The city of Suffolk is planning an informational meeting on the proposed widening of Nansemond Parkway Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Nansemond River High School.

New industrial developments and neighborhoods have moved to the heavily-traveled road in recent years, bringing with them even more traffic and demand for the road. The city has announced plans to widen Nansemond Parkway into a four-lane divided roadway from Shoulders Hill Road to Helen Street. In addition, accessories such as sidewalks, a multi-use trail, landscaping work and intersection improvements also are planned.

During the meeting, there will be an open session to give people the opportunity to review construction design drawings and meet with personnel from the Virginia Department of Transportation and the city of Suffolk. There also will be a formal presentation of the plans and a question and answer session.

We are encouraging everyone to attend the meeting, regardless of whether they support the widening or not, or why they feel the way they do. Too often, nobody shows up at these meetings, and then some people are left scratching their heads when the project is put into action. Especially if you live near Nansemond Parkway, you should attend the meeting. It is your neighborhood it will affect, and your tax dollars, too.