THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604180404
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERRI WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
A City Council rezoning approval Wednesday to allow a medical complex expansion and parking capsulizes the challenges facing Suffolk: How do city officials spur business in a city where residents take pride in the area's rural charm?
That was the debate the council heard after it voted 6-1 to allow two doctors to expand their medical office near the Palmyra subdivision near the intersection of Pruden Boulevard and North Main. Councilman Richard R. Harris dissented.
Earlier this year, the city's planning commission approved the request despite protests from about 30 residents who petitioned the council, contending that the expansion would create more traffic. Wayne Ruth, who represented the residents' concerns Wednesday, said they did not want business infringing on their neighborhood.
E. Grier Ferguson, a lawyer representing the doctors, said his clients' expansion will not disturb the neighborhood, adding that the parking will only be for the staff.
Vice Mayor Curtis Milteer said the council needs to support business efforts.
``We want to see our city develop more than just a residential community but a commercial one,'' said Milteer.
KEYWORDS: REZONING SUFFOLK CITY COUNCIL by CNB