Everyone who has an interest in the future development of Suffolk should be at a planned community meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 30.

The meeting, which will last until 8 p.m. at Hub757, 6801 Bridgeway Drive, will provide vital information about city plans for The Point at Harbour View, a development on a 55-acre site owned by the Economic Development Authority in North Suffolk between College Drive and Interstate 664.

This land has been on the city’s rolls for many years and as yet has served no purpose other than a sylvan scenery for motorists and a habitat for various flora and fauna.

However, plans have also been in the works for many years and mostly have focused on multi-use districts that include both commercial and residential uses.

The city currently proposes to rezone the property to mixed-use district from its current zoning of commerce park.

The eventual development there will impact the entire city, likely by adding millions to the tax rolls and bringing in more residents and businesses who will need services such as schools, public utilities, police and fire protection, libraries and others.

Residents and businesses already in the North Suffolk area will be especially impacted and need to make their voice heard to ensure the development that happens there is of the quality needed in the area. Nobody wants another big-box store on the site, but many other ideas are fair game, and it’s up to the citizens to participate in the process.

We encourage all those with an interest to attend the Jan. 30 meeting and see what the plans are. It will be a productive one, for sure.