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Suffolk council backs WIP income set‑asides for Peanut Crossing Phase 2
Summary
The council unanimously endorsed a Virginia Housing Workforce Investment Program modification enabling Peanut Crossing Phase 2, a roughly $14 million, 90‑unit income‑restricted project with 40% of units at or below 100% AMI and 60% at or below 150% AMI, to expand downtown workforce housing.
The Suffolk City Council on unanimous vote endorsed a Virginia Housing Workforce Investment Program (WIP) modification to advance Peanut Crossing Phase 2, a proposed workforce housing project in downtown Suffolk.
The council heard from Janet Days, the city’s director of economic development, who said the developer plans about 90 income‑restricted units and a total investment of roughly $14 million. Days said the modification would reserve 40% of units for households at or below 100% of area median income (AMI) and 60% at or below 150% of AMI, “targeting the missing middle — teachers, nurses, first responders, and our shipyard and manufacturing employees,” and ensuring the units remain income‑restricted long term.
Days summarized Phase 1, which opened in 2021 and includes 59 apartments and community amenities, and noted the developer previously received a $3 million grant through the Virginia Housing WIP. She also said the Phase 2 site sits in a designated opportunity zone and aligns with the downtown master plan.
Council member Williams moved to endorse the modification; Council member Wright seconded. The resolution passed by an 8–0 roll call vote.
Background: Staff told council that under the proposed structure the AMI thresholds for Suffolk correspond approximately to $90,300 and up to $135,450. Days described the plan as preserving the downtown’s mixed‑income character and leveraging public and private investment.
What’s next: The endorsement supports the developer’s application for the WIP modification; additional approvals or funding actions by state or development partners may follow as the project advances.
