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Suffolk mayor gives State of the City address

The mayor highlighted key business development initiatives, provided strategic municipal progress updates, and more during the address.

SUFFOLK, Va. — Downtown Suffolk is the place to be, according to the city's mayor Linda Johnson.

At the State of the City address, Tuesday afternoon, Johnson also heralded Suffolk as an emerging city with room for everyone.

"There's a saying: If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. Changing, growing, and living certainly now describes our downtown," Johnson said.

Johnson described downtown Suffolk as an emerging hub for arts, entertainment, and food.

"If you can't find something to eat in downtown Suffolk, there's something wrong with you," she said.

One goal for the year, according to the mayor, is to continue to draw events and people to the area. She said the city is moving ahead with its downtown initiatives plan, aimed at supporting business growth and expanding entertainment options.

"Projects currently underway include the review and update of historic district design guidelines, downtown branding to include wayfinding and parking signage, an expansion of the parking lot on commerce street, enhanced lighting and landscaping upgrades will certainly add to the ambiance and atmosphere," Johnson said. 

"Downtown is a destination not to be missed."

She says the city is also in the design process for a festival events venue and market hall to accompany a mixed-use residential neighborhood in eastern downtown Suffolk.

Johnson dubbed Suffolk one of the fastest growing cities and highlighted the number of mixed-used developments popping up around the city.

"We're well positioned to offer a fine mix of historic homes, urban lofts, lifestyle, family-friendly neighborhoods, and bustling mixed-used developments," Johnson said.

To the north, a walkable water-front community is already in the works. 

"Acqua at Bridgeport will offer 288 luxury apartments and initial units will be available this August."

Residents who move-in this summer will have access to shopping, dining, and an outdoor entertainment venue.

Johnson says there's also a lot happening over at the Obici Place site.

"The site that sat vacant for a decade is now two-thirds complete in four short years," she said.

Meridian Apartments has already set up shop, as well as offices and retail. And the city is in final negotiations to bring in the Cinema Café 

"For one of their amazing dinner and a movie concept theatres at the Obici place and I know everybody's ready for that one," Johnson said to applause.

There's also a 55-acre waterfront community in the works called The Pointe at Harbourview. Johnson says city council approved funding for the engineering of 1.3 miles of shoreline to guard against erosion.

"As we plan for a future public space that will span the length of the entire waterfront," she said.

Johnson said Suffolk is one of the fastest growing cities in the area and these developments are a sure sign of its continued growth

"We can be proud of how we are growing," Johnson told the room. "And in particular, we are proud of how we are doing it together."

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