Last night at the City Council meeting, the Riversbend rezoning was denied. This was a Ryan Homes’ project to build about 500 new homes on the old VDOT location at 1700 N Main Street.
Just two days ago, the developer submitted a request to defer the item until May. During the portion of the City Council meeting, when items can be removed from the agenda, a motion was made by Council Member Rector to amend the agenda to continue consideration of the Riversbend project until the May 20, 2026 meeting. This motion was seconded by Council Member Ward.
Council Member Bennett then made a substitute motion to accept the agenda as presented, keeping the Riversbend project on the agenda. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion.
Mayor Duman, who has a financial conflict of interest with Ryan Homes, was unable to to be part of a discussion or vote on the Riversbend project, but was allowed to preside over the procedural activities. He asked for clarification from the City Council’s lawyer, Mr. Hutchinson, who then clarified that two motions have been presented. The substitute motion gets voted on first. He clarified that if the substitution to accept the agenda with item 13 (Riversbend project) is approved, then that item will be heard and discussed by City Council. He further explained that Council will have the option then to vote to approve, vote to deny, or table the item.
Mayor Duman then recused himself from the rest of the process due to his conflict of interest, passing the gavel to Vice Mayor Ward. Council then voted to 4 to 3 to accept the agenda as presented, keeping the Riversbend project on the agenda.
Council Members Bennett, Johnson, Butler Barlow and Wright all voted “YES” while Council Members Rector, Ward and Williams voted “NO”.
Just before the Riversbend project was heard before Council, roughly two hours into the meeting, Mayor Duman declared a 5 minute recess. The recess lasted closer to 12 minutes, but when Council continued the session, Mayor Duman recused himself from the deliberation and vote, passing the gavel back Vice Mayor Ward.
Planning Director Kevin Wyne then gave the staff presentation, stating that there weren’t really many changes from the previous presentation.
Council Member Butler Barlow spoke first stating she thought there were both positive and negative aspects to the project. However, she felt that due to this parcel’s unique nature, Council needed to put this parcel to “its very best use.” She then made a motion to deny the Riversbend rezoning.
Council Member Johnson stated he has been against this project from day one. He then went on to second the motion. Council Member Wright commended the developer for being engaged and thanked Ryan Homes for listening and considering the voices of the people, however, she still had concerns about the infrastructure and felt the mitigations to the impact on infrastructure were not sufficient.
Vice Mayor Ward talked about how the developer has bent over backwards. He stated the developer did everything he was asked to do. He also expressed concern that the developer wasn’t even there and may be unaware of the decision made tonight. Vice Mayor Ward went on to say that he felt the developer wasn’t treated fairly. He then stated,
“I understand how you feel. But when you sit up here, you’re here to govern. That’s what you’re supposed to do. I know most of you might be against me, that’s fine. That is fine with me. But my heart says different. I listen to the developers and I listen to my council people. Yes I do.”
Vice Mayor Ward then asked for Council to be prepared to vote. Before Ward cast his own vote, he asked for clarification from the attorney who very clearly stated, “‘YES’ is for denial, so ‘YES’ is a no.” Ward asked for him to repeat it, and the attorney stated again, “‘YES’ is for denial,” at which point the Vice Mayor interrupted and said, “Okay, I gotcha.”
The final vote was a unanimous ‘YES’ to deny the rezoning. The clerk announced the motion was approved 7-0, clarifying that it was a motion to deny. At this point, members of the public can be heard cheering while at the same time, Vice Mayor Ward seemed confused.
Vice Mayor Ward could be heard, as he turned to City Manager Kevin Hughes, “I don’t want to, I’m not denying it,” then he continued, “So what happens now?” as he continued to ask Mr. Hughes, “What happens now? What happens now?”
At this point, staff and a fellow Council Member indicate to Mr. Ward that his microphone is still on. He then turns to Council Member Johnson who explains that they just voted to deny the project.
Where we are now: the rezoning has been denied and the rezoning can not be brought back up for rezoning again for a year. Ryan Homes still has a contract with VDOT to purchase the parcel, so it is unknown at this time if they will try to build a project that fits within the current zoning of B-2 (Commercial) or back out of the deal.
A BIG Thank You to everyone who worked to inform the public on this, investigate all the issues and concerns, meet and communicate with City Staff, Council, Mayor, News Organizations, etc. Understanding that this isn’t the end of it, but hopefully the momentum carries forward on all things Suffolk. Thanks to everyone again!