The Virginian-Pilot
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SUFFOLK
The school division's preferred site for a new elementary school is incompatible with the city's comprehensive plan, the Planning Commission decided Tuesday.
"As far as I'm concerned, it's not a go as long as council is not willing to make changes to the comprehensive plan," Commissioner Arthur Singleton said.
The site - 1553 Copeland Road - is south of downtown, not far from the Suffolk Executive Airport. It's part of the city's "rural agricultural conservation area." The 2026 comprehensive plan says "large primary schools" should be avoided in that area.
The new building will replace Robertson and Southwestern elementary schools, in the Whaleyville and Holland areas, respectively. It's slated to serve about 700 students.
Division staffers and the School Board have reviewed 17 sites, but most have been eliminated from consideration. In January, board members rejected a location off U.S. 58 near the intersection with O'Kelly Drive. They have not voted on the Copeland Road site.
Several board members have said they want to find a spot central to both Holland and Whaleyville.
The school division's review of the Copeland Road site focused on infrastructure needs but did not address the key policies of the comprehensive plan, Planning Director Scott Mills told commissioners Tuesday.
Expressing concern about log-truck activity and water quality, Commissioner Thomas Savage said the area works well for agriculture but not for a school. Commissioner Ronnie Rountree said he was OK with the site, though he acknowledged that it didn't fit in with the comprehensive plan.
The commission's decision will be forwarded to the City Council, which can accept or overrule it.
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location of new school
What is wrong with the old Holland High & Elementary location??
The buses could go in three (3) different directions when leaving school as well as enter from 3 different directions. It is certainly easier to get to than the Copeland Road location. We have a hard time passing school buses on the backroads now. What do you think it will be when one school bus is trying to pass another or even attempting to meet emergency fire equipment on the backroads?? I'm sure the Holland location plans could be worked out to meet the city's requirements. It appears the city does whatever they want to allow industrial locations-- why not work out something feasible for the schools? Our childrens' education is certainly important to our society and the growth of our city too!
location of new school
What is wrong with the old Holland High & Elementary location??
The buses could go in three (3) different directions when leaving school as well as enter from 3 different directions. It is certainly easier to get to than the Copeland Road location. We have a hard time passing school buses on the backroads now. What do you think it will be when one school bus is trying to pass another or even attempting to meet emergency fire equipment on the backroads?? I'm sure the Holland location plans could be worked out to meet the city's requirements. It appears the city does whatever they want to allow industrial locations-- why not work out something feasible for the schools? Our childrens' education is certainly important to our society and the growth of our city too!