Suffolk News-Herald

A new shopping center is in the works for the rapidly growing northern end of the city.

The Suffolk Planning Commission on Tuesday gave its unanimous approval to a developer’s plan to build Bennett’s Creek Crossing – a 27-acre shopping center that would include a Farm Fresh and several other stores -near the intersection of Shoulders Hill and Bridge roads.

The project is proposed for land where Bennetts Creek Wholesale Nursery now operates. That business is in the process of moving its operations to Isle of Wight County.

The planning commission’s action came just a day before the Suffolk City Council approved rezoning for a new 528-home subdivision on the adjacent Bennetts Creek Road.

Future plans also call for a new YMCA and elementary school to be built in the area.

The shopping center project must still be approved by the city council.