Council approves rezoning and conditional use permit for Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church at 1000 Film Way

Suffolk City Council voted unanimously on June 17 to rezone 1000 Film Way from light industrial (M1) to office-institutional conditional zoning and to grant a conditional use permit allowing the Mount Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church to use the site as a large place of worship.

Kevin Weine, director of planning and community development, told the council the property, the former New Dominion Pictures Studio, is roughly 6 acres with an existing 27,000-square-foot building. Staff and the planning commission recommended approval, and the proposal includes a proffer limiting the main sanctuary to 256 seats and requiring adequate on-site parking, officials said.

Several proponents described community work they plan to base at the site. Grady Palmer, representing the applicant, said the church is relocating from Kings Fork High School and asked council to approve the rezonings and CUP. Carl Wilkins, identified in remarks as the Mount’s senior site pastor, told the council the congregation has a long record of community outreach and mentorship, saying the project would provide education and social services space for residents.

Members of the public — including civic leaders and residents — spoke in favor of the application, citing the church’s volunteer programs, youth mentorship and veteran outreach. No speakers registered opposition during the public hearing.

After brief remarks from council members expressing support, the council conducted roll-call votes to approve the rezoning and the conditional use permit. Both measures passed 7–0.

The council’s action allows staff and the applicant to proceed with final permits and site work consistent with the proffered conditions and the unified development ordinance.