THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 1996 TAG: 9605220375
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 25 lines
The Suffolk Planning Commission Tuesday delayed action for 30 days on plans for the Navy's surplus Radio Transmitting Facility near Driver after questions arose about providing some of the land to Youth Entertainment Studios.
YES - a Virginia Beach-based organization that is a partner of privately funded Regent University - is a program that helps at-risk youth through media education.
Some nearby residents and commissioners questioned the legitimacy of giving public land to a private organization.
Several other commissioners countered that the Bennett's Creek Little League - also included in the plan - is a quasi-private group too. Commissioners also wanted to know whether YES would retain ownership of the parcel of land on the 600-acre surplus property.
Commissioners have requested that YES directors as well as officials at Regent explain their partnership. The plan must be approved by the City Council after the commission makes its recommendations.
Navy Secretary John Dalton will ultimately decide who gets the property. by CNB