[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6551753,"mediaKeyId","5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56","parentId",5327683,"title","Mayor highlights grant approval, calls for stronger code enforcement and backs beautification efforts","audioSeconds",431,"startMs",1816000,"endMs",2247000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56&start=1816&end=2247","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56/thumbnail_1816000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6551753/Pocomoke-City/Worcester-County/Maryland/Mayor-highlights-grant-approval-calls-for-stronger-code-enforcement-and-backs-beautification-efforts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551753-b7735c13775f03384404bed7fe77cce9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128573&Signature=K~sYhM8W8QcELy1UyIbCW65l9fWpE7DAE5Bsr-buz9s6i0iEt4GWXChnQiD-6Vsj44HnldoEuDBvyWgDyE4byKXJMCTS-9~OgvDeD4NrZ4Wk4ZwkN6rylSF2l90aMndVTpPdww8FU4nX9JHJ-1lzAUn8X1mbUrUdRpoCpDSnGOKNhXPFnulmAnJrMhtqVboMk23sILnwSHmQfXM6EnFZoa~NqwDkWVTtAqucZwS4pYPcXokk-K72V1OTdPPQYBzNt9VKNCLds1oxlr8KCCnPZw88p4zHSiPDKXBHArbxL72zyYKZsQOQjam-h5cPfytygtFVsT57kNQ-wXn-eIywHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pocomoke City, MD","date","2025-07-03T22:29:20Z","article","Mayor Malk told the council she received state notification that project funding for “phase 2” was approved and cited a funding figure in her remarks (she referenced the amounts \"$2,132,000 $32,200\" in the meeting). She credited City Manager Matthews for obtaining the notice and linked the funds to improvement work on the city’s water infrastructure during her remarks.

The mayor raised concerns about visible code violations across the city — exposed appliances and furniture on porches, peeling paint, faded shutters and overgrown vegetation — and said the city may need an additional code enforcement employee or a part-time hire to address enforcement needs as rental registrations and housing activity increase. She emphasized that code enforcement staff already have responsibilities for rental registration and said some visible maintenance issues are not being addressed.

On beautification and events, the mayor thanked the newly active beautification committee and volunteers, praised community efforts to plant downtown pots, and discussed returning event traditions tied to the city’s riverfront weekend. She also referenced a $150,000 grant for repairs at Laurel Street and Winter Quarters docks and said a study will inform full repairs; power washing and interim cleanup were discussed as immediate steps.

The mayor announced coordination on sidewalks, upcoming municipal projects (including concrete sidewalk work and main-street improvement work that staff said would start in mid-July with substantial completion in November) and community programs such as youth sports drop-in programs. She said the city will schedule meetings for the neighborhood watch and youth task force and encouraged continued community engagement.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pocomoke City Planning Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Malk announced a state notice of approval for a phase-2 project funding and urged stronger code enforcement and community participation in beautification efforts; she encouraged coordination on docks, sidewalks and upcoming summer events.","taxTitle","Pocomoke City, Worcester County, Maryland","taxId",53953,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551758,"Council accepts single sealed bid for wastewater sludge removal at $45,200",261,1588000,1849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56&start=1588&end=1849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56/thumbnail_1588000.jpg","/articles/6551758/Pocomoke-City/Worcester-County/Maryland/Council-accepts-single-sealed-bid-for-wastewater-sludge-removal-at-45200","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551758-433bc664de8f00680f1745cc345519f8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128573&Signature=Wde~3C3JN2RrJtyk8pjARa7pCLMzkVj8rKurwZ90UqsaqQkiC3mgtL73Myl9rInkzpNkj9QbpUCCvgcqX93FMA8ByxCu75jLYvc9ReYUdrJPd~59GyTOZO7hU4mLc5lRO3L9fZmy5ET~4UhvX1E7sSEMMV2dsl~6nRVKCXxFUR72FIu5vMkHVIBScFUU6Daq4ui9P1XJU-V-afqHspgPy34IAffIemdVMQ9T7fCIEK7GJJVY61S0Ovi6iPkbMihfidlzVJP9-5-wU~4~0IJFWKPPGmeG2JaEvgfpHNnznMPe24NgeuUrZm7x7Je2YawO4fEF9ugJRcKIKZgUzcvulA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Matthews told the Pocomoke City Mayor and Council that the city issued an RFP for sludge removal at the wastewater treatment plant and received one sealed bid. The scope described at the meeting called for removing up to 15 tri-axle loads of grit from the main pond, drying material on-site, delivery of stone for drying areas, and hauling and tipping to the Worcester County Landfill.

Matthews reported that Miller's Land Services Incorporated submitted the only bid, at a price of $45,200. The bidder provided insurance, an MHIC license, and a W-9, according to staff. Council members compared that figure with a reported $39,000 contract from the previous year; staff said last year’s contractor was Harry White.

A council member moved to accept the sealed bid as opened by City Manager Matthews. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Council did not attach additional conditions at the meeting; staff will proceed with contract administration and vendor scheduling per the scope described.

","City staff opened one sealed bid for sludge removal at the wastewater treatment plant; Miller's Land Services Inc. submitted a bid of $45,200 and Council authorized moving forward with the bid as presented.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551763,"Council approves boat-docking event; organizers seek to extend weekend to Aug. 15–17",138,391000,529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56&start=391&end=529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56/thumbnail_391000.jpg","/articles/6551763/Pocomoke-City/Worcester-County/Maryland/Council-approves-boat-docking-event-organizers-seek-to-extend-weekend-to-Aug-1517","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551763-5d73331479fb3bec9a0d085b12ff93a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128573&Signature=nnQfCGB-iNen3HPt49-1RNqDuzZ85EDmCPDjMo8K-jgddAnNwMlEdtl-nUiWtOS3ltf95ffpHrjz~7tB4QJ6UrxXWLXA6b73AUHAhNV5fZ-qV94RfP4Ust6e0nj8nOgew-gPaGGFSZaI-mmtG8bBTV8i9hjj~My8nm3qQDMZOFJ5SRxVOp5Nn0q~OGgls6Kx7EDu-xFT3WMhZsmYU~DzwLBIInhMb471Rptm5R6cUn4b8EOSMb6W9Y42tHAL-wJG2ucyFTAbilnAZ5IDMZcDjzkS5H6atBBSIcKjGiIdyGOB8ZMPrb0~UM67Cr3PaRz-PUtYEg08jWOmiZMMTzbZ7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pocomoke City’s mayor and council voted to approve the annual boat-docking event and heard from event organizers that they hope to expand the event from a single day to a three-day weekend, Aug. 15–17.

At the meeting, city representatives (including Mr. Shannon and Ms. Evans) said the event is in its twelfth year and the sixth year for the dockside portion. Organizers told the council they can accept multiple forms of payment — card and cash — and that they use Square and other point-of-sale systems to process credit-card transactions.

Council members discussed the proposed extension from Aug. 16 to Aug. 15–17; no substantive conditions were attached at the meeting. A motion to approve the event was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

No permits, fees or specific conditions were discussed in detail during the item; organizers and staff indicated they would continue planning and coordinate logistics outside the meeting.

","The mayor and council approved the annual boat-docking event and discussed extending the event from a single day to a three-day weekend (Aug. 15–17). Vendors will accept cards and cash, and event organizers said they have Square and other payment methods available.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":92,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6551768,"Developers propose 15-unit apartments at former Sharp Energy site on Old Virginia Road",1047,1576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56&start=529&end=1576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327683-6eaa3945216693e08cc0904ab4fb3e56/thumbnail_529000.jpg","/articles/6551768/Pocomoke-City/Worcester-County/Maryland/Developers-propose-15-unit-apartments-at-former-Sharp-Energy-site-on-Old-Virginia-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6551768-88f81d0d19d00ad7fd7dae0ec3afad49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128573&Signature=A9IhZ5AMCux1jiFupcZDSHS-uUIR3hB47RXAjdxAYgORgYW7fRPy-mbv7JfIBU46mDu5zdpw589pphZ1RC2-Cjj3ASQwi4WVzpYwXrDSNd-h2k9wK~FvqylktUs-kkZWCVDhbwRVQ4PdkhwDLlcuMJtqb1PpUW0i65BBSdoE~IKoM7Byh-roBkmdZkIU2j6O9TVlamBACK5adDaEamW~tvCpL6cQ5Lz54ee4LpUA6q12xB~4VA4nGQBmRdO1aIjjWgE6E8GdjMqL1cVf-zFDGANNKTiX~IXMly~wuhK8q1KNv31PnJnah0lDvIhirshzslYN4tNQ75SPatNLWYYwSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Keith Iot, principal of Iot Architecture Engineering, told the Pocomoke City Mayor and Council that Miles and Main Property Group seeks to redevelop the former Sharp Energy propane site on Old Virginia Road into a 15-unit market-rate apartment project called Cypress Grove. The principals — Germaine Xavier and Harold White — and the project team asked the council for support to move forward through planning and zoning reviews and to allow environmental assessments during the buyer’s due-diligence period.

The project team described the parcel as approximately a half acre, currently zoned business, and asserted that setbacks and density in the existing code make a straight residential rezoning impractical for this small site. Keith Iot said the team is therefore pursuing a planned residential development (PRD) or planned residential community that would accommodate a three-story building with a mix of two- and three-bedroom market-rate units and on-site amenities.

The proponents said the design would include a sidewalk along Old Virginia Road to connect with nearby properties, an active recreation area of about 1,500 square feet adjacent to a wooded stormwater facility, parking in excess of code minimums, and a looped entrance to minimize curb cuts onto Old Virginia Road. The development team said the parcel sits roughly 150 yards from the high school and abuts the principals’ existing multifamily property to the west, which they said would allow shared maintenance and management operations.

The applicants told the council they have paid rezoning fees and plan environmental Phase I (and Phase II if required) assessments as part of due diligence; they said they will proceed with those studies once the council gives a timely signal to move forward. City staff outlined the review sequence: planning and zoning review, any required zoning appeals, and then a return to the mayor and council for final actions. The applicants estimated that, with steady communication and no unusual delays, site work could begin in the October–November timeframe.

No formal rezoning vote or final action occurred at the meeting. Council and staff members asked procedural questions about sidewalks, site access and environmental reports; the applicants agreed to coordinate scheduling with City Manager Matthews and with planning staff. Planning Commission member Nola was referenced as having received the applicants at an earlier meeting and expressed preliminary support.

The council did not adopt any ordinance, resolution or binding approval at the meeting; the matter was presented for initial review and scheduling of the formal review steps described by staff and applicants.

","Developers representing Miles and Main Property Group presented a plan to rezone and redevelop Parcel 106 (Old Virginia Road) into a 15-unit, three-story market-rate apartment building and asked the city to support the planned residential development (PRD) process and allow environmental due diligence to proceed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor highlights grant approval, calls for stronger code enforcement and backs beautification efforts

Council accepts single sealed bid for wastewater sludge removal at $45,200

Council approves boat-docking event; organizers seek to extend weekend to Aug. 15–17

Developers propose 15-unit apartments at former Sharp Energy site on Old Virginia Road