Suffolk can begin spending $28 million to build an elementary school, improve neighborhoods and start constructing a new police headquarters.

The projects represent some of the largest ticket items included in the city’s Capital Improvements Plan unanimously approved by the city council Wednesday.

Almost half of the budget, $12.3 million, will pay for the construction of Creekside Elementary School on Shoulders Hill Road.

After much controversy surrounding the funding of $50,000 for neighborhood improvements in the historically black Huntersville community, both Councilmen Charles F. Brown and Curtis R. Milteer backed the plan.

Brown said Thursday that he originally opposed allocating the community $100,000 because it differed from council’s policy regarding allocations for

villages as opposed to communities. Because of Huntersville’s dire need, Brown said he’s comfortable with the approval of $50,000.

Huntersville residents criticized Brown last month for his suggestion that they should just sell their lots to developers who are paying top dollar for the land, which borders the upscale Harbour View development.

&uot;I did not make that statement to offend anyone,&uot; said Brown. &uot;I was just letting them know what their land was worth….I’ve always fought for better conditions in Suffolk in my years on city council.

I simply gave input as to what I would do.&uot;

Vice Mayor Leroy Bennett thanked City Manager R. Steve Herbert Wednesday for his work on the budget, noting the inclusion of $50,000 in the CIP for Huntersville.

In other CIP allocations, the city has $500,000 to begin the early phases of building the public safety building. The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts was funded at $2 million. Council also stayed on target with the forthcoming Fairgrounds project by approving $1.2 million.

Brown also voiced concern Wednesday that black communities aren’t faring as well as other segments of Suffolk’s population in the budget. He added that Hobson, formerly considered a village, should be reclassified to take advantage of money secured for other areas.

&uot;We need to make sure that what we do is fair,&uot; said Brown. &uot;This needs to be re-evaluated.&uot;

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com