Leroy Bennett
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 24
- Total speaking time
- 1:14:48
- Avg per meeting
- 3:07
- Segments
- 996
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Top issues during term (20)
Data center prohibition
A ban could defer tax-base and job growth from data center projects while the city studies the issue.
Cannabis retail land use rules
Retail licenses could bring new businesses to commercial corridors; application fees go to the state, not the city.
Disabled veterans real estate tax exemption reform
Growing exemptions shrink the property tax base ahead of the April 1 budget presentation.
Farmland protection and solar cap
Converting farmland to solar affects the long-term agricultural economy and tax base, though no direct fiscal figure was given.
Table of uses and definitions overhaul
Pruden Lake Prince rezoning
Up to $12,486.71 per home in cash proffers for school capacity, paid at certificate of occupancy.
Community Corrections Program grant
$464,643 total added to the consolidated grant fund; $80,792 in local support already budgeted.
Crosswalk request at Diamond Grove Baptist Church
Accessory dwelling units citywide (OTA2026-005)
ADUs could add affordable rental inventory, but members worried about strain on older neighborhoods' parking, traffic and schools.
Flock camera data access concerns
The program runs on grant, budget, and community safety funds; no new cost was requested.
2026 bond issuance and refunding plan
About $35 million in new borrowing for capital projects, repaid through the city's debt service over time.
Bus stops, shelters and transit expansion
You get to save some cash on your commute all week long.
State ADU mandate vs. local control
Ordinance updates will cost staff time and could affect fee and tax revenue, but no dollar figure was given.
Chesapeake Bay preservation regulation update
Could affect building costs in flood zones; mapped-in properties may face flood insurance requirements.
School major repair funding
The city's proposed school investment totals $105 million — about 30% of the operating budget — but the board's full request would add $9 million more.
Playground Passport program
About $6,000 invested, roughly $2.47 per expected participant.
Regional transportation funding
The city is requesting about $54 million in state funds; the Pruden Boulevard project's total cost estimate is now around $120 million, with local CIP funding covering the rest in FY29–FY30.
Childcare shortage and Bizzy Bees daycare expansion
Grant program reimburses the provider's permit cost; modest economic development spending with workforce benefits.
Downtown arts district expansion
Potential future capital costs could exceed $1.6 million for roof and HVAC replacement.
Holland Road rezone deferred
Private development; traffic improvements pledged through amended proffers and permit conditions.
Decisions during term (198)
Recorded while Bennett was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Approval of the Minutes (Sept 2, 2026 work session and regular meeting)
Motion to continue Item 17 (Holland Road rezone) to January 20, 2027
Adoption of the agenda as presented
Consent Agenda — school repairs, trail, grants, photo enforcement (Items 7-15)
2027 Legislative Agenda (amended)
RZN2025-002 — Holland Road proffer amendment rezone
CUP2025-018 — accessory dwelling unit, 6528 Harbour Pointe Drive
OTA2026-007 — Unified Development Ordinance housekeeping amendments
OTA2026-008 — data center prohibition
New Business — vacant building registration ordinance motion
Adjournment
Consent Agenda - An ordinance to accept and appropriate funds from the Virginia Department of Foresty Virginia Trees for Clean Water (VTCW) Grant for the Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation
Family Subdivision Plat FTR2026-0004
Ordinance Text Amendment OTA2026-010
Ordinance Text Amendment OTA2026-011
Approval of minutes from previous meeting
Motion to convene in closed session
Approval of the Minutes
Adoption of the Agenda
Consent: Route 17 (Bridge Road) Multi-Use Path funding
Voting record (38)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Conditional Use Permit for Old Myrtle Road solar energy facility (CUP2026-011)
Said he listens to residents affected by a project.
City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purposes
FOIA Certification of Closed Meeting
Motion to place senior tax relief item on September 16 agenda
City Council convene in a closed meeting for the above-mentioned purposes
FY2026-2027 Fee Schedule Amendment
Commercial Dog Kennel CUP — 2170 Joshua Lane (CUP2026-009)
Concerned about the number of dogs relative to staffing on the property.