Suffolk mayor reflects on city’s progress over 50 years during State of the City address

Sandra J. Pennecke, The Virginian-Pilot
·2 min read
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Mayor Mike Duman took a virtual stroll down memory lane Tuesday during Suffolk’s State of the City address — 50 years after the city’s merger with Nansemond County.

At the start of the address, attendees delighted in a friendly game of “The Price is Right” focused on Suffolk in 1974 while colorful disco lights adorned the ceiling and bells rang out. Audience members guessed the retail price of a new Ford Country Squire station wagon, $5,095; a gallon of gas, 53 cents; a cup of coffee, 73 cents; a movie ticket and box of popcorn, $1.75; and a new 25-inch color television, $599.74.

In 1974, the city had 45,000 residents, and, today more than 100,000 people call it home, marking a 136% increase, Duman told the sold-out crowd at the Hampton Roads Chamber event.

“Last year, we experienced the most significant percentage growth increase of any city in Hampton Roads and the sixth highest in the commonwealth of Virginia,” he said.

One thing that has not changed in the last 50 years is the outdoor beauty of Lone Star Lakes Park, he said.

The Nansemond Indian Nation received federal recognition in 2018 and evolved its vision of Mattanock Town, a 71-acre tract of land on the Nansemond River focused on preservation, public education and environmental stewardship, he said. On May 15, City Council approved a memorandum of understanding that issues ongoing support for the Annual Pow Wow, allows access for visitors and residents between the park and Mattanock Town and establishes a joint committee to continue the relationship.

Duman reflected back on how far the city has come with its current day roadway systems, ever-changing economic landscape and ever-growing active military and affiliated civilian workforce — all while maintaining a high quality of life for its residents, he said.

In 2023, the city tallied more than $348 million in capital investments bringing 795 new jobs, the mayor said.

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The recent groundbreaking of the 94,500-square-foot John F. Kennedy Middle School, a $75 million dollar project, reflects the changes in the city’s growing school system and ongoing commitment to education, he said.

And with a nod to the city’s police force, which continually seeks new officers, Duman said crime is down in Suffolk.

Looking ahead to the city’s future, Duman said its anniversary coincides with the development of the 2045 comprehensive plan.

“The plan describes the city’s strategy to preserve what we have, develop and recapitalize resources for today’s and future residents and grow to meet future market and revenue requirements,” he said.

Suffolk is strong and well-positioned, on many levels, for further success, Duman said.

“It’s easy to see that after 50 short years, why Suffolk truly is ‘like no other,'” he said.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com