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SUFFOLK, Va. — In a unanimous decision during the April 15, 2025, Suffolk Planning Commission meeting, the commission recommended approval for the rezoning of a 28.67-acre tract of land at 2201 Holland Road, paving the way for the proposed Holland Glen residential development.

The project seeks to transition the land from agricultural (A) to residential compact (RC) zoning while maintaining the existing general commercial (B-2) designation on the remaining 6.06 acres fronting Holland Road.

Staff Planner Brittany Colyer presented the proposal, highlighting its alignment with the city’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan, which designates the area suitable for both Commercial Corridor and Suburban Neighborhood uses. The development plans include 83 residential units, comprising 39 townhomes and 44 duplexes, achieving a density of 3.4 units per acre.

The project aims to address affordable housing, with eleven of the duplex units earmarked for families earning below 80% of the median household income in the Hampton Roads region. Units are projected to be priced at or below $340,000 in 2025.

Speaking in favor of the rezoning, real estate attorney Grady Palmer emphasized its strategic timing with the nearing completion of the Route 58 widening project. Palmer also noted the project’s proximity to major employment centers, including the Target and Amazon distribution facilities, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan’s objective to foster residential growth near job hubs. Palmer also said if approved, it would be at least a year before any construction in Holland Glen would take place.

Rowe expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential, particularly the affordable housing component, attributing its feasibility to D.R. Horton’s bulk purchasing capabilities. 

“…the affordable housing piece of this is critical to us, with D.R. Horton, one of the things we’ve always tried to do is deal with the first-time homebuyers if we can, and what’s happened over the years, [is] the cost of construction has just gotten to the point of where affordable housing by the federal definition is almost completely unachievable,” Rowe said. “But, Horton has been able to do these types of things by virtue of being the bulk buyer that they are, buying these materials nationally at a pretty affordable rate. So, we are excited about the ability to hit the federal metric here.”

Amy Bocchicchio of Land Planning Solutions described the rezoning as a transitional use, bridging the existing commercial and residential zones.

The commission’s approval came without opposition from the public. Commissioner Mills Staylor sought clarification on the affordable housing distribution, confirming that all such units would be within the duplex segment. Commissioner Johnnie Edwards motioned for approval of the rezoning request, seconded by Commissioner Gerald Goodman, and it passed with a vote of 7-0.

The rezoning proposal will now be advanced to the City Council for consideration on May 21.