member Williams moved approval of the ordinance; Council member Rector seconded. Council member Johnson said he had changed his view and stated opposition, and Council member Bennett also voted against the extension. After roll call, the ordinance passed 5-2.

Why it matters: The extension preserves the applicant's zoning approval while the interconnection is finalized; it delays the deadline by which construction must begin to maintain the approved conditional use.

The motion passed with a roll-call vote recorded on the public record.","City Council voted 5-2 to grant a two-year extension to a conditional use permit for a 3-megawatt solar facility on Wilroy Road, citing delays in obtaining an interconnection agreement with Dominion Energy.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6293969,"Suffolk council adopts five-year capital plan with Driver Elementary funding and Route 17 turn-lane language",892,990000,1882000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c&start=990&end=1882","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522416-d67fd0ce7c205e057d1bd4921ff2a64c/thumbnail_990000.jpg","/articles/6293969/Suffolk-City/Virginia/Suffolk-council-adopts-five-year-capital-plan-with-Driver-Elementary-funding-and-Route-17-turn-lane-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6293969-2b303f29a6b0cc039856e430aa7fcf44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771141703&Signature=mBnAjGvEDaAygCxd0KAv9HLtDolUC7CeunsgeHuwZJ3uiCbIy~OAteQcGXD~qQSJ3qTgGdv99UyjCAMAg~6BdJZ6o16CvErxw8o6sTV1OI9p9oXxCEVOSjYJTh3OU7gNvrD~FApvFTKRPIzHIojIjxaVfBZMxk3pkgHS5ByMvSaOLirmbURcYwIlGag~56iiT4oIGsRvEn50VRb09vrKX8bqQIkAvW532bI~8Xp4vZQDtXIptPBvApQufBBsLQvb6MgzJjM4AbVJSodZFMdttEMJKlReXN4RSSt4CJSt4wiN~xtOiywxaCzM0m0Z~-L~RRf~HaGkdIR7dArblWnbIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Suffolk City Council on Wednesday adopted the city's five-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, approving amendments to fund partial demolition and related work at Driver Elementary School and to include a Burnham Manor turn lane as part of the Route 17 widening project.

The finance director, Charles Meeks, told the council the proposed five-year CIP total across all funds is \"$533,800,000,\" with a 10-year projection of about $2 billion. He said the local funding mix includes general obligation bonds, state and federal grants and local general fund and capital reserve cash.

The amendment approved by the council adds $620,000 from construction reserve funds to the CIP to cover demolition of Driver Elementary's main building while retaining the 9,000-square-foot gymnasium, and updates CIP language on local urban roadway construction to reflect adding a turn lane into Burnham Manor as part of the Route 17 widening work. Meeks also told council that removal of the school's trailers is estimated at $30,000 and can be handled from current fiscal-year contingency funds.

Why it matters: The CIP guides local capital spending and borrowing priorities. Council members stressed the plan's emphasis on schools and public safety funding and noted large portions of local capital reserves are being allocated to projects over the five-year window.

Council member Wright moved adoption of the CIP with the amendments; Council member Williams seconded. The motion passed on a 7-0 roll call.

Council discussion before the vote included a request to record the amended five-year total, which council member Wright stated would increase the five-year total to $534,479,230 after adding the Driver Elementary funding. Council member Rechter asked about the village and neighborhood assessment tool used to prioritize neighborhood projects; staff said the 2013 assessment remains generally valid but that an update is under consideration.

The council directed staff to include the first year of the adopted CIP in the proposed capital budget that will return to council in April for formal budget actions. Staff said the Planning and finance teams will bring forward the operating and capital budgets tied to the CIP for the next fiscal year.

Quotes in the meeting reflect council and staff explanations of funding sources and project timing. Finance Director Charles Meeks summarized the funding composition and project percentages for schools, public safety and transportation projects.

The adopted motion and roll-call record are reflected in the city's official minutes; council voted 7-0 to approve the CIP as amended.","City Council voted unanimously to adopt the FY 2026 capital improvements plan, adding $620,000 from construction reserves for Driver Elementary School work and updating language to include a Burnham Manor turn lane in the Route 17 widening project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Suffolk City Council actions including consent items, closed-meeting certification and nominations

Residents urge city to preserve Nansemond County Training School site and add a multipurpose community center

Staff previews proposed Harborview Station rezoning for 344 units; planning commission hearing set for March 18

Council approves two-year extension for Wilroy Road solar project after interconnection delays

Suffolk council adopts five-year capital plan with Driver Elementary funding and Route 17 turn-lane language