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SUFFOLK DIRECTOR OF
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NAMED
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Suffolk City Manager Al Moor appointed Kevin Wyne as Director of Planning & Community Development effective Tuesday, February 7, 2023.
Mr. Wyne joined the City of Suffolk as Principal Planner in 2016. He was promoted to Assistant Director of Planning & Community Development in March of 2022 and has been serving as Interim Director of the department since May of 2022.
Mr. Wyne brings over 16 years of professional planning experience at the local level to the role. Before his time with Suffolk, he served in a planning and zoning capacity with the City of Hopewell, the Town of Warrenton, and the City of Poquoson.
Since being with the City of Suffolk, Mr. Wyne has managed many commercial and residential development projects, large-scale rezoning projects, the adoption and implementation the of Downtown Master Plan, and major amendments to the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. Mr. Wyne looks forward to working with the community to see the current Comprehensive Plan update through to adoption and continuing to assist the community with their planning and development needs.
Kevin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies and Geography from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as a Certified Planner certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.
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SUFFOLK TO HOST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS
FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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The City of Suffolk is updating its Comprehensive Plan, Suffolk 2045, and is seeking input from the community through a series of Community Engagement Sessions held throughout January and February at various locations across the City.
Participants will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on topics including, but not limited to:
· Planning and coordinating approaches for residential and commercial development;
· Carefully managing the impacts of increased residential development;
· Mitigating traffic congestion and developing roadway improvements;
· Designing a city that maintains its rural heritage and small-town feel;
· Creating opportunities for Downtown investment and revitalization; and
· Incorporating open space, parks, entertainment, restaurants, recreation, and retail opportunities.
Participants are invited to attend any of the seven identical Community Feedback Sessions:
Suffolk City Hall
442 W. Washington St, Suffolk 23434
January 31, 6 p.m.
Southwestern Elementary School
150 Pioneer Rd, Suffolk 23437
February 2, 6 p.m.
Chuckatuck Fire Department
300 Kings Hwy, Suffolk 23432
February 9, 6 p.m.
John Yeates Middle School
4901 Bennetts Pasture Rd, Suffolk 23435
February 14, 6 p.m.
Nansemond River High School
3301 Nansemond Pkwy, Suffolk 23434
February 16, 6 p.m.
Col. Fred Cherry Middle School
7401 Burbage Dr, Suffolk, VA 23435
February 23, 6 p.m.
Curtis R. Milteer, Sr. Recreation Center
132 Robertson St, Suffolk, VA 23438
February 28, 6 p.m.
For those unable to participate in the sessions, a survey is available online for community input regarding critical questions that have emerged from the comprehensive planning process to date. To complete the survey, visit at www.Suffolk2045.com.
The Suffolk 2045 Comprehensive Plan is a long-range guide for land use, housing, transportation, parks and open space, economic development and more. Since the last plan update seven years ago, the City has seen significant new development and change - making this an ideal moment to undertake this effort. The City’s Planning & Community Development Department is overseeing the process and is working with a steering committee that is comprised of twenty–two individuals representing a range of interests, backgrounds and neighborhoods across the City.
For more information, contact Keith Cannady, Comprehensive Planning Manager, at 757-514-4060 or PlanningEmail@suffolkva.us or visit www.Suffolk2045.org.
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OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC TO LEARN
AND GIVE INPUT ON FINAL PHASE OF REGIONAL CONNECTOR STUDY
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The Suffolk Department of Public Works advises that the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRPTO) is holding an open house at the VDOT Hampton Roads District Office, 7511 Burbage Dr, Suffolk 23535, on Thursday, February 9th from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The open house is an opportunity for the public to provide input on the Regional Connector Study (RCS) Phase 3, its final phase.
The RCS started in June 2018. The completed study will provide a long-term vision for improved connectivity between the Peninsula and Southside by proposing the construction of new roads or improvements to existing roads. Planners are looking at congestion relief, economic vitality, resiliency, accessibility, and quality of life to develop recommendations for project phasing.
During Phase 3, the RCS Project Team will be out in the community to share information about the RCS and get public input. Jason Souders, Transportation Planning Manager for Suffolk Public Works, says, “This is an opportunity for the public to learn about the Regional Connector Study and offer feedback to the recommendations put forth for this long-term vision for the region.”
For more information and other Open House dates happening across the region, please visit https://www.connectorstudy.org or call Traffic Engineering at 757 514-7603.
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SUFFOLK TRANSIT OFFERS FREE SERVICE
TO CELEBRATE TRANSIT EQUITY DAY
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Transit Equity Day is a National Day of Action commemorating the importance of investing in public transit for the benefit of all citizens, promoting public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change. It also calls attention to the work of public transit rider Rosa Parks, commemorating her life and legacy as her birthday is February 4.
To mark Transit Equity Day, on Friday, February 3, 2023, Suffolk Transit will offer free bus and para-transit rides.
Suffolk Transit Manager, Maria Ptakowski says “Suffolk Transit is proud to commemorate Ms. Parks by participating in Transit Equity Day. As well, we are intently focusing our efforts on expanding services and becoming more sustainable. We are excited to introduce two electric buses in the near future as part of a state grant we recently received.” In August 2022, Suffolk Transit received a $565,000 grant from the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Year 2022 Low or No Emission Vehicle Program that will support the addition of the two new electric buses and charging stations to the Suffolk Transit fleet.
For more information about Suffolk Transit please call 757 214-6442.
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AARP TO OFFER FREE TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE
FOR SUFFOLK RESIDENTS
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The Suffolk Workforce Development Center is partnering with the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation to provide free tax preparation assistance for moderate to low-income Suffolk residents. The service begins on February 1, 2023 and will be offered through April 18. The services will be provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by advance appointment only.
Informational packets are available for pickup from the Workforce Development Center and participants are asked to complete all documents in the informational packet prior to arrival and come prepared with all pertinent tax documents at the scheduled appointment time.
Suffolk Development Workforce Center is located at 157 North Main Street. To schedule an appointment call (757) 774-7908.
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SUFFOLK HOSTS PRESHOOL GYM TIME | |
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Suffolk Parks and Recreation is hosting a Preschool Gym Time event at East Suffolk Recreation Center on Wednesday, February 8, from 9:30-11 am. Toddlers ages 2-5 will enjoy learning songs, games, and arts and crafts. This event will allow toddlers the opportunity to learn socialization and creative skills through play. This event is sponsored by Suffolk Parks and Recreation and the Early Childhood Development Commission.
Pre-registration is required and must be completed online or at East Suffolk Recreation Center. Registration is now open through February 6. Register your child today! East Suffolk Recreation Center is located at 138 S. 6th Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. For more information, contact 757-514-4500.
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The East Suffolk Recreation Center - Active Adult Senior Program in partnership with the Tidewater Arts Outreach, will offer a Zentangle Art Class. This two-part series of classes will be held on Wednesdays, February 15 and 22, from 10 am-12 pm at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts. The classes are free and open to all Active Adults ages 55+.
Pre-registration is required and can be completed at East Suffolk Recreation Center located at 138 South Sixth Street. Registration will be open until Friday, February 10, or until the class is filled.
For more information, contact 757-514-7265 or email thamlin@suffolkva.us.
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“A BRITISH INVASION” - FILM SERIES AT THE SUFFOLK CENTER | |
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Join Suffolk Tourism, in partnership with the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, as they proudly present A British Invasion at the Center, a series of three popular films featuring British characters and themes. Each movie will be shown in the Birdsong Theater, located on the second floor of the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, 110 West Finney Avenue in Downtown Suffolk. Show time is 7:00 p.m. on designated dates; admission is $2 per person. To purchase tickets, please contact the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts box office at 757.923.2900 or visit www.SuffolkCenter.org. Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to show time.
Thursday, February 9: Rocketman
Set to his most beloved songs, this epic musical tells the story of a young Reginald Dwight’s fantastical transformation to Elton John. Collaboration with singer-songwriter Bernie Taupin catapults Elton to international superstar, becoming one of the most iconic figures in pop history. The cast includes Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Richard Madden. This 2019 comedy is rated R and has a running time of 121 minutes.
Thursday, March 16: Bohemian Rhapsody
This is the foot-stomping story that traces the meteoric rise of the legendary British rock band, Queen, and lead singer Freddie Mercury, who defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers in history. The cast includes Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, and Joseph Mazzello. This 2018 biographical drama is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 134 minutes.
This film series is proudly sponsored by Suffolk Tourism. For more information about citywide attractions, events, accommodations, restaurants, and meeting space, go to VisitSuffolkVa.com or on social media at /visitsuffolkva. The Suffolk Visitor Center is located at 524 North Main Street, Suffolk, Virginia 23434 and is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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SUFFOLK THERAPEUTIC RECREATION HOSTS PRINCESS SPA DAY | |
Suffolk Parks and Recreation, Office on Youth is excited to host a Therapeutic Recreation Princess Spa Day for girls with disabilities. This program is designed for youth, ages 21 and under, and will be held on February 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Suffolk Recreation Center.
Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess and spend the day indulging in makeup, facials, manicures, and more. The Princess Spa Day will provide a relaxing and royal experience where participants can enjoy quality girl time, make friends, and enhance their self-esteem and self-image. Tea and pastries will be provided to enhance this magical experience.
For more information and/or to register, contact Jaimie Belch at 757-514-7264 or jbelch@suffolkva.us.
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SUFFOLK TO HOST A TEEN EXCURSION TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE | |
Suffolk Parks and Recreation will host a teen excursion to the National Museum of African American History And Culture in Washington, D.C. for individuals ages 13-17.
This event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2023. Participants will depart from East Suffolk Recreation Center at 7 am, and based on travel, the approximate return time will be 7 p.m.
Teens will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits and learn more about historical events. Lunch and snacks will be provided for participants.
Registration is now open and can be completed online through CivicRec or in person at East Suffolk Recreation Center at 138 S. 6 Street, Suffolk, Va 23434. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited! The registration fee is $10 per person.
For more information, contact ChiNiese Williams at 757-514-4515 or ctwilliams@suffolkva.us.
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SELL757 OPENS IN SUFFOLK CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS | |
Sell757, located at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts at 110 West Finney Avenue, held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 27 at 3:00 pm.
The home-selling business was started by Ashley McDougal, alongside Ashley there are four real estate agents and two administrative staff members. Ashley McDougal is a dedicated real estate agent and passionate public speaker based in the Hampton Roads area. A Norfolk native, Ashley started her real estate career in the mortgage industry when she was just nineteen, quickly working her way up the ranks to become a successful agent. She stated, “We love our town and wanted to serve our clients at a higher level by creating a space that all are welcome to come. We love Downtown Suffolk for the rich history it brings and the amazing creative energy it has.”
The office is located on the back, left side of the Suffolk Center. More information about Sell757 can be found at https://sell757.com/
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CITY OF SUFFOLK
UPDATING CIVIC/COMMUNITY LEAGUE ORGANIZATIONS
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Are you part of a community organization or civic league and wish to update your contact information? If so, we would love to hear from you. Additionally,
if you are looking to volunteer or work with the City of Suffolk, let us know that, too!
Call the Department of Media & Community Relations to include your organization in our registry.
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