Commission backs rezoning and conditional-use permit for Mount Lebanon church at former New Dominion studio

The Suffolk Planning Commission unanimously recommended rezoning RZN 2025-010 and approved Conditional Use Permit CUP 2025-021 on May 21 to allow Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church to convert the former New Dominion Film Studio at 1000 Film Way into a place of worship.

Staff planner Isabella Reynolds said the applicant proposes to rezone roughly six acres from M-1 (light industrial) to Office-Institutional Conditional (O&I) and to establish a main sanctuary with up to 256 seats. The proposal, she said, includes demolition of on-site film sets, renovation of the existing structure, two existing vehicular entrances on Film Way, and a plan for 64 parking spaces with designated ingress and egress (one entrance-only and one exit-only) and striping conditions to ensure safe circulation.

Grady Palmer, representing the church, told commissioners the congregation has been meeting at Kings Fork High School and welcomed a permanent location. Pastor Wilkins said the church regularly sees about 260–280 worshippers and plans to accommodate growth through multiple services. "Having this building gives us the ability and opportunity to do even greater works," Wilkins said, describing existing partnerships with schools and local organizations.

Commissioners had questions about community services the church would provide and operational hours; staff said the CUP will limit sanctuary seating to 256 and require parking and drive-aisle striping. Following discussion, the commission voted 7-0 to approve the rezoning recommendation and the CUP. Both items will be forwarded to City Council for final action (rezoning scheduled for the June 16 meeting; CUP scheduled for June 17, 2026).