Board continues public hearing on Annancock boundary-line adjustment after residents raise notice, timeline concerns

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 17 continued the public hearing on a proposed voluntary boundary-line adjustment (BLA) that would move approximately 84.45 acres into the town limits of Annancock after several affected property owners and residents urged the board to delay action until more information is provided.

County Administrator Mike Mason told the board the request originated with the town and identified the statutory authority for voluntary BLAs under the Code of Virginia. Mason said the acreage is mostly undeveloped, portions lie in the county’s agricultural and forestal district, and the county’s future land-use map designates the area as a village development area. He also explained the process: both county and town notices were advertised and property-owner letters were mailed in early September, and the town will hold its own public hearing on Sept. 22.

Nut graf: Multiple affected property owners told the board they had not received adequate notice, said a surveyor entered private property in March, and requested a fuller timeline and explanation of who initiated the action and why. Because the concerns center on process and notice, supervisors opted to continue the county’s consideration to a future meeting so staff and the town can provide additional documentation.

During the public-comment period, property owners who live on and near Tower Road and Liberty Street detailed their objections. Grayson Williams of 22 Liberty Street told the board he was not contacted by the town or county and said a survey conducted in March encroached onto his property without prior notice. Dan and Pam Fitzpatrick, who live on Hill Street, asked for a detailed timeline showing who initiated conversations and when, and they read a list of questions into the record seeking analysis of tax, service and zoning impacts for affected owners.

Other residents speaking included Bonnie Warren (Tower Road), Bonnie Savage (Cashville Road) and Diana Harrison (speaking on behalf of a relative). Several asked why the town and county had not engaged affected property owners earlier, requested clarity about which parcels are included, and asked why the ordinance-like process could not wait until after the town’s own public hearing.

After public comment, a supervisor moved and the board voted to continue the county’s consideration of the BLA to a future meeting to allow staff to assemble additional information and for affected owners to attend the town hearing on Sept. 22. The county administrator said that if the board approves the agreement later, both localities would petition the circuit court to finalize the boundary change; the circuit court makes the ultimate decision under state law.

Ending: The board did not take a final vote on the boundary-line adjustment. Staff committed to provide a clearer timeline, copies of surveys and the town’s related notices; the town will hold its hearing on Sept. 22 and affected owners said they plan to attend.