On Tuesday, the City of Suffolk held the first of a series of winter Community Engagement Sessions. It was held from 6-8 pm in City Council Chambers at City Hall, with about 50 members of the community in attendance.

Keith Cannady gave a slide-show presentation explaining the Comprehensive Plan and outlining where in the process they are with the creation of this important document. He also had slides which listed both feedback they have received from the public and specific follow-up questions the city has for the public that can help meet the needs of its residents.

Below are the topics and questions from the city. 

1. We heard from you that… it is important that Suffolk maintain a small-town feel. How can we create inviting places in Suffolk where people feel comfortable and want to spend time?

2. We heard from you that… you want Downtown and North Suffolk to be great places. What would you like to be able to do in Downtown or North Suffolk in the future that you are not able to do today?

3. We heard from you that… you want good jobs and thriving businesses in the city, but you don’t want large developments to diminish your quality of life, such as by generating too much traffic congestion. How can the city promote business growth while not negatively impacting day-to-day activities for residents?

4. We heard from you that… it’s important to preserve rural areas in Suffolk. How can we accommodate new housing and other development that is desired but still protect nature and agriculture?

5. We heard from you that… new development along Suffolk’s corridors such as route 58 and 460 should contribute positively to the city. What do you want the look and feel of the city’s corridors to be?

6. We heard from you that… we should be thinking about different values of housing. What kind of housing (size, style, price point, etc.) is most needed?

These were the questions prompted by the city to open a dialogue with the community. We need the community to show up and share their concerns, ideas and suggestions with the city. These sessions are the single biggest impact the community will have in the process of development the next comprehensive plan.

Below are the remaining community engagement sessions. Please make time to attend at least one!

Southwestern Elementary School
February 2nd, 6pm – 8pm; 150 Pioneer Road, Suffolk, VA 23437

Oakland Elementary School
February 9th, 6pm – 8pm; 5505 Godwin Blvd, Suffolk, VA 23434

John Yeates Middle School
February 14th, 6pm – 8pm; 4901 Bennetts Pasture Rd, Suffolk, VA 23435

Nansemond River High School
February 16th, 6pm – 8pm; 3301 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk, VA 23434

Col. Fred Cherry Middle School
February 23rd, 6pm -8pm; 7401 Burbage Dr, Suffolk, VA 23435

Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Recreation Center
February 28th, 6pm – 8pm; 132 Robertson St, Suffolk, VA 23438

This is YOUR chance to weigh in on the next comprehensive plan; a document that will impact where future development will happen, as well as influence policy and improvements in infrastructure such as schools, roads, public utilities, conservation and the protection of our quality of life as citizens of Suffolk. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard and have an impact on the future of Suffolk. Please plan to attend at least one of the following sessions. The next one is tonight.