Suffolk council approves rezoning and indoor-recreation permit for Suffolk Youth Athletic Association site

The Suffolk City Council on Monday approved a rezoning and a companion conditional-use permit to allow an indoor recreation facility on a 2.6-acre portion of the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association property at 432 Kings Fork Road.

The rezoning (RZN 20248) changes the parcel from RR, rural residential, to B-2, general commercial, while the conditional-use permit (CUP 202420) authorizes an indoor amusement/recreation use in an existing storage building. The council voted to approve the rezoning 8-0 after a motion by Council Member Bennett and a second from Council Member Williams; the CUP passed 8-0 on a motion by Council Member Williams and a second by Council Member Johnson.

The votes came after several proponents described the local youth sports organization’s need for year-round training and competition space. "We need an indoor facility," said Jeff Payne, who identified himself as treasurer of the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association. Payne told council the organization serves about 1,300…