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Resident Ed Popchak raises parking and sidewalk safety concerns about Newberry Building redevelopment
Summary
During the June 1 Pocomoke City meeting, Miss Matthews reported Planning & Zoning approved a site plan for 153 Market Street (Newberry Building) with eight upstairs apartments and three to four retail spaces; resident Ed Popchak used public comment to raise parking, sidewalk hazards and neighborhood access concerns.
Miss Matthews told the council that on May 28 the Planning & Zoning Commission approved the site plan for 153 Market Street (the Newberry Building), describing a redevelopment with eight one-bedroom apartments above and three to four retail spaces at street level and a projected completion in early 2027. "They're actually working on the roof at this point," Matthews said, noting roof repairs were part of a code correction.
During the public comment period, resident Ed Popchak (1100 Cedar) said he had attended the planning meeting informally and described a developer who appeared frustrated by meeting delays. Popchak asked where the parcels were located; the mayor and staff clarified the lots sit on Market Street near the Lusby Building. Popchak raised multiple neighborhood concerns: possible inadequate parking on adjacent Vine Street, damaged sidewalks that he said may be hazardous for pedestrians, and the potential for altered traffic patterns if new retail and housing increase demand. He also asked whether Lot P1487 (which he said was donated to the city by the Gladdings) had been put up for sale and urged the council to consider safe access for schoolchildren.
Miss Matthews and other staff members responded to clarify that the municipal parking lot in question is city-owned, that the apartments are upstairs without elevators (so on-site accessible parking is limited), and that some issues stemmed from matters predating the Planning & Zoning meeting. Matthews recommended maintaining the existing stoplight at 2nd and Clark given expected added traffic when retail tenants occupy the ground-floor spaces.
The council did not take further action on the comments at this meeting, but the project timeline (site work and roof repairs already underway) suggests construction activity will continue into 2027. Residents with concerns about sidewalks, parking or school access may pursue follow-up through the planning office or by contacting city staff.
