As community meetings continue on a proposed plan to bring a sports complex, amphitheater, and equestrian center to the Driver community, city officials should carefully consider the plan.

There’s no disputing that much of what’s still known as rural ground in Suffolk will continue to evaporate to make room for more economic development. While some residents simply favor more ball fields at the former Navy Transmitter Station on Sleepy Hole Road, there is support for the more expansive $46 million plan presented to Suffolk City Council last week. On the surface, this would clearly change the dynamics of an area which had been fairly quiet up until recent years with the influx of residents and traffic.

Mayor Bobby L. Ralph has already expressed his position that Suffolk is not ready for a project of this magnitude in Driver. Moving ahead, council should clearly listen to what residents have to say in the coming days and then hit the pause button to carefully consider if the city is truly ready to take such a giant step.

Council and the city’s residents must be ready for the transformation that would occur if this project is approved.