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SUFFOLK, VA — The Suffolk Planning Commission has approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for the Bridgeport mixed-use development, paving the way for the establishment of live entertainment (both outdoor and indoor after 10:00 p.m.), flea markets (indoor and outdoor), and farmers markets on the property. The decision came after a public hearing in which community members voiced both support and concerns regarding the proposed uses. The CUP will now be sent to the city council for a vote at its Feb. 19 meeting. 

The application, CUP2024-024, was submitted by Casey Cali of BECO Asset Management on behalf of BEC Investors LLC, BECO Asset Management LLC, and Silos LLC, the property owners. The affected area is located at 3800 and 3832 Bridge Road, identified as zoning map 12, parcels 552A1 and 552E, in the Sleepy Hole voting borough, which is zoned B-2 general commercial. The 2045 Comprehensive Plan designates this area as a commercial corridor and multi-family neighborhood within the growth area.

The proposed uses are intended for several locations within the Bridgeport development, including Bridgeport Plaza, Knott’s Coffee Company, The Silos/Westside Burgers, and the parking lot fronting along Bridge Road. According to the applicant, the CUP would allow Bridgeport and its commercial tenants to host community events without the need for individual special event permits. These events include markets, festivals, live entertainment, social events, food and drink gatherings, corporate functions, workshops, conferences, and charity events.

During the public hearing, Chandler Cutright, a Bridgeport representative, spoke in favor of the CUP, emphasizing the goal of creating a dynamic community for Suffolk residents and visitors. Cutright stated that the CUP would extend events to private businesses like Knott’s Coffee Company and The Silos/Westside Burgers, allowing them to host live music and private events.

However, not all residents agreed. Charles Parkerson, who lives near the development, voiced concerns about the potential for noise disturbances, particularly from live music extending beyond 10:00 p.m. “Sometimes when they’re playing their drums really loud at night, my windows rattle,” Parkerson said, adding, “Please, if we pass this thing, please, like I say, put a decibel limit on it so they just can’t be out there banging them drums at [twelve] o’clock in the morning.” He also noted that he did not receive a notice from the city regarding the hearing.

In response, Cutright clarified that outdoor events would conclude by 10:00 p.m., as outlined in the CUP application. Cutright also assured the commission that the community’s residents would be respected and that outdoor concerts in the fall would end promptly at 10:00 p.m.

Following the public hearing, Commissioner Kittrell Eberwine asked Director of Planning & Community Development Kevin Wyne if noise monitoring and enforcement is conducted on a regular basis. 

“Do they go out there occasionally with a sound meter and check for the sound on these things on the decibels,” Eberwine asked. 

Wyne stated the city addresses noise ordinance compliance on a complaint basis. 

“When it has come to our attention that there may be compliance issues as it relates to our noise ordinance, we’ll inspect and take it from there,” Wyne said.

Commissioner MaryEllen C. Baur clarified that the approved permit allows for outdoor activities only until 10 p.m., with indoor entertainment permitted after that time. According to the permit, outdoor activities are allowed from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. and 

Ultimately, the commission voted 7-0 — Commissioner Johnnie Edwards was absent — to approve CUP 2024-024, with the conditions outlined in the staff report.

Following the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the conditional use permit will now go to the City Council for final approval on Feb. 19. If approved by the council, the CUP will enable Bridgeport to host a variety of community-oriented events.

The approved conditional use permit includes several conditions to mitigate potential adverse impacts and ensure compliance with city ordinances. These conditions cover various aspects of the proposed uses, including:

1. Permitted Activities and Locations: The CUP is specifically granted for live entertainment, flea markets, and farmers markets within Bridgeport Plaza, Knott’s Coffee Company, The Silos/Westside Burgers, and the parking lot fronting Bridge Road. The activities are to be located within the areas highlighted in the exhibits attached to the permit.
2. Hours of Operation: Outdoor activities are restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., while indoor activities can operate between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.
3. On-Site Management: The business owner or a representative must be present on the property during all events.
4. Compliance with Laws and Ordinances: The applicant is responsible for ensuring compliance with all local and state laws, including the Virginia Administrative Code and the city’s noise standards.
5. Safety and Security Measures: The permit mandates interior and exterior lighting at entrances/exits, prohibits pyrotechnics, and requires an alarm system and digital video surveillance.
6. Alcoholic Beverage Control: The applicant is responsible for all activities related to alcohol consumption, including obtaining proper licenses and providing security by DCJS-registered officers for events serving alcohol.
7. Fire Safety: The Fire Marshal must be notified of any event that deviates from approved layouts or impacts egress and access. Tent permits are required for tents exceeding 900 square feet, and all events must comply with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.